John's Snack and Deli

While the Financial District seems unlikely to be a source of good, cheap Korean food, John's Snack and Deli was absolute gustatory heaven with a surprisingly friendly price tag as well. Crammed between a parking garage and a watch repair shop, John's had a menu posted above the counter for ordinary sandwich and soup fare that no one was ordering and the more magical menu taped on the window. John was inside taking orders, and his mother and two assistants behind him hurriedly assembling tacos and burritos. There was kimbap on the counters and customers everywhere in the tiny space. They were already out of kalbi burritos at noon, so Rosie ordered a bibimbap burrito and Cheney ordered a kimchee burrito. With no space to sit inside the deli (which was more like an indoor stand), we retreated to the glamorous environs of the entrance to the Montgomery BART station. Once we unwrapped the foil and bit into the steaming and spicy burritos, the scraggly, battle-worn pigeons and grimy stone faded into the background as the crisp bean sprouts, marinated beef, grilled vegetables, and rice combined into something heavenly. Rosie is not even a fan of kimchee usually, but couldn't be happier as runny egg and delicious hot, red sauce spilled everywhere with each bite. We were pretty much silently and undignifiedly wolfing it down for fifteen or twenty minutes. Another trip is definitely warranted soon.