I love this place. It's like if your mother was Korean and she was cooking for you. A local treasure.
(5)
Lisa U.
OMG. Don't miss the kimchi fried rice! Kimchi pancakes are wonderful. Owner is adorable. Itty bitty place and always a wait but worth every second!!
(5)
Liz K.
Perfection. The most delicious Korean food in Pittsburgh and its suburbs. I love the food. It's well done. I particularly enjoy bibimbap. BYOB makes this a happy hour hot spot. I would definitely recommend, and hope to go again soon.
(5)
T ..
Love. The proprietor over heard my conversation once (in the tiny space) about my love of octopus and squid. She was kind enough to give me the tentacles , which is my favorite and not commonly served. This was a long while ago, but it still sticks with me. That is caring, folks. Why on earth would you have someone cook you a meal who didn't care and pour themselves into a dish? Home cooked food, but a sweet grandmother. Every single person that I have met there, has been wonderful. Whether you're in a chatty mood or not, the tiny space makes strangers your neighbors. It's wonderful. A true delight.
(5)
Kevin H.
Very nice family style authentic Korean restaurant. Food is authentic and decent. There are not many options on the menu. The dining space is extremely small.
(3)
Kim M.
The good reviews here are spot on. The pickle, spicy slaw, and kimchi tasted fresh and homemade and paired with the kimchi pancake so every bite was different. The mandu (dumplings) had a beef filling that had so much flavor - possibly fresh lemongrass? The bean thread noodles (jap chai) and bulgogi plates were almost licked clean. There was so much flavor we never even touched the red pepper sauce and soy sauce on the table. Agreeing with other reviews, very small, one owner cooking and serving fresh food so the food may take a couple minutes if it is busy. The servings seemed just right to me. Takeout may be the way to go. I can't wait until we are back in the area. I would also like to try the ramen or another soup and the super spicy chicken but might have to also have the jap chae a few more times.
(5)
Josh M.
CLOSED!?!? I just came over from Canonsburg because of the high ratings in Yelp but found this little hole in the wall locked (with the sign out front still reading OPEN). It is 3:40pm on Monday afternoon so they should be open, but there are no signs of life. Very frustrated and hungry.......
(1)
Paul P.
Located in the middle of no where. Great Korean Food. As authentic as it gets in my opinion. Which they had more room for seating.
(4)
Rachel C.
We came for lunch. The atmosphere is very home-y, and everyone is friendly. P. S. Get the meat kimbap. It is. AMAZING. Yeah I kind of ate the entire plate of it... Whoops Their bulgolgi is on the less side for full of flavor, but it was still good. A home cooked Korean meal in Pittsburgh? Can't get it anywhere else
(5)
Lance S.
There are folks on here saying the Golden Pig is not as good as many Korean places... blah, blah... try the coastal cities..,etc. I know that everyone is going to have their own opinion and there are going to be regional flavor differences. However, I've had the opportunity to enjoy Korean food in LA, Seattle, NYC, San Diego, Atlanta, near several Army bases across the U.S. and myriad Midwest restaurants, and I tell you that this place is as good as any place I've ever been. I'm not kidding. When I say "any" place, I'm including the home I was raised in. The home where I spent my youth getting spoiled by a grandmother and aunts who grew up learning to cook... in a Korean kitchen... In Korea. Don't let the experienced foodies with the exquisitely sophisticated palates turn you away from this little place. If you want "Americanized" Asian food, there are dozens of places you can go and get that, but if you want REAL, home-cooked Korean food, this place is a winner. I plan to eat here every time I come to town.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
decent korean food, not the best we've had, but simple, flavorful, and traditional. the other reviews paint the picture of the atmosphere - simple, small, no frills or fuss, and VERY small. there's no way you'd be able to get a party of four to sit together. two or three would be manageable if there are open seats. the two-person team is as warm and welcoming as the aroma and flavors of the food. we had kimchi pancake (our favorite), daiji (pork) bulgogi, and buldak chicken (spicy chicken). the kimchi pancake was warm, soft, and comforting. the main dishes were spicy, but tolerable. the texture of sauces was more grainy than what I've had at other Korean restaurants, but still delicious. a reasonable $37 for all three dishes, 3 bottles of water, and two "Korean drinks." we'll definitely go back.
(4)
Alex P.
It's like visiting your Korean mom for lunch.
(4)
Jack M.
Though a little far out of the city, great place to go for Korean food. Expect home-style cooking. When I went, I ordered Daeji Bulgogi which is essentially slices of marinated pork over rice. The beef was pretty good, perfectly marinated, and quite spicy as I liked it (preference). I also appreciated the larger portions that I was given (in comparison to other Korean joints that I've been to, where the amount of meat given was less than satisfying). The Kimchi pancake also ended up being pretty good ... not too oily but definitely most filling and you could actually taste the kimchi in it, which meant that that the amount of starch used was not excessive. Will be back ... I look forward to trying other dishes.
(4)
Dianne N.
Food was excellent! Service was very slow though. They only have 11 seats max. A very, very tiny store but food was what you call "homecook". If you are up to try some decent somewhat authentic home cook Korean food, this will be it!
(4)
Elie F.
Best south Korean restaurant in pittsburgh , i ordered spicy rise and chicken it was so delicious .
(5)
Ryan W.
Stopped in for lunch and was very satisfied with the meal. Ordered egg drop soup and bulgogi which came with steamed rice. Soup was full of veggies and eggs with enough broth to still be a soup some spice but nothing hard to swallow. Kimchi salad was excellent and traditional as far as I know. Bulgogi was tender and marinated well stir fried with stalks and onions. Topped with sesame seeds and couldn't be any better. All for $13! If you are near the area stop by for authentic Korean food. Only issue was the owner was the only person there working so during lunchtime it was difficult to get in and out, but I suppose that's the price you pay for homemade Asian cuisine!
(5)
Gary R.
I read others talk about this being a "tiny" place and was assuming it would be small. It's smaller than small. It's about the size of the last 4 rows of a school bus. You cannot have a table for 4 here. There are two tables total that might squeeze 3, plus maybe 4-5 seats at a counter. That being said, the woman who runs this literally does everything! That's both good and bad. The bad is that she's swamped between taking orders, cooking, answering the phone, and who knows how cleanup and dishwashing is done.... It's like someone's mom in a small kitchen with limited supplies. But she gets it done!! Amazing. The food is ok, not great. Considering its in Cecil maybe I should say it's great. But frankly I was hoping for something better. I love Korean food and have been spoiled by some awesome Korean places, regrettably none in Pittsburgh. The Korean pancake was a huge starter and even though we ordered it with hot peppers it was a little bland. My Buldak Chicken was listed on the menu as fiery and "not for the faint of heart" but It was probably only a 6 on the heat scale but fairly tasty. My wife's Daeji bulgogi looked almost identical despite being a pork dish. The color was indeed, as someone else pointed out, like that of fiery Cheetos. Somewhat off putting. Must be the same sauce cause the dishes tasted almost the same. All in all, pretty good food and very reasonably priced. Not worth the drive for me. Also not a place I'd want to wait to get into. Go off peak or call for takeout.
(3)
Tony D.
I kept hearing about the hype about how this was the most authentic and best Korean food in the area (some claim in southwestern PA??) and finally decided to make the drive out here from the city. Unfortunately, this dining experience probably gave me the largest ever deviation between expectation and result. I'll cut straight to it--the food is not my type. Eat at an acclaimed Korean restaurant on the coasts, or if you're in the suburbs just make the reverse drive that I did into the city and go to a place like Korea Garden or Nak Won Garden. They're not mind-blowing, but I assure you they're much closer to what you'll find in NY or LA than Golden Pig is. We got the ramen to start--okay, we weren't expecting instant ramen, but fine it was $5 and somewhat hearty. As we waited for entrees, we never got our banchan, and no one came by to check on us or at least give us some water (for the record, other customers got the side dishes at the beginning, without asking). When the entrees came, we asked the guy (not the couple who owns the place) and he was somewhat apologetic for forgetting. The banchan consisted of a small plate with two pieces of random things like kimchi, potato, and broccoli (??). It wasn't amazing, but the biggest surprise was that each of us got one such plate. Go to any other authentic Korean place, and a table would get one portion of each side separately. Yes, it's the same food in the end, but the implication is entirely different--these sides are meant to be shared among the people dining together, and preparing them on separate plates individualized for each person signifies a huge shift in the dining experience. I understand that they might be trying to accommodate for customers who don't regularly eat this kind of food. At a certain level, both patron and restaurant have to adapt to different customs (and that's a good thing for intercultural mixing), but I felt that the owners went too far in this instance. For the entrees, we got the daeji bulgogi and buldak, both of which were rather mediocre. They weren't terrible, but I've had better at the aforementioned places in Pittsburgh. The two main issues were that 1) there was too much sauce on both plates, and 2) there were few other seasonings or flavors. For 1), it appears from the Yelp pics for this place that they're not very consistent--some appear drenched in sauce, while others actually look appetizing. We got the former, and that probably led to 2); the only taste was spicy, and while there were some onion and carrot pieces their taste was basically overwhelmed by the sauce. Other than that, the sesame was probably a bit overdone, and some scallion would probably have helped a lot. Despite all this though, I'm genuinely happy that this couple has made it this far. It's not always easy working such long hours as an immigrant family, but evidently they're making a lot of people happy. They've also put in a lot of work making the restaurant welcome to everyone (try to count how many pigs are inside if you go), so I hope they thrive as long as there are happy customers.
(2)
Matthew W.
If you're feeling adventurous or simply craving authentic Korean fare (and by authentic I mean recipes plucked from South Korea and completely unchanged) then the Golden Pig in Cecil is absolutely worth checking out. Fantastic food and a great atmosphere. This 12 seat restaurant has only 1 staff member though, so get there early and be prepared to spend over an hour inside.
(5)
Susan C.
Love Yong and love the golden pig! I cam eat there once a week and never ever get sick of it!!!
(5)
Sandra S.
Excellent all around. The place is tiny and it's basically a one-woman show. The food was terrific and you can tell the owner takes pride in what she serves. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Kyler W.
Had an amazing time at this place. The owner/chef is a very sweet hardworking lady who will feel like your mom when she's cooking in the kitchen in front of you. The food was authentic and fantastic. There are only 11 seats total in this place so get there early! They have a regular soda selection along with 4 to 5 imported non alcoholic drinks (sweet rice, plum, & ginseng are some of the flavors I can recall) Had the bugolgi, kimchi pancake & mandu. All were fantastic! I selfishly don't want this place to move or get bigger so it always feels so exclusive and special.
(5)
Shawn K.
Absolutely love this place; love the intimacy, love the personality, love the owner and the obvious respect and love for the ingredients and food. Delicious.
(5)
E Y.
Homemade Korean food cooked by your Halmony. What could be better than that!! This place is really small so if you are at all claustrophobic just wait until warm weather when you can eat al fresco. Excellent meal.
(5)
Maricarmen S.
The place is kind of small but very lovely and the ladies there are super sweet. Excellent service and great food!
(4)
Mac R.
I knew Golden Pig was a small one woman operation and her leanings were home cooked Korean. I couldn't wait to try her food. The owner was very warm & welcoming and we were seated at one of 2 tables in the restaurant. There were also 2 other patrons seated at the bar that had 4 stools. It's a tiny operation. We ordered the Korean Pancake with Kimchi to start. My husband ordered the bul dak chicken that was described as fiery hot. I ordered the pork daeji bulgogi. Our Korean Pancake arrived with 2 starter plates with some amazing Korean Coleslaw, Kimchi & other assorted veggies. I mixed all the starter goodies with my kimchi pancake & it worked. Without these enhancements the pancake wasn't nearly as exciting. Both of our main dishes arrived with what appeared to be a similar sauce - the color of hot cheetos (that's literally off the Post Gazette review that hung above our table & he nailed it!). The sauces were nearly identical & I actually preferred it over my husband's chicken than my pork. Spice on a 1-10 scale was probably a 7 for the chicken & a 5 on the pork. That was about the only difference in the sauces that I could discern. It was definitely a home cooked style & pretty good. If I lived close enough to frequent Golden Pig, I believe the owner's charming personality could woo me into a 4 star. She's quite fun and really brings her personality into her cooking. Realistically it's a 3.5 rating. Although I 100% get the plethora of 5 star ratings she's getting from regulars who adore her. We are in love with Korean food & have tried some truly stellar places, sadly not in Pittsburgh. Not yet anyway.
(3)
Steve K.
I can see why this place gets really good reviews--it's almost like going to a Korean house and having a nice, home cooked meal. The food is good; many of your standard Korean items are on the menu and the prices are reasonable. I got the impression that many of the folks who come here come here very frequently. Seating is very limited--I counted eleven chairs on the inside and a few on the outside for those brief months in Pittsburgh when this is a feasible eating arrangement. The bulgogi I had was solid.
(4)
Christopher R.
Finding good Korean food in Southwestern PA is not a simple task, but rest assured that Cecil, PA is home to a true gem. Housed in a small location, the restaurant does offer an intimate setting for those lucky enough to find a seat. Showing up early to ensure a seat is certainly recommended. For those who prefer the take-out option, Golden Pig certainly doesn't disappoint. My personal favorite items on the menu are the Daeji Bulgogi and the Buldak-Chicken dishes. A unique item on the menu that comes highly recommended would also be the Korean Pancake with Kimchi. For those new to Korean food, please bare in mind there is a slight spice that accompanies most selections. The Kimchi Fried Rice is certainly an option for those shying away from the spicier options. A great location with delicious food and a very friendly proprietor.
(5)
Todd C.
Awesome food all around. Mandu (dumplings) is awesome. I've had the Bulgogi in the past and that is always good... this time I got the spicy chicken (I forget what they call it) and the flavors were great, however it is dark meat chicken... so if you want white meat you might have to specify that. Also, any place that has homemade Ramen noodles on the menu is okay by me. This place is a must try if you haven't had it before!
(5)
Bryan N.
Very enjoyable meal with the family. The Korean mixed vegetable pancake (spicy) was very tasty with chunks of jalapeño peppers. Korean coleslaw with chile peppers was cool and spicy at the same time. Ramen was very tasty. Chicken flavor with lots of egg bits and noodles. My daughter ordered spicy noodles, which while spicy were too sweet for my taste. Story fry chicken with vegetables was extremely fresh. Spicy pork was wonderful with distinct Korean flavors. Next time I want to try the spicy squid.
(4)
Lyn R.
Amazing. It doesn't get fresher than this. I give the mandu two thumbs up. This restaurant only seats 10 -12 people. One lovely lady waits on you, cooks your food and delivers it. It is a true dining experience. She brought us out some fresh cooked Korean vegetables. I love to try new foods. Very small, but it is so quaint and warm inside. You feel comfortable immediately. Take a chance and try this place....you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Leneve O.
When you walk into a restaurant, absorb the scene for a minute, and can immediately think, "I'm definitely coming back again," you know you've found yourself a gem. This is probably the homiest place I have ever eaten out at, where you can tell Mrs. Kwon genuinely enjoys what she is doing. The first time, we went at the end of the night on a weekday so we didn't have to wait long at all. It was amazing to see a place where it seems like the norm for customers to lend a helping hand. It was like being at home where bringing the dishes or cleaning the table was something my mom always appreciated help with. Having had tons of Korean food from years in Cali, the food here really isn't about fancy presentation, new food fads, or super intense dishes. It's just simple, home-style dishes done well and with lots of heart. My favorites so far are the pancake and squid, and of course, I always like the random array of banchan (the fried fish is yum!). I guess the dish I don't really care for is the ramen, but that's mostly because I'm biased by the way my mom makes her special version of instant ramen. Because this place is really popular, try going at an off hour. Hopefully, you'll be able to catch a time when the crowds aren't big and you can chat with Mrs. Kwon -- she's such an auntie is my book! Even though I'm not a regular, when I do come she makes me feel welcome as though I am one. Regardless, be patient and relax...eating a meal here is an experience and not only filling up an empty stomach :)
(4)
Jerry E.
I really enjoyed the food here. The dining area only seats 10 people. The owner and chef has a very unique and dissident personality. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it's sure worth the visit.
(4)
Murphy L.
After leaving Korea I began to crave the food. This place is as authentic as it gets without being in Korea. No Soju, but bring your own. Classic Kimchi and other Kimchi's are all top notch, as is everything else. Try Kimchi Chigae.. Go if you haven't, you are really missing out.
(5)
Sarah R.
A very cute, VERY TINY hole-in-the-wall Korean joint. Literally only 10 seats. The woman who runs the entire thing is super sweet and friendly. The food is authentic, very homey, and definitely hit the spot. I ordered the buldak ("fire" chicken), my colleague ordered the spicy pork bulgogi, and we shared an order of mandoo (fried dumplings). Everything was hot, well-seasoned, fiery, and filling--just like mom would make at home. I kind of wish I could have tried one of her stews, but I'd JUST made kimchi jjigae the night before, and wasn't quite in the mood for dwenjang jjigae. If this place were closer to Pittsburgh, I'd give this place 4 stars. Driving out to Cecil from where I live, however, I can't say it was worth the 40 minute drive... but that's because I'm able cook everything on the menu. When I go out to have Korean food, it's to save time, and driving over an hour round-trip doesn't achieve that for me, so I can't say I'll be back here, even though I enjoyed everything. BUT if you're not familiar with Korean cooking and you live nearby here, then I would DEFINITELY say this is a great place to start. And you don't necessarily have to be discouraged by the "CLOSED" sign. Check to see if the lights are on inside the restaurant. It's her way of controlling the demand. :)
(3)
Jessica S.
I recently experienced one of the most amazing meals of my life at Golden Pig. A friend took us there for lunch and it was outstanding. It is a tiny restaurant run by Mrs. Kwon. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. The place only has two tables and a small bar. Mrs. Kwon cooks everything herself onsite, as you order. We ordered the korean veggie pancake and the fried sweet potatoes for our appetizers. Besides being delicious, it was full of fresh cut veggies. Along with the appetizers we also got a dish with pickled radishes and cucumbers. The radishes were a bit spicy for me but I have a delicate palette. :) Between the four of us we ordered bulgogi, ramen and man du. I had the man du and it was incredible. If you haven't tried it yet. do it now.
(5)
Tian Y.
It's really a one-woman show. She is such a sweetie and doesn't take a moment to pause in the kitchen, working away trying to serve everyone as fast as possible while still being friendly to all her guests an apologizing for the wait. Everything is fresh to order. EVERYTHING. I saw her get fresh veggies out of her fridge and chop them fresh for order. The only thing in a box were presoftened chapchae noodles. Imagine your mom making dinner for your family five times in a row in an hour. She is really working miracles there. That said, the wait got pretty long while we were there, and that's with some of her regulars helping her after they finished eating. Really gives you that mom's kitchen feel. Made me smile. Judging on the food itself alone, I don't think she's necessarily much better Asian-mom cook than many ordinary moms out there. In that respect it's not very impressive. In comparison, I have had better Mom&Pop shop Korean food in a similar type restaurant (though unfortunately located far away in Houston). We had mandoo, daeji bulgolgi, chapchae noodles, korean pancakes. Everything tasted good and well-cooked but very ordinarily homey, and while I appreciate this and think it's the definite selling point of this adorable little shop, my parents were not impressed by the flavor and mom thought it's nothing she can't make herself... and she's probably right. Personally, I don't feel the need to come back as long as my mom is willing to feed me. But I recommend this as an awesome Asian-mom substitute for those in need of some delicious home-made comfort food. Everything about Golden Pig is just a home-with-your-mom experience. If I had something like this near me, I'd definitely be the top regular. But I know there are students in the 'Burgh away from their moms who would loooove a place like this to get a taste of home - too bad it's located so far away from the city :(
(4)
Matthew H.
Love this place, small place right off of route 50, so don't blink of you'll miss it. This is definitely a gem.
(5)
Jack L.
I was in Canonsburg for a church meeting today. I drove through Cecil and remembered hearing about an amazing Korean restaurant in this town. On the way home from my meeting, I thought why not stop by The Golden Pig for lunch? I am so glad I stopped by! This 10 seat restaurant is presided by the most colorful Korean lady. I didn't catch her name but wow, was she entertaining! I got there at 1pm and it was still pretty packed. And as I was finishing up, there was another couple and a family of 5 trying to get in for a late lunch. I wanted to order just about everything on the menu. It's a short menu, but all my Korean favorites. I finally settled on the Daiji Bulgogi ($7.50) - Thin-sliced marinated pork in a spicy red pepper glaze. Absolutely delicious and it came with a great assortment of banchan (Korean side dishes - seaweed and chives and kimchi). The Daiji Bulgogi was just perfectly spicy. The last time I had this was in Seoul last summer and it totally brought me back there in my first bite. My bill came to $9.00 pre-tip and I ordered a Diet Coke. I will have to make the trip to Cecil more often when I get my Korean food craving - which seems to be more often than not these days! Why not take the trip off the beaten path and give this place a shot? I would never have guessed finding exceptional Korean food in a sleepy little town like Cecil. It was like being back in Seoul - an incredible feat for a one woman show serving the dining room and cooking up classic soul satisfying Korean food at the same time!
(5)
Linda L.
AWESOME IN EVERY SINGLE WAY, and, so very AUTHENTIC and we will make the drive many more times. LOVE the owner who is not only the best chef but has a personality to match. What a NICE LADY! We loved the food and cannot wait to return. Bulgoki was awesome pancake!!! WOW for the food go go fo for sure!~
(5)
David B.
Delicious Korean Food that is authentic, home cooked, and reasonably priced. This place is out of the way for me, but well worth the trip. It's a tiny place with a limited number of tables and seats about 12. They do a considerable amount of take-out business, too. The first thing you notice is that everyone is happy and well fed. The owner is funny and very welcoming. She explained that she prepares everything from scratch, and that her food is based on Southern Korean Cuisine. We had the Jop-Cha and Buldak, but I want to hurry back and try the Man-Du, which is apparently very popular. Along with your order, they bring 3 appetizers to your table, all very unique and tasty. If you like to eavesdrop, you can hear every conversation in the room. But everyone seems to be having a great time and they are enjoying the food.
(4)
Omar C.
I wish I didn't come here for my first taste of Korean food cause it will make other places look like North Korea. I'm pretty sure the place can only seat like 10 people. It is in the middle of nowhere and pretty easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. The cook is a sweet lady who is concerned about your food preferences. With out even asking she wanted to know if i was vegan, didn't eat pork, or was avoiding red meat. That was a first for me at any restaurant. Delicious bulgogi, awesome kimchi, great potato pancakes. Small place but feels extremely homey. The price is reasonable and worth the flavor and experience. Kim Jong Un should make a trip here. I will come back again for that Bulgogi.
(5)
Barbara K.
I went here a few months back and meant to post a review because this place really deserves one. Really good food cooked home style. The place is probably the smallest restaurant I've ever been to - seats about 10 people total. It feels like your long-lost Korean mom is making you dinner in her kitchen. The ambience is darling, the cook is fabulous and totally endearing, and the food is really good. I wouldn't say it was the best bulgogi I've ever had, but it was very tasty. The mandu was really delicious, and I highly recommend them. Take a drive out to Cecil PA just to try this place. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Josh C.
Limited menu often leads to unlimited taste. A very cozy if not small place in the middle of nowhere outside of the 'Burgh. I have been here twice and neither time disappointed. As you may have read one woman runs it all, so it does take some time for some dishes and it can get a bit pricey since you'll want to try everything. The spicy chicken is legit and my Korean mother-in-law makes a very good version. Sometimes getting a seat is difficult, but you can do take-out. Also it's BYOB so bring a bottle of soju (traditional Korean liquor that can be had from the big Wines and Spirits) and offer her a shot. She did shots with my friends and I on my first visit. All the dishes I've tried have been exactly the way they're supposed to taste and they are fresh. Do yourself a favor and head out to Cecil for the best Korean meal in Pittsburgh.
(4)
Norma G.
We are regulars. My husband and I have been going there about once a month for the last 4 years. Tried everything on the menu. Kimchi pancake is a must because it's better than any other Korean restaurant in the Pittsburgh area-- crispy, chewy and not too thick so you'll have space for other goodies on the menu. My husband used to hate tofu but her tofu dish transformed him. Now he orders it almost every time he goes there. Kalbi (beef short ribs) is very rich tasting and cooked to perfection (medium rare if you don't specify). Menu is small but everything is worth a try. The restaurant is smaller than many people's living room and it's an experience just to watch. Go if you haven't already.
(5)
Spot On J.
Awesome food, pleasant owner. will go back again and again!
(5)
Claire M.
Delicious! Everything is made to order, from scratch (even peeling the potatoes!). I highly recommend this place. It's pretty much just take-out, there are a few tables inside and outside, and plan to wait for your food, but it's worth it!
(5)
Jake Z.
After randomly finding a review for the Golden Pig online my girlfriend and I decided to check it out since it sounded incredible and was only about 20 minutes away. The Golden Pig is a Korean restaurant tucked away in a small town called Cecil, PA and is owned and operated by one incredibly nice woman. I wasn't sure what to expect until I opened the door and was greeted by Yong and sat down at a "bar" area that overlooked her small kitchen. The seating is limited and I think she likes it that way. Everything is literally made to order and most orders are called in, whereupon Yong gives you a time frame (depending on the queue) and you pick your food up accordingly. We decided to dine in and sat at the bar and talked to Yong while she prepared our meal and while we ate. She's incredibly personable and truly has captured something special in such an unassuming place. I had short ribs and my girlfriend had the vegetarian ramen, both were of course great. Along with our food she cooked a few side items and had us try them and everything was delicious. Eating at the Golden Pig is like having your mom cook you a warm, tasty, and healthy meal. We will DEFINITELY be frequenting the Golden Pig in the future, the food and the atmosphere is fantastic and is a diamond in the rough for the area. If you're reading this, take a drive over to the Golden Pig or order some food for takeout, through our conversation with Young we found out that she had just opened the restaurant two months prior and is already getting a nice customer base through word of mouth.
(5)
Jason J.
Freaking awesome Korean place in the middle of nowhere. The Golden Pig is so great that we travel over an hour to get there just to sit outside as they only have two, yes that's right two tables. It is imperative that one get there before 7 as they often shut down early. Just get there early and be prepared to eat outside or get takeout. The food is so killer that one puts up with the lack of seats.
(5)
Doug C.
Absolutely exceeded expectations (which were pretty high) on every level. An absolute must try - ideally in between lunch and dinner hours. Young is an absolute wonder! I will definitely be returning on all future trips back home to Cecil :).
(5)
Ramee Y.
I made the trek here from Shadyside to quell a hankering for some real Korean food and was a little disappointed. (I suppose I have been spoiled with LA's K-town and its delicious little holes-in-the-wall on every block.) The bulgogi was so-so and my friend's ramen came out of a package--then again, why someone would order ramen at a Korean restaurant? Great mandu, though. But I have to admit, the tiny place is almost too cute. Come at a dead hour, say 3pm, sit at the bar and chat with Young as she puts together your lunch. It may not be the best lunch you've ever had, nor the cheapest, but you'll feel like it was made with love. And that's more than enough.
(4)
Sammy R.
great restaurant. Pancakes and raman soup rocks. Love the place.
(5)
Alana D.
I guess I came here with high expectations or came on an off day. We ordered the man du and daiji bulgogi. All were just ok, I can make better daiji bulgogi at home. Flavor-wise, Dasonii by the airport is much better with similar prices. I would give this place only a 3 if it wasn't for the awesome experience though. Tiny restaurant, limited seating, grandmas-kitchen-feel. Like everyone says, the owner takes our order, cooks it fresh, and serves it herself. Pro-tip: there is outdoor seating (picnic tables) in the back. Place your order inside and let the owner know your eating outside.
(4)
Mike P.
First time there. Food was good/fresh. The mom was nice. The daughter was miserable. I asked her for two waters and a iced tea-- she pointed at the cooler and left our table. The drinks are help yourself I guess. No personality. Very rude. Anyway first time eating Korean. It was good. I prob would go back. The dumplings were great.
(4)
Douglas W.
Great one woman operation. It's like you've been invited over to her house and she's making you her mom's Korean dishes. It can be busy and the wait can be really long but she tries really hard and the food is really delicious. I wish she would get a bigger place and a little help so I wouldn't feel the pressure of her having to juggle phone orders, table service and cooking. Sometimes she looks a little harried. I love her pancakes a lot. The pork bulgogi is really fabulous. The kimchi was a little salty last night and she could serve more dishes but all in all we are lucky to have her here to make us authentic Korean food. We've eaten there a few times now and always leave happy.
(4)
Psu N.
Best authentic Korean food anywhere. Everything is home made and all fresh ingredients. Worth the long wait especially with byob!
(5)
Mary E.
Best Korean in Pittsburgh area. The food is NOT "americanized", it's pretty authentic. We've had about half the menu items and have never been disapointed. Well worth the trip from the city if you are craving the real deal...just don't get dressed up...it barely squeezes in four tables for four and a counter seating area...it is a jeans and t-shirt kind of place.
(5)
Michael N.
If you want a mom-and-pop shop (you'll just get mom part---she was running everything solo!) and a hole in the wall, this is the place to go. Worth the 1 hour drive and will be back again. Simple yet very tasty choices.
(5)
Leeann G.
Soooooo good. A little pricey, but well worth it. I'm happy to pay more to patronize a business where the owner does a wonderful job and is always hard at work.
(5)
Lauren C.
While the Pittsburgh area isn't always known for it's great selection of ethnic cuisine, the Golden Pig is one of PIttsburgh's best kept secrets if Korean food is of your liking. The owner, Yong Kwon, came to the states to be closer to her grandchild; she runs this place pretty much by herself. Whenever you go, it's like sitting in her own personal kitchen. the place is small, but very cozy. Has room for about ten. This is my favorite Korean restaurant and I personally think its better than the restaurants I've been to in Korea. If you need suggestions, you can never go wrong with the kimchi pancake, the bulgogi and the mandu (Korean dumplings).
(5)
David H.
Great food, great service, great price. Loved it. Can't wait to go back for some gimbap.
(4)
Miriam W.
It took me way too long to discover this little gem of a restaurant, but now that I have, I'll be going back regularly. Doug found it, actually, while looking through Yelp reviews, so we both owe a big thanks to the other Yelpers out there for your guidance. The first thing I noticed about this place was how clean it is...absolutely spotless, which warms the heart of an ex-restaurant worker such as myself. There are two tables which both seat 3, and four seats along the bar. It was quiet when we arrived, and that was nice, as it gave us an opportunity to chat with the woman who was waiting tables and helping out in the kitchen. She was helpful and friendly, as was Yong Kwon, the owner, who works wonders in that tiny kitchen of hers. We started with the Korean pancake, which we ordered with potato...she asked if we wanted more veggies, and we said yes. This pancake was delicious...crispy and a little brown on the outside and creamy within, with plenty of vegetables inside. This pancake comes with the cole slaw and pickles, kim chee and sweet potatoes that had been marinated in soy, garlic and maple syrup then roasted in the oven. Everything was perfect; I especially appreciate that the sides came to the table room temperature and not straight from the fridge. Things taste so much better when they're the right temp, and the chef knows this. We went for the Daiji Bulgogi, marinated sliced pork that's served in a rich chile sauce that's slightly sweetened and garlicky, and the Buldak, a chicken dish that featured chicken thigh pieces in a very spicy chile sauce. Both dishes were spicy, with the pork dish having a greater variety of flavorings in it that balanced nicely between sweet, spicy and garlicky. The chicken dish was more a one note sauce, and tasted pretty much of straight chiles. I've had sauces like this in Mexico...dried red chiles pureed and mixed with very little else... and I love them. Both dishes were superb. I'll warn you here...you had better like spicy food if you're going to eat here. I understand some dishes here pack less heat than others, and I'm sure I'll discover which ones as I make my way through this menu. Yong runs the kitchen alone, so call ahead if you're in a hurry. My future plans are to go when it's slow and have a leisurely time of it, as we did last night. Yong is very friendly and obviously enjoys her customers, so you really do feel like you're in her home. Lovely place, lovely woman, and great food.
(5)
Peter L.
The food was tasty and not expensive. Unfortunately you'll have to be early or you'll not get a table. I could hear them turning down pickup orders about an hour before closing because that have such limited capacity to fill orders. Plan on being early and/or on waiting, and it will be a good meal.
(5)
Amelie B.
Awesome home style Korean cooking, I love it. Great owner, what a hard working woman she is! Everything on menu is delicious.
(5)
Mary M.
Found the Golden Pig from reviews here on Yelp. Glad I did! Gluten free options were incredibly delicious. Owner/Chef was telling great stories of living and eating in Korea. Small and intimate, there are about 10 seats, 4 at the bar (BYOB). Will be finding my way back to the Golden Pig again and again, sooner than later, I hope!
(5)
Jim C.
I have to give credit to the Yelpers who have gone before me on this one. Everything was exactly as described: - Odd, hole-in-the-wall location? check - Tiny eating space? check - One woman as chef/hostess/server/busperson? check - Long wait? check (nearly an hour) - Incredibly fresh, tasty and authentic food? check I ordered the Korean pancake with mixed vegetables and hot green pepper, which was delectable in addition to clearing my sinuses. I also tried the Jop-Chae, which is a sweet potato noodle dish with vegetables. This was also fantastic. It was a subtle mix of flavors, including sesame seeds and sesame oil. The food is definitely worth the wait. I arrived at 7pm and was advised it would be 45 minutes before she could make my order. I finally got it about an hour after my order, but a small price to pay for the good eats. Fortunately, I had a decent amount of spare time and sat outside watching a softball game being played on the field behind the restaurant. Highly recommended if you plan ahead.
(5)
Allison S.
Family members have been here and I've driven by it many times, yet tonight was the first time I dined here. Two of us split the potato Korean pancake. Yum. I had the Bulgogi which was incredibly tender marinated beef and my friend had Man-Du. We both departed with leftovers. We will be back. And yes, it is tiny. A party of six came in and left when they saw the place was half full. I don't think I would go there with more than two other friends.
(4)
Rugger W.
It took me way, WAY too long to get back here. Brought family from out of state. Everyone was beyond satisfied. We split a Korean pancake as an app. Two in our party had the short ribs, one had the shrimp and I had the spicy squid. You can't go wrong at the Golden Pig. YUM.
(5)
Andrea T.
Fresh ingredients. All meals prepared from scratch. Incredibly yummy! This is the best Korean food in Pittsburgh. Everything on the menu is awesome, but my favorite is the spicy squid. Done just right, not tough and chewy like other wanna-be Korean restaurants.
(5)
Howah L.
Ordered kimchi pancakes and kalbi, both were good. The kalbi was made really well, very tender and great flavor. It was definately not chewy or over seasoned. Good service.
(5)
Lisa H.
This restaurant is definitely a hole in the wall type of place, more like a house built in the middle of nowhere. The owner single-handily full-fills all the positions in the restaurant. I gotta admit, the service can be slow, but pretty darn good when all 4 positions are held by the same person. She's the hostess, waitress, chef, and owner. She puts on the show right in front of you, and often throws a joke here and there for entertainment. This is the most authentic Korean restaurant in Pittsburgh, thank goodness I found this place, or my Korean food cravings would never be put to rest. The food is fresh and extremely flavorful. I highly recommend the kimchi or vegeatable pancake, add some of their hot sauce, and you have heaven in your mouth. Their Jap Chae is perfectly made, very flavorful. I love food with a lot of flavor, on the salty side, so if you like the lightly flavored foods, you may need to ask the chef to tone down on the salt/soysauce. Portions are good, price is fairly cheap for Korean food in Pittsburgh. Warning: Place is tiny. There're only 3 small tables and a mini bar inside so come early (before 6:30pm) if you want seats. There's a table outside that's good for 5 or 6. But let's face it, with Pittsburgh weather, you really can only dine at the table during summer. It's too cold to eat outside in the winter, fall, and even spring. This place is not good for parties of 4 or more. I recommend you order to go.
(4)
Paul H.
Fantastic. Avoid weekends. Very small. 3 tables and small bar seating area. I love spicy. Order the Kimchee pancakes. Love the Pig.
(5)
DJ J.
Little, 3 tables and 5 or 6 seats at counter. BYOB but crowded. Food is made to order and made by women named Yong. She is very friendly and funny. Talked to her while she cooked. Food was amazing. Spicy, tried the Korean kimchi pancakes and Bulgogi. In Cecil a few miles off of I79. Korean cole slaw was crispy and spicy. Has take out.
(5)
Bob L.
I had driven by this place many times thinking..."gotta get there". I finally got the chance with two of my daughters last night. I can't wait to go again to try more of the menu...it was fantastic. There were two people working (owner and ?) and the service was very personal and homey. We took her recommendation for the girls (man duc...?) and I had a spicy chicken dish (name escapes me). I broke a sweat (love it), and the girls went through their food (split an order) and got another half-order. DELICIOUS! Very small place (two tables and 4-5 seats at a bar). ENJOY!! I hope this place is here for a long time!
(5)
Jess B.
So tiny and homey. 10 people would fill the place. The owner/cook has the best personality. Her warmth alone would keep bringing me back. I was amazed at the spread of food. I LOVED the Korean coleslaw. This is as traditional Korean as you will get around here. I'm kinda glad its off the beaten path in Cecil....it makes it feel like a special find.
(5)
brenda k.
My boyfriend and his parents go here all the time. It is a cute little restaurant in Cecil PA . The owner is very sweet and she cooks everything by herself. She has about one person serving and it is advisable to call in advance. She cooks everything while you wait so expect to be there for a while. It is a great experience. The food is Korean and mildly spicy. We had some kind of pancake with Kimchi with a dry korean coleslaw as she cooked our entrees. She also served us green tea. I had some kind of teriyaki tofu with veges that was pretty good and my boyfriend had the kimchi shigae. It came in a huge hot pot and he loved. The rice was the most amazing she calls it special rice and IT IS special. All in all i love this place it is very private and a true gem in pittsburgh.
(5)
Daniel S.
This is a lovely place, we had a great time here despite the long wait. This is literally a one mans business. The lady take ur order and cook for you. The place is artistically decorated, the food is authentic.
(5)
Scott F.
Small place, short menu, excellent food. Unexpected to see a Korean place in the small town of Cecil, but very great to have.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Tomas G.
I love this place. It's like if your mother was Korean and she was cooking for you. A local treasure.
(5)Lisa U.
OMG. Don't miss the kimchi fried rice! Kimchi pancakes are wonderful. Owner is adorable. Itty bitty place and always a wait but worth every second!!
(5)Liz K.
Perfection. The most delicious Korean food in Pittsburgh and its suburbs. I love the food. It's well done. I particularly enjoy bibimbap. BYOB makes this a happy hour hot spot. I would definitely recommend, and hope to go again soon.
(5)T ..
Love. The proprietor over heard my conversation once (in the tiny space) about my love of octopus and squid. She was kind enough to give me the tentacles , which is my favorite and not commonly served. This was a long while ago, but it still sticks with me. That is caring, folks. Why on earth would you have someone cook you a meal who didn't care and pour themselves into a dish? Home cooked food, but a sweet grandmother. Every single person that I have met there, has been wonderful. Whether you're in a chatty mood or not, the tiny space makes strangers your neighbors. It's wonderful. A true delight.
(5)Kevin H.
Very nice family style authentic Korean restaurant. Food is authentic and decent. There are not many options on the menu. The dining space is extremely small.
(3)Kim M.
The good reviews here are spot on. The pickle, spicy slaw, and kimchi tasted fresh and homemade and paired with the kimchi pancake so every bite was different. The mandu (dumplings) had a beef filling that had so much flavor - possibly fresh lemongrass? The bean thread noodles (jap chai) and bulgogi plates were almost licked clean. There was so much flavor we never even touched the red pepper sauce and soy sauce on the table. Agreeing with other reviews, very small, one owner cooking and serving fresh food so the food may take a couple minutes if it is busy. The servings seemed just right to me. Takeout may be the way to go. I can't wait until we are back in the area. I would also like to try the ramen or another soup and the super spicy chicken but might have to also have the jap chae a few more times.
(5)Josh M.
CLOSED!?!? I just came over from Canonsburg because of the high ratings in Yelp but found this little hole in the wall locked (with the sign out front still reading OPEN). It is 3:40pm on Monday afternoon so they should be open, but there are no signs of life. Very frustrated and hungry.......
(1)Paul P.
Located in the middle of no where. Great Korean Food. As authentic as it gets in my opinion. Which they had more room for seating.
(4)Rachel C.
We came for lunch. The atmosphere is very home-y, and everyone is friendly. P. S. Get the meat kimbap. It is. AMAZING. Yeah I kind of ate the entire plate of it... Whoops Their bulgolgi is on the less side for full of flavor, but it was still good. A home cooked Korean meal in Pittsburgh? Can't get it anywhere else
(5)Lance S.
There are folks on here saying the Golden Pig is not as good as many Korean places... blah, blah... try the coastal cities..,etc. I know that everyone is going to have their own opinion and there are going to be regional flavor differences. However, I've had the opportunity to enjoy Korean food in LA, Seattle, NYC, San Diego, Atlanta, near several Army bases across the U.S. and myriad Midwest restaurants, and I tell you that this place is as good as any place I've ever been. I'm not kidding. When I say "any" place, I'm including the home I was raised in. The home where I spent my youth getting spoiled by a grandmother and aunts who grew up learning to cook... in a Korean kitchen... In Korea. Don't let the experienced foodies with the exquisitely sophisticated palates turn you away from this little place. If you want "Americanized" Asian food, there are dozens of places you can go and get that, but if you want REAL, home-cooked Korean food, this place is a winner. I plan to eat here every time I come to town.
(5)Elizabeth W.
decent korean food, not the best we've had, but simple, flavorful, and traditional. the other reviews paint the picture of the atmosphere - simple, small, no frills or fuss, and VERY small. there's no way you'd be able to get a party of four to sit together. two or three would be manageable if there are open seats. the two-person team is as warm and welcoming as the aroma and flavors of the food. we had kimchi pancake (our favorite), daiji (pork) bulgogi, and buldak chicken (spicy chicken). the kimchi pancake was warm, soft, and comforting. the main dishes were spicy, but tolerable. the texture of sauces was more grainy than what I've had at other Korean restaurants, but still delicious. a reasonable $37 for all three dishes, 3 bottles of water, and two "Korean drinks." we'll definitely go back.
(4)Alex P.
It's like visiting your Korean mom for lunch.
(4)Jack M.
Though a little far out of the city, great place to go for Korean food. Expect home-style cooking. When I went, I ordered Daeji Bulgogi which is essentially slices of marinated pork over rice. The beef was pretty good, perfectly marinated, and quite spicy as I liked it (preference). I also appreciated the larger portions that I was given (in comparison to other Korean joints that I've been to, where the amount of meat given was less than satisfying). The Kimchi pancake also ended up being pretty good ... not too oily but definitely most filling and you could actually taste the kimchi in it, which meant that that the amount of starch used was not excessive. Will be back ... I look forward to trying other dishes.
(4)Dianne N.
Food was excellent! Service was very slow though. They only have 11 seats max. A very, very tiny store but food was what you call "homecook". If you are up to try some decent somewhat authentic home cook Korean food, this will be it!
(4)Elie F.
Best south Korean restaurant in pittsburgh , i ordered spicy rise and chicken it was so delicious .
(5)Ryan W.
Stopped in for lunch and was very satisfied with the meal. Ordered egg drop soup and bulgogi which came with steamed rice. Soup was full of veggies and eggs with enough broth to still be a soup some spice but nothing hard to swallow. Kimchi salad was excellent and traditional as far as I know. Bulgogi was tender and marinated well stir fried with stalks and onions. Topped with sesame seeds and couldn't be any better. All for $13! If you are near the area stop by for authentic Korean food. Only issue was the owner was the only person there working so during lunchtime it was difficult to get in and out, but I suppose that's the price you pay for homemade Asian cuisine!
(5)Gary R.
I read others talk about this being a "tiny" place and was assuming it would be small. It's smaller than small. It's about the size of the last 4 rows of a school bus. You cannot have a table for 4 here. There are two tables total that might squeeze 3, plus maybe 4-5 seats at a counter. That being said, the woman who runs this literally does everything! That's both good and bad. The bad is that she's swamped between taking orders, cooking, answering the phone, and who knows how cleanup and dishwashing is done.... It's like someone's mom in a small kitchen with limited supplies. But she gets it done!! Amazing. The food is ok, not great. Considering its in Cecil maybe I should say it's great. But frankly I was hoping for something better. I love Korean food and have been spoiled by some awesome Korean places, regrettably none in Pittsburgh. The Korean pancake was a huge starter and even though we ordered it with hot peppers it was a little bland. My Buldak Chicken was listed on the menu as fiery and "not for the faint of heart" but It was probably only a 6 on the heat scale but fairly tasty. My wife's Daeji bulgogi looked almost identical despite being a pork dish. The color was indeed, as someone else pointed out, like that of fiery Cheetos. Somewhat off putting. Must be the same sauce cause the dishes tasted almost the same. All in all, pretty good food and very reasonably priced. Not worth the drive for me. Also not a place I'd want to wait to get into. Go off peak or call for takeout.
(3)Tony D.
I kept hearing about the hype about how this was the most authentic and best Korean food in the area (some claim in southwestern PA??) and finally decided to make the drive out here from the city. Unfortunately, this dining experience probably gave me the largest ever deviation between expectation and result. I'll cut straight to it--the food is not my type. Eat at an acclaimed Korean restaurant on the coasts, or if you're in the suburbs just make the reverse drive that I did into the city and go to a place like Korea Garden or Nak Won Garden. They're not mind-blowing, but I assure you they're much closer to what you'll find in NY or LA than Golden Pig is. We got the ramen to start--okay, we weren't expecting instant ramen, but fine it was $5 and somewhat hearty. As we waited for entrees, we never got our banchan, and no one came by to check on us or at least give us some water (for the record, other customers got the side dishes at the beginning, without asking). When the entrees came, we asked the guy (not the couple who owns the place) and he was somewhat apologetic for forgetting. The banchan consisted of a small plate with two pieces of random things like kimchi, potato, and broccoli (??). It wasn't amazing, but the biggest surprise was that each of us got one such plate. Go to any other authentic Korean place, and a table would get one portion of each side separately. Yes, it's the same food in the end, but the implication is entirely different--these sides are meant to be shared among the people dining together, and preparing them on separate plates individualized for each person signifies a huge shift in the dining experience. I understand that they might be trying to accommodate for customers who don't regularly eat this kind of food. At a certain level, both patron and restaurant have to adapt to different customs (and that's a good thing for intercultural mixing), but I felt that the owners went too far in this instance. For the entrees, we got the daeji bulgogi and buldak, both of which were rather mediocre. They weren't terrible, but I've had better at the aforementioned places in Pittsburgh. The two main issues were that 1) there was too much sauce on both plates, and 2) there were few other seasonings or flavors. For 1), it appears from the Yelp pics for this place that they're not very consistent--some appear drenched in sauce, while others actually look appetizing. We got the former, and that probably led to 2); the only taste was spicy, and while there were some onion and carrot pieces their taste was basically overwhelmed by the sauce. Other than that, the sesame was probably a bit overdone, and some scallion would probably have helped a lot. Despite all this though, I'm genuinely happy that this couple has made it this far. It's not always easy working such long hours as an immigrant family, but evidently they're making a lot of people happy. They've also put in a lot of work making the restaurant welcome to everyone (try to count how many pigs are inside if you go), so I hope they thrive as long as there are happy customers.
(2)Matthew W.
If you're feeling adventurous or simply craving authentic Korean fare (and by authentic I mean recipes plucked from South Korea and completely unchanged) then the Golden Pig in Cecil is absolutely worth checking out. Fantastic food and a great atmosphere. This 12 seat restaurant has only 1 staff member though, so get there early and be prepared to spend over an hour inside.
(5)Susan C.
Love Yong and love the golden pig! I cam eat there once a week and never ever get sick of it!!!
(5)Sandra S.
Excellent all around. The place is tiny and it's basically a one-woman show. The food was terrific and you can tell the owner takes pride in what she serves. We will definitely be back!
(5)Kyler W.
Had an amazing time at this place. The owner/chef is a very sweet hardworking lady who will feel like your mom when she's cooking in the kitchen in front of you. The food was authentic and fantastic. There are only 11 seats total in this place so get there early! They have a regular soda selection along with 4 to 5 imported non alcoholic drinks (sweet rice, plum, & ginseng are some of the flavors I can recall) Had the bugolgi, kimchi pancake & mandu. All were fantastic! I selfishly don't want this place to move or get bigger so it always feels so exclusive and special.
(5)Shawn K.
Absolutely love this place; love the intimacy, love the personality, love the owner and the obvious respect and love for the ingredients and food. Delicious.
(5)E Y.
Homemade Korean food cooked by your Halmony. What could be better than that!! This place is really small so if you are at all claustrophobic just wait until warm weather when you can eat al fresco. Excellent meal.
(5)Maricarmen S.
The place is kind of small but very lovely and the ladies there are super sweet. Excellent service and great food!
(4)Mac R.
I knew Golden Pig was a small one woman operation and her leanings were home cooked Korean. I couldn't wait to try her food. The owner was very warm & welcoming and we were seated at one of 2 tables in the restaurant. There were also 2 other patrons seated at the bar that had 4 stools. It's a tiny operation. We ordered the Korean Pancake with Kimchi to start. My husband ordered the bul dak chicken that was described as fiery hot. I ordered the pork daeji bulgogi. Our Korean Pancake arrived with 2 starter plates with some amazing Korean Coleslaw, Kimchi & other assorted veggies. I mixed all the starter goodies with my kimchi pancake & it worked. Without these enhancements the pancake wasn't nearly as exciting. Both of our main dishes arrived with what appeared to be a similar sauce - the color of hot cheetos (that's literally off the Post Gazette review that hung above our table & he nailed it!). The sauces were nearly identical & I actually preferred it over my husband's chicken than my pork. Spice on a 1-10 scale was probably a 7 for the chicken & a 5 on the pork. That was about the only difference in the sauces that I could discern. It was definitely a home cooked style & pretty good. If I lived close enough to frequent Golden Pig, I believe the owner's charming personality could woo me into a 4 star. She's quite fun and really brings her personality into her cooking. Realistically it's a 3.5 rating. Although I 100% get the plethora of 5 star ratings she's getting from regulars who adore her. We are in love with Korean food & have tried some truly stellar places, sadly not in Pittsburgh. Not yet anyway.
(3)Steve K.
I can see why this place gets really good reviews--it's almost like going to a Korean house and having a nice, home cooked meal. The food is good; many of your standard Korean items are on the menu and the prices are reasonable. I got the impression that many of the folks who come here come here very frequently. Seating is very limited--I counted eleven chairs on the inside and a few on the outside for those brief months in Pittsburgh when this is a feasible eating arrangement. The bulgogi I had was solid.
(4)Christopher R.
Finding good Korean food in Southwestern PA is not a simple task, but rest assured that Cecil, PA is home to a true gem. Housed in a small location, the restaurant does offer an intimate setting for those lucky enough to find a seat. Showing up early to ensure a seat is certainly recommended. For those who prefer the take-out option, Golden Pig certainly doesn't disappoint. My personal favorite items on the menu are the Daeji Bulgogi and the Buldak-Chicken dishes. A unique item on the menu that comes highly recommended would also be the Korean Pancake with Kimchi. For those new to Korean food, please bare in mind there is a slight spice that accompanies most selections. The Kimchi Fried Rice is certainly an option for those shying away from the spicier options. A great location with delicious food and a very friendly proprietor.
(5)Todd C.
Awesome food all around. Mandu (dumplings) is awesome. I've had the Bulgogi in the past and that is always good... this time I got the spicy chicken (I forget what they call it) and the flavors were great, however it is dark meat chicken... so if you want white meat you might have to specify that. Also, any place that has homemade Ramen noodles on the menu is okay by me. This place is a must try if you haven't had it before!
(5)Bryan N.
Very enjoyable meal with the family. The Korean mixed vegetable pancake (spicy) was very tasty with chunks of jalapeño peppers. Korean coleslaw with chile peppers was cool and spicy at the same time. Ramen was very tasty. Chicken flavor with lots of egg bits and noodles. My daughter ordered spicy noodles, which while spicy were too sweet for my taste. Story fry chicken with vegetables was extremely fresh. Spicy pork was wonderful with distinct Korean flavors. Next time I want to try the spicy squid.
(4)Lyn R.
Amazing. It doesn't get fresher than this. I give the mandu two thumbs up. This restaurant only seats 10 -12 people. One lovely lady waits on you, cooks your food and delivers it. It is a true dining experience. She brought us out some fresh cooked Korean vegetables. I love to try new foods. Very small, but it is so quaint and warm inside. You feel comfortable immediately. Take a chance and try this place....you won't be disappointed.
(5)Leneve O.
When you walk into a restaurant, absorb the scene for a minute, and can immediately think, "I'm definitely coming back again," you know you've found yourself a gem. This is probably the homiest place I have ever eaten out at, where you can tell Mrs. Kwon genuinely enjoys what she is doing. The first time, we went at the end of the night on a weekday so we didn't have to wait long at all. It was amazing to see a place where it seems like the norm for customers to lend a helping hand. It was like being at home where bringing the dishes or cleaning the table was something my mom always appreciated help with. Having had tons of Korean food from years in Cali, the food here really isn't about fancy presentation, new food fads, or super intense dishes. It's just simple, home-style dishes done well and with lots of heart. My favorites so far are the pancake and squid, and of course, I always like the random array of banchan (the fried fish is yum!). I guess the dish I don't really care for is the ramen, but that's mostly because I'm biased by the way my mom makes her special version of instant ramen. Because this place is really popular, try going at an off hour. Hopefully, you'll be able to catch a time when the crowds aren't big and you can chat with Mrs. Kwon -- she's such an auntie is my book! Even though I'm not a regular, when I do come she makes me feel welcome as though I am one. Regardless, be patient and relax...eating a meal here is an experience and not only filling up an empty stomach :)
(4)Jerry E.
I really enjoyed the food here. The dining area only seats 10 people. The owner and chef has a very unique and dissident personality. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it's sure worth the visit.
(4)Murphy L.
After leaving Korea I began to crave the food. This place is as authentic as it gets without being in Korea. No Soju, but bring your own. Classic Kimchi and other Kimchi's are all top notch, as is everything else. Try Kimchi Chigae.. Go if you haven't, you are really missing out.
(5)Sarah R.
A very cute, VERY TINY hole-in-the-wall Korean joint. Literally only 10 seats. The woman who runs the entire thing is super sweet and friendly. The food is authentic, very homey, and definitely hit the spot. I ordered the buldak ("fire" chicken), my colleague ordered the spicy pork bulgogi, and we shared an order of mandoo (fried dumplings). Everything was hot, well-seasoned, fiery, and filling--just like mom would make at home. I kind of wish I could have tried one of her stews, but I'd JUST made kimchi jjigae the night before, and wasn't quite in the mood for dwenjang jjigae. If this place were closer to Pittsburgh, I'd give this place 4 stars. Driving out to Cecil from where I live, however, I can't say it was worth the 40 minute drive... but that's because I'm able cook everything on the menu. When I go out to have Korean food, it's to save time, and driving over an hour round-trip doesn't achieve that for me, so I can't say I'll be back here, even though I enjoyed everything. BUT if you're not familiar with Korean cooking and you live nearby here, then I would DEFINITELY say this is a great place to start. And you don't necessarily have to be discouraged by the "CLOSED" sign. Check to see if the lights are on inside the restaurant. It's her way of controlling the demand. :)
(3)Jessica S.
I recently experienced one of the most amazing meals of my life at Golden Pig. A friend took us there for lunch and it was outstanding. It is a tiny restaurant run by Mrs. Kwon. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. The place only has two tables and a small bar. Mrs. Kwon cooks everything herself onsite, as you order. We ordered the korean veggie pancake and the fried sweet potatoes for our appetizers. Besides being delicious, it was full of fresh cut veggies. Along with the appetizers we also got a dish with pickled radishes and cucumbers. The radishes were a bit spicy for me but I have a delicate palette. :) Between the four of us we ordered bulgogi, ramen and man du. I had the man du and it was incredible. If you haven't tried it yet. do it now.
(5)Tian Y.
It's really a one-woman show. She is such a sweetie and doesn't take a moment to pause in the kitchen, working away trying to serve everyone as fast as possible while still being friendly to all her guests an apologizing for the wait. Everything is fresh to order. EVERYTHING. I saw her get fresh veggies out of her fridge and chop them fresh for order. The only thing in a box were presoftened chapchae noodles. Imagine your mom making dinner for your family five times in a row in an hour. She is really working miracles there. That said, the wait got pretty long while we were there, and that's with some of her regulars helping her after they finished eating. Really gives you that mom's kitchen feel. Made me smile. Judging on the food itself alone, I don't think she's necessarily much better Asian-mom cook than many ordinary moms out there. In that respect it's not very impressive. In comparison, I have had better Mom&Pop shop Korean food in a similar type restaurant (though unfortunately located far away in Houston). We had mandoo, daeji bulgolgi, chapchae noodles, korean pancakes. Everything tasted good and well-cooked but very ordinarily homey, and while I appreciate this and think it's the definite selling point of this adorable little shop, my parents were not impressed by the flavor and mom thought it's nothing she can't make herself... and she's probably right. Personally, I don't feel the need to come back as long as my mom is willing to feed me. But I recommend this as an awesome Asian-mom substitute for those in need of some delicious home-made comfort food. Everything about Golden Pig is just a home-with-your-mom experience. If I had something like this near me, I'd definitely be the top regular. But I know there are students in the 'Burgh away from their moms who would loooove a place like this to get a taste of home - too bad it's located so far away from the city :(
(4)Matthew H.
Love this place, small place right off of route 50, so don't blink of you'll miss it. This is definitely a gem.
(5)Jack L.
I was in Canonsburg for a church meeting today. I drove through Cecil and remembered hearing about an amazing Korean restaurant in this town. On the way home from my meeting, I thought why not stop by The Golden Pig for lunch? I am so glad I stopped by! This 10 seat restaurant is presided by the most colorful Korean lady. I didn't catch her name but wow, was she entertaining! I got there at 1pm and it was still pretty packed. And as I was finishing up, there was another couple and a family of 5 trying to get in for a late lunch. I wanted to order just about everything on the menu. It's a short menu, but all my Korean favorites. I finally settled on the Daiji Bulgogi ($7.50) - Thin-sliced marinated pork in a spicy red pepper glaze. Absolutely delicious and it came with a great assortment of banchan (Korean side dishes - seaweed and chives and kimchi). The Daiji Bulgogi was just perfectly spicy. The last time I had this was in Seoul last summer and it totally brought me back there in my first bite. My bill came to $9.00 pre-tip and I ordered a Diet Coke. I will have to make the trip to Cecil more often when I get my Korean food craving - which seems to be more often than not these days! Why not take the trip off the beaten path and give this place a shot? I would never have guessed finding exceptional Korean food in a sleepy little town like Cecil. It was like being back in Seoul - an incredible feat for a one woman show serving the dining room and cooking up classic soul satisfying Korean food at the same time!
(5)Linda L.
AWESOME IN EVERY SINGLE WAY, and, so very AUTHENTIC and we will make the drive many more times. LOVE the owner who is not only the best chef but has a personality to match. What a NICE LADY! We loved the food and cannot wait to return. Bulgoki was awesome pancake!!! WOW for the food go go fo for sure!~
(5)David B.
Delicious Korean Food that is authentic, home cooked, and reasonably priced. This place is out of the way for me, but well worth the trip. It's a tiny place with a limited number of tables and seats about 12. They do a considerable amount of take-out business, too. The first thing you notice is that everyone is happy and well fed. The owner is funny and very welcoming. She explained that she prepares everything from scratch, and that her food is based on Southern Korean Cuisine. We had the Jop-Cha and Buldak, but I want to hurry back and try the Man-Du, which is apparently very popular. Along with your order, they bring 3 appetizers to your table, all very unique and tasty. If you like to eavesdrop, you can hear every conversation in the room. But everyone seems to be having a great time and they are enjoying the food.
(4)Omar C.
I wish I didn't come here for my first taste of Korean food cause it will make other places look like North Korea. I'm pretty sure the place can only seat like 10 people. It is in the middle of nowhere and pretty easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. The cook is a sweet lady who is concerned about your food preferences. With out even asking she wanted to know if i was vegan, didn't eat pork, or was avoiding red meat. That was a first for me at any restaurant. Delicious bulgogi, awesome kimchi, great potato pancakes. Small place but feels extremely homey. The price is reasonable and worth the flavor and experience. Kim Jong Un should make a trip here. I will come back again for that Bulgogi.
(5)Barbara K.
I went here a few months back and meant to post a review because this place really deserves one. Really good food cooked home style. The place is probably the smallest restaurant I've ever been to - seats about 10 people total. It feels like your long-lost Korean mom is making you dinner in her kitchen. The ambience is darling, the cook is fabulous and totally endearing, and the food is really good. I wouldn't say it was the best bulgogi I've ever had, but it was very tasty. The mandu was really delicious, and I highly recommend them. Take a drive out to Cecil PA just to try this place. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Josh C.
Limited menu often leads to unlimited taste. A very cozy if not small place in the middle of nowhere outside of the 'Burgh. I have been here twice and neither time disappointed. As you may have read one woman runs it all, so it does take some time for some dishes and it can get a bit pricey since you'll want to try everything. The spicy chicken is legit and my Korean mother-in-law makes a very good version. Sometimes getting a seat is difficult, but you can do take-out. Also it's BYOB so bring a bottle of soju (traditional Korean liquor that can be had from the big Wines and Spirits) and offer her a shot. She did shots with my friends and I on my first visit. All the dishes I've tried have been exactly the way they're supposed to taste and they are fresh. Do yourself a favor and head out to Cecil for the best Korean meal in Pittsburgh.
(4)Norma G.
We are regulars. My husband and I have been going there about once a month for the last 4 years. Tried everything on the menu. Kimchi pancake is a must because it's better than any other Korean restaurant in the Pittsburgh area-- crispy, chewy and not too thick so you'll have space for other goodies on the menu. My husband used to hate tofu but her tofu dish transformed him. Now he orders it almost every time he goes there. Kalbi (beef short ribs) is very rich tasting and cooked to perfection (medium rare if you don't specify). Menu is small but everything is worth a try. The restaurant is smaller than many people's living room and it's an experience just to watch. Go if you haven't already.
(5)Spot On J.
Awesome food, pleasant owner. will go back again and again!
(5)Claire M.
Delicious! Everything is made to order, from scratch (even peeling the potatoes!). I highly recommend this place. It's pretty much just take-out, there are a few tables inside and outside, and plan to wait for your food, but it's worth it!
(5)Jake Z.
After randomly finding a review for the Golden Pig online my girlfriend and I decided to check it out since it sounded incredible and was only about 20 minutes away. The Golden Pig is a Korean restaurant tucked away in a small town called Cecil, PA and is owned and operated by one incredibly nice woman. I wasn't sure what to expect until I opened the door and was greeted by Yong and sat down at a "bar" area that overlooked her small kitchen. The seating is limited and I think she likes it that way. Everything is literally made to order and most orders are called in, whereupon Yong gives you a time frame (depending on the queue) and you pick your food up accordingly. We decided to dine in and sat at the bar and talked to Yong while she prepared our meal and while we ate. She's incredibly personable and truly has captured something special in such an unassuming place. I had short ribs and my girlfriend had the vegetarian ramen, both were of course great. Along with our food she cooked a few side items and had us try them and everything was delicious. Eating at the Golden Pig is like having your mom cook you a warm, tasty, and healthy meal. We will DEFINITELY be frequenting the Golden Pig in the future, the food and the atmosphere is fantastic and is a diamond in the rough for the area. If you're reading this, take a drive over to the Golden Pig or order some food for takeout, through our conversation with Young we found out that she had just opened the restaurant two months prior and is already getting a nice customer base through word of mouth.
(5)Jason J.
Freaking awesome Korean place in the middle of nowhere. The Golden Pig is so great that we travel over an hour to get there just to sit outside as they only have two, yes that's right two tables. It is imperative that one get there before 7 as they often shut down early. Just get there early and be prepared to eat outside or get takeout. The food is so killer that one puts up with the lack of seats.
(5)Doug C.
Absolutely exceeded expectations (which were pretty high) on every level. An absolute must try - ideally in between lunch and dinner hours. Young is an absolute wonder! I will definitely be returning on all future trips back home to Cecil :).
(5)Ramee Y.
I made the trek here from Shadyside to quell a hankering for some real Korean food and was a little disappointed. (I suppose I have been spoiled with LA's K-town and its delicious little holes-in-the-wall on every block.) The bulgogi was so-so and my friend's ramen came out of a package--then again, why someone would order ramen at a Korean restaurant? Great mandu, though. But I have to admit, the tiny place is almost too cute. Come at a dead hour, say 3pm, sit at the bar and chat with Young as she puts together your lunch. It may not be the best lunch you've ever had, nor the cheapest, but you'll feel like it was made with love. And that's more than enough.
(4)Sammy R.
great restaurant. Pancakes and raman soup rocks. Love the place.
(5)Alana D.
I guess I came here with high expectations or came on an off day. We ordered the man du and daiji bulgogi. All were just ok, I can make better daiji bulgogi at home. Flavor-wise, Dasonii by the airport is much better with similar prices. I would give this place only a 3 if it wasn't for the awesome experience though. Tiny restaurant, limited seating, grandmas-kitchen-feel. Like everyone says, the owner takes our order, cooks it fresh, and serves it herself. Pro-tip: there is outdoor seating (picnic tables) in the back. Place your order inside and let the owner know your eating outside.
(4)Mike P.
First time there. Food was good/fresh. The mom was nice. The daughter was miserable. I asked her for two waters and a iced tea-- she pointed at the cooler and left our table. The drinks are help yourself I guess. No personality. Very rude. Anyway first time eating Korean. It was good. I prob would go back. The dumplings were great.
(4)Douglas W.
Great one woman operation. It's like you've been invited over to her house and she's making you her mom's Korean dishes. It can be busy and the wait can be really long but she tries really hard and the food is really delicious. I wish she would get a bigger place and a little help so I wouldn't feel the pressure of her having to juggle phone orders, table service and cooking. Sometimes she looks a little harried. I love her pancakes a lot. The pork bulgogi is really fabulous. The kimchi was a little salty last night and she could serve more dishes but all in all we are lucky to have her here to make us authentic Korean food. We've eaten there a few times now and always leave happy.
(4)Psu N.
Best authentic Korean food anywhere. Everything is home made and all fresh ingredients. Worth the long wait especially with byob!
(5)Mary E.
Best Korean in Pittsburgh area. The food is NOT "americanized", it's pretty authentic. We've had about half the menu items and have never been disapointed. Well worth the trip from the city if you are craving the real deal...just don't get dressed up...it barely squeezes in four tables for four and a counter seating area...it is a jeans and t-shirt kind of place.
(5)Michael N.
If you want a mom-and-pop shop (you'll just get mom part---she was running everything solo!) and a hole in the wall, this is the place to go. Worth the 1 hour drive and will be back again. Simple yet very tasty choices.
(5)Leeann G.
Soooooo good. A little pricey, but well worth it. I'm happy to pay more to patronize a business where the owner does a wonderful job and is always hard at work.
(5)Lauren C.
While the Pittsburgh area isn't always known for it's great selection of ethnic cuisine, the Golden Pig is one of PIttsburgh's best kept secrets if Korean food is of your liking. The owner, Yong Kwon, came to the states to be closer to her grandchild; she runs this place pretty much by herself. Whenever you go, it's like sitting in her own personal kitchen. the place is small, but very cozy. Has room for about ten. This is my favorite Korean restaurant and I personally think its better than the restaurants I've been to in Korea. If you need suggestions, you can never go wrong with the kimchi pancake, the bulgogi and the mandu (Korean dumplings).
(5)David H.
Great food, great service, great price. Loved it. Can't wait to go back for some gimbap.
(4)Miriam W.
It took me way too long to discover this little gem of a restaurant, but now that I have, I'll be going back regularly. Doug found it, actually, while looking through Yelp reviews, so we both owe a big thanks to the other Yelpers out there for your guidance. The first thing I noticed about this place was how clean it is...absolutely spotless, which warms the heart of an ex-restaurant worker such as myself. There are two tables which both seat 3, and four seats along the bar. It was quiet when we arrived, and that was nice, as it gave us an opportunity to chat with the woman who was waiting tables and helping out in the kitchen. She was helpful and friendly, as was Yong Kwon, the owner, who works wonders in that tiny kitchen of hers. We started with the Korean pancake, which we ordered with potato...she asked if we wanted more veggies, and we said yes. This pancake was delicious...crispy and a little brown on the outside and creamy within, with plenty of vegetables inside. This pancake comes with the cole slaw and pickles, kim chee and sweet potatoes that had been marinated in soy, garlic and maple syrup then roasted in the oven. Everything was perfect; I especially appreciate that the sides came to the table room temperature and not straight from the fridge. Things taste so much better when they're the right temp, and the chef knows this. We went for the Daiji Bulgogi, marinated sliced pork that's served in a rich chile sauce that's slightly sweetened and garlicky, and the Buldak, a chicken dish that featured chicken thigh pieces in a very spicy chile sauce. Both dishes were spicy, with the pork dish having a greater variety of flavorings in it that balanced nicely between sweet, spicy and garlicky. The chicken dish was more a one note sauce, and tasted pretty much of straight chiles. I've had sauces like this in Mexico...dried red chiles pureed and mixed with very little else... and I love them. Both dishes were superb. I'll warn you here...you had better like spicy food if you're going to eat here. I understand some dishes here pack less heat than others, and I'm sure I'll discover which ones as I make my way through this menu. Yong runs the kitchen alone, so call ahead if you're in a hurry. My future plans are to go when it's slow and have a leisurely time of it, as we did last night. Yong is very friendly and obviously enjoys her customers, so you really do feel like you're in her home. Lovely place, lovely woman, and great food.
(5)Peter L.
The food was tasty and not expensive. Unfortunately you'll have to be early or you'll not get a table. I could hear them turning down pickup orders about an hour before closing because that have such limited capacity to fill orders. Plan on being early and/or on waiting, and it will be a good meal.
(5)Amelie B.
Awesome home style Korean cooking, I love it. Great owner, what a hard working woman she is! Everything on menu is delicious.
(5)Mary M.
Found the Golden Pig from reviews here on Yelp. Glad I did! Gluten free options were incredibly delicious. Owner/Chef was telling great stories of living and eating in Korea. Small and intimate, there are about 10 seats, 4 at the bar (BYOB). Will be finding my way back to the Golden Pig again and again, sooner than later, I hope!
(5)Jim C.
I have to give credit to the Yelpers who have gone before me on this one. Everything was exactly as described: - Odd, hole-in-the-wall location? check - Tiny eating space? check - One woman as chef/hostess/server/busperson? check - Long wait? check (nearly an hour) - Incredibly fresh, tasty and authentic food? check I ordered the Korean pancake with mixed vegetables and hot green pepper, which was delectable in addition to clearing my sinuses. I also tried the Jop-Chae, which is a sweet potato noodle dish with vegetables. This was also fantastic. It was a subtle mix of flavors, including sesame seeds and sesame oil. The food is definitely worth the wait. I arrived at 7pm and was advised it would be 45 minutes before she could make my order. I finally got it about an hour after my order, but a small price to pay for the good eats. Fortunately, I had a decent amount of spare time and sat outside watching a softball game being played on the field behind the restaurant. Highly recommended if you plan ahead.
(5)Allison S.
Family members have been here and I've driven by it many times, yet tonight was the first time I dined here. Two of us split the potato Korean pancake. Yum. I had the Bulgogi which was incredibly tender marinated beef and my friend had Man-Du. We both departed with leftovers. We will be back. And yes, it is tiny. A party of six came in and left when they saw the place was half full. I don't think I would go there with more than two other friends.
(4)Rugger W.
It took me way, WAY too long to get back here. Brought family from out of state. Everyone was beyond satisfied. We split a Korean pancake as an app. Two in our party had the short ribs, one had the shrimp and I had the spicy squid. You can't go wrong at the Golden Pig. YUM.
(5)Andrea T.
Fresh ingredients. All meals prepared from scratch. Incredibly yummy! This is the best Korean food in Pittsburgh. Everything on the menu is awesome, but my favorite is the spicy squid. Done just right, not tough and chewy like other wanna-be Korean restaurants.
(5)Howah L.
Ordered kimchi pancakes and kalbi, both were good. The kalbi was made really well, very tender and great flavor. It was definately not chewy or over seasoned. Good service.
(5)Lisa H.
This restaurant is definitely a hole in the wall type of place, more like a house built in the middle of nowhere. The owner single-handily full-fills all the positions in the restaurant. I gotta admit, the service can be slow, but pretty darn good when all 4 positions are held by the same person. She's the hostess, waitress, chef, and owner. She puts on the show right in front of you, and often throws a joke here and there for entertainment. This is the most authentic Korean restaurant in Pittsburgh, thank goodness I found this place, or my Korean food cravings would never be put to rest. The food is fresh and extremely flavorful. I highly recommend the kimchi or vegeatable pancake, add some of their hot sauce, and you have heaven in your mouth. Their Jap Chae is perfectly made, very flavorful. I love food with a lot of flavor, on the salty side, so if you like the lightly flavored foods, you may need to ask the chef to tone down on the salt/soysauce. Portions are good, price is fairly cheap for Korean food in Pittsburgh. Warning: Place is tiny. There're only 3 small tables and a mini bar inside so come early (before 6:30pm) if you want seats. There's a table outside that's good for 5 or 6. But let's face it, with Pittsburgh weather, you really can only dine at the table during summer. It's too cold to eat outside in the winter, fall, and even spring. This place is not good for parties of 4 or more. I recommend you order to go.
(4)Paul H.
Fantastic. Avoid weekends. Very small. 3 tables and small bar seating area. I love spicy. Order the Kimchee pancakes. Love the Pig.
(5)DJ J.
Little, 3 tables and 5 or 6 seats at counter. BYOB but crowded. Food is made to order and made by women named Yong. She is very friendly and funny. Talked to her while she cooked. Food was amazing. Spicy, tried the Korean kimchi pancakes and Bulgogi. In Cecil a few miles off of I79. Korean cole slaw was crispy and spicy. Has take out.
(5)Bob L.
I had driven by this place many times thinking..."gotta get there". I finally got the chance with two of my daughters last night. I can't wait to go again to try more of the menu...it was fantastic. There were two people working (owner and ?) and the service was very personal and homey. We took her recommendation for the girls (man duc...?) and I had a spicy chicken dish (name escapes me). I broke a sweat (love it), and the girls went through their food (split an order) and got another half-order. DELICIOUS! Very small place (two tables and 4-5 seats at a bar). ENJOY!! I hope this place is here for a long time!
(5)Jess B.
So tiny and homey. 10 people would fill the place. The owner/cook has the best personality. Her warmth alone would keep bringing me back. I was amazed at the spread of food. I LOVED the Korean coleslaw. This is as traditional Korean as you will get around here. I'm kinda glad its off the beaten path in Cecil....it makes it feel like a special find.
(5)brenda k.
My boyfriend and his parents go here all the time. It is a cute little restaurant in Cecil PA . The owner is very sweet and she cooks everything by herself. She has about one person serving and it is advisable to call in advance. She cooks everything while you wait so expect to be there for a while. It is a great experience. The food is Korean and mildly spicy. We had some kind of pancake with Kimchi with a dry korean coleslaw as she cooked our entrees. She also served us green tea. I had some kind of teriyaki tofu with veges that was pretty good and my boyfriend had the kimchi shigae. It came in a huge hot pot and he loved. The rice was the most amazing she calls it special rice and IT IS special. All in all i love this place it is very private and a true gem in pittsburgh.
(5)Daniel S.
This is a lovely place, we had a great time here despite the long wait. This is literally a one mans business. The lady take ur order and cook for you. The place is artistically decorated, the food is authentic.
(5)Scott F.
Small place, short menu, excellent food. Unexpected to see a Korean place in the small town of Cecil, but very great to have.
(5)