2 Best Korean BBQ Spots in LA: Low Key vs. High End
If I was forced to choose a final meal, the last one before I go, it is Korean BBQ. There is no more satisfying meal than being in a bustling Kbbq spot with the grills blazing, and the distinct aroma of Bulgogi cooking just right. The meat and the unique format of cooking for yourself at the table are why most people love these wonderful restaurants, but for me the absolute best part of this meal is the, Banchan. The small little dishes that oftentimes surround the grill. Most of these items are fermented or pickled, lots of veggies presented in unique ways, and big flavors that open up a whole new world when you take a bite for the first time. They are my absolute favorite.
Road to Seoul
If you are only in Los Angeles for a limited amount of time, this is one of those restaurant experiences I would hang my culinary hat on. I am so confident that you will like it, I don’t even need to present a fancy, high end, chef driven masterpiece (which LA does so well). Instead, I present to you a family owned, low key spot in an unassuming part of Koreatown who is cranking out the danks with the best service you’ll find anywhere!!
Many people think of Korean BBQ in Los Angeles as Parks BBQ or Soowon Galbi, or one of the many other spots on Vermont or 6th valeting Ferraris and Lambos, but really all you need to do is head a few blocks south. There you will find one of my absolute favorite restaurants of all time; Road to Seoul.
Order: Bulgogi, Road to Seoul marinated Pork Belly, Seasoned Beef Rib Meat, and a Pancake. Be sure to grab a bottle of Soju and a Beer to sip on, and let the fire and smells blaaaze! As for Banchan, my personal favs are the Bean Sprouts (Top left picture), Seaweed and Cucumber salad, pickled Daikon radish and of course their house Kimchi.
Depending on your appetite, you may run through the above order 2 or even 3 times, and no one would judge you. The quality of the meat here is second to none, and the price is unmatched. Depending on Lunch vs Dinner and day of the week you will spend anywhere from $17.99 - $26.99 for all you can eat, and let me tell you, this is a STEAL. Most high end Kbbq spots in the area cost $50+ for a single meat. They justify this by the high quality wagyu or unique products they use, and yes that is fun as a one off meal, but for consistently delicious affordable food, Road to Seoul is it.
As a quick disclaimer, I would typically run in the opposite direction of a restaurant touting “all you can eat”, but if you are not familiar, this is very typical of Korean BBQ places around the country. This is not the ‘farmers country kitchen’ or one of those suburban buffet all you can eat nightmares. Instead, this is a blessing from above, a shining light in a dark room of “all you can eats”, it’s a dream that you can enjoy some of the most quality and delicious food at a fixed rate; show me the gogi baby!!!
Now that I have gushed about the food, it is time to focus in on the aspect of this spot that really makes it stand out among great restaurants. The service is fantastic. The handful of girls and guys that work there are so on top of their game, they should be working at The French Laundry. Before you know you need something, they are already bringing it to you. They are quick, efficient, and super friendly; an absolute dynamite staff. I don’t know what else you need to hear to convince you, but trust me this is a meal you will not forget!
Genwa
Now, I mentioned Parks, and Soowan and yes there are a handful of others on the high end, high quality list of K barbs in LA, but Genwa happens to be my personal favorite. I could be bias, as there was one on the ground floor of the building I lived in, in downtown. All bias aside though, Genwa is putting out a really special array of Banchan, and spectacular meats. The truly wide variety of Banchan and the sheer number of them surrounding our table, upwards of 20 compared to the typical 10 or so! If you are not at all adventurous, then this is not for you. But if you are willing to take some subtle risks you will be rewarded with flavor explosions at every turn as you stuff your face with these little magical delights! This is the type of food culture we should all be craving, centuries old, and centuries mastered; doesn’t get tastier than this my friends.
Word to the wise, it is very easy to fill yourself up on banchan before the meats have even arrived, focus on self control so you don’t spoil your meal ;) Or just say screw it, and dive into this unique world of fermented and pickled ingredients! Last but not least, the meats here a divine. All in all, an experience worth the hassle of parking ;)