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11 Popular Korean Barbecues in The US You Have To Try

Korean barbecue is a treat when it comes to food with rich and smoky flavors. Centered around grilled beef, pork, and chicken, it’s a dining paradise for any meat lover and ideal for family gatherings. 

korean bbq spread on table

In addition to different slice meats worth trying, such as bulgogi, Korean barbecues also come with many sides to complete your dining experience.

With the rise of Korean barbecues in America, there’s never been more great spots to choose from where to eat.

So whether you’re already a fan of Korean BBQs or wish to find out what the hype is all about, read on to discover where you can find the best Korean BBQs in the US.


1. Bori

1453 Witte Rd, Houston, TX 77080
Phone: 832-740-4350
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The state of Texas is known for delivering top-quality meat and prime ribs, and it only gets better when you add a Korean BBQ joint to the mix.

Bori is a popular Korean BBQ restaurant in Houston that combines the flavor of Western and Eastern meals.

You can cook traditional short ribs and NY meat strips and combine them with a side of Korean kimchi and gochujang. There are a lot of choices to mix and match your dining experience.

The restaurant is spacious to host group events and parties, so I love coming here with a group of friends to enjoy a delicious meal platter!


2. Meet Korean

500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-695-2621
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Renowned among food experts and Seattle residents alike, Meet Korean is the best place for Korean BBQ in Emerald City.

This eatery took over the previous Korean restaurant Trove in 2020 and has become a popular location to dine on tasty egg souffle and pork belly cuts.

The complimentary banchan is often fermented and keeps the main course seasoned with fresh ingredients. You also have the option to choose the “Pork Feast” that comes with pork jowl and two variations of pork belly.

In addition to its mouth-watering menu, Meet Korean features a cozy atmosphere ideal for enjoying food by yourself or in good company.


3. Manna Dosirak

409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-921-9456
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Many Korean BBQ restaurants can be expensive for their services, but Manna Dosirak in Washington offers top-quality food at an affordable price.

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Manna Dosirak stands out because every meal comes in a special lunch box with your assortment of meats and sides. These platters are tailor-made for customers and offer a different experience based on your preferences.

This restaurant specializes in spicy pork, hot tofu, and additional fried eggs and kimchi rice at no extra cost.

If I’m on a tight budget but want to enjoy great food nevertheless, this is my favorite dining spot in Washington.


4. Quarters Korean BBQ

3465 W 6th St #C-130, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: 213-365-8111
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In the state with the densest Korean population, it’s no surprise to find authentic barbecue spots in the area. 

Located in the Chapman Plaza is Quarters Korean BBQ, named after its signature servings of quarter-pound meat portions.

It is a world-class restaurant with a boundless menu that encourages you to mix and blend different meats and sides.

You can enjoy the largo combo platters for an affordable price, and the pork jowls come with a special gochujang marinade that balances sweet and spicy flavors.

I would also highly recommend their special Korean Nachos as a side option, as they go well with various dishes.


5. Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot

2080 South Havana Street, Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 303-632-7576
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Voted as the best Korean BBQ restaurant in Colorado, Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot pulls in a crowd in the Denver area.

Alongside the restaurant’s large portions of meats, you can also enjoy some seafood-themed platters like broiled fish and stir-fried squid. It is also worth your time to try out the house specials like their kimchi fried rice or bibimbap.

If you are not in the mood for Korean Barbeque, Seoul offers a separate dining area where you can simmer your selectable meats in a heated hot pot.

Should you find yourself in the area, take a quick detour to Havana street and check out what this establishment is all about.


6. Chicago Kalbi

3752 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: 773-604-8183
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Well known for its pizza and hotdogs, Chicago has increased its reputation with its Korean BBQ style.

Chicago Kalbi is a restaurant in the heart of a Korean town that fuses the atmosphere of a Korean and Japanese eatery. It carries an expansive menu and allows you to try mouthwatering meals from both countries.

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The short ribs are finely thin and seasoned to perfection, and if you still have room for desserts, the green ice cream can end your dinner on a high note.

You will not be disappointed with the food and customer service provided here.


7. Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ

3821 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: 213-389-8777
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Hae Jang Chon is another great Korean BBQ restaurant in the Los Angeles area.

Voted one of the top Korean restaurants by the LA Times, this place gives you a dining experience like no other.

The top-selling point for Hae Jang Chon is the all-you-eat buffet. For a reasonable cost, you and a group can gather around a table and enjoy the 30 unlimited food options available.

The Angus beef strips melt in your mouth, and the seafood platters are known to be the freshest meals in the Golden state.

Prepare yourselves for a dinner that will leave you stuffed and satisfied.


8. KPub Grill and Beer Taproom

7339 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
Phone: 503-954-1722
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Located in “Park the Carts” exists one of Portland’s finest Korean BBQ restaurants.

The KPub Grill and Beer Taproom is one of the few KBBQ places that’s vegetarian-friendly and offer substitution options.

You can customize your bibimbap bowl with fried tofu instead of traditional chicken or pork for a unique flavor.

Don’t forget to check out their beer menu as well. Over 12 different kinds of tap beer to choose from that compliments the meat.

This Korean BBQ restaurant is open all day with take-out options, so be sure to check it out!


9. SO Korean Grill

6201 N Front St Suite 120, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 267-766-6449
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In the heart of Philly, you can fill up your appetite with one of the best Korean barbecue restaurants in the city, SO Korean Grill.

The atmosphere is modern by the K-Pop music pumping beats as you enjoy the list of selected meats and sides.

The sirloin and pork bulgogi platters are a top favorite for many locals, and never forget to order the spicy squid.

The seafood pancake is also a meal worth trying with just the right amount of seasoning and onions.

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After you finish shopping around the local area, take a seat here to enjoy an enriching BBQ experience.


10. Kimchi Bistro

219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: 206-323-4472
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Another Korean BBQ spot to visit while in Seattle is Kimchi Bistro, which delivers the traditional atmosphere alongside appetizing meals.

This low-key restaurant uses cooking equipment made from stone and clay that trap the heat and keep the food warm for hours.

A meal that you must try is the Bi Bim Bop served from the clay pot. If you add a side of sticky Korean rice, you end up with a dish too satisfying to resist.

They have a great selection of bulgogi, octopus, and short ribs with delicious soju, so consider having a meal if you are in the area.


11. Baekjeong

1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-966-9839
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The final recommendation on this list goes to Baekjeong. Since starting in Los Angeles in 2021, this Korean BBQ restaurant has made a name for itself in the streets of New York.

Baekjeong translates to “butcher” and serves meats well seasoned and tenderized to perfection.

Every item on the menu, from the pork jowl to the brisket, is heaven for the taste buds.

What captives the crowd to this restaurant is the atmosphere. It is a trendy spot with outdoor dining and gets visited by celebrities from time to time.

Not only are you promised good food, but also fun times.

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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.

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