Seattle’s food scene offers amazing Korean BBQ spots where you can grill your own meat right at the table. These restaurants serve up tasty marinated meats alongside traditional side dishes called banchan. Whether you’re new to Korean BBQ or a longtime fan, Seattle, Washington has plenty of great places to try this fun, flavorful dining experience.
1. Meet Korean BBQ: Capitol Hill’s Modern Grilling Haven
Nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill, Meet Korean BBQ brings a contemporary twist to traditional Korean grilling. The sleek interior with state-of-the-art ventilation systems ensures you won’t leave smelling like smoke – a common concern at many BBQ joints.
Their premium meat selection includes beautifully marbled beef short ribs and paper-thin brisket that cooks in seconds. The servers help cook at your table, ensuring perfect doneness every time.
What sets Meet apart is their housemade banchan (side dishes) that change seasonally. The kimchi is made in-house and fermented to perfection. With its central location and reputation for quality, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners.
2. ?? ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ: Upscale Grilling Experience
ONMI stands out as North Seattle’s premium Korean BBQ destination where quality trumps quantity. Unlike all-you-can-eat establishments, ONMI focuses on sourcing exceptional local meats that justify their higher price point.
The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere features private booths with powerful ventilation systems built into each table. Their signature dish is the prime hanging beef short rib, presented hanging from a special rack before being cut and grilled at your table.
Each meat order comes with a generous array of housemade banchan, including less common varieties you might not find elsewhere. The attentive staff expertly guides first-timers through the grilling process, making this an accessible experience even for Korean BBQ newcomers.
3. Baegopa: International District’s All-You-Can-Eat Champion
“Baegopa” means “I’m hungry” in Korean – an apt name for this generous International District hotspot! Unlike more upscale options, Baegopa wins hearts with its straightforward approach: quality meats at reasonable prices in an unpretentious setting.
Their all-you-can-eat option features three tiers, with the premium level including specialties like marinated galbi (short ribs) and unmarinated chadolbaegi (thinly sliced brisket). The restaurant buzzes with energy as servers rush between tables with fresh meat plates and hot coals.
Even during busy hours, the staff maintains a cheerful demeanor. Pro tip: arrive early for dinner or be prepared to wait, as this popular spot doesn’t take reservations and regularly forms lines out the door on weekends.
4. Palmi Korean BBQ: Student-Friendly Grilling in U-District
University students flock to Palmi for affordable Korean BBQ without sacrificing authentic flavors. This cozy spot near UW campus offers an all-you-can-eat experience that won’t empty your wallet – a rarity in the Korean BBQ world.
Despite its budget-friendly prices, Palmi doesn’t skimp on quality. The pork belly and spicy chicken are standout options that even impress Korean BBQ veterans. Each table features a modern grill system with adjustable heat settings perfect for cooking different meat thicknesses.
The banchan selection rotates regularly but always includes the classics like kimchi and pickled radish. First-timers receive helpful grilling instructions from the friendly staff, many of whom are UW students themselves. The restaurant stays open late on weekends, making it perfect for post-study feasts.
5. Seoul Bowl: Fast-Casual Korean BBQ Bowls
Seoul Bowl revolutionizes Korean BBQ with their build-your-own bowl concept near Seattle University, Washington. Perfect for BBQ lovers seeking a quick lunch without the full sit-down experience, this spot delivers authentic flavors in a convenient format.
The assembly line setup lets you choose a base (rice, noodles, or greens), then add your choice of Korean BBQ meats like bulgogi beef or spicy pork. Each bowl comes topped with traditional banchan-inspired vegetables and your choice of house-made sauces ranging from mild to fiery hot.
The bright, modern space features communal tables and Korean pop music playing in the background. While not traditional tabletop grilling, Seoul Bowl captures the essential flavors of Korean BBQ in a format that works perfectly for busy schedules or solo diners who might not want the full grill experience.
6. Sumi Korean Grill: Tukwila’s Hidden Gem
Just south of Seattle proper, Sumi Korean Grill offers a spacious, family-friendly setting that’s worth the short drive. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between traditional flavors and contemporary design with its wood-accented interior and custom grill tables.
Sumi’s menu features both cook-it-yourself options and chef-prepared dishes for those who prefer to leave the cooking to professionals. Their marinated beef tongue has developed a cult following among adventurous eaters, while the classic bulgogi satisfies traditional tastes.
What truly distinguishes Sumi is their exceptional customer service – staff regularly check on grilling progress and offer cooking tips without hovering. The complimentary steamed egg dish that arrives bubbling hot at your table midway through the meal is a delightful touch not found at many other Seattle-area Korean BBQ restaurants.
7. Gen Korean BBQ House: Vibrant All-You-Can-Eat Experience
Gen Korean BBQ House brings high-energy dining to Tukwila with its dramatic blue lighting and lively atmosphere. This popular chain has mastered the all-you-can-eat format with an impressive selection of over 30 protein options – from traditional choices to creative options like spicy samgyupsal (pork belly) and Hawaiian-style beef.
The restaurant’s tablet ordering system makes the experience seamless, allowing you to pace your meal perfectly. Fresh meat plates arrive quickly, ensuring your grill never sits empty for long.
Despite being a chain, Gen maintains quality control with fresh ingredients and well-trained staff who help manage your grill. The banchan selection is more limited than some traditional spots, but the unlimited meat selection more than makes up for it. Come hungry and prepare for a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for group celebrations.
8. New Gangnam BBQ: Lynnwood’s Korean Culinary Destination
New Gangnam BBQ stands as a beacon for authentic Korean flavors in Lynnwood, drawing customers from throughout the Seattle metro area. The restaurant’s charcoal grilling option – increasingly rare in modern Korean BBQ establishments – creates distinctive smoky flavors that gas grills simply can’t replicate.
New Gangnam takes pride in their marinades, which follow closely-guarded recipes. Their galbi (short ribs) feature the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth that keeps regulars coming back.
Beyond excellent meats, New Gangnam offers some of the most generous banchan selections in the region, with up to 12 different side dishes accompanying your meal. The slightly out-of-the-way location means you’ll often find tables available when downtown spots have long waits – a worthy trade-off for serious Korean BBQ enthusiasts.
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