Most Angelenos have “their” Korean bbq place and can bullet point why it’s the best of the bunch. And despite there being probably 30 places within a few block radius in Koreatown, each spot has its own devotees. That means there always seems to be a wait no matter where you go: Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is no exception to this rule, with up to two hours of wait. The ritual is to put your name down, and then walk across the parking lot of Chapman Plaza to Quarters and grab a drink in the outdoor bar area until your table is ready. Word to the wise: don’t wash your hair before going to Baekjeong and don’t wear dry-clean only, unless you want your dinner to cost an extra $20 and for a great blow-dry day to be wasted. But who doesn’t love being shrouded in a cloud of delicious meat smoke?Baekjeong has a communal, get-down feel, but a style all its own. Quality cuts of meat are devoured by a young crowd of customers, under waves of blasting K-Pop music, while the service runs like a well-choreographed dance.Baekjeong has a full menu of noodles, stews, dumplings, and individual cuts of meat, but most people wisely choose either a pork or a beef combo to share between friends. The servers tend to the meat with precision, somehow at each in-table grill at just the perfect moment. Each grill is encircled with sizzling corn cheese, egg souffle, and peppers. A number of banchans complete the spread: dried seaweed, pink radish, soybean sprout salad, mini latkes, a chunk of squash, romaine, sauces and dips, and of course kimchi. Luckily, a cheerful cartoon handout has instructions for how to compile many of the ingredients for each divine bite. While it’s tempting to go “all in” on the brisket, make sure to hold out for the next items on the grill. Because at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, the short rib and the perfectly marbled ribeye are the stars of the show.
Style: Korean
Address: 3465 W 6th St #20, Los Angeles, CA 90020 (Koreatown)
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:30AM-1:30AM
Price: Bbq combos $51.99-98.99
Reservations: No reservations
This review was written by In The Loup contributor Lily Rogers