17 Korean Restaurants You NEED To Try in the United States

Good Korean food isn’t always easy to come by.

Truth is, getting that authentic feel and flavor isn’t easy to do, and many restaurants fail because of it!

That isn’t the case with our favorite 17 Korean restaurants, though. 

17 Korean Restaurants You NEED To Try in the United States

These restaurants will make you drool just by looking at their pictures.

Their quality is incredible, and their ratings prove it.

Hopefully you live nearby so that you can drop in and taste a few options for yourself!

We won’t keep you – the promise of Korean food is too much to bear.

Check out the top 17 must-visit Korean restaurants in the continental US. 

17 Must-Try Korean Restaurants in the US

1. Honeypig

If you’re looking for one of Las Vegas’ top restaurants, Honeypig is the one for you!

Next time you’re in the mood for a mind-blowing Korean BBQ, this is the place to go, and it’s worth the travel if you live across the country!

You can find this restaurant near the Cactus Wren Park to have some of the best dumplings you will ever have the honor of tasting.

They’re flavored perfectly, and have the perfect balance of air and meatiness that everyone only hopes to get. 

If you’re not in the mood for something too meaty, the seafood is right up there, too!

The squid will blow your mind, so it’s worth ordering a bento box.

These come with dumplings, salad, rice, and some really tasty squid.

Hours Open – Monday-Sunday = 10am – 5am

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: fried dumplings, corn cheese, samgye tang, galbi tang, soondae stew

BORI

2. BORI

  • City and State – Houston, Texas
  • Address – 1453 Witte Rd, TX, 77080, United States
  • Phone Number – 832-740-4350
  • Link to Website – borirestaurant
  • Link to Instagram – borirestaurant
  • Type of Restaurant – contemporary steakhouse
  • Price Range – $$

BORI is the top spot for good Korean cuisine.

You can find this contemporary steakhouse beside Haden Park in Houston.

Anyone who knows this place knows it’s the best in town.

Here, you can get some succulent and mouth-watering meats like short ribs, as well as traditional favorites. 

The kimchi is phenomenal, and the garlic sauce is to die for.

From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you will fall in love with the classy but modern atmosphere.

They can cater to all your preferences, too, and are amazing at substituting items for whatever you like. 

Hours Open – Monday – Friday = 11am -1:30pm // 5pm – 9:30pm | Saturday & Sunday = 12pm – 9:30 pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: seafood pancake, Japanese wagyu, Seoul fashion cocktail

3. Jungsik

  • City and State – New York, New York
  • Address – 2 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013, United States
  • Phone Number –  212-219-0900
  • Link to Website – jungsik
  • Link to Instagram – jungsik_nyc
  • Type of Restaurant – fine dining
  • Price Range – $$$

Found yourself in the Big Apple, but want something more substantial than fruit?

Head over to Jungsik – a stunning fine dining Korean restaurant for a fancy night.

The waitstaff will take care of you like one of their own, and you can dive into some incredibly culinary adventures. 

The octopus is not something to skip out on, because you won’t beat it anywhere else.

This restaurant is the perfect place to make a reservation for any kind of special night.

From anniversaries to birthdays, you will feel special from the moment you walk through the door.

Hours Open – Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday = 5pm – 9pm | Friday-Saturday = 5pm – 10 pm

Order Online? – no

Must-try menu items: pluot, galbi, carabinero 

4. Han Oak Restaurant

  • City and State – Portland, Oregon
  • Address – 511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, United States
  • Phone Number – 971-255-0032
  • Link to Website – hanoakpdx
  • Link to Instagram – hanoakpdx
  • Type of Restaurant – high-end, minimal chic Korean BBQ
  • Price Range – $$-$$$

Live in the Pacific Northwest or visiting there, and you want some freaking amazing Korean food?

Head over to Han Oak Restaurant – this place will not disappoint.

Looking at their menu, the first thing you’ll likely notice is that it is incredibly inclusive – everyone will love something. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or even a pescatarian, you will find food to love.

Not only is the food some of the best, but they make a lot of it from scratch – like their homemade dumplings!  

If you’re a cocktail lover, this place has you covered, too.

There are a wide range of artisan cocktails to choose from.

The waitstaff are great, too, and will take the time to help you pair drinks with your meals. What else can you expect from a high-end restaurant?

There’s nothing left to want from this place.

Hours Open – Friday-Saturday = 5pm – 9:30pm

Order Online? –  no

Must-try menu items: jeon, crab salad, chilled soba, egg jjim

5. Joule

  • City and State – Seattle, Washington
  • Address –3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
  • Phone Number – 206-632-5685
  • Link to Website – relayrestaurantgroup
  • Link to Instagram – joulerestaurant
  • Type of Restaurant – contemporary steakhouse
  • Price Range – $$-$$$

You can find Joule just a couple of blocks away from Gas Works Park.

This place is considered to be one of the finest eateries in Seattle, and not one you should overlook!

It has the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary food that anyone will fall in love with. 

The reasonable price only adds to its allure, and enjoy meat-heavy dishes, or vegetarian options.

It doesn’t stop with the food, though, because inside the restaurant is equally exquisite. 

Hours Open – 5pm – 9pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: beef tartare, bone marrow, burnt ginger battered rice

6. Manna Korean BBQ and Dosirak

  • City and State – Washington, DC
  • Address – 409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
  • Phone Number – 202-921-9456
  • Link to Website – mannadosirak
  • Link to Instagram – mannadosirak
  • Type of Restaurant – casual
  • Price Range – $$

Manna Korean BBQ and Dosirak can be found right in the capital, a short drive from Kingman Island.

In a city full of incredible restaurants, this one works hard to keep a top spot.

There’s nothing boring about this place, and anyone who visits will fall in love with it immediately. 

There’s a great range of menu items, including chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and tofu! Be sure to try out the japchae and the kimchi fried rice – you can’t go wrong with them.

If you want to try as much food as possible, bring a friend or a whole group to share food with!

Hours Open – 12pm – 9pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: soondubu and steak, bulgogi, hotteok

7. Her Name is Han

This restaurant’s name sounds like the beginning of a love letter, and it may as well be!

Found near the majestic Empire State Building, Her Name is Han is a restaurant you need to stop at.

Its convenient location makes it easy to find, and even easier to remember for next time!

You may have to compete with tourists if you want to get a seat here – it’s that good!

The restaurant is family-owned, and you can expect to find authentic and delicious flavors in every dish.

They even have cocktails to try out! 

Here, the service is impeccable, and they will always make you feel special.

The level of joy and enthusiasm is infectious, and you will love every moment you’re in there.

Hours Open – Monday-Friday Lunch = 12pm – 3pm | Sunday-Thursday Dinner = 5:30pm – 11pm | Friday-Saturday Dinner = 5:30pm – 12am

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: jeju island cocktail, spicy raw tuna, han dumpling, kimchi pancakes

8. Quarters Korean BBQ

  • City and State – Los Angeles, California
  • Address – 3465 W 6th St #C-130, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
  • Phone Number – 213-365-8111
  • Link to Website – quarterskbbq
  • Link to Instagram – quarterskbbq
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean BBQ
  • Price Range – $$-$$$

Quarters Korean BBQ should be your next stop if you’re dying for some good Korean food.

You can easily find this place in the middle of Wiltshire Center, and it will not disappoint.

The only helpful information you may need to hear is that you should always arrive at this restaurant hungry – ravenous, even. 

Meals are big, and even the entrées are large enough to share with a friend.

If you want to explore as much as you can here, sharing your food out with a group is definitely the way to go – how else are you supposed to try everything? 

There are lots of great menu items to test, so be sure to take it slow!

From spicy back rib fondue to anything else you could want, this restaurant won’t disappoint.

Even the service here is great, and everything is explained to you as you come in, making it great for first-timers! 

Hours Open – Sunday-Wednesday = 11am – 12 am | Thursday-Friday = 11am – 2am

Order Online? – delivery available

Must-try menu items: galbi beef, spicy back rib fondue

9. Genwa Korean BBQ

  • City and State – Los Angeles, California
  • Address – 5115 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
  • Phone Number – 323-549-0760
  • Link to Website – genwakoreanbbq
  • Link to Instagram – genwaofficial
  • Type of Restaurant – BBQ
  • Price Range – $$-$$$

Everyone already knows that Los Angeles has some amazing food, so stop fighting it!

Genwa Korean BBQ has some of the best food in town, and everyone in the city knows it.

You can find this restaurant close to John Burroughs Middle School, so it’s a great location!

Once you try their food, you will be begging to go back for more.

The staff know their menu, and the chefs know their food.

There are great authentic options to try out such as various seafood entrées, delicious bulgogi, and flavorful fishcakes. 

Hours Open – Monday – Saturday = 12pm – 10pm | Sunday = 1pm – 10pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: bibim naengmyeon, japchae, kotsal

10. Dak & Bop

  • City and State – Houston, Texas
  • Address – 1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
  • Phone Number – 832-516-9316
  • Link to Website – dakandbop
  • Link to Instagram – dakandpok18th
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean fusion
  • Price Range – $$

You can find Dak & Bop in Houston, just across the river from Little Thicket Park.

This restaurant isn’t only cute, but it is co creative with their food, too.

Sure, you can get all your favorite traditional classics, but there are lots of unconventional and fun ideas here, too! 

Their homemade kimchi is to die for, and their Korean curry fries as a perfect late night snack.

There is nothing bad on the menu, and everything is worth trying, so be sure to bring some friends to share everything out.

You want to experience everything it has to offer, don’t you? 

Hours Open – Sunday-Thursday = 11am – 9pm | Friday-Saturday = 11am – 10pm

Order Online? – no

Must-try menu items: kimchi burger, bulgogi French dip, Korean curry bowl

SSAL

11. SSAL

  • City and State – San Francisco, California
  • Address – 2226 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
  • Phone Number – unknown
  • Link to Website – ssalsf
  • Link to Instagram – ssalsf
  • Type of Restaurant – contemporary Korean
  • Price Range – $$$

Located close to the Lombard Street Reservoir, it’s practically impossible to have a bad experience as SSAL.

Here, you can get delicious Korean fusion food that will suit everyone’s tastes.

There are plenty of menu options to choose from, including hearty meats, or even mushrooms!

You can also try the slinky sliced Crudo or delicious oysters if you feel like something a little different. 

Don’t be surprised if you end up having to wait awhile to get into this restaurant.

This location is trendy and always a popular spot on the weekends.

Don’t feel disheartened, though!

The food and atmosphere are all worth it, we promise! 

Hours Open – Monday-Tuesday = closed | Wednesday-Saturday = 5:30pm – 9pm | Sunday = 5:30pm – 8pm

Order Online? – no

Must-try menu items: Smoked oyster with kimchi and pork belly, live surf clam with chojang and purslane

12. Gabose Pocha

  • City and State – Lauderhill, Florida
  • Address – 4933 N University Dr, Lauderhill, FL 33351, United States
  • Phone Number – 954-999-0603
  • Link to Website – gabosebbq
  • Link to Instagram – gabosepocha
  • Type of Restaurant – offbeat Koran restaurant & street food
  • Price Range – $

This funky, fun, and offbeat Korean restaurant is a must-see if you’re ever in Lauderhill, Florida.

You can find this restaurant near North University Drive and prepare yourself for one of the best culinary experiences of your life – once you find it! 

Gabose Pocha is a little hidden compared to the other restaurants on this menu, but so worth the trouble.

Here, you can expect a family friendly environment, making it perfect if you like to share your plates and get a taste of everything.

There are plenty of great combinations to try out here, and no one will bat an eye to them! 

If you decide to stop by, be sure to try their ramen nachos and octopus burger.

You can even stick to something a little more familiar if you like and try their chicken wings (with a Korean twist).

Even their omelets are to die for, so let nothing stop you from ordering everything and sharing it between your friends. 

Hours Open – Gabose = Monday-Thursday = 11:30am – 10pm | Friday-Saturday – 11:30am – 11pm | Closed Sunday | Pocha = Tuesday = 5pm – 10pm | Wednesday = 5pm – 11pm | Thursday = 5pm – 12am | Friday-Saturday = 5pm – 1am | Closed Sunday-Wednesday

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: octopus, starry flounder, crystal grill, kimchi doria, fish jerky, ramen nachos, octopus burger

13. KPub Grill and Beer Tap Room

  • City and State – Portland, Oregon
  • Address – 7339 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211, United States
  • Phone Number – 503-954-1722
  • Link to Website – kpubgrill
  • Link to Instagram – kpubgrill
  • Type of Restaurant – grill and tap room with gambling
  • Price Range – $$

This delightful restaurant can be found near the Al-Furqan Islamic Center.

There, you can try out some of the best beers around, along with some truly incredibly Korean food.

With a wide variety of options available here, it only makes sense to take it slow and test out different food and beer combinations, right?

Whether you love a good IPA or some artisanal ales, you will get along with KPub Grill and Beer Tap Room.

The wait staff are full of great recommendations, too, so don’t take them for granted!

Should you choose to stop by, be sure to get some deep-fried and steamed dumplings – they will pair beautifully with anything you choose to drink with your friends.

Hours Open – Monday = closed | Tuesday = 4pm – 9pm | Wednesday-Sunday = 12pm – 9pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: shrimp yakisoba, beef bulgogi, yang-nyum chicken

14. Meet Korean BBQ

  • City and State – Seattle, Washington
  • Address – 500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
  • Phone Number – 206-695-2621
  • Link to Website – meetkoreanbbq
  • Link to Instagram – meetkoreanbbqseattle
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean BBQ
  • Price Range – $$$

You can find all the best Korean BBQ classics here.

This restaurant is pretty close to Pike Place Market and offers food without all the fanciness.

You can expect to get some incredible kimchi, as well as delicious grilled meats.

If you love your sauces and sides, they’ve got that down, too! You can get all the authentic flavors of Korea and pair it with your favorite beers and wines. 

You don’t need to rush here, so it’s always worth testing out different appetizers and spirits.

Meet Korean BBQ offers straight food that’s worth the money and time.

There’s really no reason for you not to want to check this place out.

Hours Open – Monday-Tuesday = closed | Wednesday – Sunday = 5pm – 10pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: pork rib kimchi stew, seafood scallion pancake, wagyu, ribeye

15. Seorabol Restaurant

  • City and State – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Address – 5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19120, United States
  • Phone Number – 15-924-3355
  • Link to Website – seorabolphillypa
  • Link to Instagram – seorabol
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean Japanese BBQ, sushi
  • Price Range – $$

You can find this restaurant is situated close to the Locust Street Metro and is considered to be one of the best Korean restaurants in the country!

If you decide to visit Seorabol, you can expect nothing less than perfection. You will get authentic food and the best service around. 

They have menu items that will make you drool, and so many flavors to choose from.

This restaurant is great at creating the basics as well as some adventurous combinations.

Don’t be afraid to try something new if you visit, because you will love everything they have to offer.

You can expect some great lunch special if you visit the restaurant at lunchtime, so it’s really great at any time of day! To put the cherry on top, they cook a lot of their dishes in traditional stoneware!

Hours Open – Monday = 11am – 10:30pm | Tuesday = closed | Wednesday-Saturday = 11am – 10:30pm | Sunday = 11am – 9:30pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: YukGaeJang, spicy pork gui, chicken gui, samsun jjan bbong

16. Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant

  • City and State – Los Angeles, California
  • Address – 3821 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
  • Phone Number – 213-389-8777
  • Link to Website – haejangchon
  • Link to Instagram – haejangchon
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean BBQ
  • Price Range – $$-$$$

A short distance from Wiltshire Metro, you can find Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant.

This restaurant is another classic must-visit if you ever find yourself in or around Los Angeles.

Its food is incredible, and the atmosphere is perfect. 

Since it is so popular, you had better expect this place to be pretty packed.

Whether you’re visiting on the weekends or at dinner time, you should go there expecting to wait awhile.

It’s worth it, though, so have a little patience!

As soon as you get in and take a seat, everything will make sense.

The food is exceptional, and you can get brisket, seafood, short ribs, and anything else your heart desires.

To make the most out of your visit, why not mix and match some plates?

You can get a great selection of everything on the menu to have a filling dinner.

Hours Open – to go+ = 11am – 11pm | Monday-Saturday = 11am – 12am | Closed Sunday

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: small octopus, BBQ chicken, soybean paste soul

17. Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot

  • City and State – Aurora, Colorado
  • Address – 2080 South Havana Street, Aurora, CO 80014
  • Phone Number – 303-632-7576
  • Link to Website – seoulkoreanbbq
  • Link to Instagram – seoulkoreanbbq
  • Type of Restaurant – Korean BB and hot pot
  • Price Range – $$

Looking for mouth-watering food and a friendly atmosphere? Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot is the one place you definitely need to hit up if you’re in Colorado.

Here, you can expect nothing other than some of the best Korean food you will ever get, and enjoy a hot pot, too! 

If you like your desserts, then this restaurant will easily accommodate you.

Here, there’s some truly delicious custom ice cream to dig into.

Not only that, but their sushi is divine, so there are plenty of lighter meals available if that’s what you feel like.

It would be difficult to stop by at the Korean BBQ spot and not at least try some of the meats they have on offer, or their tofu options if you’re vegetarian!

Hours Open – Monday-Sunday = 11am – 10pm

Order Online? – yes

Must-try menu items: seaweed salad, haemul Pa-jeon, chadol-baegi, sam-gyup-sal

Final Thoughts 

If you’re going to be traveling to any of the cities mentioned above, you’d better check out the restaurants, too!

There are so many delicious options, you just know that you will regret missing out on it. 

Some of the above restaurants are a little on the pricey side, so don’t be afraid to spend some cash!

However, no matter how affordable or expensive these places are, they are worth it all. 

If you do end up checking out any of these restaurants, why not let us know how it goes?

We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Jenna
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