Sunshine Care

Pros

• The restaurant's vibe, service, and food are consistently praised as excellent.
• The portions are huge and the dishes are delicious.
• The staff are warm, friendly, and attentive, making guests feel welcome like family.
• The owner provides great recommendations and helps customize dishes.
• The restaurant is considered the most authentic Korean food in San Antonio.
• Welcoming touches like Yakult after meals add to the positive experience.
• The atmosphere is cozy and lively, with friendly staff and great service.
• It is regarded as one of the best Korean restaurants in town.
• Reviewers highlight fast service and generous portions.
• The overall experience is described as reliable, with fresh, well-seasoned food.

Cons

• One reviewer described a blond-haired staff member as very rude and continually ignoring customers.
• Another reviewer said the billing staff were rude and insisted on not letting them split the bill, with a nastier attitude.
• A reviewer stated they received the wrong order and were told it had already been made.
• A reviewer noted that when dishes were wrong, they could not be changed.
• A longtime customer observed portions kept getting smaller and the military discount was removed.
• A reviewer felt unwelcome on their last two visits, with service that rushed them and dishes forgotten.
• A reviewer complained that the side dishes called banchan were no longer included.

Review

Koreana in San Antonio is repeatedly praised as a go-to destination for authentic Korean cooking, delivering a dining experience that many describe as warm, welcoming, and truly comforting. Reviewers highlight a "hole-in-the-wall" vibe that somehow feels cozy and intimate, with the kind of atmosphere where you instantly feel cared for. The space is often described as bustling but friendly, with a vibe that makes guests feel part of a family, and some comments even note that the staff makes you feel like you're visiting relatives. The overall impression across many visits is that the restaurant nails both the food and the mood, offering a consistent sense of hospitality even when the dining room gets busier at peak times.

A standout pattern in the praise is the food itself. Diners consistently call the dishes "delicious," "well-seasoned," and generously portioned. Bulgogi and godeungeo gui (grilled mackerel) are singled out as memorable favorites, alongside generous bowls of jjambbong and a host of comforting staples like kimchi, egg rolls, clear noodles, and dumpling soup. Several reviewers mention that the portions are large enough for sharing and that the meals deliver great value for the quantity and quality, with many noting that leftovers are common in a good way. The kimchi and various banchan sides are frequently complimented for staying crisp and flavorful, complementing the main dishes beautifully. The kitchen's ability to balance bold flavors with texture and variety - like the mix of spicy, savory, and umami notes - receives particular emphasis, making it easy to understand why guests return.

The staff and service play a pivotal role in the restaurant's appeal. A large number of reviews celebrate warm, attentive service - staff described as friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. Some guests recall exceptional moments where the owner and staff went above and beyond, helping with takeout boxes, assisting with cutting fish, suggesting kid-friendly options, or bringing extra side dishes and even yogurt drinks at the end of the meal. There are accounts of staff recommendations for families with young children, including ideas for toddler-friendly dishes, and moments when guests felt the service reflected a sincere care for the dining experience. In addition, the atmosphere - sometimes punctuated by K-pop music and a lively, welcoming crowd - enhances the sense of a friendly neighborhood spot that guests want to revisit.

However, the experience is not without its disagreements. A handful of reviews recount difficult moments with staff, including an encounter with a blond-haired employee who was described as rude and unresponsive, and an overall sense that some visits left guests feeling unwelcome or hurried. There are specific complaints about incorrect orders, a reluctance to modify dishes, and friction around paying - one guest reported a rude reaction when attempting to split the bill three ways, with staff saying, "you should have told me earlier," despite the staff not asking how they preferred to pay. Another guest felt pressured or rushed during a Sunday dinner, describing a fast service that left them unsettled about the pacing of their meal. These experiences stand in stark contrast to many others who praised the same staff for friendliness and attentiveness, underscoring that, as with many popular spots, individual interactions can significantly color the overall impression.

Over time, some longtime patrons have noticed changes that have affected their perception of Koreana. A recurring thread mentions portions that have begun to shrink, as well as the disappearance of military discounts and other perks that had previously attracted regulars. A few guests describe their shift from ardent fans to more reserved observers, noting a sense that the place has changed from the "favorite" that it once was. Yet even among these observations of change, many still acknowledge the restaurant's core strengths - the authentic flavors, the generous sharing plates, and the vivid, family-friendly energy - that drew them in originally and continue to draw new guests.

All told, Koreana remains a standout for many who crave authentic Korean cuisine in San Antonio. The restaurant earns high marks for taste, portion size, and the welcoming feel of the dining room, with many praising the owner's hand in guiding dishes and the staff's willingness to go the extra mile for families and dedicated diners. While a minority of reviews highlight negative interactions or moments of miscommunication, the prevailing sentiment is one of appreciation and strong recommendation: a place where you can expect delicious, well-prepared food, friendly service, and a lively, comfortable atmosphere that encourages you to return again and again. For those seeking a flavorful foray into classic Korean fare - bulgogi, jjambbong, kimchi-heavy dishes, and robust banchan sides - this spot remains a reliable and beloved option in the Texas dining scene.

This part of San Antonio, Texas, offers a convenient location with easy access to essential services such as pharmacies, restaurants, physicians, hospitals, cafes, transportation options, parks, places of worship, and even a theater for entertainment. With multiple pharmacies and medical facilities nearby, residents can easily access healthcare services. There are also various dining options ranging from fast-food chains to local cafes for a variety of culinary choices. The proximity to the airport and transportation centers makes traveling convenient for seniors who may wish to visit family or explore new destinations. Additionally, the presence of parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and accessible living environment.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Worldwide Clinical Trials (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.7 miles)
• Las Palapas - Austin Hwy (1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Torchy’S Tacos (2.6 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.6 miles)
• Church's Chicken (2.6 miles)
• Soluna (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• MedFirst Primary Care (1.8 miles)
• Drs Bloom & Lynch/Vision Source (2.1 miles)
• Northeast Pediatric Associates (2.2 miles)
• Garcia, Alexandra Magenta Health Rittiman Practice (2.2 miles)
• Heritage Pediatrics (2.6 miles)
• Summit Children's Clinic (4.6 miles)
• Kind Clinic (4.7 miles)

Hospitals

• US Army (2 miles)
• San Antonio Military Medical Center-SAMMC (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Habibi Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Theory Coffee Company (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• La Media Luna Cafe (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Terminal A (3.7 miles)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT) (3.8 miles)
• Terminal 1 Arrivals (3.8 miles)
• Rental Car Center (3.8 miles)
• American Airlines (3.9 miles)
• Skyplace Center (4.1 miles)
• Southwest Airlines Cargo (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Lou Karden Memorial Park (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Second Baptist Church (4.7 miles)
• Temple Beth-El (4.9 miles)
• St Ann's Catholic Church (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Park North (5 miles)