If you’re a food lover searching for the best Korean BBQ near me, there’s a high chance you’ve come across Gen Korean BBQ House. With its sleek ambiance, premium meats, and all-you-can-eat setup, Gen Korean BBQ has rapidly become one of the top Korean BBQ restaurant chains in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned KBBQ connoisseur or a curious first-timer, this guide will walk you through why Gen should be at the top of your list.
🥩 What Is Gen Korean BBQ?
Gen Korean BBQ House is a popular all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ chain known for its wide variety of marinated meats, seafood, and authentic side dishes. Founded in Tustin, California, in 2011, Gen now boasts over 40 locations across the USA, making it one of the most recognizable names in the Korean dining scene.
📍 Gen Korean BBQ Locations in the USA
Looking for Gen Korean BBQ near me? You’re likely in luck. Gen has expanded across major U.S. cities and continues to grow.
Major Cities With Gen Korean BBQ Restaurants:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- New York City, NY
- San Antonio, TX
- Honolulu, HI
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Chicago, IL (coming soon)
To find your closest location, visit GenKoreanBBQ.com and use the location finder.
🍖 Gen Korean BBQ Menu: What to Expect
The Gen Korean BBQ menu is packed with variety—offering something for every kind of eater. Whether you’re into classic bulgogi or adventurous with spicy squid, Gen has your cravings covered.
Must-Try Menu Items:
- Premium Chadol (Beef Brisket)
- Gen Signature Steak
- Spicy Pork Belly
- Garlic Chicken
- Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple
- Shrimp and Baby Octopus
- Vegetable Medley (for vegetarians)
They also provide a set menu for lunch and dinner, with up to 36 AYCE items for dinner service.
🥢 Dining Experience: Grill It Your Way
Gen offers a hands-on, cook-it-yourself experience that brings people together. Every table is equipped with a personal grill so you can cook meats to your liking.
What makes it different?
- Unlimited refills of meat, veggies, and seafood
- Self-grilling experience for fresh, customized bites
- Traditional Korean banchan (side dishes) served complimentary
- Great for groups, dates, birthdays, and celebrations
- Korean BBQ sauce – 🔥 Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe (Kalbi-style)
- 🥣 Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter sweetness)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – adjust to heat preference
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)
- 🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Combine everything (except cornstarch and water) in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- If you want it thicker, mix cornstarch + water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 more minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and you’re good to go!
If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ before, Gen is a great first experience due to its approachable atmosphere and helpful staff.
💵 Pricing & Hours: Is It Worth It?
Gen Korean BBQ Pricing (subject to change):
- Lunch: ~$19.99–$24.99 per person
- Dinner: ~$29.99–$35.99 per person
- Kids Pricing: Available for children under a certain height
Hours vary by location but generally:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (later on weekends)
✔️ Pro Tip: Go during weekday lunch hours for the best value!
🌟 Why Gen Korean BBQ Stands Out
With dozens of Korean BBQ restaurants popping up across the country, what makes Gen so special?
Key Highlights:
- ✅ Huge menu selection
- ✅ Modern & clean environment
- ✅ Perfect for K-pop and Korean culture lovers
- ✅ Great value for AYCE model
- ✅ Friendly, fast service
- ✅ Perfect for celebrations & group events
🧑🍳 Gen Korean BBQ vs Other Korean BBQ Spots
| Feature | Gen Korean BBQ | Local Korean BBQ | Korean Fusion Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYCE | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely | ❌ No |
| Premium meat selection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Depends | ✅ Sometimes |
| Modern vibe | ✅ Yes | ❌ Traditional | ✅ Modern |
| Banchan variety | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Price | 💲💲 | 💲💲💲 | 💲💲 |
👀 What Customers Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The best Korean BBQ I’ve ever had! The spicy pork and brisket are to die for.” — Yelp review from Los Angeles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Came here for my birthday with a big group—staff were super friendly and we loved grilling together!” — Google review from Las Vegas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Worth every penny. The quality is unmatched for an AYCE spot.” — TripAdvisor review from New York
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Gen Korean BBQ good for vegetarians?
A: Yes! While it’s meat-heavy, Gen offers grilled veggies, tofu, mushrooms, and banchan.
Q: Do you need a reservation at Gen Korean BBQ?
A: Most locations are first-come, first-served. Expect a wait on weekends—go early!
Q: Are there gluten-free or allergy-friendly options?
A: Gen offers allergy information, but cross-contamination is possible due to shared grills.
Q: Is Gen Korean BBQ family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Kids love the grilling experience, and there’s special pricing for them too.
Conclusion: Why Gen Korean BBQ Deserves a Visit
Whether you’re planning a night out, celebrating something special, or just want to try some sizzling Korean cuisine, Gen Korean BBQ delivers on flavor, fun, and affordability. With locations across the U.S. and a menu that blends tradition with excitement, it’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the USA.
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✅ Don’t wait—search “Gen Korean BBQ near me” and fire up your appetite!
📍 Quick Links
- 🌐 Gen Korean BBQ Website
- 📱 Follow on Instagram: @genkoreanbbq
- 🗺️ Find a Location Near You: Location Finder