Korean BBQ Menu Prices 2026: AYCE, Galbi, Bulgogi & Banchan

At Korean BBQ, a gas or charcoal grill is built into the center of your dining table. You order raw meats (and sometimes vegetables), and the server or you grill them directly at your table. The interactive cooking is part of the experience — not a DIY workaround. Here's the basic flow:

1. The server lights the grill and brings your meats and banchan (complimentary side dishes) to the table.
2. You place meat on the grill, monitor it, and flip when ready.
3. As meat finishes, you eat it wrapped in perilla leaves or lettuce with garlic, sliced peppers and ssamjang (spicy dipping paste).
4. The grill grate is typically replaced by staff every 20-30 minutes to prevent buildup.

The most popular and recommended Korean BBQ cuts are: Galbi (short rib) — bone-in beef short ribs marinated in a sweet soy-sesame sauce; widely considered the signature Korean BBQ cut. Bulgogi (marinated ribeye) — thinly sliced ribeye in a sweet pear-soy sauce; mild, tender and universally loved. Samgyeopsal (pork belly) — thick-cut pork belly grilled plain; pairs perfectly with garlic, kimchi and ssamjang in a lettuce wrap. For beginners, pork belly is the most approachable — it needs no marinating and cooks quickly. For a premium experience, Wagyu Bulgogi (~$32) or Prime Galbi (~$29) are worth the à la carte upgrade.

AYCE (all-you-can-eat) Korean BBQ means you pay a flat per-person price — typically around $27–$35 per person at U.S. restaurants, with this restaurant's AYCE at approximately $32/person — and can order as many rounds of meats from the AYCE menu as you like within a time limit (usually 90–120 minutes). The AYCE menu typically includes the core Korean BBQ cuts: brisket (chadolbaegi), galbi, bulgogi, pork belly (samgyeopsal), spicy pork (jeyuk), chicken and beef tongue. Banchan (side dishes) are always complimentary and unlimited regardless of whether you order AYCE or à la carte. AYCE is best for groups of 3+ who want to try multiple meats; à la carte is better for smaller groups or if you want premium cuts like Wagyu.

Banchan (반찬) are the small complimentary side dishes served with every Korean meal. At Korean BBQ, banchan arrives at the table before or with your first meat order and is refillable — you can always ask for more. Common banchan at Korean BBQ includes: Kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage — the most iconic Korean side), Kongnamul (seasoned soybean sprouts), Japchae (glass noodles with vegetables), Pajeon (scallion pancake), Pickled Radish, and Seasoned Spinach. Banchan is not just a side — it is integral to the Korean BBQ experience, providing acidic, pickled and vegetal contrasts to the rich grilled meats. Everything is shared communally from the center of the table.

Korean BBQ restaurants are primarily meat-focused, but vegetarians can eat reasonably well. The banchan (complimentary sides) are largely plant-based — kimchi, kongnamul (soybean sprouts), seasoned spinach and pickled radish are all typically vegan. Note: traditional kimchi sometimes contains fish sauce; confirm with your server if strict vegan. Vegetarian entrees include Doenjang Jjigae (~$13) (soybean paste stew with tofu), Bibimbap (~$14) (mixed rice bowl with vegetables and egg), Dolsot Bibimbap (~$16) (stone pot version), Tteokbokki (~$11) (spicy rice cakes) and Japchae (~$12) (glass noodles). Korean BBQ is not ideal for strict vegans — most broths contain animal products — but dedicated vegetarians can build a satisfying meal around the plant-forward banchan, soups and rice dishes.

Galbi (갈비) refers to marinated beef short ribs. The bone-in version (LA galbi style) is the most common at U.S. Korean BBQ restaurants — the rib is cross-cut through the bone and marinated in a sweet soy-sesame-garlic sauce. Galbi is thicker, chewier and more intensely flavored; the caramelized edges on the grill are one of the highlights of Korean BBQ. Bulgogi (불고기) means 'fire meat' and refers to thinly sliced ribeye marinated in a sweeter, lighter sauce of soy, pear (or apple), sesame oil and garlic. Bulgogi is thinner, more tender and milder in flavor than galbi. Price at this restaurant: Prime Galbi à la carte is ~$29; Wagyu Bulgogi is ~$32. Both are included in the AYCE option (~$32/person). If you're choosing between the two, galbi is bolder and more intensely beefy; bulgogi is more delicate and approachable.