coffee house heyri

Ever wondered where to go at 3am in K-Town for coffee, cake, a snack, a smoke and free wifi?

Now ya know.

Easily mistaken for a club from the music and crowds out front, the latest Korean style late night coffee shop to open in the area offers everything you'd expect to find including an extensive selection of coffees, teas, cakes, pastries, fresh fruit smoothies, bingsu (shaved ice), and savories, like udon, sushi and tempura. Oh, and, of course, sandwiches. How could I forget sandwiches?


The converted house makes for plenty of seating options. There's a narrow, modern space inside on the first level facing the long glass service counter and pastry case, as well as very traditional, cozy, homey rooms upstairs. What was once a backyard with a tall palm protruding from its center is now an expanse of fairy light lit outdoor seating complete with music (of the K-pop variety the night we were there) piped in, plenty of heating lamps (if you're still chilly, the requisite blankets are available too) and large, private tented areas along the perimeter for groups. Feel free to hide out in one of the hidden corners - buzzer service at each table will get the attention of a server when you need one. Some of the round tables appeared to have firepits, but none were ablaze the night we were there.



There's a small lot out front as well as valet, so parking is a non-issue.



This is the perfect way to end an evening in K-Town. According to the owners, there'll soon be live music on weekends, too. And for the night owls they're open until the wee hours at 4am!





755 S Hobart Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 389-6138

www.cafeheyri.com

dong il jang

Dong il Jang is a bit off the beaten path and, unlike many of the other K-Town BBQ's, is not AYCE (all you can eat). The restaurant is well ventilated, there's a pretty koi pond in the entry way and many worn in booths made to seat four comfortably, in addition to some private rooms behind shoji screens for small parties. If you're in search of an authentic family style Korean BBQ experience, without loud crowds, karaoke or leaving smelling like you came off the grill, this is a reliable spot.

All meals start with a clear broth served in a small metal bowl and end with a small glass of sweet grain drink. The banchan (kimchi and other small plates) are slightly less generous than other K-Q's I've been to, but here, it's all about the meat. Big, fat, family style platters of MEAT!

Their signature dish - Roast Gui, which comes with kimchee fried rice prepared tableside at the end of your meal - is well worth the price of admission at $21 for a generous plate. Another notable mention is the Spicy Marinated Pork. It's not too spicy, but the sweet-hot grilled flavor it develops on the fire is crack-like. Wasn't expecting to love this one, but it ended up being a favorite. The Marinated Shrimp ($28) was very good as was the Bul Gogi ($24), but I've had comparable flavor and quality elsewhere for less.


If you're in the mood to drink, ask for the lemon soju. It's also served family style, shaken with fresh lemon wedges, in a large, plastic jug with a flip top and shot glasses. The sweet tart drink is just enough to balance all of those grilled flavors and washes down nicely with a Hite beer (or two).

Service is pleasant and if you look less experienced (ahem, white) working over the table top gas grills, the ladies come around often enough to make sure you don't burn your dinner, or yourself.

If you feel like you're waddling out and can't quite climb back in your car, try the new Heyri Coffee House across the street. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a little coffee on the patio and digest.




3455 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 383-5757