We visited SK Seoul Kalbi Korean BBQ in San Bruno for their all-you-can-eat option, attracted by the unique feature of using real wood charcoal for cooking. However, our experience was a mix of positives and negatives that resulted in an overall average rating.On the positive side, the use of real wood charcoal for the BBQ did provide a distinctive flavor to the dishes. The authenticity of the cooking method was appreciated, and the taste of the food was generally satisfying.Unfortunately, there were several downsides that affected our dining experience. The main issue was the slow heating process of the charcoal. We found ourselves waiting for extended periods for the coal to reach the opti...
My initial visit to SK Seoul Kalbi, a Korean BBQ spot, was overshadowed by a complete disregard for my time. I was initially informed of a 10-20 minute wait due to a number of reservations, which seemed reasonable. However, the reality unfolded as a near hour-long wait, with only sporadic updates that did little to manage expectations.The situation took a turn for the worse when, after all this time, we were told abruptly there was no room for us that night and asked to leave. This felt incredibly dismissive, especially considering there had been no warning we might leave unseated.Compounding the frustration was the absence of an apology or offer of compensation for this clear misstep. A sim...
We really enjoyed the beef short ribs, or galbi, which were definitely one of our favorites. The wagyu brisket was also a hit; it’s sliced thinly and cooks quickly, making it a delight.
As for the banchan, they were decent but nothing extraordinary—they didn’t leave me craving more, although the presentation was lovely. The tofu soup was just average; it didn't wow me, but it was fine.
I really liked the house salad! It was refreshing, made with high-quality, fresh vegetables, and it paired wonderfully with the grilled meats.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the charcoal grill experience. The use of charcoal really enhances the flavors of the grilled meats, making it a standout experience. Y...
AYCE BBQ Charcoal Grill offers unlimited meats and tasty sides for $45. I really wanted to enjoy this place, but the smoke from the grill was overwhelming throughout our meal. It wasn't ventilated properly, so we struggled to fully appreciate the atmosphere without having smoke in our faces. The food, however, was delicious, and the cuts of meat were flavorful. The kimchi pancake was softer than I prefer, but my friend loved its texture. There were nine varieties of banchan, which left us wanting a bit more, providing a nice classic selection. The service was prompt, and they accepted payment via Square, which made it easy to get their attention for more meat. They also changed our grill pan...
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There was a misleading issue with our seating; we were told we could return at 8:30 PM, but ended up waiting over two hours. By the time we finished our meal, it felt like they were pressing us to leave, and we had to settle our bill early because they were closing the card machines. It would have been better if they had suggested we dine elsewhere. If you're planning to visit, make sure to reserve at least three hours in advance, as we didn’t know this being out of town.
As for parking, the street parking can be quite difficult and risky due to the chance of getting side-swiped. We opted to park at a small business plaza just before the restaurant, which was both closer and safer, just a m...
We ordered just one round of meat, consisting of four small dishes, but we couldn't finish because the charcoal was positioned too close to us and made it uncomfortably hot. When we asked for a to-go box, they refused and let the food go to waste due to their policy against giving boxes, which seemed unreasonable. If we had ordered multiple rounds and left a lot of leftovers, it would be understandable not to get a box. However, for just one round and with a bill of over $90 plus tips, it felt completely unfair not to be provided with a box.
The placement of the charcoal was quite poor, and we had to remove the grill shortly after we started. Overall, this experience left us quite dissatisf...
The food is great and easy to prepare at home. I absolutely love it and will definitely come back soon. The service is quick as well, especially since we visited on a night that wasn’t too busy.
The staff were very attentive. The beef options were quite good, but I wasn't a fan of the miso pork. It had a smoky flavor, but it wasn’t too bad overall. I would consider going back again.
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The impact of charcoal grilling is incredible! The quality of the meat was the best we've ever experienced. However, they could improve by offering more vegetarian options.
Food was not as good as before. No more salad bar. Ventilation was bad. Smoke was all over our faces that our eyes hurt.
Unmarinated Kalbi-Fresh Short Ribs
Garlic Black Pepper Sliced Rib-Eye
Traditionalist Meat Lover's Meal
Bulgogi-Marinated Pork Bulgogi
Garlic Black Pepper Pork Belly
Jap Chae Sauteed Glass Noodles
Seasoned Leafy Green Vegetable
Green Onion Vegetable Pancake
American Wagyu Beef Rib Meat
Prime Grade Top Blade Steak
