Korean barbeque, also known as KBBQ, has become an extremely popular dining option around the world. At a Korean BBQ restaurant, guests cook their own meats and vegetables on a grill built right into the table. It’s an interactive and social dining experience. However, Korean BBQ doesn’t come cheap. Here is a detailed overview of how much you can expect to pay per person at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
What is Included in a Korean BBQ Meal?
To understand how much Korean BBQ costs, you first need to know what is typically included in a full KBBQ experience:
- Meats: Beef short ribs (galbi), pork belly (samgyeopsal), marinated chicken, and sometimes other cuts of beef are the most common proteins offered. They are served raw, to be cooked on the tabletop grill.
- Banchan: Small side vegetable dishes that are refilled throughout the meal. Common ones include kimchi, bean sprouts, japchae noodles, pickled radish, and fish cakes.
- Rice: Steamed white rice or lettuce wraps for making ssam (meat wraps).
- Sauces: Spicy gochujang sauce, garlic soy sauce, sesame oil, and other dipping sauces.
- Dessert: Ice cream, fruit, or Korean shaved ice desserts like patbingsu.
- Non-alcoholic drinks: Often unlimited refills.
How KBBQ is Priced
There are a few ways Korean BBQ restaurants charge diners:
- All-you-can-eat pricing: A flat fee per person for unlimited meats, banchan, rice, etc. Usually 90 minutes to 2 hours. Ranges from $25-$50 per person.
- A la carte pricing: charged per item ordered. Meats are priced per portion (approx. 8-12 oz). Banchan and sides are additional. Total cost varies greatly.
- Combination pricing: Some places offer 2 hour all-you-can-eat packages plus a certain amount of premium beef selections as well. Usually $35-$60 per person.
- Lunch specials: Discounted pricing or lunch combos to attract weekday diners.
Estimated Cost Per Person at Korean BBQ
Based on the pricing models above, here is a rough breakdown of what to budget for Korean BBQ:
All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ
- Budget Option: $25-$35 per person
- Moderate Option: $35-$45 per person
- Premium Option: $45-$60+ per person
The lower end includes basic proteins like chicken and pork. Higher-end all-you-can-eat includes premium beef selections.
A La Carte Korean BBQ
- Budget Dinner: $15-$25 per person
- Moderate Dinner: $25-$40 per person
- Lavish Dinner: $40-$60+ per person
Ordering a la carte makes it easier to control costs, but it’s also possible to spend more on premium meats. Appetizers and drinks further increase the bill.
Lunch Korean BBQ
- $15-$25 per person is typical for Korean BBQ lunch specials.
Lunch combos help limit costs. Prices rise on weekends and holidays.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is not standard practice at Korean restaurants. However, for exceptional service, you may want to add:15-20% tip
Factors That Increase Korean BBQ Costs
Several factors can quickly increase your total bill at Korean BBQ:
- More meat: Eating heavier portions of beef and pork.
- Premium cuts: Opting for expensive wagyu beef or dry-aged meats.
- Extra proteins: Adding shrimp, lobster, squid.
- Appetizers: Shared dishes like dumplings, pancakes and soups.
- Desserts: Korean shaved ice or sweets.
- Alcoholic drinks: Beer, soju, and cocktails can add $10-$20 per person easily.
- Weekend visits: Friday and Saturday nights often have surcharges.
- Holidays: Markups on holidays like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.
Tips for Saving Money at Korean BBQ
Here are some tips to enjoy Korean BBQ on a budget:
- Go for lunch or early bird dinner specials
- Choose pork belly or chicken over pricy beef
- Skip appetizers and dessert
- Avoid premium meats and seafood
- Stick to water or tea instead of cocktails
- Go on weeknights instead of weekends
- Split costs by dining with a group
- Search for deals like coupons or set menus
Is Korean BBQ Worth the Price?
Korean barbeque provides a unique, interactive dining experience that is difficult to replicate at home. The communal nature of the meal and cooking meats to your taste right at the table simply adds fun. While the costs can add up quickly, going out for KBBQ is often considered a special treat. With some budget tips in mind, you can indulge in this popular cuisine without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the memories made with friends and family around the grill are priceless for many Korean BBQ fans.