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Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Barbecue spots

Barbecue that focuses on the slow process of the smoke, rather than the speed of the service.

Based on 616 Opinions
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01
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Stone flat grills create a low-smoke, clean cooking environment with even heat distribution. Spacious, airy dining area stays quiet and comfortable even when busy. The atmosphere feels extremely clean with cool lighting and early Formica-style decor.

Quality of meats stands out with a stone-slab method of preparation. Spacious and airy atmosphere supports an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue experience at a competitive price.

Quality of meats stands out with a stone-slab preparation method. Spacious and airy atmosphere complements the all-you-can-eat concept at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The Korean barbecue here is delicious and the meat is high quality."

"The Korean BBQ here is delicious and the meat is high quality."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat menu has a 2-hour time limit.

2

Happy hour runs after 9 pm during the week.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

02
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Small, clean restaurant offers dine-in seating for about 20 in a warm and comfy environment. Sandwiches feature crispy, soft bread with fresh veggies and generous meat portions, served hot and fresh. Early hours cater to nearby offices, with affordable prices and ample parking.

Grilled BBQ pork stands out in the banh mi sandwiches. Options include grilled chicken and beef, served fresh and often paired with Vietnamese iced coffee.

Grilled BBQ pork stands out in the banh mi sandwiches, especially the pork version. The BBQ pork banh mi tastes best when eaten immediately for freshness.

People are saying

"This banh mi is exactly how it should be."

"The banh mi bread is fresh, crispy outside, soft inside."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available near the restaurant.

2

The sandwiches cost under $8 each, with iced Vietnamese coffee around $5.50.

3

The restaurant opens early, catering to nearby office workers.

03
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Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.

Fresh fish and a wide range of Korean BBQ meats including pork bellies, chicken, and beef cuts are available for grilling at home. The on-site Korean BBQ and Tofu Restaurant serves marinated pork bellies and tasty tofu soup.

Ready-to-grill pork bellies and marinated chicken stand out for easy home BBQ. The selection covers pork, beef, chicken, and organs suited for Korean and Japanese BBQ styles. A Korean BBQ spot inside serves tasty BBQ and tofu soup.

People are saying

"The marinated pork bellies and chicken BBQ were a must-try."

"The Barbecue here is so delicious and beautifully seasoned."

Good to know

1

H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

2

Parking can be challenging at times.

3

The store is clean and well-organized.

04
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Karaoke venue offers varied room sizes with impressive soundproofing and upbeat atmosphere. Music is loud, mostly in Chinese and other Asian languages, with limited American and no Filipino songs. Food features notable BBQ skewers and simple menu options.

BBQ skewers stand out for their flavor and keep drawing attention even with a toothache. The BBQ lamb also offers a solid choice for those who enjoy grilled meats.

BBQ skewers stand out for their flavor and keep people coming back. The BBQ lamb also offers a tasty option among the grilled choices.

People are saying

"The barbecue skewers here are exceptionally delicious."

"The BBQ skewers here are exceptionally delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke rooms cost $60 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.

2

Most songs available are in Chinese or other Asian languages.

3

Outside alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the premises.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.

Charcoal grills create a distinct authentic Korean barbecue flavor with rich Asian taste. The all-you-can-eat option offers mouthwatering barbecue in a lively, vibrant setting.

Charcoal grills create a distinct authentic Korean barbecue flavor with rich Asian spices. The all-you-can-eat menu offers mouthwatering, vibrant BBQ in a lively setting.

People are saying

"I thought it was the best Korean Barbecue in town."

"I thought this place had the best Korean BBQ."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky, authentic Korean BBQ atmosphere with separate dining areas for BBQ and non-BBQ seating. The vibe is chill and reminiscent of old-school Korea, with many Korean diners and no music playing. The space feels cozy and comfortable despite some smoke and a slightly dated interior.

Korean BBQ here features charcoal grilling that adds a smoky flavor. The meat cooks over an open flame, offering a traditional and authentic experience with great quality and attentive service.

Traditional Korean BBQ here uses charcoal grilling for a smoky flavor and cooks over an open flame, which is less common. The quality of the BBQ is consistently good with attentive service.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good, especially the kalbi."

"The Korean Barbecue here has really good quality meat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed, even on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging to find in the area.

3

The restaurant uses real charcoal for grilling, enhancing flavor.

07
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Korean barbecue restaurant with table grills and K-pop music creates an energetic, Seoul-like vibe. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting despite occasional loud music and smoke from grills. Guests cook fresh, tender meats themselves, enjoying interactive dining with a lively, casual pace.

Fresh meats arrive quickly and the egg soup stands out as addictive. The sides are endless, and the ventilation keeps the air clear during the barbecue.

Fresh meats arrive quickly and the egg soup stands out as addictive. The sides are endless, and the ventilation keeps the air clear so you don't leave smelling like barbecue.

People are saying

"The barbecue here is so good, I'll definitely be returning."

"The BBQ here is amazing, served with such speed and care."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.

3

A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.

08
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Spacious and clean interior hosts a lively but comfortable atmosphere with upbeat energy and ample seating. The place fills with people enjoying varied Korean BBQ meats, especially different types of intestines. It offers options to cook food in the back, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience away from the grill.

Offers authentic Korean BBQ with top-notch quality and great customer service. Dishes like scallops, Wagyu beef, and BBQ intestines stand out for their flavor and quality.

Offers authentic Korean BBQ with top-notch quality and great customer service. Dishes like scallops, Wagyu beef, and BBQ intestines stand out for their flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The Korean Barbecue here has such high-quality, flavorful meats."

"The Korean BBQ here has such high-quality, tender meats."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging, especially during rush hours and weekends.

2

The restaurant is not all-you-can-eat, but prices are reasonable for meat sets.

3

The menu features a wide variety of KBBQ meats, including unique options like intestines.

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Restaurant offers simple decor with K-pop music videos and Korean shows playing on TVs, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The space feels clean and well-designed with plenty of seating, though it can get uncomfortably warm inside. The vibe reflects a casual dining experience with a touch of Korean street culture.

BBQ chicken stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Lunch options highlight beautifully cooked barbecue that feels satisfying and well-prepared.

BBQ chicken stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Lunch options highlight beautifully cooked barbecue that surpasses many other spots.

People are saying

"I loved the BBQ chicken here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant offers both takeout and dine-in service options.

3

Expect to pay around $49 for a whole chicken, which may be considered pricey.

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Sieu Sieu BBQ Noodle House (小小燒臘) image 1
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Spartan setup focuses attention on authentic Cantonese BBQ with crispy skin and tender roasted meats like whole roasted duck and pig feet. The place operates mainly as a take-out and catering spot with ample parking. Prices run slightly cheaper than nearby BBQ stores.

Offers authentic Cantonese BBQ with juicy roasted pork and tender BBQ duck. Prices run slightly cheaper than nearby BBQ spots, and take-out plus catering options are available.

Offers authentic Cantonese BBQ with juicy roasted pork and tender BBQ pork and duck. Prices run slightly cheaper than nearby BBQ spots, and take-out plus catering options are available.

People are saying

"The barbecue pork and duck were fantastic, with tender meat."

"The BBQ pork here is so juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

This place offers take-out and catering services for BBQ dishes.

2

Prices are generally lower than other nearby BBQ restaurants.

3

Ample parking is available for customers visiting the restaurant.

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Individual booths and wood paneling create a cozy atmosphere with a lively energy when fully packed. The menu focuses on high-grade meats like A5 Wagyu, offering a more authentic yakiniku experience compared to typical all-you-can-eat spots.

Japanese barbecue offers excellent quality with a service and atmosphere that impress. The style resembles Korean BBQ but leans toward a buffet-style where you pick your own vegetables, meats, and seasonings.

Japanese BBQ here offers excellent quality meats and a service-focused atmosphere. The style resembles Korean BBQ but lacks a buffet option for customizing vegetables and sides.

People are saying

"The barbecue here has excellent quality meat, like Wagyu."

"The BBQ meat here is delicious and high quality."

Good to know

1

Parking is free but can be hard to find, especially at night.

2

The restaurant is a la carte, not all-you-can-eat, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes, which may not be filling for everyone.

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Small cafe offers freshly baked French bread and large portions with a modern take on banh mi sandwiches. Atmosphere feels unassuming and simple, suited more for takeout than dine-in. Prices are higher than typical banh mi spots, reflecting a focus on quality and variety beyond fast food.

BBQ pork in the banh mi has a unique taste and is generally savory and delicious. Some find the BBQ meat a bit salty.

BBQ pork in the banh mi has a unique taste and is often described as savory and delicious. Some find the BBQ meat a bit too salty.

People are saying

"The Barbecue pork had a very unique taste in the banh mi."

"The BBQ pork in the banh mi has a unique taste."

Good to know

1

The price of a banh mi is around $11, higher than most places in San Diego.

2

Cali Banh Mi is the only non-fast food option open before 10am in Convoy.

3

They offer a large selection of menu items beyond just banh mi.

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Korean barbecue restaurant with a low-key, intimate atmosphere and well-designed, lively layout. Offers premium quality meats and reasonably priced all-you-can-eat options in a clean, comfortable setting. Popular with families and groups, it balances variety and value better than many competitors.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with meats grilled on a tabletop barbecue for an interactive experience. Prices stay reasonable compared to other spots, making it a frequent choice for Korean BBQ.

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ offers a satisfying, interactive experience with meats grilled right at the table. Prices stay reasonable compared to other spots, making it a frequent choice for Korean BBQ enthusiasts.

People are saying

"The barbecue here has great meat quality and variety."

"The BBQ meats here are so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a two-hour limit for dining.

2

A mandatory 30% tip is added for groups of 8 or more.

3

All-you-can-eat options are available at reasonable prices.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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