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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Korean in Koreatown
Master Critic Review
JJAN Korean Gastropub
7.8
A late-night Korean anju bar that leans into the shareable-plates-and-soju format with dishes like rose spicy tteokbokki and garlic chicken gizzard alongside frozen beer slushies. The room runs loud with K-pop and sports screens, which is exactly the point—it's built for groups posting up after 10 PM, not quiet dinners. The free parking lot behind the building is a genuine differentiator in a neighborhood where circling the block is the norm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rose Spicy Tteokbokki, 420 Fries, Pork Belly with Green Onion
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-night Korean anju bar open until 2am with frozen beer slushies, shareable bar plates, and a free parking lot in the heart of Koreatown
Who should go: Late-night groups wanting Korean bar food with soju
When to visit: Weeknights to avoid weekend waits after 10pm
What to order: Start with the Rose Spicy Tteokbokki, share the Shake Shake Chicken between two, and pair everything with frozen beer
Insider tip: They have a free parking lot — extremely rare for Koreatown
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind the building in the plaza—a rarity in this neighborhood. Lot can fill up on weekend evenings, so arrive before 7 PM or plan to circle for street parking.
Noise level: Loud—K-pop blasts at full volume with sports on the TVs. Expect to lean in close or shout across the table. Great energy for a night out, not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 20-40 minutes on Friday/Saturday evenings; can stretch to an hour after 8 PM on Saturdays. Arriving by 5:30-6 PM usually means immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual, fun first date — dim lighting and trendy decor set a cool vibe. However, this is more lively gastropub than intimate romance. Music can run loud enough that some diners struggle to hear each other, so request a booth or outdoor table if conversation is a priority. Best suited for a date where you both want a relaxed, energetic K-Town night out rather than a quiet, candlelit dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — JJAN uses a sign-up sheet at the door rather than a formal reservation system, so walk-ins are the norm. Expect a wait on weekend nights, especially after 9pm when the late-night crowd arrives (they're open until 2am). Weeknight early evenings around 5-7pm are your best bet for minimal wait. For groups of 6 or more, contact them in advance to reserve — they accept requests via DM or phone at (213) 381-5838.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is a late-night gastropub with a bar-forward atmosphere, loud music, and hours from 5pm to 2am. No kids menu was found, and the overall vibe skews toward adult nightlife and drinking culture (frozen beer, flavored soju). No mentions of high chairs or family accommodations. If you're bringing older teens who'd enjoy Korean pub food, an early weeknight visit could work, but this isn't a family dining destination.
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is one of JJAN's strengths. The sharing-style menu (wings, pancakes, pork belly, budae jjigae) is built for group dining. For parties of 6 or more, DM them on Instagram (@jjan_gastropub) or call ahead to reserve. The lively atmosphere and bell-for-service system make it easy for larger parties. Free parking lot in the rear is a major bonus for coordinating group arrivals in Koreatown.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available, and you can choose between indoor and outdoor when you arrive. Specific details on whether the patio is covered or heated were not confirmed online — call ahead at (213) 381-5838 if weather is a concern. The outdoor area provides a good alternative when the indoor space gets loud on busy nights.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group hangs with drinks and Korean bar snacks—open until 2 AM daily, strong happy hour (5-8 PM), and the kind of lively, dimly-lit energy that rewards a bigger crew.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, intimate dinner with easy conversation—the volume and crowds make this a social scene, not a date-night-whisper spot.
Hours
Monday5pm - 2am
Tuesday5pm - 2am
Wednesday5pm - 2am
Thursday5pm - 2am
Friday5pm - 2am
Saturday5pm - 2am
Sunday5pm - 2am