You’re in luck if you’re craving Korean food in the continental United States. There are tons of unique places to get the best bulgogi, vast plates of delicious barbecue, and other Korean specialties across the country.
From big cities to small towns, these are the Korean restaurants that I keep returning to. They serve authentic cuisine and have friendly service, and you certainly won’t leave hungry or dissatisfied.
Plus, at the vast majority of these fine restaurants, you’ll be able to wash down your authentic Korean food with a beer or two.
Below you’ll find my hand-selected run-down of the best Korean restaurants in the U.S. If you love Korean cuisine as much as I do, you’re bound to find something that will satisfy your appetite and possibly even become your new favorite restaurant.
Check out some of the most popular and highly rated Korean restaurants in the nation!
1. BORI
1453 Witte Rd, Houston, TX 77080, United States
Phone: 832-740-4350
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Located right next to Haden Park in Houston, Texas, BORI is a top-notch Korean barbecue restaurant that puts other Texan gems to shame.
Their meat is absolutely on point, perfectly cooked short ribs marinated in an addictive and tasty garlic sauce. Get it with a side of kimchi for the ideal meal.
In addition to its tremendously tasty cuisine, BORI also has phenomenal service and a modern but classy atmosphere, so you’ll know that you’re walking into somewhere special.
Guests also feel right at home, and the wait staff at BORI is ready and can make menu substitutions as needed.
2. Genwa Korean BBQ
5115 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Phone: 323-549-0760
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Los Angeles is a city renowned for its fantastic food, and Genwa Korean BBQ is one shining example of its culinary excellence.
You’ll find this local favorite right near John Burroughs Middle School, and once you step through the doors, you’ll probably be a loyal customer.
I love the service at Genwa Korean BBQ. They know the menu inside and out and can make good recommendations based on your dietary needs.
The grilled and barbecued meats are totally to die for. Also, try the authentic bulgogi, fishcakes, and seafood entrees if you’re looking for a special treat.
3. Jungsik
2 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Phone: 212-219-0900
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Centrally-located Jungsik is a traditional restaurant in the heart of the Big Apple.
You will feel like you’ve been transported to Seoul with beautifully-appointed decor, a terrific wait staff, and dishes designed to knock off your socks.
With two well-deserved Michelin stars and some highly inventive and delicious Korean food, Jungsik is a true winner in any book.
Try the octopus for sure. It’s my favorite dish at Jungsik, and a must-savor, even if you’re not a massive fan of seafood. It’s creamy on the inside and crispy outside for the absolute perfect bite.
This special-occasion spot is ideal for a first date or celebrating with friends.
4. Joule
3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
Phone: 206-632-5685
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A few blocks from Gas Works Park, Joule is one of Seattle’s finest eateries and definitely a place that I like to go to if I’m looking for a memorable meal at a reasonable price.
The food is accessible but traditional at the same time, with plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu to fit all palates.
The smoked tofu is one great dish out of many, but carnivores will also like the bone marrow. It’s luscious and creamy, the perfect topping for crispy bread.
Even more pedestrian-seeming fare like rice cakes are elevated to exciting new levels at Joule.
With stunning interior architecture, a great menu, and phenomenal service, Joule can’t be beat.
5. Manna Korean BBQ and Dosirak
409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
Phone: 202-921-9456
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Manna Korean BBQ and Dosirak is just a few minutes’ drive from Kingman Island in the middle of our nation’s capital.
In a city of great restaurants, it’s a true stand-out with homemade tasty bulgogi dishes at reasonable prices.
If you’re not in the mood for beef, there are some great chicken, pork, and seafood options. There’s also tofu for vegetarians.
My personal favorite at Manna Korean BBQ and Dosirak is Japchae, essentially noodles with peppers and carrots.
The Kimchi Fried Rice is excellent too and is easily enough to fill you up or share between two people as a great appetizer.
6. Her Name is Han
17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, United States
Phone: 212-779-9990
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Her Name is Han is very close to the Empire State Building, making it a convenient and excellent place for New Yorkers or tourists to get their Korean food fix in the Big apple.
This family-owned restaurant serves authentic food and delicious cocktails with a smile.
Although Her Name is Han tends to get pretty busy, especially on the weekends, you’ll feel like you’re special the minute that you visit.
The service is outstanding, and the wait staff can enthusiastically explain everything on the menu.
I love the pork belly, savory pancakes, and the array of artisan cocktails at Her Name is Han.
7. Quarters Korean BBQ
3465 W 6th St #C-130, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Phone: 213-365-8111
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If you’re looking for top-notch Korean food in Los Angeles, look no further than Quarters Korean BBQ.
Located right in the heart of Wilshire Center, this Californian classic serves massive portions of excellent Korean food. Make sure that you arrive hungry because the entrees are definitely large enough to share.
I personally love the service at this place. Quarters Korean BBQ is an excellent place to go if you’ve never had Korean BBQ because they explain everything to you right off the bat.
Make sure you get plenty of the sides, like kimchi and all the condiments. You will not regret stopping in.
8. Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant
3821 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Phone: 213-389-8777
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Close to the Wilshire Metro, Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant is another Los Angeles must-visit with exceptional Korean food.
However, be advised that this place tends to get pretty packed; if you’re visiting during the weekends or the dinner rush, you might have to wait a little while to get a seat.
Once you’ve sat down, you’ll immediately understand what all of the fuss is about.
Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant is an economical and delicious place to get your Korean food favorites like short ribs, brisket, and seafood.
I like mixing and matching a combination of proteins for the perfect, filling dinner.
9. Dak & Bop
1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone: 832-516-9316
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Across the river from Little Thicket Park in Houston, Texas, Dak & Bop is a cute place with inventive takes on Korean cuisine.
Although you’ll find plenty of traditional classics at Dak & Bop, be prepared to feast on some unconventional fare too.
The poutine with bulgogi is tasty, and the Korean curry fries with chicken and peanuts have that perfect texture.
One thing that you absolutely must try at Dak & Bop is homemade kimchi. It’s fresh, tart, and goes well mixed in with fried rice and as a side to any of Dak & Bop’s meat dishes.
This is an excellent place to go if you want Korean food with a fun spin and aren’t afraid to experiment with new foods.
10. Han Oak Restaurant
511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, United States
Phone: 971-255-0032
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A few blocks from Oregon Park in Portland, Han Oak Restaurant is one of my favorite Korean food places in the Pacific Northwest.
First, it’s got a highly inclusive menu, so just about everyone can find something that will fit their taste.
Whether you’re vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivore, you’re bound to find what you need at Han Oak Restaurant.
The food is outstanding. Try any of the soups and homemade dumplings for a special treat.
Also, Han Oak Restaurant does custom-made artisan cocktails, and their wait staff can give you pointers on how to best pair them with your meals.
It’s high-end Korean dining in a welcoming and cozy environment that will surely tick off all the boxes for you.
11. Gabose Pocha
4933 N University Dr, Lauderhill, FL 33351, United States
Phone: 954-999-0603
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Right off North University Drive, Gabose Pocha is a funky and off-beat Korean restaurant that’s one of the best Korean restaurants in the U.S.
Although it’s slightly hidden, it’s well worth looking for if you like sharing small plates of food in a family-friendly environment. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box at Gabose Pocha. It’s worth it.
My favorites include the octopus burger and ramen nachos, a Korean spin on classic Mexican food fare. The chicken wings and omelets are delicious too.
If you can’t decide what to get, just order several dishes and share them with your party.
12. KPub Grill and Beer Tap Room
7339 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Phone: 503-954-1722
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Close to the Al-Furqan Islamic Center in Portland, Oregon, KPub Grill and Beer Tap Room has an inspired menu of bulgogi, dumplings, and Korean-style pancakes.
It’s an economical option and the ideal place for grabbing a few beers and appetizers with friends.
I suggest sharing a few plates of the steamed and deep-fried dumplings. It’s fun to try them out in two distinct styles, and much of the food at KPub Grill and Beer Tap Room pairs beautifully with their artisanal ales and IPAs.
Ask the wait staff for pairing recommendations. The calamari, shrimp tempura, and bulgogi are all fabulous too.
13. Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot
2080 South Havana Street Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 303-632-7576
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Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot is right around the corner from Mountain View United Church, serving incredible Korean food in a homestyle and friendly atmosphere.
This is the spot to go if you love hot pot or good old-fashioned Korean barbecue. It tends to get busy on the weekend and during dinner and lunch rushes, so pack your patience along with your appetite.
I love the kimchi, custom ice cream, and various sushi if I’m looking to tame my sweet tooth or have some lighter fare.
The barbecue itself is excellent too. You’ll get tons of vegetables, meat, and a soft fried egg on most dishes. If you’re a vegetarian, order a tofu or strictly vegetable version instead.
14. Meet Korean BBQ
500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone: 206-695-2621
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Reasonably close to Pike Place Market, Meet Korean BBQ serves excellent kimchi and Korean barbecue classics with a smile.
They specialize in no-frills food, like perfectly cooked and grilled meats, authentic sides and sauces, and condiments that will make your meal sing.
If you want Korean barbecue without the gimmicks, this is one of the best Korean restaurants in the U.S.
Wash down your barbecue with local wines and beers, and plan to stay a little while.
I love ordering my food slowly here, pairing each course with a different spirit to taste all the various offerings properly.
15. Honeypig
9550 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123, United States
Phone: 702-979-9719
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Close to Cactus Wren Park in Las Vegas, Honeypig is one of Sin City’s top restaurants and the place to go for an excellent Korean barbecue.
When you go, you have to try the fried dumpling. Meaty, substantial, and airy at the same time, these dumplings are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Honeypig does seafood and squid right too, and their bento boxes are out of this world. The bento boxes come with salad, dumplings, and a hearty portion of rice and squid.
Sometimes I like to visit Honeypig with a friend and order two bento boxes, sharing the entrees.
16. Seorabol Restaurant
5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120, United States
Phone: 15-924-3355
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Near the Locust Street Metro in Philadelphia, Seorabol Restaurant is one of the best Korean restaurants in the U.S.
Expect impeccable service and delicious, authentic food every time you visit.
One of the key things I love about Seorabol Restaurant is that you can expect consistent quality and an inventive menu of favorites and new items.
I love their traditional rice cake soup, noodles, dumplings, and pork dishes. They do the basics well, cooking their noodles and rice properly in stoneware for authentic presentation and ideal doneness.
Visit during lunch to take advantage of Seorabol Restaurant’s ongoing lunch specials.
17. SSAL
2226 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
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Near the Lombard Street Reservoir, SSAL is an excellent Korean fusion restaurant in San Francisco. You would have to seriously try to have a bad meal here.
I love all the meat dishes but have a particular spot for the mushroom salad with acidic dressing and beef short ribs with vegetables.
If you’re craving something a little bit lighter, check out the oysters or thinly-sliced Crudo, and make sure you leave ample room for dessert.
SSAL is a trendy restaurant that tends to get busy during the dinner rush and on the weekends, but it’s well worth the wait.
Nothing from the 3rd biggest city Chicago???
Midwest needs some Korean love