Kim's Cravings: Columbia Heights' Unassuming Korean Gem

Nora Lindqvist — Northeast Minneapolis
Former alt-weekly food writer, natural wine bar regular, knows every restaurant owner in Nordeast by first name.

Alright, let’s be real. Sometimes you just want good food without the fuss—no trendy decor, no 'elevated' small plates, no menu descriptions that require a linguistics degree. You want a place that feels like it’s genuinely cooking for you, not for Instagram. And honestly, those are the places I’m always hunting for. Especially when I’m thinking about where I’d take my mom for a comforting, delicious meal. That’s how I landed (again) at Kim's Cravings in Columbia Heights.

It’s not new. It’s not flashy. It’s exactly the kind of unpretentious gem that the algorithms usually miss, but your cousin who’s lived here for twenty years would tell you about. Tucked into a modest strip mall on Central Avenue, Kim’s Cravings is a quiet powerhouse of Korean comfort food. And in this sweltering August heat, sometimes you crave something hearty, spicy, and satisfying that takes you out of the humidity, even if just for an hour.

First Impressions: Simplicity and Warmth

Walking into Kim's Cravings, you won’t find exposed brick or filament bulbs. What you will find is a clean, bright, and incredibly welcoming space. It’s functional, with simple tables and chairs, and a small counter where you order. The decor is minimal—some Korean art, maybe a TV playing a local news channel quietly in the corner. It’s the kind of place where you feel immediately at ease, like you’re settling into a friend’s kitchen rather than a restaurant trying too hard to impress.

The air always carries the faint, delicious scent of grilling meat and simmering stews—a promise of what’s to come. The staff, often members of the family who own and operate the place, are always kind, efficient, and happy to offer a recommendation if you’re feeling indecisive. It’s that genuine, neighborly service that, for me, elevates the experience far more than any fancy plating ever could.

The Food: Honest, Hearty, and Flavorful

Now, let’s talk about the main event: the food. Kim's Cravings specializes in classic Korean dishes, done right. This isn’t fusion, and it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just really, really good, honest Korean cooking.

My Go-To Picks (and Why You Should Try Them)

• Kimchi Jjigae: This is my absolute must-have. A bubbling, spicy stew loaded with kimchi, pork, tofu, and vegetables, served in a traditional stone pot. It arrives piping hot, literally still boiling, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. The broth is deep, complex, and has just the right amount of kick. On a cooler day, it’s pure soul food. Even in August, the spice opens up your sinuses and somehow, paradoxically, makes you feel cooler.
• Bulgogi: If you’re looking for something milder but equally flavorful, their Bulgogi is fantastic. Thinly sliced marinated beef, grilled to perfection, with a lovely sweet and savory glaze. It comes with rice and is just incredibly tender. It’s the kind of dish that makes you remember why Korean BBQ is so beloved.
• Mandu (Dumplings): Whether you get them fried or steamed, the Mandu here are plump, generously filled, and satisfying. They make a great appetizer to share, or a light meal if you’re not ravenous.

Every meal comes with a selection of banchan—those delightful small side dishes that are such an integral part of Korean dining. You’ll usually find various preparations of kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, radish salad, and other rotating delights. And here’s a tip from Nora: don’t be shy about asking for refills on your favorite banchan. They’re usually happy to oblige.

Price and Value: No Shrinkflation Here

In an era where it feels like every restaurant is either jacking up prices or subtly shrinking portions (hello, shrinkflation, I see you!), Kim's Cravings offers genuinely excellent value. The portions are generous—I often have leftovers for lunch the next day. A hearty stew or a large plate of Bulgogi will typically run you in the mid-teens, which, for the quality and quantity of food, is a steal. You leave feeling fully satisfied, not like you need a second dinner.

Getting There and Parking

One of the true unsung heroes of Kim’s Cravings is the parking situation. Located in a strip mall with ample, dedicated parking right out front, you’ll never have to circle the block or worry about feeding a meter. It’s genuinely one of the easiest places to access by car, which, let’s be honest, is a huge plus in the Twin Cities. For those taking public transit, the #10 Metro Transit bus stops practically at their door, making it easily accessible from many parts of Minneapolis.

Why Kim's Cravings Earns My Stamp of Approval

Kim's Cravings isn't chasing trends or trying to be the next big thing. It's just consistently serving up delicious, authentic Korean food with a warmth that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place you discover and then keep coming back to, because you know you’ll always get a good meal, good service, and a good price. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a relaxed lunch, or, yes, a comforting meal with your mom. If you’re looking for genuine flavor without any pretense, you owe it to yourself to make the short trip to Columbia Heights and experience Kim's Cravings.

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Photo by Zhuojun Yu on Unsplash