On first glance, I didn't know this place was Korean with its blue/white striped outdoor theme and restaurant name "Isaak's". Was actually looking for a deli/cafe, but as I looked into the shop and the menu, I was pleasantly surprised it was a "bunshik jip" aka Korean fast food shop...As a Korean living in Hong Kong, I had to try it!
For those of you who aren't in the know, here's some education on bunshik. Its very common in Korea, where people can walk in and order from a very broad menu of traditional Korean foods that are meant to be prepared very fast but hit the spot. Classic items found at a bunshik are: kimbap, ramen, stews, fried rice, korean tonkatsu. They are mainly for people on the go, single diners, or anyone who just wants a nice home cooked korean meal without the price/hassle of going into a full service restaurant.
Anyway, I would say the selection and feel of this place is similar to those in Korea with a perhaps more contemporary styling. I ordered the ramen + kimbap combo which was around $65 if I recall. It's definitely on par with what I remember getting when I used to live in Seoul. For those of you who expect "Japanese" ramen, perhaps you should read up and learn what Korean ramen is all about. Yes, it's based off instant Korean ramen, but it's made with extra added garnishes (ie. egg, fresh green onions, peppers, rice cakes) and meant to be "home made style" and hit the spot (like how grandma used to make). The kimbap roll on the side complements the soup and is very filling. The quality of the kimbap was very good, seasoned appropriately (the vegetables inside had a nice slight sesame oil taste), with nice filllings...also came with a side dish of kimchi... and together, the combo is a very good value.
My friend ordered the tonkatsu, and it was also quite nice. Not sure if the previous reviewer knows anything about Korean food, but Korean tonkatsu is DIFFERENT from Japanese tonkatsu. It's meant to be thin and come in a sweet sauce (not the more sour Japanese sauce). This IS HOW THEY MAKE IT IN KOREA! I used to grow up on this stuff when I was little, and it was very reminiscent to my time in Korea. If you're expecting a fat thick kurobuta pork loin, please go to a proper Japanese restaurant and not a Korean fast food joint. The tonkatsu was quite crispy (deep fried in a nice batter) and went well with the sweet sauce quite well. Came with white rice as a good complement. My friend also mentioned it was quite filling and good for the level of Korean fast food.
The vibes in the restaurant is very relaxed, with long picnic style wooden tables and benches for folks to comfortably share. The ordering process is your typical korean fast food "take a number and wait to pick up at the counter" style. The numerous tv's were playing a variety of kpop, although I would never slam a restaurant for playing any particular channel, cos you're essentially there for the food and not to watch tv.
Overall, the combination of the tasty food, convenience, price, and comfortable environment, I'd highly recommend. Will look to try the more trendy dishes next time like the spicy chicken with cheese.