Cho's Garden

I live in Arlington and Annandale is way more convenient, but this place is worth the drive. Yechon is nothing compared to this place. Service is better, Bhanchan (sides) are better and more plentiful, service is better, the establishment is nicer, and the quality of ingredients is way better. The ONLY reason I'd go to Yechon over this place is because they are closer to me and because more ppl frequent Yechon (I don't always want to take my buds to a place that isn't dependablylively with ppl.
May 31st, 2009

I went during the lunch buffet; party of 2 young adult, caucasians m/f. As of 9/7/2012 prices were: 13.99 adult, ~ 7.99 child, 3 & under were free. It's open 11 am - 11 pm seven days a week. Selection: Sushi bar with quality rolls & sashimi. Pretty wide selection with all standard condiments, too. Soup station with about 3-4 options. I had traditional Korean noodle soup: bowls were already filled with noodles & vegetables, just add broth & spicy sauce optional (miso was also available with bowls filled with tofu). Standard Buffet: large selection of delicious food. Not many vegetarian options. Offered about 4-5 fried things including whole fish, yam/sweet potato, onion (I think) some green leaf I wasn't brave enough to try & something else... Various meat selection included pork, orange chicken, ribs, roast & a couple rice/noodle dishes with meat/seafood mixed in. Kimchi/pickled vegetables were also available. Two 'cake' options: one was a potato base the other a vegetable/egg base. Dessert was fresh fruit (watermelon, pineapple, melons) & jello (just red). Service: Hostess for seating, water boy, and waitress would occasionally visit to check in. I believe the owner (I'm assuming Cho) was there dressed in a traditional white dress and was very pleasant & friendly (she even helped me improve my meals by recommending sauces, etc.). No one offered a menu when we arrived, so I assumed it was buffet only. I had several plates of food and (maybe it was just coincidence), but after my 4th plate I was brought the check...I understood it as: "You've reached your limit, thank you," but I could be wrong....It wasn't rudely done, just unexpected since my portions weren't large. Pros: Great food, for a buffet (I didn't try/order any entree) and a solid selection of beverages. Nice atmosphere. Clean facilities, plates & food areas. Reasonably priced; I got my money's worth for sure. Cons: I'm 6'1" and was cramped in the tables they have there, so that wasn't pleasant. Wish they had more vegetarian options. Overall, I'm going to frequent this place as a regular & try an entree next time. It's a nice restaurant & I recommend it fully.
Mar 18th, 2002

It's char-flame-broiled so it's rare to find this type of place. Most go to this place for galbi (short ribs), might be the juiciest and most flavorful in the DC Metro area. Service is great, their side dishes are very tasty and are truly of korean variety. Just don't understand when I see broccoli as a side dish at a korean restaurant. However, no way I would go to this place (exclusively) for sushi/sashimi.
Jan 5th, 1992

Although I've had better Korean in Hawaii, this place was good nonetheless. The servers made sure the buffet lines were constantly replenished. The ribs and chicken were tasty. I was pleasantly surprised with the sushi as well -- but I wouldn't go strictly for the sushi. I was overall satisfied with Cho's Garden.
Dec 23rd, 1986

STOP! They changed the buffet from outstanding to NOT worth it. They took away all the sushi except for sushi rolls--(lots of fake crab rolls and breaded crunchy things...). And even those rolls are few and FAR BETWEEN. They tell you that the "salmon skin" rolls are coming soon, but after watching and waiting for 1.5 hours, I gave up hope. Forget about seeing any fish. The sushi has been replaced with yet another soup, (albeit gluten free) that they allow you to put together yourself. Perhaps this might have been enticing in the winter, but when the temperature is pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, NOT so much. If anyone from the restaurant reads this post, please, please change it back! In the mean time, I, who has recommended this restaurant everyone I know, will NOT be coming back.--Sooo disappointed!
Apr 22nd, 1991