Forget the usual Korean BBQ joints; those suffering from kalbi fatigue can fill up on samgyupsal (pork belly) at 8 Korean BBQ (formerly Palsaik Samgyupsal). And if that weren’t enough, eight different marinades—hence the restaurant’s name—give enough variety to tired tastebuds. Nearly every KBBQ-friendly sauce imaginable—including original marinade, miso paste, curry and wine—coats swine cooked on the flat-top alongside a seafood soup. The meal ends with kimchi fried rice cooked directly in the soup bowl, making this a three-in-one meal. What’s more, you’ve even got two locations to choose from: K-town and Buena Park, both with pork belly galore.
Koreatown has grown into one of L.A.’s more acclaimed destinations for around-the-clock coffee shops and dive bars (diamonds in the rough, if you ask us). And while plenty of Angelenos are still discovering K-town’s unsung gems, there’s no denying that the neighborhood’s Korean BBQ is known the city over. DIY, grill-your-own meat is as much part of the experience as brisk waitresses and smoke-filled dining rooms that range from posh to cozy, no-frills destinations. You can grill up varying meats such as pork belly and marinated short rib, and beer and soju are always a staple. The best part? This is group-friendly dining, so you’ll already have a crew assembled to explore the rest of the neighborhood after your meal.
RECOMMENDED: Koreatown neighborhood guide