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Gushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Gushi
8.0
Gushi is a long-running Korean walk-up in Westwood Village where charbroiled plates, fried rice, and budget-friendly ramen bowls feed UCLA students late into the day. The ramen here is straightforward—beef, chicken, egg, or kimchi—but combined with big portions and low prices, it’s one of the most relied-on hot-soup stops near campus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Ramen (choice of beef, chicken, egg, or kimchi), Kimchi Pork Belly Plate, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Korean counter-service spot where affordable ramen joins huge grilled plates.
Who should go: Hungry students wanting maximum food for minimal cash.
When to visit: Lunch rush or late evenings after classes and games.
What to order: Spicy Ramen, Kimchi Pork Belly Plate, Kimchi Fried Rice.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak times; seating is limited and lines spike.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent side streets; easiest before 6pm. Broxton Public Parking Structure is the most reliable option and usually has open spots.
Dress code: Come casual—it's a grab-and-go counter where students show up in sweats, gym clothes, or everyday wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate; most guests take food to-go so conversation is not difficult if you snag a table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak student rush, especially after events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the line can briefly spike between noon and 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options, including veggie fried rice and customizable ramen bowls without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for vegetable-only fried rice or ramen without egg/meat, though broths may not be fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Minimal; most dishes rely on soy-based sauces and noodles. Grilled plates are the safest bet but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's counter-service, quick, and very casual. Better suited for relaxed meals with friends or a fast campus bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is limited, so expect to eat outside or take your food to-go when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy simple ramen or grilled plates. No dedicated kids’ menu, and seating is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions at low prices and fast service—ideal when you want maximum value or a quick hot meal near UCLA.
Skip if: You want refined broth, specialty ramen, or a sit-down experience—try a more ramen-focused shop instead.
Gushi
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Gushi is a tiny Korean BBQ and teriyaki stand just off campus turning out char-grilled beef, pork, and chicken plates that have fed UCLA students for years. Combo meat plates, kimchi fried rice, and bulgogi bowls come piled high over rice, making it one of Westwood’s go-to spots for fast, flame-kissed barbecue-style plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo meat plate (two grilled meats over rice), Kalbi short rib plate, Kimchi fried rice with beef or pork
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A long-running Korean BBQ stand doing char-grilled combo plates.
Who should go: Students and locals craving fast, filling Korean barbecue plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings to avoid the heaviest rush.
What to order: Combo meat plate, kalbi short ribs, kimchi fried rice.
Insider tip: Ask for extra sauce and kimchi on combo plates for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Westwood Village is the primary option; spots turn over frequently but can be tight during peak UCLA class hours.
Dress code: Casual and campus-friendly—athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a takeout-heavy spot where brief conversations are easy.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on foot traffic and student crowds.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes, though lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—most items are meat-focused, but sides like kimchi fried rice without meat can work.
Vegan options: Very limited—sauces and marinades often contain animal products.
Gluten-free options: Possible with plain grilled meats and rice, but cross-contamination is likely due to shared grills.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're doing a super casual, quick bite. It’s more of a grab-and-go comfort spot than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t part of the setup. Seating is limited, so expect to take your food to-go during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy BBQ-style plates; portions are large and flavors straightforward. No high chairs or dedicated amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, char-grilled Korean BBQ plates at true student-budget pricing—big portions, bold flavors, and quick service.
Skip if: You want a traditional Korean BBQ experience with tabletop grills, expanded menus, or a sit-down dining room.
Gushi
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Gushi is a long-running walk-up Korean counter in Westwood Village known for charbroiled teriyaki, kimchi pork belly, and oversized combo plates that can easily feed two. Students and locals rely on it for late-night rice plates and stir-fries that emphasize comfort and portion size over polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef & Chicken Combo Plate, Kimchi Pork Belly with Fried Rice, Spicy Pork Bulgogi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Campus-adjacent Korean plates with huge portions and charbroiled meats.
Who should go: Hungry students craving maximal portions on a budget.
When to visit: Lunch and late-night hours when cravings hit hardest.
What to order: Beef & chicken combo, kimchi pork belly, spicy pork bowl.
Insider tip: Share a combo plate and add extra kimchi fried rice instead of salad.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broxton and Weyburn is the most realistic option; spots turn over frequently but can be tight during peak UCLA hours. The Broxton public garage typically has availability and offers short-term discounted rates.
Dress code: Completely casual—students often come in hoodies, gym clothes, or everyday attire.
Noise level: Moderate. It’s a walk-up counter with outdoor seating, so conversation is easy but expect campus bustle and street noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on late-night traffic, especially after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes; lines move quickly even during rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some veggie bowls and sides, but most mains center on grilled meats.
Vegan options: Very limited—vegetable sides and rice-only combinations are possible but not a primary focus.
Gluten-free options: Rice plates can be made gluten-conscious, but sauces may contain soy-based gluten; ask to modify or reduce sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and no-frills. Portions are large and the setting is counter-service, so it’s better for low-pressure hangouts than romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, and takeout is common if outdoor tables are full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Simple rice plates and mild options work well for older kids, though seating is limited and better suited for families comfortable with a casual outdoor setup.
Best For
Better for: Oversized Korean combo plates, fast service, and late-night student-friendly pricing that outperforms pricier sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want polished Korean BBQ, upscale ambiance, or a quieter dine-in experience—full-service Korean restaurants in nearby neighborhoods offer more refinement.