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Kogi Gogi BBQ
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kogi Gogi BBQ
7.9
No-frills Korean BBQ with solid cuts, generous banchan, and late-ish closing compared to the neighborhood. Ideal for small groups looking to grill pork belly and short rib without crossing town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal), Marinated Short Rib (Galbi), Seafood Pancake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward table-grill BBQ with reliable cuts and ample banchan.
Who should go: BBQ fans splitting meats and sides
When to visit: 8–10pm for easier tables before close
What to order: Pork belly, galbi combo, haemul pajeon
Insider tip: Ask for fresh grill swaps often to keep sear clean and hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; spots open up after 8pm but can be competitive earlier. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—smoke-friendly clothes recommended since table grills leave a BBQ scent. Jeans and tees are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours; expect chatter and sizzling grills but still possible to hold group conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm; faster turnover post-9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; lunch service less crowded and more relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—banchan, tofu stew, and vegetable pancake are available but most entrées are meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan mains, though a few sides like kimchi and salad are suitable.
Gluten-free options: Possible but requires communication—some marinades contain soy sauce; plain meats and rice are safest choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys hands-on grilling and a bit of smoke—it's casual and interactive but not the quietest or most romantic choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, especially later in the evening. Arrive before 8pm on weekends for best odds of immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle the heat and tabletop grills. Younger children may find the setup hot or smoky; staff are accommodating with booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, unfussy Korean BBQ with solid meat portions and quick service—ideal for casual group nights or families wanting straightforward grilling.
Skip if: You’re after upscale ambience, premium Wagyu cuts, or quiet dining—look to nearby upscale Korean spots in Japantown or downtown instead.
Kogi Gogi BBQ
8.2
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue with crowd-pleasing cuts and steady banchan in a lively, group-friendly room. It’s the Inner Sunset go-to for grilling galbi and pork belly at the table without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
LA Galbi (marinated short ribs), Thin-sliced Pork Belly, Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: AYCE K-BBQ with solid meat quality and efficient pacing.
Who should go: Groups wanting grill-at-table Korean barbecue
When to visit: Early evening before 6:30pm or weekend lunch
What to order: LA galbi; pork belly; steamed egg & corn cheese
Insider tip: Weekends offer lunch specials that undercut dinner pricing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; neighborhood spots fill fast after 6pm, so arrive early or use the nearby parking garage at 9th & Irving.
Dress code: Casual but neat—expect smoky air from grills; avoid delicate fabrics or heavy perfume.
Noise level: Lively to loud, especially on weekends; conversation is easy in smaller groups but tough during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; larger parties may wait longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—walk-ins seated quickly before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—grill setup focuses on meats, but banchan and sides like egg, corn cheese, and salads offer small options.
Vegan options: Very limited; a few vegetable sides only, not a strong choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Possible with care—ask for plain meats and avoid soy marinades; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates—interactive grilling keeps things fun but can be messy and smoky; great if your date enjoys group energy or shared meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common; just avoid the 6:30–8:30pm peak window on weekends. Early arrival or late dining helps skip the queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens—interactive grilling is engaging, but hot grills make it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups and anyone craving lively, interactive Korean barbecue with good value for AYCE pricing.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet meal, need vegan options, or dislike smoky dining environments.