Char Korean Bar & Grill

Char Korean Bar & Grill Restaurant Review:

Char may be the first Korean barbecue to operate deep inside the Perimeter. A dramatic interior takes its cues from a bright wall mural featuring classic Asian figures. Industrial elements include the updrafts that rest over each table to whisk away the fumes of cooking meat. Southern meets Korean in such dishes as kimchi deviled eggs and Korean fried chicken, and adventurous diners will want to try the veal brain spread. But we fell for the “Junmun” specialty plates, starting with japchae, sweet potato noodles with a masterfully done mélange of vegetables; the yachae pajeon, or scallion pancake; and the kkorijjim, oxtail meat and confit potatoes. We were less thrilled with the meat, and didn’t find the A5 Wagyu at all worth its cost. Portions are small, three ounces, which is good if you’re not hugely hungry. Otherwise, the tab can run up quickly. The best dish we tasted was the spicy pork jowl (dwejibulgogi). The short wine list offers some serviceable selections, such as the Boschendal rosé and the Luigi Bosca Malbec, and at very reasonable prices. But saké and soju are more in keeping with the theme, and there are lots of craft brews, although only one (Hite) from Korea. Dessert abandons authentic Korean, with molten lava cake and gelato winning out over a fried Twinkie or a fried Oreo cookie. Servers do a great job of explaining the menu and the experience.