About
Welcome to Shin Chon, a vibrant gem nestled in Ellicott City, MD, that stands as a beacon for Korean cuisine enthusiasts. This establishment is not just another Korean barbecue spot; it’s a culinary experience that resonates with authenticity and flavor. Located at 8801 Baltimore National Pike, Shin Chon has earned a loyal following, and for good reason.
When you step inside, you're greeted by a casual atmosphere, making it perfect for families, groups, or solo diners craving the warmth of Korean comfort food. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, as this beloved venue fills up quickly. With ample on-site parking and outdoor seating options, Shin Chon accommodates diverse dining preferences. The casual dress and laid-back vibe, paired with waiter service and free Wi-Fi, create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Shin Chon takes pride in providing a wide array of delectable dishes. Their signature Korean barbecue is a must-try, offering a variety of meats alongside an impressive spread of banchan—the small, flavorful side dishes that accompany every meal. Diners rave about the generous portions, with reports suggesting at least six banchan, setting Shin Chon apart from its competitors. Whether you opt for marinated bulgogi or tender galbi, the flavors are rich, and the grilling experience is enhanced by the efficient smoke-extraction systems that ensure a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Customer reviews also spotlight the restaurant's ability to cater to different moods. Whether you’re in for a casual catch-up over grilled meats or seeking something cozy like stew, Shin Chon has you covered. As noted by one happy diner, even when skipping the barbecue, their hotpot options provide a satisfying and heartwarming meal, enriched by delicious broth and quality ingredients.
In terms of value, the price-to-portion ratio is commendable. With reasonable prices for quality food, patrons express their joy as they leave with satisfying leftovers. Add to that the convenience of accepting various payment methods, including Apple Pay, and you have an ideal dining choice for both spontaneous and planned outings.
Overall, Shin Chon is not just a restaurant; it embodies a lively culinary journey infused with the essence of Korean culture. Whether you're a long-time fan of KBBQ or a novice eager to explore new flavors, Shin Chon promises a delicious experience that keeps patrons returning for more. So gather your friends or family, and plan your visit to this delightful culinary haven. Your taste buds will thank you!
“ Baltimore areas best Korean restaurant . Wide variety of dishes . Lots of meat choices for the grill as well as soups and stews for lunch . ”
“ We found this spot by accident, and we were very lucky. Everyone was extremely helpful in explaining the options as well as what to order. We were concerned about price to portion ratio, but we were wrong. Plenty of food with great taste and tons of options. I'd recommend this place to anyone. ”
“ This place is an Ellicott City staple. One of the first Korean BBQ places that has remained for many years. Nestled at the end of the Lotte Shopping plaza; parking can be a little tough on the weekend and around dinner time. The interior hasn't changed much, but it is clean and well lit. Shin Chon is one the best places to get the full KBBQ experience with an abundance of banchan (side dishes). Other restaurants, while delicious, offer 2-4 banchans. Shin Chon gives at least 6. The flavor of meat is delicious, but quality and portion size is not consistent (or maybe with inflation, it's just gotten smaller). Which is sad to report, especially since the price has not changed. Even with this information, I will still come back for a satisfying meal. If you're not feeling up to the BBQ, they offer the classic soups, stews, and other dishes which are just as tasty. I recommend the Kimchi Jiggae and pajeon. Their mandu (dumplings) seem expensive, but the sizes are huge. Service is friendly, but they can get overwhelmed if it's busy. You'll have to be a little patient, but it is usually fast and efficient. ”
“ We were feeling in the mood for some Korean comfort food on a cold breezy day, so we decided to head to Shin Chon in Ellicott City. We were seated immediately asked if we wanted BBQ or not, and we said no BBQ and immediately taken to a table without a built-in grill. There were lots of tables with grills available around us though, but the smoke exhaust tubes and hoods worked very well as we didn't any smoke wafting over to our area at all. We decided to try something different and went for a "casserole" called Boodae Jun Gol...but I would better describe it as a premade full hotpot that came out on our own tabletop burner. The waitress even helped to finish off the casserole and served us our first bowls, ensuring we got plenty of ramen, spam, sliced hot dog, cabbage and that oh so spicy beef broth. It was so warming and comforting and it was just what we needed! I think we will be coming back again and trying the BBQ next time because the service is just amazing. They really take care of you here! ”
“ It's been so long since I've had authentic Korean barbecue but this hit the spot! I was a bit skeptical about driving out to Ellicott City, but it was worth the drive. Also, the marketplace and other storefronts in the strip mall add to the whole reason to visit. Anyways, the food was DELICIOUS! Seriously, any place where they bring you the banchan without asking and cook right on the table is a win. The bulgogi is so tender and tasty. We ordered wayyy too much, but it's not like I'm going to complain about having leftover jap chae for lunch. A definite must visit! ”
“ One of my favorite local a la carte korean bbq restaurants! It has a much more traditional ambiance compared to other KBBQ spots, and they give plenty of side dishes as expected from a true Korean establishment! The meats are great, and prices are reasonable. The only reason why it is not a 5/5 is due to certain dishes that were a bit disappointing like the naengmyeon. The waitresses are very friendly as well! ”
“ We waited about 45 minutes for a table for 2 on a Friday night. The person that keeps track of the list didn't have the best estimates but she takes your phone number and will call you so we walked around the Lotte market. Food was great. Servers help cook the meat. We got a combo of 2 meats. This came with a bowl of rice, soup, and several bonchon. Overall, food was good. Service was nice and fairly attentive. Pricing is at least $$. ”