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Mandu - 18th Street Reviews List
Mandu - 18th Street
Mandu opened in the fall of 2006 by Chef Yesoon Lee and her two children, Jean and Danny. Located on 18th street in Dupont, Chef Lee presides over the kitchen making sure that the recipes and dishes taste as she was originally taught being raised in Seoul. Her specialty is creating homestyle Korean dishes that one would enjoy in her own kitchen. Jean and Danny run the operations and service, making it a fun and energetic environment that provides the comfort and ease of a neighborhood restaurant. In January 2011, Mandu expanded to another location at the City Vista building in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood.
See more Mandu - 18th Street details
102 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 102 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(56)
3 stars
(18)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(45)
- fit for foodies(33)
- good for groups(28)
- great for outdoor dining(13)
- special occasion(9)
- great for brunch(8)
Mandu - 18th Street Reviews List
Review 1 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bibimbop Over Anything Else
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We found this place a couple of years ago and I'm so glad it's picked up. Nestled in an awesome neighborhood, Mandu offers great drinks (yogurt sojutini, yum) and great food (dolsot bibimbop)."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a great neighborhood gem that has solid Korean food unlike anything else in the neighborhood. Would recommend it for a fun night out."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good place, good food and solid experience - but pricey."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 4 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good food, mediocre service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server had a number of large tables including our party of 6, so I cut her a little slack but... We had one person at our table who didnt receive his food with the rest of ours. Our server was oblivious to this until we brought it to her attention about 5 minutes after the rest of us received food. After my meal was placed before me, I did not get a water refill nor was I asked if I wanted another cocktail.
In the past I have had excellent service and I love the bulgogi. I just might not come with a larger group again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 5 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Korean BBQ at Mandu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have little experience with Korean food, but our waitress was very helpful. We really enjoyed our dumplings and our barbequed short ribs and chicken. We'll go there again. We arrived at happy hour, when there are half price dumplings and beer. There was a lively, but not too noisy crowd having drinks and enjoying the food."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
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Review 7 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was really very good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was really very good. Everyone was happy. It is a loud restaurant. Definitely recommend."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was a little pricey for
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a little pricey for food that I can just as easily make at home, but fine."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
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Review 9 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Birthday Dinner Ever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to Mandu for my birthday dinner and they really went over the top! Greeted my party with complimentary champagne. We had a delicious dinner of dolcet bibimbap (which is my favorite dish at the restaurant). As if the champagne wasn't enough, they then brought out complimentary mochi ice cream for dessert (which was extremely scrumptious!). I love this restaurant for dinner any night, but the amazing service they provided on my birthday was extraordinary!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My boyfriend and I recently
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My boyfriend and I recently discovered Mandu and between the two of us, went three times in one week. The happy hour specials are absolutely unreal ($4 for a "rail" drink...of ketel one!) and we have enjoyed everything we have eaten - though you cannot beat the bimbimbap. Delicious. We went this time with my brother, who lives on the east coast and is picky about his asian cuisine. He thoroughly enjoyed his meal!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Korean. Would recommend
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious Korean. Would recommend the kimchi fried rice and the bulgogi."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
There were five in our group,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There were five in our group, three of whom had never had Korean food. Each raved about the lunch we had and said they would be back when in DC."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
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Review 13 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I would try other restaurants
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friends and I wanted to have Korean food and we made a reservation at this place on a saturday night. It is a nice restaurant and also it looks pretty clean. The service and food were decent. I had been to other Korean places and this is more of Americanized compared to traditional ones in NYC. I have ordered a Bittersweet Bulleit in their cocktail menu and they brought me straight Jamieson whiskey. They fixed it later on since I was sure that my drink did not contain any St. Germain as it was advertised on the menu for the drink I ordered. If you do not have too much time in DC, I highly recommend other restaurants."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brunch!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Patio seats are perfect on sunny afternoons! The brunch is excellent. A sampler plate with meat of choice (including tofu for you non-meat eaters) for only $13. The brunch plate even comes with mochi ice cream which sealed the deal.I will definitely go back for brunch and any time really. It was great! My whole group agreed- Mandu is a find."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I really liked the food and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really liked the food and place, but it was quite too noisy."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 16 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love this place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been there 3 times now over the past 6 weeks and would continue to go."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Relax, Eat and Enjoy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful casual venue with a youthful buzz and importantly a home-style Korean food menu that is not overly fussy or too-strange-for-Western palates. Relax, eat and enjoy a few blocks from Dupont Circle."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My friends and I stopped by
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friends and I stopped by Mandu for brunch and it was fantastic. The brunch plate has several different items included and ends with a mochi ice cream dessert. It includes potatoes, a Korean pancake, veggie sushi, mini omelet, and choice of meat. Some of the other folks at the table ordered the bim bim bap in a stone pot, which was also very good. For just $13, I'm surprised this place isn't more packed on weekend mornings. I highly recommend this place as there aren't many good Korean restaurants in the Dupont area."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Brunch is delicious and filling.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Brunch is delicious and filling. The upstairs seating area is definitely nicer than the downstairs."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 20 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Accessible Korean Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mandu takes great pains not to present itself as an ethnic restaurant. The pleasant, fairly netural interior suggests a Modern Amercian restaurant or a Mediterranan establishment such as the one next door. In many visits, I have never seen a Korean server. Yet the menu is unmistakeably (and entirely) Korean, if carefully edited to be accessible to American tastes. Food is well-prepared; the signature mandu are a good appetizer choice. I especially like the grilled meats as a main course. Service is pleasant, and servers can explain the menu well even if none of them grew up eating the cuisine."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
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Review 21 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Waitress, But Overworked
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waitress's personality was great, but it was clear that she was covering a large swath of the restaurant. She was overworked. This led to long waits in between ordering drinks and ordering appetizers/main courses. Perhaps she recognized this--and thus decided to comp us an appetizer we had not ordered--but essentially it falls on the management of Mandu to have sufficient wait staff at hand."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
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Review 22 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent service, authentic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent service, authentic Korean food."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Mandu - 18th Street
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The service was excellent
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was excellent and the food is authentic. I ordered the Galbi Tang, but was disappointed. The soup lacked flavor and the short ribs were on the bone and difficult to eat as part of a soup. We were a group of 8 and the entrees were hit and miss. The appetizers were very good though - dumplings and eggplant especially."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mandu - 18th Street
Based on the average of (79) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic