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San Ho Won
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
San Ho Won
8.8
Modern Korean charcoal BBQ from chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang with a focused menu and precise technique. Locals come for lychee-wood grilled meats, refined stews, and a reservation-worthy Mission District experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-grilled galbi (beef short ribs), Aged kimchi jjigae, Pork jowl ssam with condiments
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Korean BBQ cooked over lychee-wood charcoal.
Who should go: KBBQ fans seeking refined technique and flavors
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 pm for easier reservations
What to order: Charcoal galbi; aged kimchi jjigae; pork jowl ssam
Insider tip: Counter seats by the grill offer the best view of the charcoal action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight near 11th and Bryant after 6pm; nearby paid lots on 14th and Folsom fill fast on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but comfortable. Jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but not overwhelming; conversation is easy at two-tops, slightly louder near the open kitchen.
Weekend wait: Reservations booked 2–3 weeks out; walk-ins may face 60–90 minute waits.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner only service from 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—banchan and tofu stew are available but mains focus on grilled meats.
Vegan options: Very limited—some vegetable sides, but menu centers on animal proteins.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; soy marinades use tamari alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, intimate spacing, and refined service make it ideal for a date night where you want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at open or late seating (5pm or after 9:30pm), but expect a wait; the bar counter sometimes opens for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared toward adults; no kids’ menu or high chairs, and heat from the grill may be uncomfortable for young children.
Best For
Better for: Best for upscale Korean BBQ with precision cooking and ambiance—more refined and intimate than nearby casual KBBQ spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a spontaneous, casual grill-it-yourself experience or need broad vegetarian options.
San Ho Won
8.9
Michelin-recognized Korean charcoal barbecue from chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, focused on pristine meats, live-fire technique, and refined banchan. Locals book ahead for expertly grilled cuts, soulful stews, and a modern Mission setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (marinated short rib), Glazed pork ribs, Kimchi jjigae
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Live-fire Korean BBQ with meticulous sourcing and technique.
Who should go: Serious BBQ fans and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Book 2–3 weeks out; early week for easier tables
What to order: Galbi, glazed pork ribs, kimchi jjigae
Insider tip: Sit near the grill for the best heat and pacing from the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bryant and adjacent blocks is limited at night; no valet service. Rideshare recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—button-downs, dresses, or polished jeans fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—conversation is possible but expect a buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely seated and waits can exceed 90 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch—dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several banchan and vegetable plates, plus stews without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes, but menu is meat-focused.
Gluten-free options: Yes—some grilled meats and rice-based dishes are safe; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished setting, attentive service, and shared grilling experience make it intimate and memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends; weekdays sometimes allow early walk-ins at opening, but booking ahead is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults and teens—no kids’ menu, higher price point, and open-flame grills make it less suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Refined Korean BBQ with Michelin-level precision, ideal for celebrations or serious food enthusiasts.
Skip if: You want casual, budget-friendly Korean—consider neighborhood spots for quicker, lower-cost meals.