Korean barbecue, also known as KBBQ, has become an extremely popular dining option over the last few decades. KBBQ restaurants allow customers to grill their own meats and vegetables right at their table. This interactive and social style of eating combined with the savory and complex flavors of Korean barbecue has led to its rising popularity across the globe. But enjoying this delicious cultural experience often comes with a heftier price tag than other Asian cuisine options. So how much does it really cost to eat at a Korean BBQ restaurant?
What Is Korean BBQ?
Korean barbecue refers to a variety of grilled meat dishes native to Korea. It involves thinly sliced cuts of meat like beef, pork, chicken, and seafood grilled on a gas or charcoal grill built right into the dining table. Customers cook their own proteins and vegetables, then wrap them together in lettuce leaves with rice and condiments like kimchi and sauces to make ssam wraps.
This interactive DIY style of dining is a beloved social activity in South Korea. The most popular meats used in Korean barbecue are galbi (beef short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef). But the possibilities are endless when it comes to proteins and sides to grill. Popular meat choices include:
- Marinated short ribs (galbi and la galbi)
- Thinly sliced ribeye (bulgogi)
- Pork belly
- Spicy pork (dwaeji bulgogi)
- Chicken
- Squid and shrimp
- Wagyu beef
Korean BBQ meals are always accompanied by a spread of banchan. These are small cold side dishes and appetizers like kimchi, bean sprouts, japchae noodles, fish cakes, and seasoned vegetables. Most restaurants offer free refills on banchan throughout the meal.
Typical Korean BBQ Pricing
The pricing at Korean barbecue restaurants can vary greatly depending on the following factors:
Location
Like most cuisine, location significantly impacts the price. Restaurants in major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta are generally the most expensive. Prices go down in the suburbs and smaller towns.
In expensive metropolitan areas, expect to pay $30-50 per person for dinner. Suburban restaurants will be in the $20-35 per person range.
Meat Quality
Higher end Korean BBQ joints will offer premium selections like imported Wagyu beef from Japan or ultra-marbled, grade-A Hanwoo beef from Korea. These specialty meat selections will be priced significantly higher than basic options like pork belly and chicken.
Fancier restaurants also tend to serve meat cuts that are thicker and higher quality. Budget Korean BBQ spots will do very thin slices to save on costs.
Meat Cuts
Certain meat selections cost more than others, even at the same restaurant. For example, short ribs are generally the most expensive.
Here is a rough pricing guide per meat type:
- Wagyu beef: $15+ per ounce
- Hanwoo beef short ribs: $25+ per serving
- USDA Prime galbi: $15-20 per serving
- Marinated ribeye: $12-18 per serving
- Short ribs: $10-15 per serving
- Pork belly: $8-12 per serving
- Chicken or shrimp: $5-10 per serving
Set Meals vs. A La Carte
Most Korean BBQ places offer set combo meals for 2+ people that include banchan, rice, lettuce wraps, and a set amount of meat. These package deals are almost always a better value than ordering a la carte. Expect combo sets to cost $30-60 per person.
Ordering meat and sides separately can get very expensive quickly. So set meals are more budget friendly, especially for large groups.
Lunch vs. Dinner
Lunches are almost always cheaper than dinners at Korean restaurants. Lunch specials with discounted combo sets are common during the 12pm-3pm hours. Expect lunch to be 15-25% cheaper than peak dinner pricing.
Extra Charges
Some Korean BBQ joints have small extra charges that can add up:
- Tabletop grill fee ($5-10)
- Banchan refill fee ($3-5)
- Lettuce wrap packets ($1-2 per serving)
- Side rice and soup orders ($3-5 per bowl)
Tipping
Tipping is not expected or standard practice in Korea. But many Korean BBQ places in the US include automatic gratuity of 15-20% for parties of 6 or more.
Booze
Alcohol purchases can greatly inflamte the final bill. Korean soju, beer, and other beverage pairings add $5-20 per drink. Catering to large parties with multiple drink rounds increases costs further.
Dessert
Some Korean BBQ eateries offer sweet bingsoo desserts and other options ranging $5-15 that pile on additional cost.
How to Save Money on Korean BBQ
Here are some tips to enjoy Korean barbecue on a budget:
- Go for lunch specials
- Order combo sets instead of a la carte items
- Choose cheaper meats like chicken and pork belly
- Avoid premium Wagyu and Hanwoo
- Skip booze and dessert
- Request free banchan refills instead of ordering sides
- Split bulk meat orders with the table
- Search out markets and butcher shops with prepared meats and do Korean BBQ at home
Certain budget-friendly Korean barbecue chain restaurants like Quarters, Jin Korean BBQ, and Sura Korean BBQ offer solid quality at lower price points as well.
Authentic Korean BBQ is absolutely worth splurging on for special occasions if you can swing it. Following these tips will help keep the cost down a bit. But the unique interactive dining experience coupled with juicy, flavorful meats and banchan is a priceless culinary delight for Korean food fans.
How Much Is Korean BBQ FAQs
How much should I budget per person for Korean BBQ?
- In major cities, budget $30-50 per person for dinner at nicer Korean BBQ restaurants. In cheaper suburban areas, plan for $20-35 per person.
What is the average cost of Korean BBQ meat per pound?
- Per pound, Korean BBQ meats usually cost:
- Beef short ribs: $15-25
- Marinated ribeye: $12-20
- Pork belly: $10-15
- Brisket: $10-12
- Chicken: $6-10
Which Korean meats are the most expensive?
- The most expensive options are Wagyu beef (up to $15/ounce) and premium Hanwoo beef short ribs ($25+ per serving). USDA Prime galbi and marinated ribeye tend to be the priciest standard meats.
Is Korean BBQ cheaper for lunch vs dinner?
- Yes, Korean BBQ lunch prices are usually about 15-25% cheaper than dinner. Many restaurants offer lunchtime combo specials and discounts.
How much does a Korean BBQ set meal cost?
- For 2 people, expect to pay $30-60 for a Korean BBQ dinner combo set including meats, sides, rice, wraps, and banchan. Set meals offer a lower per-person price.
Is Korean BBQ cheaper to make at home?
- It can be. Buying meats from an Asian market and preparing them yourself saves at least 25%. But you miss out on the restaurant ambiance and banchan variety.
Can you request free banchan refills?
- Most authentic Korean BBQ spots will gladly provide banchan refills at no extra cost if you ask politely. Refills on these small sides will help fill you up without inflating the bill.
How to Get the Best Value at Korean BBQ Restaurants
Follow these tips to maximize the quality and quantity while minimizing the cost when enjoying Korean barbecue:
Choose Lunch Over Dinner
Opt to visit during cheaper lunch hours, typically 11am to 3pm. Special discounted combos are common midday.
Dine Early
If dinner is a must, go early between 5pm to 6:30pm to take advantage of happy hour deals before peak surcharges kick in.
Skip Premium Meats
Resist the urge to splurge on ultra-expensive Wagyu and Hanwoo cuts. Satisfying marinated ribeye and pork belly offer the authentic flavors you crave for less.
Order Combos
Opt for the set meal combos suited for 2+ people to get the best overall value compared to piecing together a la carte items.
Load Up on Banchan
Fill up on the free banchan small plates and rice that come with most combos instead of ordering extra costly sides. Ask for unlimited refills.
Control Portions
A little bit of meat goes a long way. Opt for leaner proteins like chicken and seafood. Overloading the grill with too much beef and pork at once ramps up the cost.
BYOB
Since alcohol jack up costs quickly, bring your own beer, soju and other drinks if allowed. Or refrain from booze altogether.
Skip Dessert
Fill up on proteins, veggies, and banchan instead of splurging on sweet bingsoo that additions unnecessary cost.
Research Prices Online
Compare menus and prices at different Korean BBQ spots online. Look for deals and combo options before you go to get the best rates.
Top Budget Korean BBQ Restaurants
Here are some of the most affordable Korean barbecue chain restaurants to check out:
Quarters Korean BBQ
With locations in California, Quarters offers all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue weeknight deals for just $25 per person. Their basic proteins keep things budget friendly.
Jin Korean Barbeque
This Korean BBQ chain with locations across Texas offers lunch specials under $20. Their meat combos and sets for 2 include banchan for a reasonable price point.
Bonchon
Known for fried chicken, Bonchon also serves Korean staples like bulgogi and spam. Their lunch and dinner deals provide savings for this popular Korean fast-casual spot.
Oo-Kook Korean BBQ
With restaurants in California, Oo-Kook is a budget-friendly Korean BBQ chain praised for quick service and affordable combo sets under $30.
Sura Korean Barbecue
This California chain attracts Koreatown locals with wallet-friendly lunch and dinner deals. Per person combo prices hover around just $15 each.
Honey Pig
Honey Pig is a beloved late night Korean BBQ option for East Coast diners in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. They offer some of the most reasonably priced AYCE deals around.
Is Authentic Korean BBQ Worth a Splurge?
While Korean barbecue certainly carries a heftier price tag than other Asian fare, the experience brings great value. The interactive, hands-on dining style simply can’t be replicated at home. Sizzling meats and veggies on the tabletop grill fills the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Beyond the food itself, Korean barbecue restaurants provide a fun, festive environment ideal for gatherings with family and friends. Customers often celebrate special occasions or bond over K-pop while grilling kalbi and banchan.
Despite the higher cost, Korean barbecue remains a unique and unforgettable dining adventure for foodies. The combination of savory flavors, tender meats, customizable wraps, and sides creates a one-of-a-kind Korean culinary journey.
If you have the budget to splurge on occasion, authentic Korean barbecue houses like Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong and Mapo KBBQ are well worth the price. The high-quality ingredients and decades of mastery over the flavors make them a notch above budget spots.
But following a few saving strategies allows you to enjoy this cultural experience more often. Seek out lunch deals, split portions, and fill up on free banchan to control costs while enjoying tender meats and flavorful banchan. With the right approach, everyone can experience the magic of Korean BBQ.
The Bottom Line – Enjoy Delicious KBBQ Without Breaking the Bank
Korean barbecue offers a treasured social tradition with mouthwatering flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere. Yes, it comes at a higher price point than other Asian cuisines. But utilizing tips like choosing lunch over dinner, ordering combo sets, controlling portions, avoiding premium expensive meat options, and filling up on free banchan can keep the cost reasonable.
With strategic planning, budget-conscious foodies can savor the smoky grilled flavors and bonding experience of Korean BBQ for $25-50 per person. Seek out affordable local joints, utilize daily deals, go for chicken and pork over pricey beef, and round out your meal with banchan to get your Korean barbecue fix without draining your wallet. Approaching this interactive dining experience informed and strategically allows you to delight in authentic Korean cuisine on special occasions without breaking the bank.
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