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Welcome to Rich J.C. | Korean Restaurant

At Rich J.C. | Korean Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Ann Arbor, we celebrate authentic Korean cuisine in a cozy, diner-style setting. Our journey began with a passion for sharing rich, traditional flavors, crafted from quality ingredients. Patrons enjoy our array of signature dishes, from spicy Kimchi Jigae to the comforting Bi Bim Bop, all featuring a modern twist to suit American palates. With a welcoming atmosphere and a limited but thoughtfully curated menu, our restaurant is perfect for quick meals or casual gatherings, making it a beloved spot for students and locals alike. Join us and savor the taste of Korea.

Rich J.C. | Korean Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Marla H.
Marla H.

Probably one of my favorite dining experiences! Walked in and was sat right away which was great. I tried the duk gochi as an appetizer--I didn't know what to expect but it was very tasty with the spicy sauce. For the main dish I had the fried noodles with tofu which was really good and I enjoyed the added crunch of the veggies. Very nice ambiance with a mix of classical/jazz music playing in the background to add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Ivy C.
Ivy C.

Very cute setup and very delicious food! Felt very homey, will be coming again. Servers were very nice and polite.

Alexa T.
Alexa T.

A cozy and intimate Korean restaurant that satisfies the craving. I forgot how small this place is. There's only maybe 15 seats (?) and it's barstool counter. I was craving a hot/spicy soup and got the kimchi jigae (with pork). It came with a bowl of white rice. They close at 8:30 pm but last call for kitchen is at 7:45 pm.

G I N.
G I N.

2024-04-27. Rich JC. Ann Arbor, MI. If you know nothing about Ann Arbor, you'll still probably know that it's home to the University of Michigan Wolverines. One of the top ranking public universities in the USA. Being a big college town, the immediate area is basically made up of four smaller districts: Kerrytown to the northwest, and home to Zingerman's Deli; Main Street district to the west, filled with inventive restaurants, creative cocktail bars, music venues, and art galleries; State Street district to the immediate west, for those who love historic architecture, theater and music performances, world-class art, shopping, and fine dining; and South University District located to the south and to the east of the campus, the classic "college town" neighborhood, perfect for strolling, picnics, and pictures (it's home to one of the world's best law libraries and was a venue contender for the Harry Potter Films!) Rich JC is an unsuspecting local favorite. This diner converted Korean restaurant has no table seating. It only has diner counter and stools so it's not ideal for larger parties. It is ideal for hungry students wanting a quick meal. The menu is limited, but covers all your basic Korean dishes, from appetizers to meat entrees, rice dishes, noodle entrees, and soups. I don't mind a limited menu, so long as what they limit it to is made well. We went with Bi Bim Bop, Dolsot Bul Go Gi, and a Kimchi Jigae. Bi Bim Bop. This was pretty standard fare. The veggies were pickled, but not overbearingly sour. The bul go gi was thin and tender and tasted exactly as it should. Not disappointing, but not spectacular either. 3 stars. Dakot bul go gi. This is essentially bul go gi beef marinated in bul go gi sauce, with mixed fried veggies, all over a bed of rice in a hot stone pot. The stone is heated up to 450F so will create a nice crusty layer of rice at the bottom. Traditionally, this dish is accompanied with a small bowl of soup broth to allow you to soften the crusty rice so that you can lift it from the bowl and consume it tasting the roasted flavor of the rice. Like the Bi Bim Bop, the Dolsot Bul Go Gi didn't disappoint, but didn't wow either. It's exactly as it should be. 4 stars. Kimchi Jigae. This is a spicy Korean ramen soup. The dish is served in a cast iron pot and served with a bowl of rice, and some picked vegetables on the side. The broth was nice and spicy as expected and came piping piping hot! This is a good winter dish that will warm you to the bone on those chilly winter nights. Flavor-wise, the soup was quite good and the spicy pepper broth did not fall short on the chili pepper. The kimchi was a nice additional kick as well adding complexity to the already spicy dish. 4 stars. Overall, Rich JC is a no-nonsense Korean Joint serving so homemade dishes. I get the feeling that some recipes have been modified to North American tastes and tolerances, but the modifications may also be due to the difficulty in getting some ingredients. The price is on par with what I'd expect to spend in College town and so is the atmosphere and vibe. I'm a fan. The next time I'm back here I'll definitely be trying the Rich Gal Bi. Gal Bi would have rounded out all my usual suspects, but alas I don't have the appetite I used to. A fourth dish would have been way too much for us. The good news is that we'll have something to look forward to the next time we return. If You would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Bon Appétit!

Sharon R.
Sharon R.

I ate here almost every other day when I was a student here back in 2005. I brought my fiance to Ann Arbor for the first time and had to bring him here. Though the owner has changed, the food has not! The naen myung had the perfect blend of spices and it was very cold which was refreshing on a hot summer day. My fiance was impressed and said that other than my mom's cooking , it was the best Korean he's had.

Michelle W.
Michelle W.

Budae jigae from Rich JC was one of my college staple meals out. Spicy, salty, filling, and a large portion. It contains a variety of ingredients like SPAM, sausage, tofu, and rice cakes. I prefer Rich JC's version over Kang's because Kang's tends to be on the sweeter side. Rich JC has switched ownership recently and I've tired it once since -- I don't think the food taste has changed!

Trong N.
Trong N.

Rich JC is a small little Korean restaurant near the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. I used to go here all the time as a student. I don't recommend going here with a big party unless you don't mind the wait. It's essentially all bar seating. The banchan are bean sprouts, kimchi, and pickled radish and are free. My favorite thing used to be the Spicy Beef and Squid combo. But as of my latest visit, they stopped making it. I recently tried the Bulgogi again and it was good (on the sweet side). But something was different compared to how I remembered it 10 years ago.

Casey W.
Casey W.

Got lots of goood stuff! The soondobu was very filling!! Fried rice cakes have very nice texture and a sweet and spicy sauce. Kimbap was also yummy. Came with a few side bites! All very good. Not much service because it's fast casual. Ambiance was nice, pretty crowded at lunch hour.

Maxwell L.
Maxwell L.

A cozy diner-style counter, classical renditions of Fly Me to the Moon and La Vie En Rose smoothly mingling with the airwaves, and the warm scent of soondubu permeating the enclosed nook. Rich JC brings a whole lot of comfort in the Ann Arbor dining scene. We got seated quickly on the bar stools and ordered the Rich Galbi and Yook Gae Jang. The Rich Galbi is paired with a small side salad and a mound of rice. The boneless galbi pieces was so tender and had a delicious sweet salty bbq taste. The Yook Gae Jang was filled to the brim with various meats, veggies, and glass noodles and had a spicy peppery bite with each spoonful. Perfect for a warm winter day. Service was fast and efficient. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes.

Lisa M.
Lisa M.

I love the bulgogi! It's packed with flavor and a good portion size. The kimchi has the perfect crunch to add on! Definitely come here if you're craving some wonderful Korean food

Location

Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, Rich J.C. | Korean Restaurant is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of Korean cuisine with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Situated at 1313 S University Ave, this unassuming establishment has garnered a loyal following among locals and students alike, thanks to its hearty offerings and friendly service.

The restaurant stands out with its unique diner-style seating, featuring only a counter and stools, enhancing the casual dining experience. This intimate setting is perfect for solo diners and small groups eager for a quick yet satisfying meal. While it may not cater to large parties, it provides an excellent respite for those in search of authentic Korean flavors.

Rich J.C. boasts a menu that covers the essentials of Korean cuisine, including a range of soups, meat entrees, and rice dishes. Highlights from the menu include:

  • Potato Soo Je Bi Soup – Traditional Korean potato shell noodles served in a savory beef broth with seafood and vegetables.
  • Kimchi Jigae Soup – A spicy classic featuring kimchi, tofu, and a choice of meat, simmered in a robust pepper broth, perfect for warming the soul on chilly Ann Arbor nights.
  • Dolsot Bulgogi – Marinated beef served over rice in a sizzling hot stone pot, creating a delightful crispy rice layer at the bottom that adds a charming texture to the dish.
  • Rich Gal Bi – Marinated boneless rib meat grilled to perfection, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that keeps patrons coming back.

The ambiance is complemented by soft jazz music in the background, adding to the relaxed vibe that invites diners to linger a little longer. Customers appreciate the accommodating staff and the homey feel of the restaurant, making it an ideal choice for family meals or gathering with friends.

Many reviews highlight the deliciousness of the food, with Marla H. praising the fried noodles with tofu for their perfect crunch and vibrant vegetables. Another satisfied diner, Ivy C., noted the cute setup and the delightful flavors that made her feel right at home.

While the menu may be limited, every dish is prepared with care, ensuring quality over quantity. The prices are reasonable, especially for a college town, making it accessible to students and locals looking for a fulfilling meal without breaking the bank.

In sum, Rich J.C. | Korean Restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a culinary experience that embraces tradition and charm. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Korean cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, this restaurant promises a delicious journey worth savoring. Don't miss the chance to indulge in a bowl of their kimchi jigae or the comforting dolsot bulgogi; each bite captures the heart of Korean cooking in every savory morsel.