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ABSteak by Chef Akira Back
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back
8.4
ABSteak is a Korean-inflected steakhouse at Beverly Center where dry-aged ribeye, wagyu cuts, and banchan share the table with cocktails built for a night out. Smokeless tabletop grills and precise service make it feel both interactive and refined for date nights or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whiskey-Aged Ribeye, Marinated Galbi, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A sleek Korean steakhouse marrying dry-aged beef with tableside charcoal grilling.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting interactive, high-end steakhouse drama.
When to visit: Weeknight evenings for calmer grills and more attentive pacing.
What to order: Whiskey-aged ribeye, marinated galbi, kimchi fried rice.
Insider tip: Ask about the in-house dry-aged specials; they often sell out on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beverly Center garage parking is the move—validated rates apply; valet is sometimes available but pricey. Street parking is limited and competitive during evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket. Many guests dress up for date nights or group outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—enough energy for a night out, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for peak grilling hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the room stays calmer and easier to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent—there are vegetable banchan, salads, and a few sharable sides, but entrées skew heavily meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—some banchan and vegetable sides qualify, but this is not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Good options—many grilled meats and several banchan items are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The sleek room, tableside grilling, and interactive pacing create natural conversation starters without feeling gimmicky. It’s polished but still fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays; walk-ins are often seated quickly. On weekends, arrive early or expect a wait—bar seating can be a solid backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Older kids or teens who enjoy Korean BBQ-style dining will do fine, but the atmosphere leans adult, especially during peak evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Interactive, Korean-inflected steakhouse dining with precise service and strong cocktails—ideal for groups wanting a polished but social grilling experience.
Skip if: You want a traditional American steakhouse with quiet, white-tablecloth formality or need extensive vegan or vegetarian entrées.
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back
8.7
ABSteak is a high-end Korean steakhouse at the Beverly Center where servers handle the smokeless tabletop grills, turning dry-aged wagyu and prime cuts into a slow, theatrical meal. Michelin-recognized chef Akira Back leans into bold marinades, banchan, and cocktails, making this one of the most polished Korean barbecue experiences in the 90048 corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged ribeye flight, Marinated galbi short rib, AB wagyu pizza starter
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Modern Korean barbecue where servers grill premium dry-aged steaks tableside.
Who should go: Guests planning upscale, linger-all-evening Korean steak dinners.
When to visit: Prime evening hours when the room feels buzzy but controlled.
What to order: Dry-aged ribeye, marinated galbi, banchan and jjigae to share.
Insider tip: Ask for pacing that staggers lighter cuts before the rich wagyu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beverly Center garage parking is the primary option; expect $4–$8 for shorter visits, with validation available at select tiers. Street parking on Beverly or La Cienega is limited during peak hours.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual. Dark denim is fine, but most guests lean dressy—think polished tops, jackets, or evening wear for weekend dinners.
Noise level: Moderate. The room carries a lively, polished buzz, but conversation at a normal tone is fully doable.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy to walk in with small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options including banchan, salads, and a few composed plates, but the experience is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited. Some banchan and vegetable dishes qualify, but this is not a fully vegan-friendly destination.
Gluten-free options: Several cuts and sides can be prepared gluten-free; inform the server early so marinades and sauces can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something upscale and interactive. The tableside grilling (done by staff) keeps the experience engaging without requiring effort from the diners, and the lighting and pacing feel special for a first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for early or late seatings. Peak prime-time walk-ins may require a wait. The bar occasionally has availability for two.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy Korean barbecue. Younger children may find the long meal pacing and upscale atmosphere less ideal.
Best For
Better for: High-end Korean barbecue with elevated cuts, strong service choreography, and premium cocktails—ideal for celebrations or date-night splurges.
Skip if: You want casual, fast-turn Korean BBQ, prefer grilling the meats yourself, or need a wide range of vegan or gluten-free substitutes.
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back
8.7
ABSteak brings Chef Akira Back’s modern Korean steakhouse style to a sleek space attached to the Beverly Center. Dry-aged cuts, tableside grilling and polished service make it a go-to for special-occasion Korean BBQ with a fine-dining edge.
Must-Try Dishes:
AB Grand Short Rib Galbi, Day-Dry Aged Ribeye, Egg Soufflé (Gyeran-jjim)
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A modern Korean steakhouse with in-house dry aging and smokeless grills.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners and Korean BBQ enthusiasts.
When to visit: Prime-time weekends for full buzz; weekdays for quieter.
What to order: AB Grand Short Rib Galbi, egg soufflé, dry-aged ribeye.
Insider tip: Book bar-adjacent tables for easier walk-in chances and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at the Beverly Center (typically $12–$18); mall garage parking is plentiful but can require a short walk. Street parking is limited and often busy after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—dark denim, elevated tops, and stylish footwear fit the room. Jackets or dresses not required but common on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—energetic buzz from grills and groups, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on party size; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short if the dining room is open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—banchan, salads, rice dishes, and the egg soufflé offer options.
Vegan options: Minimal—some vegetable-based banchan and sides may qualify, but protein-heavy menu means choices are few.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but marinades vary; staff is knowledgeable and can guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and tableside grilling create a memorable experience without feeling stuffy. Great if you want to impress without going overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially at bar-adjacent tables or early in the evening. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited for adults—teens and older kids who enjoy steak or Korean BBQ will be fine, but the upscale vibe and price point make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion Korean BBQ with dry-aged cuts, smokeless grills, and fine-dining polish—perfect when you want service and ambiance a step above casual spots.
Skip if: You want a casual, bustling, traditional Korean BBQ experience, prefer budget-friendly dining, or need extensive vegan options.
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back
8.5
ABSteak reimagines Korean BBQ as a sleek, chef-driven steakhouse, with dry-aged cuts and marinated short ribs sizzling on smokeless grills at each table. Service is polished and the experience feels closer to a tasting menu than a casual K-BBQ night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snow Flower Boneless Short Rib (kkotsal), AB Galbi Marinated Short Rib, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s luxurious, design-forward Korean steakhouse.
Who should go: Date nights, client dinners, and special-occasion carnivores.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend reservations; late-night weekdays feel more relaxed.
What to order: Snow flower boneless short rib, AB galbi, kimchi fried rice.
Insider tip: Splurge on one premium Wagyu cut and share banchan and sides family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at the Beverly Center for around $12; self-parking in the mall garage is plentiful but can involve a short walk. Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated denim is fine, but most diners opt for chic tops, blazers, or stylish night-out outfits.
Noise level: Moderate — there’s ambient energy from the grills and music, but you can comfortably hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, as service flows more casually during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — a few vegetable plates, salads, and sides, but the menu is strongly meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — you’ll find a couple of plant-based sides, but it’s not an ideal vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many grilled meats and several sides are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, sleek interiors, and interactive tableside grilling make it fun and intimate without being overwhelming. Service is attentive enough to help the meal flow smoothly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays, especially after the dinner rush. On weekends, walk-ins often face a wait, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited to adults — the vibe skews upscale and the tableside grills may be tricky with younger kids. Teen-friendly, but not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Premium cuts, chef-driven marinades, and a polished, luxury-KBBQ experience that feels more curated than traditional AYCE spots.
Skip if: You want an affordable, casual, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ or a menu with extensive vegetarian/vegan options.