Vip Restaurant
555 W Northern Lights Blvd,Ste 105, Anchorage, AK, 99503
Vip Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
555 W Northern Lights Blvd,Ste 105
Anchorage, AK, 99503 - Phone (907) 279-7549
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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Craig L.
Very good food along with outstanding service. First time we tried this place. Not glamorous but we ordered the spicy pork barbecue and it was a great dish with the 15 or so side dishes. Recommended by a Korean friend who said they did it right and authentic. Five of us ate for $100 including tip though we had no alcohol. Will add it to the list of reasonable, ethic restaurants.
(4)Stacey A.
This totally used to be my go-to Korean restaurant in AK! A small, hole in the wall, unexpected gem on the Northern Lights strip. They always seem to have a steady flow of customers and my food has always been excellent. I love the side dishes and soup they bring out before your meal and the portions have always been fairly generous. However, as much as I used to love going here, I really have to knock this baby down a star for the service. Though a couple of times you get lucky and your waitress is having a good day. I'm not sure why the service is so bad at times - sometimes they don't come back to check on you, the food is taking really long, they forget to bring you water, and on my last visit an entire table walked out! Yet, for some reason I continue to come back... let's just say it's a good thing they serve really good food!
(3)J C.
I recently fell in love with this place all over again when I decided to deviate from my usual order of bulgogi, and going for the spicy pork through a recommendation. DAM! Tender pork marinated in a spicy sauce, and charred to perfection. This is now my new favorite. The banchan is exceptional as well. Think of the small appetizers as condiments; adding another layer of flavor, and texture to your meal. To my surprise, they are also included in to-go orders. I guess no Korean meal, for dine-in or takeout, is complete without them. Give this place try!
(4)Flor C.
This is our fav Korean place in the city. We always look forward to eating there. Tonight at 8pm on a Thursday night it was quiet and WARM! The black cod can serve two medium appetites plus we order dumplings, and took a large take-home box. Service is ok, not especially friendly, even after years of going there, but the food is wonderful. This winter i asked many friends and all say it is their favorite Asian food restaurant too. It is especially nice when you see so many Korean families there too.
(5)Cathy Y.
Service is horrible for the most of the time but their bulgalbi is worth it to go there. Best kalbi ever! Only thing I hate is that you have to sometimes walk up to the waitresses yourself just to get a refill on your water :/
(4)Dennis W.
Excellent tofu pot and the quality is almost on par with New York's Koreatown, the restaurant is generous with the amount of kimchi on the table. Short wait time and big, comfy table.
(5)Brandy K.
Ok I must admit I've been on kindof a Korean kick lately. I went to the Central Market to pick up a few things and was starving so ran next door to VIP. It was about 2:!5 on a Saturday. I came in alone and was seated immediately by the waitress. She gave me a menu and some tea and left me to decide what I wanted. I always want Bibimbap, and so that is what I ordered when she quickly came back. I just got the simple one, no hot pot, and I like my rice on the side, as its mostly the vegetables and sauce I prefer, not a ton of rice. My food came quickly, and she gave me 7 different types of banchan. They have this one there that I have had before and just love. It's a dried radish root that is seasoned kindof sweet and spicy! I LOVE IT! I also got some kimchee, some kind of potatoes, some picked daikon radish, some like salty, pickled seaweed stuff, tofu squares, and crispy cucumbers. All of it very fresh looking! I didn't love all of it, but thats ok, it was just a taste preference thing and not because it was yucky or anything. It was all really good, I just liked some more then others. My bibimbap was really good! Many places make it with lots of vegetables but are very stingy on the marinated beef they put in it. VIP gave a very generous amount of seasoned beef along with the vegetables, and a fried over easy egg on top. I added a bit of rice, stirred in the spicy sauce, and went to town on my lunch. It was delicious. and definitely the best I've had in Anchorage. The waitress was not overly friendly, but she was polite, and not rude so I suppose that is all one can ask right? She did come back to see how I was doing, and when I asked her what the "dried radish" was she politely told me and said "Thank you" when I said it was Soo good! Overall my experience here was good, and I didn't find them to be slow at all. In fact my food came within like 5 minutes of my ordering it. I was done and out of there by 2:45. 30 minutes to get your food and eat is pretty good I think. I still think they are the best in town, but my observation is that weekends are better and mid day seems to be best. It's not really busy in there at that time and the one waitress is better able to get around and do her job.
(5)Rudy T.
One of my favorite Korean food places. But the services is brutally bad half the time. Even the bad ones are friendly to their Korean friends but when someone they don't recognize walk in, it's almost as they are bummed they have to serve you. Last time I walked in. Got seated, 20 minutes later and them serving three groups who walked in after me, I left. Cannot recommend despite having some of the better Korean food around. Too bad. Good food still tastes crappy when some old lady acts like she doesn't want you there. I can only post reviews and vote with my dollars. I'll try again in a couple of months. Maybe...
(1)Amanda K.
Have to give this joint 2 stars. Food is good not great, and the portions are waaaay small for the price. And to top it off, service is just down right terrible unfortunately. If you hate your job that much, get a new one!! Learn to smile as well, smh!! Don't think we're ever going back!!
(2)Annie M.
The best Korean food we've had in a long time. On par with places we visited in Seoul. The banchan were varied, flavorful and generous in number and amount. The japchae was light, chewy and fresh. The galbi was slightly sweet and cooked to a perfect tenderness. Tremendous! You must visit!
(4)Jim C.
The food is incredibly good, but the wait time and the service can almost be non existent sometimes. I feel so bad for the lone server when the restaurant gets busy. They have no busser and Jose the owner and chef won't hire one to help the LONE server. If the food wasn't so good, they would be getting a 2 star review, but I've never had anything bad there and everything tastes very authentic and tasty. Hire a busser, Jose! One server shouldn't be responsible for serving and bussing 15 tables on a busy night.
(4)Travis R.
Food is pretty good but the service usually ruins the experience. This place is a last resort for me.
(1)Larry N.
Came here due to reviews.... and I was not disappointed. My server was polite and expedient. The prices are higher than I pay at home, but this is Anchorage, and it was well worth the extra $$. I had Bibim Naeng Myung, and it was as good as any I have had in Las Vegas or back in Osan / Suwan. Highly recommend
(4)Vivian L.
I went to Vip all the time as kid with my mom and sister, so it was a must to visit one of my favorite childhood restaurants on my recent visit back to Anchorage. But...I really want to give Vip ONE star based off my disappointing reunion. Once we walked in the place was exactly how I remembered it, but the service was just awful, and I say this with a very sad face, cause I do love the place but maybe they were just having an off day. Our host/server just acted like they did not want us there, and didn't even ask us what we wanted to drink-WE had to ask for water. It should not be like that. The food was out in a timely matter, and was great, but my kalbee had too much fat on it, which is just gross. I really wanna give Vip the benefit of the doubt that it just wasn't a good day for a happy reunion, but I'm still bitter over the horrible service (Good food though..if you get the kalbee just ask for no fat).
(3)Jason K.
Best Korean food in town! Some thing must be right if they've been around for so long. I can overlook the service for the food.
(5)Rob O.
I've been there three times and very much appreciate the place. This is for Korean or Chinese food. They don't serve Thai tea and they only have white rice. Just so you know. They have luncheon specials for about $13. which is reasonable given the variety and the twelve little plates of taste treats that come with most offerings. On these I identified cabbage kim chee, radish kim chee, flavored potatoes, green beans, bean curd, and bean sprouts. My meal was the squid which I found fresh and flavorful. Service was brisk and efficient. As people left, the tables were cleared and thoroughly wiped down.
(4)Windy V.
Good food but the lady that work there (I think she co - own the place) she was so mean n rude. She didn't even serve us our drink till we ask her. N when she did gave us our drink, she gave us a attitude about it. After we got done eating. We didn't even want to tip her but she demand a 10 dollar tip. Worse customers service ever. Hate this place to the bone.. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. I wouldn't go there unless they fire that lady.. that rude lady need to go.
(1)Customer S.
Hands down by far the BEST Korean food I have had in the US. I like it spicy and they do not disappoint. Kim Bob, Djegi Boulgi, and bean sprout soup are out of this world. It's owned by a wonderful couple who are always there. You swear it is someone's Grandmother who doing all the cooking. BOTTOM LINE: Service and be a little (LOT) slow because there is usually only 1 person waiting on ALL the tables. OUTCOME: If you have the time go and enjoy this wonderful food.
(5)Kathy G.
In 1994 was one of my super favotite places to go eat when I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, AK Good to see it's still kickin out fine cuisine. Loved all the yummy condiments served with your meal. I remember the Calamari & Beer was always great to snack on while waiting for the main course, especially when you come with a group of friends to throw down on some hot spicy Korean food. Ahhh the memories!!!!
(4)Melly M.
Took forever for the waitress to come, but it was okay, wasn't too hungry, just thirsty, wish I could have gotten my water faster. I got this hot beef bibimbap, it tasted very bland to me, too much rice, a little meat, usually I'm not a meat person and don't notice the little meat effect,. It was also very expensive for it..$18 I think? That was so not worth it, I mean I know I'm in Anchorage, everything is a little overpriced, but for $18..I can definitely get something much better with that dollar amount! Service wasn't that good, I think they only had one server whom was just busy running around. Well, hire another one! Overpriced and bland taste, I wouldn't go back again.
(2)Cristobal C.
Great kimchee sampler that covers the table. The booths are large, and it is clean. Wait staff is friendly and attentive. The Korean dishes are excellent. Anchorages best Korean. We go to VIP for the Galbee ribs, and they are always cooked to perfection. The parking lot is big but can get filled around lunchtime. The Chinese lunch/dinner options are good. The menu is several pages (literally a book) and has good choices. The fish tank is creepy and the kids love it. Chef Ramsey (kitchen nightmares) would have issues with the carpeting. If they removed the fish tank and planters box they could probably sit 20+ more patrons.
(3)Adam H.
Overwhelmed wait staff, one lady running the whole dining room. Can't blame her for being hurried, but honestly. She was on her cell phone while waiting tables, pretty rude. The food was good, but there is better Korean in Anchorage. Probably won't be returning.
(3)Christina T.
Their food is average (for Alaska), but the service is a bit spotty. I came here on a random Sunday and was a bit surprised that there was plenty of seating. Apparently it wasn't a busy night, since there were only two other tables occupied. Their menu didn't offer a lot of dishes that I would see in LA/OC/SD in California. I settled with the soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), and it was average. The soup was a bit salty - perhaps they added too much of the soybean paste. My palate is a bit sensitive to salty foods, and this has got to be the saltiest soondubu jjigae that I've eaten to date. However, the serving is larger compared to the ones I've had back home. Thus, overall the value is good. 13 different banchan (side dishes) including kimchi is definitely a plus to me. I've never been to a Korean restaurant with so many side dishes at once! Usually side dishes are rotated. Too bad I only liked a few of them, and they didn't taste as fresh. The kimchi was too sour - I prefer it slightly sour and slightly sweet. The kimchi tasted like the kind you would get from a jar - too much and your tongue might sting/tingle. Once again, this is Alaska, so I figured freshly made kimchi would be more difficult to obtain. Although it is clean inside, VIP is terribly understaffed. I swear, there appeared to only be two people working! There aren't any buttons (the ringer) on the table, so trying to get the attention of our waitress was difficult. She was also a bit slow. Overall I wasn't impressed by this place and I'm glad I never have to come here again. This place wasn't as horrible as others, so I feel that I'm being generous in giving them two stars. It's average for Alaskans, but extremely mediocre for Californians (we have reasons for having higher expectations).
(2)Ketmany S.
I used to love eating here. It was my go to place for Korean food. The food is good, the service is so-so (typical of Asian places). I stopped going here because they love to give themselves tips on my debit card, even when I left tip in cash. The first time it happened they tipped themselves $10 on top of the cash I left on the table. I thought it was a mistake, until it happened the second time. I'm not cheap, I always leave an appropriate amount for tips, but if you've ever eaten here their service does not deserve a $15-$20 tip. I've since stopped eating here permanently. The food is good, but beware of extra charges on your card. Keep your receipts!
(2)Amanda C.
The best Korean food in Anchorage, which abounds with average Korean restaurants. My favorites include japchae, beef bulgogi, and spicy rice cakes. Most of the things I order are not even on the menu, but if you are familiar with Korean food, they can likely make the dishes you know and crave. Generous banchan, Alaskan hospitality, and a creepy fish tank: what more could you want?! But seriously, this is the spot for K food.
(4)Susan K.
Craving Korean food? Offer your Korean neighbor $25 to make you something, even if you don't know what it is and they can't really speak english aside from hello or thank you. You'd still get better service than VIP. My people can be lords of the douche. Quite often, "service" isn't exactly our forte. We come across as non-verbal, pushy a**holes sometimes. I get it. Perhaps apathy is a cultural thing that carried over. I don't know. However, VIP's staff (aside from the waitress) is just bad enough that it doesn't really encourage a second visit. I haven't experienced such turd bucket service since those 3 evenly-spaced visits to The Dish (pre-terrible commercial jingle era.) VIP has an attitude problem. It wasn't like this before the owner change years ago. She had bigger fish to fry, like opening Sushi Garden (pun intended), selling VIP to her jerkoff, self-righteous staff. The new VIP is on a high-horse because they have somewhat of a monopoly, & seniority. WelI, until they get their shit together, reclaim their golden years and quit being a-holes, I advise you in taking your business to Tofu House instead. The staff is nice (they acknowledge your existence) provide service, and the food is relatively consistent (not spectacular, but better than this place.) The owners are relatively new and deserve more customers than they're getting. I am not affiliated with Tofu House. I am the non-confrontational, patient customer at restaurants. If a few things are messed up on my order, I really don't care. However if they deliberately fail at service when every element in the formula indicates they should not and assume they deserve your money while being jerkoffs - we have a problem, because "homey don't play that." If you sit in the back, you're forgotten. If you were "fortunate" enough to be in the banquet room, you might have to go and ask for refills on water, or tea. and the bill. pretty much everything. I'm surprised they don't hand you an apron when you walk in since It'd be faster for you to get everything from the kitchen yourself, since they don't give two shits. You might shatter the joy luck club bubble that the hostess and owner may be in while they eat and chat about familial gossip. As if you're bothering them. And they'll look at you with that deer-in-the-headlights face, in silence as you ask for water. Instead of "good" or "bad" service, this place just lacks service period. They might not say anything as you leave the restaurant, and only say goodbye if you do first. But not before staying seated in silence, watching your party exit. The owner might avoid greeting you if she sees you outside the VIP as you enter, especially if you happen to appear Korean. Also, she's not a very apologetic person, and may offer a sarcastic reply during your meal if you ask an employee what the owner's problem is. The banchan has too much salt for Korean palates. It's more than likely they make a shit ton at once and add tons of MSG/salt to preserve it for extended periods of time (restaurant trick.). So if you thought it was too salty but, "oh, but maybe this is how it is, I don't want to be rude." Well, my culturally sensitive friend: you were right. VIP's food is saltier than the sea itself. This goes beyond cultural boundaries. It's carelessness like this that gives the impression that all Korean food is salty and unhealthy. No. This is why it's uncommon see Koreans eating out (ironic isn't it?) Some of the food isn't too bad (for Anchorage that is) such as the dak galbi and bibimbap (nothing amazing, but just "ehhh it'll do.") though the happy family is too watery and sweet (why is it sweet?) but it's kind of a hit-or-miss with sodium content (such as the beef galbi.) The price is also kinda high, but it's Anchorage (although I agree $18 is a bit too high for the quality/quantity ratio.) In all honesty, I friggin' weep for the Korean restaurants in Alaska and wonder when they'll be...satisfying. People here deserve better, damn it. Eating out and genuinely enjoying the experience with good food...people in the cities have been spoiled. Stuck here with mediocre dining choices that we become accustomed to as being "good," franchises of frozen shit invading Tikahtnu. I swear someone needs to just take over Twin Dragon & actually put those personal cooking tables to use for hot pot or personal BBQ. Seriously. I wish menus would take a little more risk in having a signature item or something interesting, y'know? Starting a business is a risk in itself, but if they've got the guts to do that, why not be a bit more adventurous? With all the competition out there, they've gotta lure us in saying "shut up and take my money!" somehow, no? Stop this redundant copy-cat-menu-at-every-east-asian-restaurant bologna. One can only order the same "crunch roll" so many times. Sigh. Sorry you had to read that. If you do see Koreans here they're probably tourists who won't know til it's too late.
(2)Andy W.
Stopped by for a late lunch one afternoon on a friend's recommendation. I don't have a lot of experience with Korean fare and really enjoyed our meal. The facilities need a scrub. We ordered bibimbap and kalbi; I really had no idea what was coming - a table full of 12 condiments, a huge bowl and a heaping platter. The kalbi was super tender and moist with great flavor, and a large enough portion to share and still take half of it home. Delicious. The bibimbap was arranged with the veggies et al sorted by color - cucumber (or zucchini?), bean sprouts, beef, mushroom, carrot, dried diced seaweed, chili pepper paste - I don't even know everything I ate - all topped with a raw egg and accompanied by a generous bowl of sticky rice. The first bite threw me - cold? - and the raw egg was a surprise, but actually it was tasty and fun mixing and matching the ingredients. Something new for me! Truth told we attacked the condiments and took most of both meals home. Service was average, nothing special. Prices had to have been summer season - unreasonably high, I thought. The table was covered with a glass panel but the tablecloth underneath didn't appear to have had a recent encounter with a washing machine. The walls at our table needed a good scrubbing. We were in late afternoon on a week day and there were probably four other parties, seemed like steady business and loyal clientele. I'd give them four stars but they need to do some cleaning.
(3)Greg S.
Stopped by on the way to the airport for a flight home. Another rec from my wife. Very good soon dubu (tofu stew with veggies and beef/clams). Perfect food for the cool Alaskan weather. 11 side dishes (as good as you get in Korea). Would have given them 5 stars if there was a little less salt and a bit more hot pepper (I think they are afraid to serve Americans true Korean spicy style). All excellent ingredients and service was perfect (just like you get in Korea; not overly attentive and not trying to act cute to get tips). Cannot understand why some reviewers thought the service lacking; and yes it was pretty busy today...
(4)J C.
Fresh, authentic Korean food. Delicious but pretty expensive. Love the assortment of banchan. Never get great service here since the first time I've visited, but that has changed recently. Maybe their children saw reviews of the restaurant and gave their parents a heads up lol. I usually order the jap chae, bulgogi or kalbi. I'd try something else, but I'm intimidated by the menu! Maybe they should include photos of the food to give us an idea. ;)
(4)George C.
Warm, cozy atmosphere. Pleasant service and a wide array of tasty Korean dishes. What's not to like!
(5)Deanna J.
This is a decent restaurant, but too average for Korean food. If you want authenticity, don't go here, try tofu house restaurant or Jin Mi if you want the real, homemade cooked food. VIP commercializes their food with lots of oils and heavy msg, therefore the food doesn't have that same homemade taste. The service is so-so, depending on who you are. I am Korean and I eat korean food every day, and the food here isn't that great compared to my mom or home restaurants like Jin Mi.
(2)Shawn K.
I am fairly new to Korean cuisine. But this is the best I have had in Alaska. I enjoyed the chapchae.
(3)Neil O.
This hole-in-the-wall is the spot to go for authentic Korean cuisine in Anchorage. They serve generous portions of a nice variety of banchan. While many items on their menu are foreign to many, they are sure to please many foreign tongues. So don't be afraid to ask about and try some of the exotic dishes they offer. A few of the favorites include soups, bbq, and rice dishes such as spicy seafood and tofu soup, bulgogi, and bibimbap. VIP has an extensive lunch menu with decent prices. I'm not sure if this holds true, but in dinner hours one can request more of a particular banchan at no additional charge. If it does, there's a little insider tip for you. Their dining area is mellow and cozy with plenty of plush booths that can comfortably accommodate four. Service is hit or miss, but that hasn't kept me from coming back. The food is that good. After visiting the VIP, the grocery store at the other end of the building is worth checking out. I heard this is where VIP gets most of their ingredients.
(4)Jennifer B.
Been going here since 1997. Love the place, taste just like home cooking in Korea! We try to come here at least once a week!!
(5)Aaron Z.
This is my first time went to VIP. I gave it 2stars. Maybe I'm a little picky, but as a customer, I prefer services to foods. Especially in a restaurant, how the service is will directly determine the mood of the customer is while they're eating. The foods of VIP deserve its price, but not the services. The waitress who served us look and talks like we owe her money. My friend while was looking for bathroom, but they seems like very busy.. we have to wait until they came up then ask. Anyways, the foods are pretty good! I probably will visit one more time and see if they change their service ways.. cause, to be honest, their foods I very enjoy.
(2)Gee P.
This place is damn legit in the food category. The deji bulgogi is super spicy and flavorful and the galbi is on point as well. They give you a ton of average-very good sides. Unfortunately, the service though good feels a little cold. But whatever it's a Korean restaurant, not Michelin dining. Check this spot out, it's my go-to Korean restaurant in anchorage.
(4)Monique A.
The food at this place is deserving of 5 stars, however the poor service brings it down to 4. Waiters never bring drink refills or extra napkins unles you track them down in the kitchen or at their table where they often stop to eat like a customer. I think they have the best Korean food in town though. They also have some Chinese selections as well. Just go for te food and don't leave a tip
(4)Anson W.
I give their food 4 stars, but their terrible service brings it down to 3. They have good food, but NEVER refill water or stop by to ask if you need anything. If you need extra plates, expect to track down the server herself. Aside from the neglectful service, the owner can be rude too.
(3)Rob L.
Very pleasant surprise. The Bibambap was very good. The PaJun was not as crispy as I like it.
(4)Twostep T.
In my defense, I gave this place a chance. Wholeheartedly, I put 110% of my trust and anticipation into all the praise and recommendations my friends told me about VIP. After moving from Houston A.K.A plethora-o-restaurants, I was dying for some marinated bulgogi and kimchi and the only place in town that served it was in the heart of midtown. This was a sad and unfortunate event for my mother's and grandmother's first night in Anchorage. I hadn't seen them in over 5 months and I was so embarrassed to take them to a place where they were getting yelled at by the server because they were taking too long to order. Who the hell in the right mind yells at a customer? Talk about shit for service! Our bat from hell was rude from beginning to end. In numeric order here is how it all went down: 1) We ordered 2 plates of bulgogi (beef short ribs), 2 spicy porks, jap chae (stir fried crystal noodles), and the house fried rice. Everyone got a cup of tea and soup except one person and all the server did was shrug her shoulders. "You guys came in at 9:15 and our kitchen closes at 9:30" she said. The sign says they don't close until 10PM. So apparently kitchen closes before the entire restaurant closes? 2) For the side dishes, the server grabbed the seaweed with her hands. What, she couldn't use tongs or a fork? No one touched that dish the entire night. 3)When the food was finally served, instead of moving the side dishes aside for us, the bat rudely told us to make room for the entrees. The meats weren't marinated, it just looked like they slopped sauce on top of the cooked meats. The fried rice was bland and burnt. The jap chae was slightly tasteful but the portion was very small. 4) Again, one person lucked out on a bowl of rice because we "arrived" right before the kitchen closed. Yes, that's our fault that we come during their business time. 5) Amidst of our mediocre dinner, the bat drops off the bill and starts picking up plates without saying a word to us. The bill can't be deciphered from the Korean, so we weren't able to figure out what item was which and how much everything cost. 6) To prove that her and her co-workers were eager to leave, they stood 4 feet away from our table and gawked at us the entire time like hungry vultures. I almost wanted to ask them if they wanted to join us. My past experience with Korean BBQ consist of grilling your own marinated meats and your own side dishes and rice. Servers were never invasive or rude. Everything about VIP from food to service and atmosphere was deplorable. It's pitiful that the only place in town that serves Korean style BBQ has to be this P.O.S hole-in-the-wall. I definitely have no intentions on returning.
(1)Karen E.
This is one of those restaurants my family started to frequent. Food is good. As I am told their galbi and spicy bbq pork are to die for. As for other dishes that I can vouch for their bibimbap is good. Just the right flavor. Both the cold or dolsot version are good. Just depends on how you feel. Cold dish or hot dish. Their little tiny dishes are little morsels of fun. Good balance of each and every type of veggies, tofu, kimchee items. I personally finish the bean sprouts, sauteed tofu, and potato off the bat. Then finish off with the kimchee with my entree. It is an art... since it is hard to get seconds. On that note, depending on who is there, the service can suck. You can still get your food in pretty good time, just don't expect a lovely smile from the host/waitress. If you do feel like soondobu... this is not the place. There's supposedly a better place on Fireweed... if I visit the next time I am up in Anchorage, I will review and put it up.
(4)M J.
Great food, great prices, and you can ask about the ingredients, then go down the mall and buy what you want to cook at home. It's never quite as good as at Vip though.
(4)Doyle O.
I am fairly new to Korean food but a Korean friend of mine recommended this place. I have eaten there 3 or4 times now. I love it. I have tried several different dishes, soups, rice dishes, meat whatever. All have been good to excellant. Great portions. The little bowls of appetizers they serve with the meals are fun too. Lots of different flavors. Some of the dishes are spicy hot and some are mellow but all the ones I have had I have enjoyed. It is on my regular circuit of restaurants when I am in Anchorage now.
(5)Nate K.
Best Korean restaurant in town. They serve plenty of ban chan (side dishes) free of charge in addition to awesome Korean dishes. Some dishes are a little expensive but the amount of food they give you for what you pay is worth it. Customer service can lack at times but it's because there's usually only one waitress working. They should hire more wait staff but overall a great restaurant!
(4)Jason H.
Supposedly.. this was the 'good' Korean restaurant in town. Uhhh.. no. Side dishes were tasteless and unmemorable. I ordered galbitang.. a very easy to make, popular soup dish u find at almost every Korean restaurant.. how they got it so wrong is beyond me. If I wanted beef bouillon with soy sauce, I would've made it at home. Probably spoiled living in Seattle with many restaurants to choose from.. but this was supposed to be my last taste of Korean food when I went to Alaska, and it was disgusting. I wouldn't feed their food to my dog. Hopefully it was a one time screw up, but I'm not big on 2nd chances. remember that scene in chapelle show with rick james??? "wish i had more hands.. so i could give this 4 thumbs down" yea..
(1)Robert S.
The food is sub par, service is some of the worst in the state, and the wait for food is always extremely long. They are short staffed and overcharge.
(1)Lard Belly E.
I like the Ddeok Boggeum appetizer, which is rice cake with kimchee and a little beef, served hot. I usually get the seafood hotpot that is served in a hot pot, with rice, kimchee, seafood, and an egg on top. Very yummy. I also got the Bimbim Googsu, which is served with kimchee and rice noodles, and a hard boiled egg. It was served cold, which wasn't bad, but I would probably have preferred hot. I got an order to go and was given a small container of side dishes that I was happy about. I haven't tried any other Korean restaurant here in town, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I really like this place and will continue to enjoy the Ddeok Boggeum. I think one of the reasons I like it so much is my best friend growing up is Korean and would make this for me, minus the kimchee. Service is a bit abrupt, but I've come to expect that.
(4)Simply D.
I've been coming to this restaurant since it first opened. The food is certainly the best in Anchorage when it comes to Korean food, but there is room for a lot of improvement. Meat dishes are either pretty good or too burned. The meat marinade is decent so the food still tastes good but what's up with paying full price if you can only eat half of it? Service is awful!! Worst service out of any restaurant that I have been to (aside from fast food). The waitresses are all rude and they appear to have better things to do. Sure people have commented that bad service goes hand in hand with asian restaurants, but seriously... does it always have to be this way? Be nice to your customers or we are eating elsewhere. On a positive note, the soups are good and there are more side dishes offered here than the other Korean restaurants in town. But seriously, quality should outshine quantity, VIP. Tsk Tsk.
(2)B R.
My mom and Emos (Korean for Aunties) come here on a regular basis for a reason. It is authentic Korean food with generous portions. It is a smaller restaurant with a small staff ,it may take a bit to order or receive service. So, I suggest going there on "off" times when it is not so busy with the lunch or dinner crowd. When in Rome, do what the Romans do....when wanting Korean food eat where the Koreans eat (yah, a bit corny but true).
(4)Trevor G.
Standard or better Korean fare, and standard service that I would expect at a restaurant in Korea (albeit, this is Alaska). The waiters are efficient and polite, but certainly not going to kiss your ass. I suspect some of the other reviewers are used to the ass-kissing, do-a-song-and-dance variety of waiters. You won't find that at VIP. Worth a stop if you need a Korean fix.
(4)Joe M.
I absolutely love VIP. It is my favorite Korean restaurant in the world. I haven't been to Korea itself, but I've been a lot of places that ought to have really excellent Korean food (and mind you, they did) but the spicy pork at VIP takes the cake. It takes the cake and makes it taste even better. Add to the savory explosion of the pork the barley tea, pork-and-turnip soup, and the plethora of excellent side dishes and you have what is in my opinion an unbeatable combination. Other restaurants may do other Korean dishes better, but I have been to a lot of Korean restaurants and so far no one does spicy pork better than VIP. If you don't believe me, check out the picture of spicy pork that I posted. If you still don't believe me, just go eat at the restaurant. Then you'll believe me.
(5)Timmy L.
First time here. Service was okay. Took a few minutes to get us seated. I ordered the bulgogi with rice. GF ordered the seafood soup. Came with all the little veggies. The bulgogi was okay. I was expecting it to be great considering this was a actual korean spot. Also it was $12.99. The little veggies was good though. GF like the seafood soup. Service never came around to refill my water. The bill came out to $35 or so. Pretty expensive. I was hungry an hour after. Might give them a try again.
(3)John L.
I travel all over the United States and tried several Korean Restaurants. From New York City to Key West., Key West to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Honolulu, and finally from Honolulu to Anchorage, AK, all I can say about VIP Restaurant is GOOD, and very authentic. If you like Korean Cuisine, this is the place to go.
(5)Conni S.
In our family we love VIP! We have been going there for years! The food! The service! No one can top them! They have at least 10 sides! All fantastic! Lunch specials, dinner, soups stews, to go orders. They also have Chinese food, I'm sure it's good but I've never tried it. Plus all my Korean friends go here! Hello! I've eaten Korean in San Francsico ,Hawaii and no one does it better!
(5)