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Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse
7.9
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse runs an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hotpot setup in Chinatown, with brisket, pork belly, and seafood for the grill alongside customizable broths. Guests use it as a fixed-price way to build a steakhouse-level meat feast with staff helping pace orders and keep grills cycling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Brisket for BBQ, Supreme Pork Belly, Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: AYCE Korean BBQ and hotpot with a deep meat lineup.
Who should go: Carnivores wanting fixed-price Korean BBQ and hotpot.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours before late-night crowds fully build.
What to order: Mix brisket and Supreme Pork Belly, add spicy pork bulgogi.
Insider tip: Start with fewer meats per round so grills stay hot and focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby paid-lot parking; Chinatown street parking fills quickly on weekends — plan a few extra minutes to find a spot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and comfortable clothes are fine given the grills and potential smoke.
Noise level: Lively and social — conversation is possible but expect bustle and active grill noise during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak windows; shorter if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait or seated quickly, depending on group size.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — some vegetables, noodles, tofu, and banchan options, though the experience is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetables and broths may work, but cross-contact with grills and sauces is likely.
Gluten-free options: Possible with care — some meats and broths can be GF-leaning, but marinades and shared grills present cross-contact risk; ask staff to guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, interactive date than a quiet one — grilling together is engaging, but the space can be smoky and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but waits can build at prime dinner hours; arriving early or with a smaller group improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly for older children who can sit safely around hot grills; younger kids may need close supervision due to table-top burners.
Best For
Better for: Large, social groups who want an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hotpot format with lots of meat variety and a steady pacing of rounds.
Skip if: You want a quiet steakhouse experience, premium à-la-carte cuts, or strict dietary controls with minimal cross-contact.
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Late Night Legends
Shinhwa is a newer Korean steakhouse in Chinatown where all-you-can-eat wagyu, marinated short rib, and banchan-heavy tables make it a natural fit for birthdays and group celebrations. The space leans sleek and modern, with tabletop grills and big booths designed for lingering over multiple rounds of meat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marinated short rib (galbi), Premium wagyu combo, Seafood pancake
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: AYCE Korean steakhouse built around wagyu and galbi in a sleek, party-ready room.
Who should go: Groups craving Korean barbecue for birthdays or shared feasts.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners with reservations for larger parties.
What to order: Premium wagyu combo, marinated short rib, seafood pancake and banchan.
Insider tip: Time your visit for slower early-evening slots so staff can better pace the grill and refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in the surrounding Chinatown blocks; most guests use nearby paid surface lots or garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many groups dress up for birthdays and celebrations.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible within your table but not ideal for quiet chats.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; large parties should book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait when open; the restaurant is primarily dinner-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides, banchan, and pancakes may work, but the experience is centered on grilled meats.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items involve meat or marinades; best to call ahead if strictly vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled meats may be workable, but marinades and sauces can contain soy and wheat — cross-contact is likely, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for celebratory or social outings than a quiet first date — the grills, pacing, and lively atmosphere make it more interactive than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but your best odds are early evening or late-night windows; walk-ins at peak weekend hours should expect a significant wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can sit through a longer, grill-at-the-table meal; open flames and hot griddles may be challenging for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, AYCE wagyu and galbi variety, and a sleek, modern room built for sharing multiple rounds of meat.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, à la carte premium steak cuts, or have strict dietary limits that don’t align well with marinades and shared grills.