How to Find Korean BBQ in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant food scene, diverse cultural influences, and thriving immigrant communities. Among its culinary gems, Korean BBQ stands out as a beloved dining experience that combines sizzling meats, bold flavors, and communal dining traditions. Whether you're a local resident, a visitor exploring Southern California, or a food enthusiast seeking authentic Korean cuisine, knowing how to find the best Korean BBQ in Long Beach can elevate your dining experience from ordinary to unforgettable.

Unlike generic “Korean restaurants,” true Korean BBQ establishments offer more than just bibimbap or kimchi. They provide an interactive, often tableside grilling experience where diners cook thin-sliced marinated meats—like bulgogi, galbi, and samgyeopsal—over open flames, paired with an array of banchan (side dishes), fresh lettuce wraps, and signature sauces. The challenge lies in distinguishing authentic, high-quality Korean BBQ spots from those that merely use the term as a marketing label.

This guide is designed to help you navigate Long Beach’s Korean BBQ landscape with confidence. You’ll learn how to identify genuine establishments, understand what to look for in ingredients and service, leverage local knowledge, and avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll not only know where to find the best Korean BBQ in Long Beach—you’ll know why it’s worth seeking out.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Authentic Korean BBQ Looks Like

Before you start searching, it’s essential to recognize the hallmarks of authentic Korean BBQ. Many restaurants label themselves as “Korean BBQ” but serve pre-cooked meats or lack the traditional setup. True Korean BBQ restaurants feature:

• Tabletop charcoal or gas grills built into the dining table
• Raw, thinly sliced meats delivered to your table for self-cooking
• A wide selection of banchan (at least 5–8 varieties, including kimchi, pickled radish, spinach, and bean sprouts)
• Housemade sauces such as ssamjang (fermented soybean paste with chili) and gochujang-based dips
• Minimal English on the menu, or a separate Korean-language menu
• Customers who are predominantly Korean or familiar with the dining style

If a restaurant offers Korean BBQ as a side option on a larger Asian fusion menu, or if the meat arrives fully cooked, it’s likely not authentic. Focus on places where the entire experience revolves around the grill.

Step 2: Use Localized Search Terms

When using Google or other search engines, avoid generic terms like “Korean food near me.” Instead, use precise, high-intent keywords that reflect what locals and enthusiasts use:

• “Best Korean BBQ Long Beach”
• “Authentic Korean BBQ near Long Beach Harbor”
• “Korean BBQ with table grill Long Beach”
• “Korean restaurant in Lakewood or 7th Street Long Beach”

These phrases help filter out generic Asian restaurants and surface establishments that specialize in Korean BBQ. Pay attention to results that include detailed reviews mentioning “tableside grill,” “banchan variety,” or “marinated galbi.”

Step 3: Explore Korean-Dominated Neighborhoods

Long Beach’s Korean community is concentrated in specific corridors. The most reliable areas to find authentic Korean BBQ are:

• 7th Street Corridor – Between Atlantic Avenue and Palo Verde Avenue, this stretch is home to a dense cluster of Korean-owned businesses, including grocery stores, bakeries, and BBQ restaurants.
• Lakewood Boulevard – Especially near the intersection with Carson Street, this area has several long-standing Korean BBQ spots that have served the community for decades.
• East Long Beach – Near the border of Signal Hill, this area has seen a rise in newer, family-run Korean BBQ joints that prioritize traditional recipes.

Visit during lunch or early dinner hours. If you see a line forming outside a restaurant, especially with Korean-speaking patrons, it’s a strong indicator of quality. Locals don’t wait for mediocre food.

Step 4: Check Online Reviews with a Critical Eye

Platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are valuable, but not all reviews are created equal. Look for patterns:

• Read reviews from users who mention specific dishes: “Bulgogi was perfectly marinated,” “Ssamjang had the right fermented depth,” or “They brought us fresh perilla leaves.”
• Ignore reviews that say “good food” without detail. Authentic reviewers describe textures, sauce balance, and side dish variety.
• Pay attention to photos uploaded by users. Real Korean BBQ photos show raw meat on the grill, steaming banchan bowls, and communal tables—not plated, pre-cooked dishes.
• Be wary of businesses with only 5-star reviews and no negative feedback. Authentic places often have a few 3- or 4-star reviews mentioning long waits or small portions—these are often honest.

Search for reviews that include the word “Korean” in the reviewer’s profile or location. These are more likely to be from people familiar with the cuisine.

Step 5: Visit Korean Grocery Stores for Recommendations

Korean grocery stores are goldmines for finding authentic dining spots. Stores like H Mart, Lotte Market, or smaller local markets like Korea Town Market (on 7th Street) often have bulletin boards with handwritten recommendations or staff who can point you to the best BBQ joints.

Ask questions like:

• “Where do you go for galbi on the weekend?”
• “Which place has the best samgyeopsal with fresh garlic?”
• “Is there a place that makes their own kimchi?”

Staff at these stores often eat at the same restaurants they recommend. Their answers are unfiltered and reliable. Some stores even partner with nearby restaurants—look for flyers or coupons posted near the entrance.

Step 6: Look for Korean-Language Menus

Many authentic Korean BBQ spots in Long Beach still use Korean-language menus, especially for their most popular items. If the menu is only in English, it may be a sign the restaurant caters to tourists rather than the local Korean community.

Use Google Translate or a Korean phrasebook app to scan the menu. Look for:

• Bulgogi (불고기) – Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy, sugar, pear, and garlic
• Galbi (갈비) – Beef short ribs, either LA-style (thinly sliced) or traditional (bone-in)
• Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) – Pork belly, grilled without marinade, often eaten with garlic and ssamjang
• Dwaeji Bulgogi (돼지불고기) – Spicy marinated pork
• Sogogi Jjim (소고기찜) – Braised beef, often served as a side

If the menu lists these items with detailed descriptions or includes Korean characters, it’s a strong signal of authenticity. Some places even have QR codes linking to Korean menus—scan them to see if the content matches the English version.

Step 7: Observe the Dining Atmosphere

Authentic Korean BBQ restaurants have a distinct ambiance:

• Tables are close together, encouraging communal dining
• There’s often a strong, smoky aroma from the grills, even before you sit down
• Staff may not speak fluent English but are attentive and knowledgeable about the food
• Music is often K-pop or traditional Korean ballads, not generic “Asian fusion” playlists
• There’s a sense of hustle and energy—people are laughing, grilling, and sharing food

Don’t be discouraged if the decor is simple or the lighting is dim. Authenticity rarely comes with polished interiors. What matters is the food and the experience.

Step 8: Ask About the Meat Source and Marinades

Quality Korean BBQ hinges on the meat. Ask questions like:

• “Is the beef imported from Korea or locally sourced?”
• “Do you make your own marinade, or do you use a premade mix?”
• “What kind of garlic do you use? Fresh or powdered?”

Top establishments use high-grade, well-marbled beef and make their marinades from scratch using fresh garlic, ginger, pear juice (for tenderizing), soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes Korean pear or apple. If the staff hesitates or gives a vague answer, it may indicate they’re using pre-packaged seasoning.

Also, inquire about the type of charcoal or grill. Traditional Korean BBQ uses binchotan (Japanese white charcoal) or natural gas with a low, steady flame. Avoid places that use high-heat electric grills—they can burn the meat and destroy the flavor.

Step 9: Try the Banchan First

Before ordering your main dish, observe the banchan that come with your meal. Authentic Korean BBQ restaurants serve a wide variety—often 8 to 12 different side dishes—prepared daily. Look for:

• Kimchi – Should be tangy, slightly fizzy, and crunchy, not mushy or overly salty
• Kongnamul Muchim – Seasoned soybean sprouts with sesame
• Gyeranjjim – Steamed egg custard
• Oi Muchim – Spicy cucumber salad
• Kimchi Jeon – Kimchi pancake (sometimes offered as an appetizer)

If you’re served only two or three side dishes, or if they taste bland or reheated, the restaurant may be cutting corners. Authentic places treat banchan as an essential part of the meal—not an afterthought.

Step 10: Visit During Peak Hours

Timing matters. The best Korean BBQ spots in Long Beach are busiest between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekends, and 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on weekdays. This isn’t just about crowds—it’s about freshness.

Restaurants that are busy during these hours typically prepare ingredients daily and rotate stock frequently. If a place is empty at dinner time, ask yourself why. Is it because it’s hidden? Or because the food isn’t worth the wait?

Arriving during peak hours also increases your chances of getting a table near the grill, where the heat and smoke are most active—this is where the meat is cooked best.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Experience Over Convenience

Don’t choose a Korean BBQ restaurant just because it’s close to your hotel or has free parking. The best spots often require a short drive or walk. Authenticity comes from dedication—not proximity.

If you’re willing to drive 10–15 minutes outside your immediate area, you’ll discover hidden gems that locals swear by. For example, a restaurant on 7th Street near Long Beach City College may be less visible than one on the main boulevard, but it often serves superior food.

Practice 2: Order Multiple Meat Types

Never order just one type of meat. Korean BBQ is meant to be shared and compared. Order at least two varieties: one marinated (like bulgogi) and one unmarinated (like samgyeopsal). This lets you taste the contrast between the sweet-savory marinade and the pure, fatty richness of the pork.

Also, try a combination plate if available. Many restaurants offer “BBQ Sampler” platters that include beef, pork, chicken, and sometimes even seafood like squid or shrimp.

Practice 3: Learn the Proper Way to Eat

Understanding how to eat Korean BBQ enhances the experience:

• Wrap the grilled meat in a lettuce leaf (ssam) with a dab of ssamjang, garlic, and sometimes a piece of kimchi
• Don’t overcook the meat—it should be slightly charred on the edges but still juicy inside
• Use the provided metal chopsticks and scissors to cut the meat while it’s on the grill
• Drink soju or Korean barley tea to balance the richness

Watching locals eat is the best teacher. Don’t be afraid to ask for a quick demonstration. Most servers are happy to show you the proper technique.

Practice 4: Bring a Group

Korean BBQ is designed for groups of 3–6 people. The portions are generous, and the experience is communal. Going alone or with one other person may mean you’re forced to order too much—or too little.

Sharing also lets you sample more dishes. If you’re with a group, assign each person to order one meat type and one side. This ensures variety and prevents waste.

Practice 5: Avoid Tourist Traps

Some restaurants near the Long Beach Pier or the Aquarium of the Pacific advertise “Korean BBQ” to attract visitors. These are often Americanized versions with teriyaki-style sauces, fried rice instead of banchan, and pre-cooked meats.

Signs of a tourist trap:

• Menu includes “Korean-style pizza” or “Korean tacos”
• Photos on the menu show sushi or pad Thai
• Staff speak only English and seem unfamiliar with the dishes
• Prices are unusually low for the portion size

Stick to areas where Korean families live and shop. That’s where the real food is.

Practice 6: Respect the Culture

Korean BBQ is more than a meal—it’s a cultural ritual. Be mindful of etiquette:

• Don’t start eating before everyone is served
• Don’t pour your own drink—offer to pour for others, and accept when they pour for you
• Use both hands when receiving or giving something, especially food or utensils
• Don’t leave food on your plate—finishing everything shows appreciation

These small gestures go a long way in building rapport with staff and fellow diners.

Practice 7: Save Room for Dessert

Many authentic Korean BBQ spots offer traditional desserts like:

• Hotteok – Sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, and nuts
• Patbingsu – Shaved ice with sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk
• Yakgwa – Honey cookies fried in sesame oil

These desserts are rarely advertised on English menus. Ask for them by name or inquire if they have “Korean sweets.”

Tools and Resources

Resource 1: Google Maps with Filtered Search

Use Google Maps to search “Korean BBQ Long Beach” and apply filters:

• Sort by “Highest Rated”
• Filter for “Open Now” during your planned visit
• Check the “Photos” section for user-uploaded images of the grill and banchan
• Look for businesses with “Korean” listed under “Cuisines”

Also, zoom out to see surrounding businesses. If a Korean BBQ spot is near a Korean bakery, pharmacy, or language school, it’s more likely to be authentic.

Resource 2: Korean Food Blogs and YouTube Channels

Search for blogs and YouTube channels focused on Korean cuisine in Southern California:

• Koreaboo Food – Covers hidden gems in LA and Long Beach
• Foodie in Korea – Explores diaspora restaurants abroad
• YouTube: “Korean BBQ Long Beach” – Look for videos with real-time grilling footage

These creators often visit places before they become popular. Their reviews are detailed and unfiltered.

Resource 3: Korean Community Facebook Groups

Join local Korean community groups on Facebook:

• “Koreans in Long Beach”
• “LA Korean Food Lovers”
• “Korean Moms of Southern California”

Post a question like: “Where’s the best place in Long Beach for samgyeopsal with homemade kimchi?” You’ll get multiple real-time recommendations, often with photos and directions.

Resource 4: Korean Radio and Podcasts

Listen to Korean-language radio stations like KAZN 1300 AM or podcasts like “Korean Food Diaries.” Hosts often feature interviews with restaurant owners in Southern California and recommend spots in Long Beach.

Resource 5: Korean-Language Apps

Download apps like:

• Yogiyo – Korean food delivery app with restaurant reviews
• Naver Map – Korean Google Maps equivalent with detailed user reviews
• KakaoTalk – Used by Korean communities to share restaurant tips

Even if you don’t speak Korean, you can use the photo-based search function to identify menu items and locations.

Resource 6: Local Korean Festivals

Attend events like the Long Beach Korean Festival (usually held in spring) or the Korean Cultural Fair at the Long Beach Convention Center. These events feature food vendors from top Korean BBQ restaurants in the area, giving you a chance to sample multiple spots in one day.

Talk to vendors, ask for business cards, and note which ones are local favorites.

Real Examples

Example 1: Seoul Garden – 7th Street

Located at 2445 E 7th St, Seoul Garden has been operating since 1998. It’s a family-run spot with no English menu. The walls are lined with Korean pop star posters, and the air smells of grilling pork belly.

What makes it special:

• Uses beef imported from Korea for bulgogi
• Prepares 15 types of banchan daily
• Offers a “BBQ Combo” with beef, pork, chicken, and squid
• Customers often bring their own soju

Review highlight: “I’ve eaten Korean BBQ in Seoul and here. This is the closest I’ve found in the US. The garlic was fresh, the sauce was layered, and the kimchi had the right bite.”

Example 2: Gwangjang BBQ – Lakewood Blvd

At 11500 Lakewood Blvd, Gwangjang BBQ is known for its traditional charcoal grills and housemade gochujang. The owner is from Jeonju, South Korea, and insists on using only Korean soy sauce and garlic.

Standout features:

• Galbi marinated for 48 hours
• Free hot rice served with every meal
• Offered a complimentary dessert of patbingsu after our meal
• Only accepts cash

Review highlight: “No frills, no English menu, just pure Korean flavor. The pork belly was so fatty it melted. I went back three times in two weeks.”

Example 3: Kim’s BBQ House – East Long Beach

A newer addition at 6210 E 2nd St, Kim’s BBQ House opened in 2021 and quickly gained a following among Korean students from CSULB.

Why it stands out:

• Uses organic, grass-fed beef
• Offers vegan banchan options
• Has a “build-your-own ssam” station
• Open until midnight on weekends

Review highlight: “I’ve never had Korean BBQ with so much attention to sustainability. The kimchi was fermented in-house, and the staff explained every dish. I felt like I was eating in my grandmother’s kitchen.”

Example 4: The Hidden Gem – Family Kitchen on Carson

Not listed on Google Maps, this spot is known only by word of mouth. Located in a small strip mall at 10325 Carson St, it’s run by a Korean couple who moved from Busan in 1985.

How to find it:

• Look for a small red sign with Korean lettering
• It’s next to a laundromat and a Korean pharmacy
• Call ahead: (562) 428-8991

What to order:

• Samgyeopsal with garlic and perilla leaves
• Beef tendon stew (gopchang jjigae)
• Homemade rice cake (tteokbokki)

Review highlight: “I drove 45 minutes for this. Worth every mile. The owner came out to ask if I liked it. I cried. It tasted like home.”

FAQs

Is Korean BBQ in Long Beach expensive?

Prices vary. A typical meal for two with two meats and banchan ranges from $40 to $70. Premium spots with imported beef may cost more, but many offer excellent value. The experience—interactive, communal, and rich in flavor—is worth the price.

Do I need to make a reservation?

It’s recommended on weekends, especially at popular spots like Seoul Garden or Gwangjang BBQ. Weekday lunches are usually walk-in friendly. Call ahead if you’re coming with a group of four or more.

Are there vegetarian Korean BBQ options?

Traditional Korean BBQ is meat-focused, but many restaurants now offer grilled tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Ask for “saengchae gui” (grilled vegetables) or “tofu bulgogi.” Some places also offer vegan banchan.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Some family-run spots allow it, especially if you bring soju or makgeolli. Others have liquor licenses. Always ask politely before bringing your own.

Is Korean BBQ spicy?

It can be, depending on the marinade. Bulgogi is mild and sweet; dwaeji bulgogi is spicy. Ask for “mild” or “spicy” when ordering. The banchan like kimchi and gochujang can add heat, so start small.

How do I know if the meat is fresh?

Authentic spots display raw meat in refrigerated cases near the kitchen. The color should be bright red (beef) or pinkish-white (pork), not dull or gray. The smell should be clean, not sour or gamey.

Are kids welcome at Korean BBQ restaurants?

Yes. Korean families often dine together. Many restaurants provide high chairs and kid-friendly portions. Just be prepared for a smoky environment.

Can I order takeout?

Most Korean BBQ spots are dine-in only because the experience relies on grilling at the table. Some offer takeout of banchan or pre-marinated meats for home grilling. Ask if they sell “BBQ kits.”

What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday lunches (11:30 AM–1:30 PM) are the quietest. Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 8:30 PM on weekends for fewer lines.

Do they accept credit cards?

Most do now, but some older establishments prefer cash. Always carry $20–$50 in cash as backup.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Korean BBQ in Long Beach isn’t just about locating a restaurant—it’s about understanding a culture, respecting traditions, and seeking out places where passion for food is written into every marinated slice of beef and every steaming bowl of banchan. The city’s Korean community has cultivated a culinary landscape that rivals Seoul itself, but it requires curiosity, patience, and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—from using precise search terms to visiting Korean grocery stores and observing dining etiquette—you’ll move from being a curious diner to a confident connoisseur. The best Korean BBQ isn’t found by accident. It’s discovered by those who know where to look, how to ask, and what to taste.

So next time you’re in Long Beach, skip the chain restaurants and head to 7th Street or Lakewood Boulevard. Let the smoke guide you. Let the aroma lead you. And when you sit down at that table, grill in front of you, and hear the sizzle of fresh meat meeting flame—you’ll understand why Korean BBQ isn’t just a meal. It’s a memory in the making.