BCD Tofu House

I’m sorry to say that BCD Tofu House isn’t the all-around best soondubu option in L.A. anymore—that honor belongs to both LA Tofu House and Surawon, at least in my book—but this after-hours dining chain is still a worthwhile pit stop for the clubbing set and other nighthawks. Before her death in 2020, owner Hee Sook Lee grew the business from a single Koreatown storefront to a grocery brand and restaurant chain with locations across Southern California, Texas, New Jersey and New York. In fact, BCD is largely the reason why so many other soondubu specialists exist in Los Angeles today—so crack an egg into a ttukbaegi (black earthenware pot) of bubbling tofu stew with your choice of protein or vegetables, enjoy the complimentary lightly fried croaker and banchan, and raise a glass to Lee’s all-American immigrant success story. Combined with the cozy atmosphere and interesting patrons, the Wilshire Boulevard location is a great place to end the night, especially on weekend evenings.