Came across this spot while in search for soju. This is an amazing spot to come in, hang out, eat well and have a few drinks. The service was great but the food was incredible! Ordered the steak tatare and cheese pork, both well seasoned, full of flavor, and fresh. The tatare decadent, served with fresh cucumber, garlic and Asian pear. The pork was sweet and spicy grilled with onion and topped with the perfect amount of cheese that melted wonderfully. The portions are big and those 2 ordered were shared among 4 people easily
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ Pork with Cheese, Beef Tartare
Leslie Ahlstrom
You really need to check this place out.Them the best chicken wings i've ever had not to mention the service here is ,epic
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pathfinders: Ascend
Great atmosphere and delicious Korean food, what more can you ask. The prices may seem intimidating but you will get what you pay for since the portions are large. I thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ spare ribs and sweet and spicy chicken wings. I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trevor A.
I come here all the time and all the food is absolutely amazing! It’s quite pricey but the portions are really big for most items so it is definitely worth it. The only consistent issue is that the service here is very cold. No matter how many times I come, the servers are pretty fast-paced and not super gracious. The other night, the staff turned on the bright overhead lights and turned off the music 30-40 minutes prior to closing. They are not usually rude, but this specific instance of being rushed out of the restaurant so far from closing was very disappointing. The staff’s demeanor was also very clear that they wanted everyone out; another group was also confused as to why it seemed the restaurant was closing. We always are very respectful and tip above 20% as the food is great and we want to have a good relationship coming back, but it doesn’t seem to matter. If it wasn’t for the service, it would be 5 stars!
Great spot for a late night hang with the homies. Korean bar food and very large portions.Got the tteokbokki with ramen noodles and seafood pajeon.My favorite was the seafood pajeon cuz its crispy with loads of seafood and green onions!The waitress was a little dismissive but overall, solid spot to hang at.Kid-friendliness: Not as kid friendly as there may be lots of drunk people at night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Seafood Pancake
Vincent Ribaya
Delicious, affordable, and authentic Korean dishes at large, sharable sizes. This restaurant also has a good number of traditional dishes that other Korean restaurants often don't have.
Past Memories is an amazing spot for Korean foods and drinks! The thing that stood out to me the most about this restaurant was the atmosphere. I loved the little Korean street signs and telephone poles that transported you out of the drab plazas of California and into the intimacy of Korean culture. In addition, the cozy seats and the layout of the restaurant really put together an atmosphere that welcomed a long night of drinking and laughing with friends.Onto the food. Amazing and a lot. My mouth was watering just smelling all the food around me and I wasn't disappointed when we received ours! You really only need 2 dishes for 3-5 people, they give a lot! We ordered the military stew and sea snail spicy salad, and I loved both of them. Our party of 3 couldn't finish either and the leftover military stew was still good for two more meals.Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant. Past Memories should be your next stop for authentic Korean cuisine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thao Le
Fun place to hang out. Food is good with huge portion. Though some dishes (seafood soup and snail salad with noodles) are not outstanding. I like the grilled chicken gizzards and kimchi fried rice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Kimchi Fried Rice
Nghia Nguyen
It’s a great place to come and get random Korean drinking foods. It’s been the spot in GG for Years. Come thru for a relax and comfortable spot for light drinking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane L.
Sad how service went down here. Used to come here often and their service was great. Prior to this visit, they would seat us right away when there are available tables. We had a party of 8 Some of us showed up and they wouldn't seat us when I mentioned party will arrive soon. Wanted to order food so food would be ready when our guests arrive. Unfortunately, they said they had a policy for big table that they couldn't seat us without our whole party. There were plenty of big tables open. No one else was waiting after us. And no where sit. Doesn't make sense lol but I guess it's their new policy because we never had to wait even though when there are tables open and no one was waiting. I guess it would be nice if they had a waiting area so customers can sit and wait. The food is still good but please reconsider on table policy if there are no other parties waiting
I came here on a Saturday night. Parking was easy to find and we were seated almost immediately. They played kpop in the background. The booths are a bit outdated and the lighting is dark but it was a good atmosphere. I ordered the seafood pancake and spicy and sweet chicken. The seafood pancake is HUGE. I also ordered the lychee soju cocktail (both small and large). For the price, I would definitely order the large than the small.
Daniel L.
Came on an evening and for the first time we had to wait for a party of 3. Walking in it was about 60% capacity, I never understand that. Ordered the usual for myself and my group Kimchi pancake, kimchi fried rice and the army stewNormally the stew doesn't have cheese in it but it fit this time and honestly that was the worst part of it. I definitely prefer the way it was made originally without that melting cheesy texture in there mixed with the noodles and everything else. The options for soju are great so alcohol is always the answer lolNot too loud in there but the benches are a little weird when you lean back you hit people behind you Good times with good friends - always a go to spot
Andrew P.
Past memories is an all time classic and favorite for anyone in Garden Grove/Orange County, they open really late and the food and alcohol is always good. They cater to those who can drink bottles straight as well as cocktails with a side of a Korean home cooked meal. The price is on the cheaper side than if you want somewhere more mainstream in Buena Park or Irvine. The service here is very typical for a "hole in a wall" style Korean Pocha, use the ringer if you have to or wave them down if you want more food or drinks after the first 2 rounds of your order.The space is very rowdy in the booths but out on the tables there are families eating with a quieter energy and ambiance, if you come in with a big group they can definitely accommodate that. Parking is very ample but make sure you don't park later than the closing time or there's a risk of towing!
Jane Shin
Old traditional korean style mood and delicious food with drinks!!! Thanks!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wendy C.
I came here around 10PM for some drinks and food. There was no wait to get seated and the service was fast. I ordered the seafood pancake, spicy bbq pork with cheese, and the fried squid. The seafood pancake was super good, it was pretty filling and came with sauce. The spicy bbq pork was surprisingly good as well, and the fried squid was a bit chewy. It is definitely a nice spot to hang out and also for delicious korean food!
Came across this spot while in search for soju. This is an amazing spot to come in, hang out, eat well and have a few drinks. The service was great but the food was incredible! Ordered the steak tatare and cheese pork, both well seasoned, full of flavor, and fresh. The tatare decadent, served with fresh cucumber, garlic and Asian pear. The pork was sweet and spicy grilled with onion and topped with the perfect amount of cheese that melted wonderfully. The portions are big and those 2 ordered were shared among 4 people easily
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Korean BBQ Pork with Cheese, Beef Tartare
You really need to check this place out.Them the best chicken wings i've ever had not to mention the service here is ,epic
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere and delicious Korean food, what more can you ask. The prices may seem intimidating but you will get what you pay for since the portions are large. I thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ spare ribs and sweet and spicy chicken wings. I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I come here all the time and all the food is absolutely amazing! It’s quite pricey but the portions are really big for most items so it is definitely worth it. The only consistent issue is that the service here is very cold. No matter how many times I come, the servers are pretty fast-paced and not super gracious. The other night, the staff turned on the bright overhead lights and turned off the music 30-40 minutes prior to closing. They are not usually rude, but this specific instance of being rushed out of the restaurant so far from closing was very disappointing. The staff’s demeanor was also very clear that they wanted everyone out; another group was also confused as to why it seemed the restaurant was closing. We always are very respectful and tip above 20% as the food is great and we want to have a good relationship coming back, but it doesn’t seem to matter. If it wasn’t for the service, it would be 5 stars!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Spicy Seasoned Chicken Wings, Spicy Ricecake w Ramen, Fried Chicken, Tteobokki, Kalbi
Great spot for a late night hang with the homies. Korean bar food and very large portions.Got the tteokbokki with ramen noodles and seafood pajeon.My favorite was the seafood pajeon cuz its crispy with loads of seafood and green onions!The waitress was a little dismissive but overall, solid spot to hang at.Kid-friendliness: Not as kid friendly as there may be lots of drunk people at night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Seafood Pancake
Delicious, affordable, and authentic Korean dishes at large, sharable sizes. This restaurant also has a good number of traditional dishes that other Korean restaurants often don't have.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Fried Rice
Past Memories is an amazing spot for Korean foods and drinks! The thing that stood out to me the most about this restaurant was the atmosphere. I loved the little Korean street signs and telephone poles that transported you out of the drab plazas of California and into the intimacy of Korean culture. In addition, the cozy seats and the layout of the restaurant really put together an atmosphere that welcomed a long night of drinking and laughing with friends.Onto the food. Amazing and a lot. My mouth was watering just smelling all the food around me and I wasn't disappointed when we received ours! You really only need 2 dishes for 3-5 people, they give a lot! We ordered the military stew and sea snail spicy salad, and I loved both of them. Our party of 3 couldn't finish either and the leftover military stew was still good for two more meals.Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant. Past Memories should be your next stop for authentic Korean cuisine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun place to hang out. Food is good with huge portion. Though some dishes (seafood soup and snail salad with noodles) are not outstanding. I like the grilled chicken gizzards and kimchi fried rice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Kimchi Fried Rice
It’s a great place to come and get random Korean drinking foods. It’s been the spot in GG for Years. Come thru for a relax and comfortable spot for light drinking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sad how service went down here. Used to come here often and their service was great. Prior to this visit, they would seat us right away when there are available tables. We had a party of 8 Some of us showed up and they wouldn't seat us when I mentioned party will arrive soon. Wanted to order food so food would be ready when our guests arrive. Unfortunately, they said they had a policy for big table that they couldn't seat us without our whole party. There were plenty of big tables open. No one else was waiting after us. And no where sit. Doesn't make sense lol but I guess it's their new policy because we never had to wait even though when there are tables open and no one was waiting. I guess it would be nice if they had a waiting area so customers can sit and wait. The food is still good but please reconsider on table policy if there are no other parties waiting
Restaurantji Recommends
I came here on a Saturday night. Parking was easy to find and we were seated almost immediately. They played kpop in the background. The booths are a bit outdated and the lighting is dark but it was a good atmosphere. I ordered the seafood pancake and spicy and sweet chicken. The seafood pancake is HUGE. I also ordered the lychee soju cocktail (both small and large). For the price, I would definitely order the large than the small.
Came on an evening and for the first time we had to wait for a party of 3. Walking in it was about 60% capacity, I never understand that. Ordered the usual for myself and my group Kimchi pancake, kimchi fried rice and the army stewNormally the stew doesn't have cheese in it but it fit this time and honestly that was the worst part of it. I definitely prefer the way it was made originally without that melting cheesy texture in there mixed with the noodles and everything else. The options for soju are great so alcohol is always the answer lolNot too loud in there but the benches are a little weird when you lean back you hit people behind you Good times with good friends - always a go to spot
Past memories is an all time classic and favorite for anyone in Garden Grove/Orange County, they open really late and the food and alcohol is always good. They cater to those who can drink bottles straight as well as cocktails with a side of a Korean home cooked meal. The price is on the cheaper side than if you want somewhere more mainstream in Buena Park or Irvine. The service here is very typical for a "hole in a wall" style Korean Pocha, use the ringer if you have to or wave them down if you want more food or drinks after the first 2 rounds of your order.The space is very rowdy in the booths but out on the tables there are families eating with a quieter energy and ambiance, if you come in with a big group they can definitely accommodate that. Parking is very ample but make sure you don't park later than the closing time or there's a risk of towing!
Old traditional korean style mood and delicious food with drinks!!! Thanks!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came here around 10PM for some drinks and food. There was no wait to get seated and the service was fast. I ordered the seafood pancake, spicy bbq pork with cheese, and the fried squid. The seafood pancake was super good, it was pretty filling and came with sauce. The spicy bbq pork was surprisingly good as well, and the fried squid was a bit chewy. It is definitely a nice spot to hang out and also for delicious korean food!