INTRO:

Loopy’s Eatery is a wonderful family-owned restaurant that started out in 2015 as a food truck selling Korean Fusion in Alexandria and Arlington. If you’ve worked or lived in Crystal City, Ballston, or Rosslyn, you may have seen their truck on your streets at one point! 🙂 I have many fond memories of lining up with my friends on Food Truck Wednesdays to order bibimbap, and chatting with the owner, Teksoo, at the truck window. We love Loopy’s so much that we even briefly considered having them cater our wedding! 😉 We later decided to get married in my home state of California, so this never came to fruition – but I’ve always though about how yummy that would’ve been!

In 2020, after five years on the road, Teksoo finally fulfilled his dream of turning Loopy’s into a brick-and-mortar restaurant! Although it was a challenging time to transition into a brick-and-mortar business, the place is still thriving almost two years later, and Manuel and I love stopping by whenever we can to grab a delicious bite to eat.

I love the mission statement on Loopy’s website: “Loopy’s core values are centered on respectful customer service and food made with heart. We embrace food from all cultures–we love to eat it, cook it, and share it because it transcends social biases.”

 

THE SPACE/SERVICE:

The restaurant is small and cozy, with a variety of table and booth sizes to suit groups of two to six people. I love the eclectic mix of classy dark furniture, modern digital menus, warm lantern-style lighting, and the big Loopy’s decal on the wall.

Service is a mix between a sit-down restaurant and cafeteria-style: you order at the counter, choose your table, and then your food will be brought out to your table on a tray. You can also purchase some bottled/canned drinks and fun Asian snacks which are on display at the counter!

 

THE FOOD:

Featured in today’s post: the beef bulgogi bibimbap (mixed rice bowl with marinated beef and veggies) and the L.A. Kalbi (Korean short ribs). Both are mouth-wateringly delicious and come in generous portion sizes. The L.A. Kalbi is my go-to these days and comes with a small salad (with a surprisingly yummy miso dressing), rice, and your choice of a side (I usually choose the fried pork dumplings).

The bibimbap is always a solid option, too, and if you’re not a beef person, you can also get it with chicken, shrimp, spicy pork, or tofu. Loopy’s makes their bibimbop with two fried eggs, which helps you maximize the mix of tastes in the bowl!

Gratuitous photos of our food, just because I can! 😉

Some of the other dishes we’ve tried and loved at Loopy’s are their kimbap (Korean style sushi) and donkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet). You can check out their full menu here. I always mean to try some new dishes, but I swear, whenever I get to the counter, that kalbi just starts calling my name… 😎

 

THE PARKING:

Loopy’s is located in the Bradlick Shopping Center in Annandale, which has a Giant, PNC Bank, Gold’s Gym, and various small restaurants/businesses. Parking is free and plentiful.

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

We obviously adore Loopy’s and hope it stays in the area for many, many years to come! If you’re looking for delicious Korean Fusion that won’t break the bank, definitely check them out! Note: they also offer takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery within a 5-mile radius.

 

 

 

Jocelyn Bravo is a Northern VA family photographer who specializes in creating joyful and luminous images for families and couples. She is based in Alexandria, VA and loves working with clients all across Virginia and the DMV.