Is there parking at Friend's House Korean in Clairemont?

Parking isn't mentioned in reviews, but Convoy St. has street and lot parking typical of the area. Given the Friday night crowd mentioned in reviews, aim for off-peak hours if parking is tight for you.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

The spot takes reservations and one reviewer scored a table without waiting on a Friday at 7 p.m., so walk-ins are possible—but calling ahead on weekends is smarter for groups or special occasions.

What should I order first?

Start with the kimchi pancake (one reviewer called it extremely satisfying) and the banchan selection is solid. The short ribs and spicy chicken are reliable picks, and they serve Korean beer and wine to pair with it all.

Is this place good for kids?

Absolutely—they'll sing happy birthday in Korean, which one family said made their daughter's day special. It's casual and welcoming, so families are clearly part of their crowd.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available. The tofu stew comes up in reviews, and the banchan sides (which are complimentary) often work for vegetarians—ask your server what works for your diet.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, and it's a nice perk. One reviewer highlighted sitting under the outdoor space on a Friday night, so that's your go-to if weather allows and you want to avoid the indoor crowd.

What's the vibe—casual or formal?

Casual through and through. It's a locals' spot for weeknight dinners and group hangs, though they also do special occasions well. No dress code, just come as you are.

Friend's House Korean — Korean in Clairemont, San Diego

“Friend's House Korean serves banchan-heavy Korean classics in a strip-mall setup where the kitchen's consistency matters more than the overhead.”

While Woomiok down Convoy doubles down on seolleongtang and EE Nami perfects one dish, Friend's House spreads wider — **tofu stew**, **bulgogi**, **kimchi pancake**, **short rib plates** — the kind of menu that handles both solo weeknight cravings and group dinners where everyone orders differently. The banchan game here runs strong, refilled without asking, the kind of table coverage that keeps chopsticks moving between bites. It's not chasing Instagram moments; it's feeding Clairemont's Korean food regulars who know exactly what they want and expect it done right.

The **short rib plate** anchors the menu — tender, well-marinated, arrives with rice, salad, dumplings, and that banchan spread. **Spicy chicken** holds up for heat seekers. The **kimchi pancake** comes out crispy-edged and substantial, though portions tilt conservative for the price point. Outdoor seating under the patio works for Friday nights when the dining room fills but never seems to hit a wait — a rarity on Convoy at 7pm.

Service moves fast, staff sings happy birthday in Korean if you're celebrating, and the vibe stays casual enough for kids without feeling like a cafeteria. You'll leave gassy — that's the bulgogi talking — but also satisfied in that specific way Korean comfort food delivers. Parking's typical Convoy chaos; circle the lot once, claim whatever opens up. Not the fanciest Korean spot in the village, but it's the kind of go-to that handles Tuesday solo dinners and Saturday group hangs with equal competence.

Friend's House Korean

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