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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Irvine's best

Authentic barbecue

Barbecue that stays true to its roots without being watered down for a generic palate.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated April 2026
01
949 Grill Lounge image 1
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Restaurant combines rustic and industrial design with an open kitchen where chefs cook over flames, creating a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet lively, often getting noisy during peak hours, suited for casual dinners and social gatherings. Guests enjoy authentic Chinese barbecue skewers with bold seasoning and fresh ingredients.

Fresh frog with shiso stands out with perfect cooking and authentic flavor. Skewers feature generous seasoning of cumin, chili powder, and other spices, delivering true northeastern Chinese barbecue taste.

Traditional barbecue skewers stand out with 949 Chicken Flying Frog Jump BBQ as a signature dish. The barbecue offers a delicious and authentic Chinese flavor in a modern setting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"The authentic Chinese skewers are generously seasoned and bursting with flavor."

"The barbecue here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to 30 minutes in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including skewers served after 5 pm.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes and food quality.

02
Galpรฃo Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Spacious, well-lit Brazilian steakhouse with tasteful decor and exceptional atmosphere. Meat service includes tableside presentations and a showy cocktail experience featuring flaming drinks. Offers a great salad bar and screens sports games, creating a lively yet elegant dining environment.

Delivers an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience with top-quality food and excellent service in a great atmosphere.

Brazilian barbecue features pineapple, cheese bread, and a unique honey over cheese combo. The food stands out for its authentic flavors and variety.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Brazilian barbecue."

"I experienced authentic Brazilian BBQ, not the watered-down version."

"The Barbecue service here is attentive and anticipates your needs."

Good to know

1

Expect a variety of meats served continuously until you signal for a stop.

2

The restaurant offers a salad bar with numerous options included in the meal.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality and service provided.

03
Northern Cafe Westpark image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, bustling Chinese restaurant with barcode ordering and generous portions creates a lively, noisy atmosphere. Crowds gather for authentic and Americanized dishes, including skewers and hot pot, making it popular for small groups and casual meals.

Food offers authentic Chinese flavors with a mix of cafรฉ-style and Americanized dishes. The menu stays true to Northern Chinese cuisine while providing familiar options.

Evenings bring out Chinese style BBQ skewers with strong cumin and chili seasoning. Lamb skewers stand out as flavorful and authentic.

People are saying

"The Chinese food skewers are smoky, juicy, and flavorful."

"The barbecue skewers are flavorful, juicy, and smoky."

"I found the Chinese taste to be pretty authentic."

Good to know

1

BBQ skewers are available after 5pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

The late-night menu is limited to skewers and hot pot options.

3

Prices average around $30 per person, offering good value for the area.

04
bb.q Chicken Northpark (Irvine) image 1

Indoor seating combines with plenty of outdoor tables to create a relaxed setting. KPOP music and videos play, adding a lively cultural touch. The vibe stays chill and casual, making it suitable for takeout or hanging out with friends.

Offers authentic Korean BBQ flavors and Korean fried chicken with a variety of sauces.

Authentic Korean BBQ flavor stands out with chicken BBQ as the main highlight. This spot ranks among the best branches for BBQ chicken and features consistently on regular rotation.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really tasty and delicious."

"The barbecue staff here are so kind and caring."

"I experienced the authentic Korean BBQ taste here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and walk-in orders are limited after 21:40.

2

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on Friday evenings.

3

The restaurant charges an automatic gratuity on bills over $200.

05
Seoul N Spirits BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean restaurant with modern interior and tablet ordering system offers a cozy atmosphere filled with warm, smoky aromas and lively music. The space suits both small and large groups, creating a fun vibe that feels welcoming and homey.

Authentic Korean BBQ shines with a wide choice of meats and kimchi that tastes like it was made by a Korean grandma.

Premium quality meats offer an authentic Korean barbecue experience with a warm, smoky aroma of grilling. The spot stays open late until 11pm and provides wonderful service without long wait times.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

"The Korean barbecue here has top-quality, tender, and juicy meat."

"I experienced authentic Korean BBQ with top-notch meat quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait for dinner.

2

The restaurant offers table cooking and kitchen cooking options.

3

Parking is ample due to its location in a busy plaza.

06
Baekjeong Irvine image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant features interactive table grills with overhead ventilation that minimizes smoke. Atmosphere is loud and lively, with music often making conversation difficult. Large space includes a separate bar area and outdoor seating for waiting guests.

Offers an authentic Korean barbecue experience with exceptional food quality. Serves top-notch Korean dishes that stay true to traditional flavors.

High-quality Korean BBQ gets grilled right at the table, offering an exceptional dining experience. This spot stands out as a top choice for Korean barbecue without the all-you-can-eat format.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is amazing, with outstanding service."

"The staff here makes the barbecue experience amazing and welcoming."

"I found the Korean barbecue experience here to be authentic and immersive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect wait times of up to two hours for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 2-5 pm on weekdays with half-off drinks.

07
Tim Ho Wan image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant features a modern, lush interior blending Hong Kong, Chinese, and Singapore influences with an Orange County vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and comfortable, though it can be loud and rushed during busy times. Dim sum offerings are highly authentic and well-regarded for quality and taste.

Juicy dumplings and seasoned siu mai deliver a very authentic Hong Kong dim sum experience. The Cantonese cuisine tastes true to its roots, matched by an atmosphere that feels genuinely authentic.

Baked BBQ pork buns stand out with their fragrant, balanced flavor and unique style in the dim sum world. Pan fried rice with barbecue pork and shrimp also offers a satisfying mix of tastes.

People are saying

"I loved the dim sum; it's the best I've had in the US."

"The dim sum here is so authentic and full of flavor."

"The baked Barbecue pork buns just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers reduced prices on most items.

2

The restaurant doesn't get busy until around 6 PM on Saturdays.

3

Ordering via QR code speeds up the process.

08
HI House Shabu Shabu & Grilled BBQ image 1

Hot pot and Chinese barbecue fill a space with extensive menu variety and reasonable prices. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, suitable for groups or solo dining. Late hours and authentic Northeastern Chinese BBQ distinguish the experience.

Authentic Northeastern Chinese BBQ stands out with high-quality dishes and a truly delicious taste that captures the essence of the cuisine.

Authentic Northeastern Chinese BBQ features very tender meat cooked just right. Lamb BBQ tastes good but the barbecue can be a bit too salty.

People are saying

"The lamb BBQ skewers were tender and tasty."

"I found the barbecue here tasted pretty good."

"I found the beef noodle soups to be authentic."

Good to know

1

The owner offers a 20% discount during weekend lunch.

2

HI House specializes in hot pot, barbecue, and Chinese cuisine.

3

Everything on the menu is shareable.

09
GOOYI92 image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Small portable ceramic grills with gel fuel sit on tables, creating a luxury dining experience with modern, clean decor and a visible, spotless kitchen. The atmosphere is comfortable and not crowded, attracting diners seeking authentic Korean barbecue with top-quality meats in a tidy setting.

Korean dishes here stay very authentic and avoid Americanized flavors. Some dishes come with a spicy kick, and the overall food is tasty and tidy.

Meats come at a premium quality level rarely seen in Korean BBQ spots here. The experience features USDA prime beef and table service that elevates the meal beyond typical Korean barbecue.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has such sweet and helpful staff."

"The Korean Barbecue meats here are top-notch and premium."

"The food here is authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dinner hours.

2

Expect limited availability as they serve only 10 pieces of cap steak daily.

3

The restaurant does not offer all-you-can-eat options.

10
Tasty Spot Cafe Irvine image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong-style fast food restaurant with big neon signs and a modern, clean interior creates a casual, inviting atmosphere. The space fills with lively Cantonese music and clanking dishes, making it busy and noisy, especially during peak hours. Families often dine here, enjoying authentic Cantonese food in generous portions.

Bold, authentic flavors define the Cantonese dishes here, with beef brisket pot, tofu roast pork pot, and fried green beans standing out. Generous portions and a large selection of Hong Kong-style cuisine make it a solid spot for genuine tastes.

BBQ dishes feature juicy, tender meats with rich flavor. The roasted duck stands out with crispy skin, and the BBQ sampler plate offers a variety of perfectly cooked options.

People are saying

"This Chinese food captures Hong Kong's taste and atmosphere."

"I found the authentic Cantonese food here to be excellent."

"This place captures the taste of Hong Kong-style BBQ."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but the private room is first come first serve.

2

Expect long lines for Sunday lunch; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Dimsums are served daily but only until 3pm.

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