Jongro BBQ
$$$ • Restaurant
Most Recent Reviews
The prior review is outdated- when they first opened they didn't have any gluten free options, but now that they are established there are plenty! The brisket is fantastic, and any of the unmarinated steaks are safe, as well as a couple pork dishes. The servers are always happy to answer questions and accommodate as necessary. One of my go-tos in Wheaton! Note that the menu on the tables doesn't have the gf markings, but the online one from the QR code does.
When they opened a few months ago, they were using the same menu as the NYC location, which has images of the items with gluten free, vegetarian, and shellfish-containing items clearly marked. Didn't get around to visiting until tonight and they have a redesigned menu without allergens marked. Asked about what to avoid with a gluten allergy and after the server checked with the kitchen, was advised to avoid all the marinated meats (as expected) AND THE RICE, which is just plain old white rice, but for some reason has wheat in it (???).
Both sauces set at each place serving was suspect, so when we asked if I could just get some sesame oil with salt in it, they obliged, and the kimchi was confirmed to be made with gochugaru and not gochujang (Iron Age makes it with the latter, which is typically not gluten-free).
For the price, I wouldn't recommend this place to a gluten free eater. Disappointing that they didn't follow the NYC location's menu practices to be accessible to people with dietary restrictions. My non-GF dining companions weren't really impressed with the quality of flavors on most of the meats and side dishes they tried, either.
