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Welcome to The Dragon Restaurant

At The Dragon Restaurant, a cherished staple in Koreatown since the mid-70s, culinary adventures await diners. Melding traditional Chinese and Korean flavors, this eatery offers a menu rich in favorites like jjajangmyun and kung pao shrimp. Its inviting atmosphere features private rooms ideal for celebrations, making it the go-to spot for families across generations. Patrons rave about the generous portions and comforting dishes, often complemented by attentive service and a vibrant bar scene. As community members bid farewell to this beloved venue, they carry a tapestry of memories woven through shared meals and cherished moments, leaving a lasting legacy in Los Angeles dining.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to The Dragon Restaurant, a cherished gem in the heart of Koreatown Los Angeles, where the vibrancy of Chinese cuisine meets the soulful flavors of Korean tradition. This dining establishment, located at 966 S Vermont Ave, has long been a beloved destination for families and friends seeking hearty meals and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Dragon Restaurant offers an expansive menu that caters to a variety of tastes, specializing in Chinese, desserts, and seafood. From celebratory dinners to casual lunches, this restaurant is equipped to handle it all with features like outdoor seating, valet parking, and private rooms perfect for group gatherings. Reservations are easy to make, and the restaurant provides delivery options for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.

One cannot talk about The Dragon Restaurant without highlighting the rich offerings of its menu:

  • Appetizers: Don't miss the Fried Wontons ($9.25), a delightful start to any meal, or the classic Barbecued Spareribs ($16.95) that promises to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors.
  • Soup: The Hot and Sour Soup ($17.95) is a crowd favorite—perfectly balanced with savory, spicy, and tangy notes. For a luxurious twist, try the Mixed 3 Seafood Soup ($27.95) that showcases the culinary prowess of the kitchen.
  • Noodles: The star of the show might just be the Jajangmyun, a Korean-style black bean noodle dish that reviews rave about. Each slurp is a comforting embrace, reminiscent of familial gatherings filled with nostalgia.

Customer reviews echo a similar sentiment, where visitors have expressed their sadness as rumors of the restaurant's closure emerge. Memories of generations celebrating significant milestones in this very space are woven deep within its walls. Mia S. poignantly recalled family dinners filled with laughter, while Helie L. shared the moving legacy of her family’s history with The Dragon—a place where four generations have dined together, weaving their personal stories into its vibrant tapestry.

The ambiance is casual yet lively, creating an environment perfect for both dinner dates and family celebrations. With offerings designed for sharing, such as the Kkanpunggi Chicken and Tangsooyuk, it invites diners to explore the array of flavors and enjoy meals together, fostering connection amidst the hustle of Los Angeles life.

If you’re in search of a place that offers hearty fusion cuisine, communal dining experiences, and exceptionally consistent service, The Dragon Restaurant checks all the boxes. As the restaurant prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind not just a legacy but heartfelt fare that will continue to linger in the memories of its many patrons. It is indeed a farewell to a cherished culinary institution that embodies the essence of comfort and community.

For details or reservations, call (213) 387-8833 and be sure to savor every moment at The Dragon before it bids adieu.

START YOUR REVIEW OF The Dragon Restaurant
Mia S.
Mia S.

Sad that this place is closing. Came this past week and immediately felt like I was back at happy family dinners eating jjajangmyeon and tangsuyuk. It was pretty crowded and everyone seemed to be in a good mood despite the impending closure. We ordered jjamppong, jjajangmyeon, and beef tangsuyuk. The tangsuyuk didn't disappoint and of course, the portions of our noodle dishes were huge. Real comfort food. Happy I got to come before they closed.

Helie L.
Helie L.

The year of the dragon says farewell to The Dragon. My family has celebrated four generations of birthdays, weddings, funerals and everything in between. My beloved grandmother had her last meal here. Just discovered that my mother helped with the seed money so the owner could start his business in the mid 70s. No wonder we ate here so often in my youth. I will take my memories with me tonight as well as some jjajangmyeon (짜장면), a Chinese-style Korean noodle dish. My grandmother's favorite.

Angela D.
Angela D.

I love this place and it closes it's doors on January 28th! I found out the news on Instagram and the developer wants to build apartment complexes in its place, so sad. Anyway, I had to come to eat my heart out. There's no other korean chinese restaurant I am aware of so I'm so sad.

Chong Y.
Chong Y.

PROS: - A long time staple in Koreatown LOS ANGELES. - Your typical Korean/Chinese fusion cuisine spot. - The jajangmyun is bomb, kangpoong-gee is delicious, along with the kangpoong sae woo is fantastic. - Lots of space inside with tons of tables. - The service is your typical asian restaurant. CONS: - Parking can be a pain. There is valet available to the rear. FINAL THOUGHTS: - I'm sad that they have officially closed their doors and is no longer in business.

John K.
John K.

Wanted to post a review before they close for good which is a couple weeks from now. One of the best Chinese restaurants I've been to, their kung pao shrimp is unmatched and am sad to see this place go as I've been coming here for years with family for get togethers. Another genuine mom and pop spot closing so some more corporate agendas fulfilled for L.A..

Laura P.
Laura P.

Delicious food, quick service, a perfect place for big gatherings and events in different size rooms they have. $3 for valet parking.

Chris Y.
Chris Y.

This place has been a go-to for birthdays and other events for over 10 years. My entire family usually goes to Shin Peking on Olympic but we've been coming here more often lately. Both places have similar pricing and dishes. Both are Korean-Chinese hybrid restaurants. They have the staples like Black Bean Noodles (jjajjangmyun), Spicy Seafood Noodles (Jjamppong), well known chicken dishes and other dishes that most people know. When my family and I come here, we always get the separate rooms with the big rotating circle in the middle of the table so you can spin it and take what you want from the different entrees. Expect to pay around $20 per entree - it will easily be enough for 2-3 people. But, it's best to come here with a group of people so each person can order different entrees so you can have a variety on your plate. Whenever we come here, we always stick to our usual orders. - Kkanpunggi Chicken (Fried Chicken in Tangy Sweet Spicy Sauce) - Tangsooyuk (Fried Pork with Sweet and Sour Sauce) - Black Bean Garlic Pork Strips w Green Onions (NOT on the menu, ask for it! Comes with a lot of fresh sliced green onion slivers. You will need a mint afterwards lol) - Sometimes a random Chicken dish. You can't go wrong here. Just ask what ingredients and what it tastes like, servers speak English well. - Jjajjangmyun and Jjamppong (They let you split a full bowl into two bowls) Place is always clean and well kept. You won't get that heavy oily feeling afterwards. (FYI, the whole "MSG makes you feel ______) is a myth made up by other races. They give you the best Fried Sweet Potato with Syrup or Sugar for free for dessert after. For dates or big groups, it's a great spot to eat at. Again, there's another spot not far away that also serves the same kind of dishes. You'll have to try both to see which one you like better!

Kenneth A.
Kenneth A.

Food is good and consistent - we got the Kung Pao Shrimp (my favorite), jjajjangmyun (it hit tonight), beef w/ mushrooms and seafood medley. Great venue for large gatherings - they also have plenty of private rooms. Service is impeccable, especially if you have a birthday. They'll store in their fridge, bring it out with candles ready to go when you give the signal. They also provide paper plates and forks. They always have valet parking for $2 during lunch hours and $3 for dinner.

Janet K.
Janet K.

I have dined and done take-out many times at this restaurant. I enjoy their food. Recommend: -Sweet and Sour Beef (I've had bigger Portions from other Chinese places but is still good) -Black Bean Noodles / Chachiang Mein (very tasty) -Mapo Tofu (They give a big quantity) -Kung Pao Shrimp (sweet and big pieces of shrimp! Best chinese shrimp I had) -Candied Yams (Good caramelized yams for dessert)

John M.
John M.

Provender: if you're Korean-American and you grew up in or near the Los Angeles area, you've probably eaten here on more than one occasion. This restaurant has two stories and the second floor is usually reserved for private parties, like birthdays. This place serves legit Chinese-Korean food, like jjajang myun or jjampong. Prices: reasonable considering what you're ordering/eating. Parking: they have a private lot behind the building, accessible by driving north on Vermont into the driveway (you can't enter driving south due to the double yellow lines) or entering a small alley by driving west on Olympic before reaching Vermont. People: fun for all, especially kiddos. Perks: I recommend ordering the black bean noodles aka jjajang myun or the sweet and sour pork.