Recent Posts
Culture August 15, 2018
We don't play games when it comes to Korean BBQ.
As more and more people discover the wonders of marinated ribs and brisket, Korean BBQ in LA has become a go-to eatery. Unfortunately, however, it’s also a dinner that can rack up your bill, fast.
If you’re anything like me, your taste buds have a tough time resisting anything that has to do with Korean BBQ. And I live in Koreatown, so that’s just double the trouble. Thankfully, I’ve done my homework so you don’t have to.
Here are some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Los Angeles that won’t break the bank, but are totally worth the trip (and the parking hassle).
This may not be an all you can eat Korean BBQ in LA, but Corner Grille is delicious enough that it needs to be on this list. Located in the San Fernando Valley, this small diner specializes in Asian Fusion and their Korean BBQ fries are to die for. Made up of perfectly crisp fries, grilled Korean BBQ and their own house sauce, this American spin on Korean BBQ is a must-try.
They’re well known for their burgers as well. The Kalbi burger comes with Korean BBQ beef, pickled onions, shredded cabbage, spicy mayo and special sauce and wrapped in Hawaiian buns rather than your traditional burger bun. Corner Grille was voted Yelp’s #1 of its Top 50 Burger Spots in 2017 and it’s a well-deserved title.
“To die for” might sound dramatic, but that’s definitely how you’ll feel about the owner as well. She’s always on the clock and will stop to smile and laugh with you even when the line is growing alarming. The customer service here is the perfect cherry on top for this family diner.
Prices:
In terms of cheap Korean BBQ in LA, you can’t get much better than Castle BBQ. With their cheapest AYCE menu starting at $11.99, you’ll be getting your money’s worth. The quality of their brisket for the price is shocking, and they meet all the basic requirements of what you need from an authentic Korean BBQ restaurant. It’s loud and crowded with all of the sides you can dream of. It’s a serious deal breaker if there’s no rice paper and Castle does not skimp on their portions. Gorge yourself on their macaroni salad – it’s delicious and unlimited. Seriously, if you’re not taking advantage of the side dishes, or banchan in Korean, you’re not doing Korean BBQ right.
It might not be the best, but Yelp user Salina N. comes to Castle’s defense. “Reading through a couple of these reviews and I had to stop because I’m so annoyed. This is [an] all you can eat spot for less than $12 a person. For all the people who complain about it, go pay way more expensive prices somewhere else and leave this place for people who can appreciate it for what it is! The food is good and the staff is always so nice … Stop expecting to be treated like a king when you’re paying peasant prices.”
The parking lot is small and cramped, but valet will only cost you $2 for one of the cheapest AYCE Korean BBQs in LA.
Prices: The variety and breadth of the meats increases with each menu option.
Welcome to one of the most popular, cheap-eats spots for locals! It boasts a larger selection than Castle for a price of $15.99 for dinner. They also serve one of the better-marinated bulgogi beef around this price range. Bud Namu provides unlimited rice, rice paper, salad and brisket sauce that’ll make you question what you’ve been doing with your life so far. This place is always bustling, so expect a long wait on the weekends. If you go with a group over four people, expect to be waiting hungrily for at least 45 minutes.
Yelp user Arielle S. gives a succinct review and 4 stars. “Super cheap all-you-can-eat KBBQ in LA, great for everyone including families and college students! There isn’t a huge variety of meat selection, but it gets the job done for me. I really like the brisket.”
Price:
P.S. Be warned if service is a very important factor for your dining experience, though. Servers often come off as a little rude here. It’s loud and busy, but most Korean BBQ restaurants are. Don’t be too alarmed if Yelp reviews complain about the noise levels.
This, again, is not an all you can eat restaurant, but still definitely worthy enough to be on this list.
The Bun Shop is an Asian fusion Korean BBQ that features meat served on top of Bao buns in a taco style. It’s mouthwateringly unique and their Kalbi Bun is not something you should miss while in LA. Come Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. for three buns for $10, an absolute steal.
Price:
Sanya is one of my favorite AYCE spots. Their basic menu is just under Castle’s at $14.99 and their intermediate menu is cheaper than the average $20-$22 price. What they lack in quality of meat – although not by much – they make up for in variety. You might find their brisket to be a little drier, or their pork belly sometimes comes out frozen. Still, dipped in sauce and wrapped in the obligatory rice paper, you won’t notice too much of a difference. You can’t find another Korean BBQ in LA that offers as much as Sanya does for an incredibly cheap price. If you’re looking to spice up your budget Korean BBQ experience with more than just brisket, Sanya is the place to go.
Price:
It’s also one of the few places in Koreatown that won’t be completely slammed during dinner rush hour, so you’re welcome. You’ll understand the next time you’ve been starving yourself to prepare for your all-you-can-eat meal and have a two-hour wait. Trust me.
Korean BBQ in LA is one of the greatest perks of this big melting pot of a city. It can be a little daunting looking at the steep prices of Kang Ho Dong, but we believe everyone deserves to try this incredible experience. Welcome to LA, and try not to overstuff yourself too much with these mouthwatering Korean BBQs!
