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King Chang - LA
Master Critic Review
King Chang - LA
8.1
Established in 2020, this specialist focuses on premium meat cuts and expertly prepared beef intestines with traditional Korean sides. Servers cook everything tableside while guests enjoy meticulously seasoned meats and delightful house sauces in a lively atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Brisket, Marinated Short Rib, Snowflake Pork
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Servers handle all grilling so diners can fully relax and socialize
Who should go: Groups seeking premium quality without the heavy lifting
When to visit: Thursday through Saturday evenings until 2am
What to order: King Chang combo with bulgogi, short ribs, and brisket
Insider tip: Call ahead for groups of 6+ to ensure proper table arrangement
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking competitive after 7pm; paid lot on 6th Street ($8 flat rate) or Western Avenue garage ($10). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome but skip athletic wear. Expect smoke from tabletop grilling on clothes.
Noise level: Energetic and social - expect lively conversations at neighboring tables. Can hear your group but not intimate for quiet dates.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm; reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No wait typical; walk-ins easily accommodated Monday-Thursday before 6pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - kimchi, japchae noodles, rice, and side banchan only. Not ideal for vegetarian-focused dining.
Vegan options: Very limited - plain rice and select banchan (ask server which contain no fish sauce). Better vegan KBBQ options exist in Koreatown.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - marinades contain soy sauce. Can request unmarinated meats but cross-contamination likely on shared grills.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for 2nd or 3rd dates when you're past awkward silence - the tableside service creates natural conversation breaks and the lively atmosphere keeps energy high. Skip if you want intimate quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays before 7pm, yes. Weekends or late-night (after 10pm), expect 60+ min waits for parties of 4+. Solo or couples have better walk-in luck. Call ahead even if not making formal reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for ages 8+ who can sit through 90-min meal near open flames. Hot grills and tight table spacing make it tricky for toddlers. No kids menu but servers are accommodating with plain rice and mild meats.
How long does a typical meal take? Plan 90-120 minutes - servers pace the grilling across multiple rounds. Not a quick in-and-out spot; designed for leisurely group dining.
Do I need to tip extra since they cook for us? Standard 18-20% gratuity expected - tableside cooking is included in service model, not an upcharge. Some groups tip 22% for exceptional grill masters.
Best For
Better for: Full-service tabletop experience where you don't want to cook yourself; premium meat quality with expert preparation; late-night group dining after 11pm when many spots close
Skip if: You prefer controlling your own grill timing; seeking budget KBBQ under $40/person; need vegetarian-friendly Korean BBQ; want quiet romantic ambiance