Bewon

It’s ever so easy to bypass Bewon’s serene Korean cuisine, tucked into the corner of an aesthetic yawn of a sunken glass and metal shopping complex along NW 23rd, but if you’ve got a particularly keen sniffer, the scent of sizzling bulgogi will pull you in by your belly button and hold you captive for the duration of a deliciously leisurely dinner. 

Bewon captures the spirit of the secret royal garden it was named after–calm, hidden, and exuding an effortlessly elegant aura that makes your meal both a culinary adventure and a mode of relaxation.

Whether you are a Korean food novice or can sing 1001 sijo extolling the virtues of bibimbap, you will love every course, dish, and minute you spend in Bewon. Named after a secret royal garden, it captures the spirit of such a place– calm, hidden, and exuding an effortlessly elegant aura that makes your meal both a culinary adventure and a mode of relaxation. 

Bewon’s prix fixe menu, or Han Jung Shik, is not only one of the best prix fixe values around, but is a sublime introduction to Korean cuisine. A traditional Korean meal that includes your choice of a main dish and seven courses like Hobak-juk–a rice porridge made with three different pumpkins, and Japchae–delicately translucent stir fried sweet potato noodles tossed with fresh vegetables, each course positively sparks with exotic flavors and each dish is like an delightfully surprising little gift.

The wine list is reasonable and includes a nice selection of whites and reds as well as a half dozen or so Korean rice wines like the traditional Bu-ja and mild, highly refined Kang-jang Bek-se-ju, or try one of the four Korean beers offered in the bottle.

Details

Cuisine: Korean

Outdoor seating: No

Best Seat: There isn't a bad seat in the house

Noise Level: Normal

Dress Code: Casual

Bring the Kids: I'm sure children would be graciously welcomed, but I'd only bring them if they are well behaved and culinarily adventurous

Bathrooms: Yes, down the hallway to the right of the front door, then take a sharp left before you get to the kitchen

Parking: Free garage parking in rear of building, enter on Northrup Street

Cocktails: No

Beer: Korean beers (Prime, Stout, Hite, OB) $7, and domestic microbrews $4

Wine: White and red wines by the glass ($7-$8) and bottle ($20-$89), Korean Rice Wines ($12-$75)

Teetotalers: Soda and Pellegrino

Coffee: No

Ideal Meal: Try the Han Jung Shik (Prix Fixe) meal--it's your choice of a main course and seven delightful pre-ordained courses for only $24.95

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes

Vegan Friendly: Yes

Good for the following occasions: Date Night, Culinary Adventure, Dinner with Friends

Catering: Bewon caters events of all sizes, please call for more information.

Reservations: Yes, and reservations are recommended Thu-Sat nights.

Delivery: No

Catering: Bewon caters events of all sizes, please call for more information.

Deals: Bewon offers Han Jung Shik--the start to finish presentation of a traditional Korean meal, which includes your choice of a main dish, and seven additional courses for $24.95 per person, or $39.95 with wine pairing. A vegetarian option is available (2 people minimum).