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Brothers Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Brothers Restaurant
8.2
A family-run Korean BBQ spot known for its charcoal-grilled meats and generous banchan offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi, Spicy Pork, Japchae
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled meats and a wide array of banchan.
Who should go: Groups and BBQ enthusiasts craving authentic Korean flavors.
When to visit: Evenings, especially on weekends.
What to order: Galbi, Spicy Pork, and Japchae.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead during weekends to avoid long waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be limited during peak hours. Valet service available on weekends for $12.
Dress code: Casual, comfortable attire is fine, but smart casual is recommended for a nicer experience.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date but expect some ambient chatter, especially on busy weekends.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few vegetarian-friendly banchan options, and tofu dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a couple of vegan-friendly side dishes, but the main BBQ options are meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes - the kitchen can accommodate gluten-free requests, and some dishes can be prepared with separate prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can be great for a first date if you enjoy interactive dining and a casual, laid-back atmosphere. However, it can get loud on weekends, so it may not be ideal if you prefer quiet settings for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While you can try walking in, especially on weekdays, it's strongly recommended to make a reservation on weekends to avoid long waits, particularly during dinner time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it is kid-friendly. Families with children are welcome, and there are enough seating options to accommodate groups. The interactive nature of BBQ makes it a fun dining experience for kids.
Best For
Better for: Brothers Korean Restaurant stands out for its charcoal-grilled meats, making it a top pick for BBQ lovers. The extensive banchan variety and the lively, group-friendly atmosphere are highlights.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quieter, more intimate dining experience, or if you're not into Korean BBQ, you might want to consider alternatives with a more traditional menu.
Brothers Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Classic Korean barbecue with charcoal-grilled marinated short ribs that land smoky, well-caramelized, and beefy. Service is efficient for groups and the banchan spread stays consistent across visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-grilled LA galbi (beef short ribs), Prime boneless short ribs on grill, Galbi jjim (braised ribs)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Charcoal grilling with generous banchan and reliably tender galbi.
Who should go: Korean BBQ fans and group diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm or late lunch
What to order: LA galbi, boneless short ribs, galbi jjim
Insider tip: Ask for a fresh-hot grill swap mid-meal for best sear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary and nearby residential blocks; can be tight during dinner hours—allow extra time or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but it leans polished for group dinners or celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; grill sizzles and group chatter make it energetic but not overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 40–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for parties of 4+.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though smaller lunch menu applies.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some banchan, rice, and vegetable BBQ options.
Vegan options: Very limited; banchan may contain fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Possible with care—ask staff to exclude soy sauce marinades and use salt-grilled meats.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both comfortable with a lively grill setting—fun and interactive but not intimate due to smoke and group energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early arrivals or late-night visits may score walk-in tables, but weekends fill fast—call ahead to join the waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often dine early; staff are accommodating and the cooking action keeps kids entertained, though hot grills require supervision.
Best For
Better for: Charcoal-grilled short ribs and authentic banchan variety outshine most local Korean BBQ spots; perfect for celebratory group meals.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, low-smoke environments or need robust vegetarian/vegan selections.
Brothers Restaurant
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Long-running Korean BBQ spot (since 1987) with tabletop grilling, banchan spreads, and attentive service. Locals book it for reliable kalbi, sizzling platters, and group-friendly tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalbi (Marinated Short Rib), Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Legacy Korean BBQ with tabletop grills and generous banchan since 1987.
Who should go: KBBQ lovers and small groups
When to visit: Weeknights before peak dinner rush
What to order: Kalbi; spicy pork bulgogi; haemul pajeon
Insider tip: Ask for grill plate swaps mid-meal to keep the sear clean.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and moderately available on Geary and 5th Ave; expect a short walk during dinner rush. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests wear jeans or simple dinner attire suitable for a BBQ setting.
Noise level: Moderate-high during dinner service due to sizzling grills and group tables; quieter early evenings and lunches.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; small groups can sometimes be seated faster at early hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick and steady for the neighborhood lunch crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some banchan and tofu stews available, but core menu focuses on meat.
Vegan options: Very limited; only a few side dishes like kimchi (check ingredients) and vegetable pancakes may qualify.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—grilled meats can be safe if marinated sauces are avoided; inform staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or fun dates than romantic ones—tabletop grilling encourages interaction but can get smoky and lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits at peak hours. Call ahead for groups of four or more; walk-ins are fine early evening or late night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it for shared platters. Kids over 6 enjoy the grilling experience; younger ones may need supervision near hot plates.
Best For
Better for: Consistent service, generous banchan, and classic KBBQ flavors make it ideal for traditionalists and group gatherings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, upscale dining experience or fully vegetarian options—look elsewhere for those.