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The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seattle

Are you looking for the best Korean BBQ food in Seattle, Washington? We’ve got you covered with a list of the top places in the area.

grill pork belly at seattle korean bbq restaurants

Visit cozy family-owned joints, trendy new diners, and upscale locations. Cook your food on a tiny Korean grill or order meals from some of Seattle’s top chefs.

There are many things to do in Seattle, from riding the elevator to the top of the Space Needle to shopping for fresh fish at Pike Place Market.

End a busy day of sightseeing with a place of spicy Korean BBQ food.

Check out my list of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Seattle below!


Joule

3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-632-5685
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Visit Joule, an upscale steakhouse and BBQ restaurant in Seattle’s Northlake district, not far from Aurora Bridge.

It’s a Korean steakhouse with fresh Asian-Northwest fusion cuisine, and the restaurant has a hip, modern atmosphere.

Award-winning Chef Rachel Yang trained in New York City and brought a unique set of talents to the west coast.

She presides over the kitchen at Joule and keeps a local touch with items like regional wine and seafood.

I like the short rib steak with grilled kimchi. It’s a Korean classic and goes well with a cauliflower gratin.

Don’t forget to try the chocolate tahini bar for dessert!


Marination

Multiple locations
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Marination has multiple locations, and it’s a BBQ restaurant with Hawaiian-Korean cuisine.

The North Admiral location is on Harbor Ave, near Hamilton Viewpoint Park, and the Denny Triangle location is on 6th Ave.

The restaurant is casual and a great place for families or big groups.

I like to order an assortment of tacos to share, like the Kalua pork, vegan tofu, and miso chicken tacos.

Visit Marination if you love slow-roasted pulled pork and kimchi rice bowls.

It has the best of both traditional Korean meals and Hawaiian island cuisine, from Spam sliders to miso ginger chicken bowls with kimchi.


Revel

401 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-547-2040
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Head to Revel in the Freemont district for classic Korean BBQ comfort food made with French technique.

Chef Rachel Yang curates a menu of heavy, slow-cooked Korean meals, and you’ll feel welcome in the warm and inviting space.

The atmosphere at Revel is chic and upscale with modern-industrial decor. It also has a full bar, where you can enjoy house cocktails, Japanese whiskey, and Canadian rye.

Try the oyster mushroom poke with shiitake vinaigrette and fresh kale, or my favorite dish, the short rib rice bowl.

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Revel hosts frequent events and festivals, so check the schedule and stay updated on what’s going on.


Korean Tofu House

4142 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-632-3119

Korean Tofu House is a casual spot in the University District.

It’s quick, affordable, and an easy way to satisfy your cravings for Korean BBQ. The restaurant has a relaxed, college-town vibe and serves large portions.

The fragrant kimchi stew with pork, onions, and rice is perfect for a cold Seattle day.

Check out the spicy BBQ pork with squid, green onions, rice, and your choice of side dishes.

I like the BBQ beef short ribs, which the chefs marinate slowly in a spicy Korean sauce. Order the pork belly stir fry if you can’t decide between a rice dish and a BBQ plate.

It has fermented kimchi, crunchy onions, and steaming fresh rice.


Paju

11 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-829-8215
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Paju is a traditional Korean restaurant with a modern twist.

It’s in a snug, cozy space that’s great for couples and small groups, and everybody will love the Korean BBQ on the menu.

The space is in Uptown, just a few streets over from the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Spend a day touring the streets of Seattle and end at this relaxed eatery.

I like Paju’s fried rice with homemade kimchi and crispy fried bacon.

The dish has an exotic topping of smoked quail eggs and squid ink. Try the endive salad if you want a lighter meal.


BOPBOX

5633 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206-257-4787
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Visit this eclectic eatery in Georgetown for a fun, funky Korean BBQ experience.

It’s on Airport Way and S Carstens Place, near the local playfield and spray park.

The space is rustic with a casual vibe, and it has a local feel to it. You have to visit this family-owned restaurant and experience the authentic dishes for yourself.

Guests with dietary restrictions will love the menu choices.

The chefs are committed to accommodating vegans, vegetarians, and gluten intolerant eaters at the restaurant.

You can try everything from spicy tofu rice with veggies to roasted pork belly with low-carb cauliflower rice.


Chi Mac –  Seattle

4525 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-888-8947
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Chi Mac is all about real food, local meat, and supporting the communities in Seattle. It’s a casual restaurant with Korean-American cuisine, fried chicken, and plenty of beer.

The spot is open late, so it’s a great option if you need a late-night snack. Try the Korean wings with signature sauce.

They have a spicy gochujang base, and the chefs fry them to perfection.

I like the spicy chicken sandwich with house sriracha mayo, coleslaw, and a hearty serving of melted cheese.

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The chicken rice bowl is also a great menu option. It has crunchy popcorn chicken, Korean sauce, and cheese.


Hanok

4021 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-402-3847
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Hanok is a cozy Korean restaurant in Madison Park. It has a homey atmosphere, Korean comfort food, and hearty portions.

Husband and wife duo Han and Jade run the restaurant, and they bring an authentic Korean touch to the space.

I recommend you book a reservation ahead of time, as this place tends to get busy.

You’ll love the Korean BBQ choices, like the pan-grilled tofu with sweet and spicy garlic sauce. Also, try the stir-fry veggies with house sauce and a side of glass noodles or tofu salad.

Indulge in a Hotteok hot cake for a traditional Korean dessert.


Kimchi Bistro

219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: 206-323-4472
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Head to Capitol Hill and visit Kimchi Bistro, a no-frills restaurant with simple traditional Korean meals.

It’s right next to the Broadway E & E Thomas St bus stop and is easily accessible from the Pike-Pine district.

Try BBQ plates like the extra spicy hot tofu soup with BBQ pork. I like the kimchi pot stew with sliced tofu and meat, but the deep-fried prawn tempura is also fantastic.

Don’s miss the Japchae, a potato noodle plate with stir-fried beef and assorted vegetables.

I also enjoy the beef rib eye with garlic soy sauce and pan-fried kimchi pancakes on the side.


Kong Tofu House

George F. Russell Jr. Hall, 1414 NE 42nd St STE 103A, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-545-6783
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Head down to the University District and grab a bite to eat at Kong Tofu House.

It’s right across from Parrington Lawn, and you can see beautiful views of the park while you eat.

Kong Tofu House is a casual place that welcomes families, and the cuisine is traditional Korean.

It’s the perfect place to go if you’re touring the University of Washington on your trip.

I like to order a combo platter with ham, sausage, cheese, and a side of tofu and reddish pickles. The traditional Galbi BBQ short rib is a great choice, especially with extra hot stone rice.


Korean Bamboo

2236 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-443-9898

Korean Bamboo is a cozy and casual joint in Belltown.

It’s near the Regrade dog park, on Bell St and 3rd Ave. Enjoy a relaxed, informal dining experience at this low-key spot.

Order a combo deal and enjoy the best value for your price.

Combo plates like the spicy BBQ pork with silky tofu soup or the chicken Bulgogi will leave you plenty of leftovers to take home.

Share a stone pot Bibimbap with a friend, or get a lighter veggie tofu soup.

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Don’t leave without trying the BBQ short ribs. Add a side of beef rice cakes for extra spice.


Yetgol Old Village Korean Restaurant

15200 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-365-6679
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At Old Village Korean Restaurant, you can grill the BBQ yourself.

Every table comes with a personal charcoal grill, and you and your friends can cook everything from veggies to spicy pork.

The restaurant is just off Aurora Ave N in the Evergreen neighborhood.

It’s casual, cozy, and great for families with kids or people looking for an interactive eating experience.

Try the sampler noodle dish with spicy BBQ sauce, the Korean fried chicken wings, and the BBQ bento box.

My favorite thing to grill is the thinly sliced pork belly strips, but the fresh rib eye is also excellent.


ONE POT 小火慢炖

506 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: 206-485-7440

Go to ONE POT for traditional Korean fare with modern flavors.

It’s a cozy restaurant in a simple location, and it serves Korean comfort food and stew pot cuisine.

Enjoy a hearty soup on a rainy evening in Seattle, or stop by in the afternoon for a light juice drink or beer.

ONE POT is near the Atlantic district and is a convenient choice if you’re staying in the southern part of Seattle.

Try a fan-favorite dish like the orange chicken, Bibimbap, or beef.

Each person gets a small cooking pot, and you get to craft your stew out of traditional ingredients.


Palmi Korean BBQ

4538 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-633-9993
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Palmi Korean BBQ is just northwest of the University of Washington.

It’s a casual, no-frills joint with table grills and BBQ cuisine. Make sure to grab a table early in the evening because the restaurant can fill up quickly.

The Korean table grills make your dining experience fun and memorable.

Take your family or a group of friends and have a good time grilling different meats, vegetables, and Korean specialties.

I like to grill the pork belly, boneless short rib, and prime rib eye.

The kimchi fried rice is my favorite side, but the seafood tofu stew is also excellent.


Watson’s Counter

6201 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-420-1688
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Head to the Ballard neighborhood and visit Watson’s Counter, a laid-back joint with Korean BBQ dishes, noodles, and coffee.

It’s perfect for quick takeout or casual dining.

Visit for brunch and try fusion food like eggs benedict with pork belly. Don’t forget the BBQ, the best part of Watson’s Counter.

I like the KBBQ pork plate with marinated pork belly from Carlton Farms. The dish comes with kimchi, ssamjang, and freshly steamed rice.

Try cold soba noodles with house dashi, vegetarian carrot salad with seasonal produce, or honey butter chicken, and add a side of house kimchi with green apple.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.