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Yasijang
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Yasijang
8.1
Lively Korean spot on Van Ness serving marinated, grill-seared meats alongside soju and late-night hours on weekends. Short ribs, bulgogi, and spicy pork plates come with rice and banchan for a hearty BBQ fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (galbi), Spicy Pork BBQ, Bulgogi Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Korean BBQ plates with late-night energy and soju service.
Who should go: Friends sharing hearty Korean BBQ
When to visit: Fri–Sat late evening for buzz; earlier for quicker seating
What to order: Galbi short ribs, bulgogi plate, spicy pork
Insider tip: Pair galbi with a cold beer or soju and extra kimchi.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Van Ness and nearby side streets; fills quickly after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and a nice shirt fit the mood, especially for group dinners.
Noise level: Lively to loud on weekends with grills sizzling and music playing; quieter early evenings or weekdays.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for groups without a reservation after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover if seated before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides like kimchi, rice, and vegetable banchan, but not suited for full vegetarian meals.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes are meat-centric and cooked on shared grills.
Gluten-free options: Possible with caution — marinades and sauces often contain soy sauce; ask staff for plain grilled options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys interactive dining and bold flavors — the tabletop grill creates energy and conversation, though it’s not ideal for a quiet or formal first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak hours on weekends. Smaller parties may snag seats faster at off-peak times or early evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy BBQ or can handle lively environments; younger children might find the smoke and heat from tabletop grills overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean BBQ cravings with drinks and upbeat energy — ideal for group outings or celebrations.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or vegetarian-friendly meal; nearby Korean cafes or tofu houses may be better suited.
Yasijang
8.2
A lively k-pocha/izakaya on Van Ness doing late-night Korean comfort plates and drinks. Expect shareables, soju rounds, and a buzzy room built for casual nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
K-fried chicken, Kimchi pancakes, Tteokbokki
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Late-night Korean plates with a bar-first energy.
Who should go: Soju crews and night-owl snackers
When to visit: After 9pm for peak vibe without long waits
What to order: K-fried chicken; kimchi pancake; spicy tteokbokki
Insider tip: Bar seats move quickest for small groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Van Ness is limited and competitive after 7pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but groups often lean trendy for nights out.
Noise level: High-energy with music and chatter; conversation requires raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on group size; bar seats may turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening and late-night venue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—items like kimchi pancake, veggie tteokbokki, and banchan provide options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes if you ask to hold egg or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (grilled meats, rice dishes), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or lively dates than intimate ones—the buzzy atmosphere favors fun energy over quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially at the bar, though larger groups should expect a wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—this is a late-night, alcohol-forward spot best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean snacks and soju rounds in a lively, group-friendly setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale dinner or broad vegan/gluten-free options.
Yasijang
8.2
Modern Korean drinking house with a late-night menu on weekends and a lineup of shareable mains. Expect bossam, fried chicken, and snacks built for rounds of soju.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bossam (Boiled Pork Belly), K-Fried Chicken, Bulgogi Nachos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A polished pocha with late hours and shareable mains.
Who should go: Small groups splitting bottles and plates
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9pm–midnight for best energy
What to order: Bossam, K-fried chicken, bulgogi nachos
Insider tip: Check the ‘late’ section—some items appear only after 9pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Van Ness and Cathedral Hill; paid garages nearby offer easier access on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Lively with music and group energy; conversation works for small groups but not ideal for intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 9pm
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings typically have little to no wait early (before 7:30pm).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetable pancakes, tofu stews, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted but menu leans meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items like rice plates and grilled meats; cross-contact possible, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, energetic night out than a quiet romantic date—great if you want shared plates and a lively vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but on Fridays and Saturdays after 9pm expect a wait; earlier arrivals or small groups usually seat faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—late hours, alcohol focus, and noise level make it better suited for adults and groups.
Best For
Better for: Polished late-night Korean dining with a more upscale vibe than casual pochas.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, kid-friendly setting, or a wide vegan selection.