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New Yorkers 1st Choice
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 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
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Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant features unique cast-iron cauldron grills and a modern wood and stainless design. Atmosphere feels vibrant and casual with loud music and some chaotic energy. Guests often have food cooked at the table, enhancing an authentic dining experience.

Premium meat quality stands out with authentic Korean barbecue flavors. The BBQ aroma does not cling to clothes, making the experience cleaner than typical spots.

Premium quality meats and authentic flavors define the Korean BBQ here. The BBQ aroma does not linger on clothes, and the sides complement the meats well.

People are saying

"I tasted the best Korean barbecue I have ever had."

"I've tasted the best Korean Barbecue I have ever had."

"I've never had Korean BBQ this good before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.

2

Parking can be difficult, but arriving early increases your chances of finding a spot.

3

The restaurant is not an all-you-can-eat option; meals are priced per item.

02
Champs Korean Bbq image 1
Korean restaurant

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 Bbq here is delicious and the meat is high quality."

"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.

03
Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ image 1
Yakiniku restaurant

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

"I found the food here to be amazing and authentic."

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

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

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.

04
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

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

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

"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.

05
SPOT KTV image 1
Karaoke

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

"I thought the food here was really delicious and tasty."

"I found the experience here to be a lot of fun."

"The barbecue 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.

06
Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

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 Korean food here is served with incredible speed and attentiveness."

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

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

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.

07
Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

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 food here has amazing quality and pairs so well together."

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

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

08
Taste of Hong Kong image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small dining space offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere with noisy energy similar to an upscale cafeteria. Groups of any size can find seating, including a private room option. The place stands out for its authentic Cantonese dishes and an extensive menu.

Chinese barbecue dishes include roasted duck, BBQ pork (Chasiu), and crispy pork belly. The BBQ pork stands out for its crispiness, and combo plates feature Hong Kong roasted duck, Macao roasted pork, and chicken.

Chinese barbecue features crispy pork belly, roasted duck, and BBQ pork (Chasiu). The three combo special includes Hong Kong roasted duck, Macao roasted pork, and chicken. BBQ dishes sometimes take a while to arrive.

People are saying

"I found the Cantonese food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"The BBQ pork belly was so crispy and delicious."

"The Barbecue pork was so delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during dinner time; arrive early.

3

Expect to pay around $200 for a party of three.

09
DJK Korean BBQ(Dae Jang Keum) image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

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."

"I really enjoyed the comforting short rib and dried cabbage soup."

"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.

10
Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

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 Korean food's meat quality is unmatched, especially the pork belly."

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

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

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.

11
KOGI Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large dining space combines booths and communal seating with well-ventilated air, avoiding typical smoke buildup. Loud music creates a club-like atmosphere that encourages lively socializing, especially suited for groups and celebrations. The setting balances private and public options, making it versatile for different party sizes.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with generous portions and great-tasting meats. Service focuses on customer satisfaction and prices stay reasonable for the quality.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with generous portions and great-tasting meats. Service focuses on customer satisfaction and prices stay reasonable for the quality.

People are saying

"The meats here are amazing and flavorful for BBQ."

"I found the Bulgogi to be very delicious and slightly sweeter."

"The barbecue meats here are amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

After 9 PM, all-you-can-eat is $27 with $4 draft beers.

2

Late-night happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

Expect a wait time of at least 45 minutes during peak hours.

12
Handoo Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant offers an intimate, cozy ambiance with upbeat music that supports conversation. The space features all-you-can-eat options with a menu displayed on a glass wall divider for easy ordering. Ventilation is poor, leading to a smoky atmosphere that lingers on clothes.

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ features high quality meats and appetizers served right at the table. Prices stay reasonable and the place stays open until midnight, making it convenient for late dinners.

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ features high quality meats and appetizers served right at the table. The spot offers a cozy ambiance, reasonable prices, and stays open until midnight.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here has great quality meats and flavor."

"The Korean food service is so efficient, they kept refilling our sides."

"It's a great spot for a satisfying Korean Barbecue night."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a problem; a paid lot is a few blocks away.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight, offering late-night dining.

3

Expect to pay around $33 for a meal with better menu options.

13
H Mart Balboa image 1
Korean grocery store

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

"I found the food here to be very fresh and plentiful."

"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.

14
Hongyuan Kebab 홍원꼬치구이 洪苑串 image 1

Asian restaurant offers tableside skewers cooked on an automatic rotating grill in a bright, casual atmosphere. The menu features authentic Northeastern Chinese BBQ with standout dishes like beef fried noodles and sweet and sour pork. The space tends to fill with smoke due to limited ventilation.

Barbecue here is authentic and delicious, offering a strong Asian BBQ vibe. Opinions vary, but many find it a solid choice for Chinese-style barbecue.

Barbecue here is authentic and delicious, offering a strong Asian BBQ flavor. Opinions vary, but many find it a solid choice for Chinese-style BBQ.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The barbecue here is so patient, attentive, and warm."

"The BBQ here is attentive, patient, and warm."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough to find in the area.

2

Prices are affordable, with meals around $40 for two kebabs and a skewer.

3

The restaurant offers over 30 different meats to choose from.

15
Sieu Sieu BBQ Noodle House (小小燒臘) image 1

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

"This authentic Chinese Food place has the most delicious roasted duck and pig."

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

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

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.

16
San Wo Chinese Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space offers authentic Cantonese cuisine with a broad menu including both traditional and American Chinese dishes. Atmosphere feels cozy and airy with a throwback vibe, often busy and crowded. Payment methods include cash, Venmo, and Zelle, and free hot tea accompanies meals.

Chinese BBQ here features BBQ pork with crispy pork skin and roast duck that ranks among the best in the US. The BBQ pork and duck over rice stand out for their rich flavor and texture.

Chinese BBQ here features crispy pork skin on the BBQ pork and roast duck over rice. The duck and BBQ pork stand out as very good, comparable to well-known spots like Eastern Dynasty or Taste of HK.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ pork was the best I've ever had."

"The takeout portions here are huge and the price is amazing."

"I thought the BBQ pork was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments, along with Venmo and Zelle.

2

San Wo Chinese Restaurant can get very busy, especially during peak hours.

3

Free parking is available, but it can be hectic on busy days.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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