8 best Korean BBQ restaurants in Boston

What is it? In business since the ‘90s, this elevated Korean barbeque offers tabletop grills with custom ventilators to keep the surrounding air clean, all the better to enjoy tender cuts of beef, pork, and chicken.

Why we love it: Bibimbap and hot pot are other crowd favorites, as are the restaurant's generous portions. Sushi and vegetarian options are also available, making Koreana an easy choice for a group who may have different tastes. There's also a full bar featuring flavored soju, a Korean distilled rice alcohol.

Address: 158 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Fri. and Sat. 11:30am-10pm; Sun.-Thurs. 1:30am-9:30pm

What is it? This tiny little takeout spot in Allston is one of the few on this list that doesn’t do Korean barbeque, but they do serve craveable Korean street food and inspired poke bowls.

Why we love it: Think bowls of ddukbokki – chewy rice cakes made in a sweet, spicy gochujang sauce – bibimbap bowls, krab salad fries and absolutely epic Korean style corn dogs (try the cheese filled version, thank us later).

Address: 81 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134

Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am-9:30pm; Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-12:30am; Sun. 11:30am-8:30pm

What is it? This simple and unpretentious spot in Allson offers Korean standards and Korean fusion options including a Korean taco, kimchi quesadilla (yes, they do Mexican fusion), and kimchi fritas (fries topped with pan-fried kimchi, cheese, and sauces).

Why we love it: Favorites like crispy Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, fried kimchi rice, and grilled meats are all fresh and flavorful. Or, try the tteokbokki, if you haven’t had it before, Coreanos version of this dish of rice cakes, vegetables, and fish cake cooked in a sweet chili sauce and served with a fried kimmari seaweed roll and hard boiled egg is particularly tasty. You can’t get a cocktail here, but the matcha tea and smoothies will complement your meal nicely. Also, it’s nice to note is that all the sauces and ingredients are made in-house.

Address: 172 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134 (there's a new location in Framingham too)

Opening hours: Mon., Wed., and Thurs. 11:30am-9:30pm; Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10:30pm; Sun. noon-9pm

What is it? We’re sending you to Burlington for Korean barbecue and bibimbap at New Jang Su. Why? The marinades are flavorful and bright, and the overall vibe is super fun. 

Why we love it: Barbecue items range from standard marinated short rib to squid and pork belly with vegetables. Mandoo, soups, bibimbap, and casseroles are equally flavorful. While soju and other alcohol are not available, bottomless cups of traditional corn tea pair nicely with spicy dishes.

Address: 260 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA 01803

Opening hours: Sun. noon-9pm; Tues.-Fri. 11am-10pm; Sat. noon-10pm

What is it? Sample a lengthy menu of meats — including short rib, duck, wine-marinated pork belly, even marinated mushrooms — that you grill at your table at this casual Allston spot. Bibimbap and soups (like mandu guk — beef and vegetable dumplings in beef broth) are also worth a try.

Why we love it: Katsu and galbi are available for the less daring, but you can also try something more unusual, like gopchang jigae (beef intestine and vegetables in broth) or samgae tang (whole baby chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, and herbs).

Address: 122 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134

Opening hours: Mon.-Wed. 11:30am-9:30pm; Thurs.-Sat. 11:30am-1am; Sun. 11:30am-9:30pm

What is it? Located in West Roxbury, this simple, counter-service spot specializes in noodle dishes – the kimchi udon is a standout – as is the katsu and bibimbap.

Why we love it: The rice dish, topped with veggies, meats, a fried egg and savory sauces, is available topped with veggies, squid, tofu, spicy pork and chicken. There’s a flavorful bowl for everyone, and dumplings and fried tofu will round out your meal.

Address: 1727 Centre St, Boston, MA 02132

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8pm

What is it? This casual Korean restaurant in Allston offers a simple menu, specializing in seollongtang, a traditional Korean ox bone broth soup made with thinly sliced brisket.

Why we love it: Other Korean standards, from bulgogi and bibimbap to gui and bossam, fill out the menu and range from mild to spicy. Some dishes are offered in vegetarian versions. During the summer, be sure to try cold noodle specials featuring brisket, veggies, and broth.

Address: 1245 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA 02134

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-9:30pm

What is it? Somerville’s Buk Kyung serves Chinese-influenced Korean dishes. Unpretentious and family-run, the focus is on the large plates of noodles and flavorful marinated grilled meats.

Why we love it: Many noodle dishes feature an umami rich black bean paste. Fried rice dishes are packed with veggies and meats. Larger sharing plates are good for groups.  Don’t miss the spirits menu, featuring soju, seju, rice wine, and more.

Address: 9a Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-10pm; Sun. 11am-9:30pm