I mean this place is just insanely good. The best meat-forward korean food I have had in SF. Would come back in a heartbeat. I was happy for days after this Kalbijim. It was enough for two full meals for two people for us. I guess we eat somewhat small portion. Service was not amazing b/c they have so many customers all at once but absolutely worth it, with food this good nothing else matters.

This place is always packed. I definitely recommend putting your name down on their Yelp waitlist so you know how long it will take before your table is ready. We got the cheese kalbijjim for 3 people, and we had quite a bit left after we were done eating. They ask you to order your food when you are next in line so they can start prepping it ahead of time. This makes sense given how packed they are. If you like spicy, then go for 3 or more spice levels. We chose level 2 spice, and it was still on the sweeter end. If you have any leftover food, they will give you to go containers that they'll seal after you are done. Their kalbijjim is what they are known for, and it's really good.

one of the best places in the world. I've been to many Korean restaurants in different countries, but this one doesn't compare to others. their signature dish is simply to die for. The meat was divinely delicious and melted in your mouth. We ordered a portion for two, it was big for us and we started sweating with ourselves. the staff is very friendly. The dish already included rice and there were compliments from the restaurant. They also provided free water.

Ordered the galbijjim with cheese and rice cakes, and it was phenomenal. It’s the most popular dish and what the restaurant is known for. Highly recommend! The staff are efficient and friendly. There are multiple tables for parties of 6 and 8. It feels like their target customers are groups of 4-8. The music wasn’t too loud and the washrooms are clean.

Amazing. Quite possibly the best Korean food I have ever eaten in San Francisco. Beware that there is almost always a line and you’ll need to join the waitlist ahead of time on yelp. Luckily the service is fast and the food is served quickly.

Great place to come with friends or family to share a comforting Korean meal. The braised beef with oxtail is what we had and it was delicious. Next time I’ll be getting just the braised beef as it’s the best. I would recommend extra meat don’t skimp on yourself.

This place is intense — in a good way. The kalbijjim is their main dish, a monstrous serving of braised beef ribs that's meant to be shared. The top is covered in cheese and they blast it with torch fire after they bring it to you. Quality-wise, the meat was especially amazing and the rest (i.e noodles, veggies, rice cake, etc) was very flavorful. If you're not used to spicy, I would recommend the no spice option. Overall, a strong recommend for any Korean food enthusiast. Get yourself on that waitlist in-person or online and it'll be well worth the price and wait.

A very good but pricey Korean comfort food spot. Some really well cooked ox knee and good soju all in the heart of Japantown. Everything is covered in a steaming hot delicious BBQ sauce, I didn’t get the cheese on top but maybe next time. The ban chan was solid but I could’ve used a bit more as the meat and vegetables were on the thicker/sweeter side. Definitely want to come back and try the beef soup but the only thing holding me back for the time being is the price. It’s a commitment restaurant for sure.

This was the first time we tried galbi jjim in America. We were very satisfied with the authentic taste and the amount of food they offered. It was more than enough for 3 people.

This place is LEGIT! Growing up in South Korea, and now living in Idaho, I miss authentic Korean flavors so much. From the moment we walked in to being seated, the workers were very attentive. They have you order before you’re seated so they have time prepping the food. We added rice cakes and cheese and it hit the spot. My fiancé loves extra spicy, so we got level 3, and it was super spicy and flavorful. If you can’t take too much heat, I suggest going down to a level 2. When I come back to San Francisco I’ll definitely be hitting this place up. And I’ll be recommending it to all my Korean friends and friends who love Korean food.

Okay this one’s an extremely easy 5. The kalbijim stew (especially with the torched cheese) is nothing short of divine - meat falling off the bone, a thick, umami sauce, and those delicious roasted veggies. The sides are delicious - especially the spring onion kimchi - and the tartare and bibimbap delivered perfectly. Service is kind and attentive. Definitely get here early if you want to eat soon! Since they don’t take res, there’s usually a line by 4 (30 mins before opening) that’s fairly long outside the restaurant, where they’ll take preorders. Will definitely be visiting again and is definitely the best Korean food I’ve had in SF.

The beef short ribs were incredibly tender and packed with flavor, and what really set it apart was the delightful addition of melted cheese on top. This cheesy goodness elevated the dish to a whole new level, adding a rich and savory dimension that was simply irresistible. It's a must-try for anyone looking to savor Korean cuisine with a delicious twist!

Love this place at the first time. We ordered a regular Kko Gal Jjim ( beef rib with ox tail) and cheese on top. The topped cheese is torched at the table. So entertaining 🤩 Quick service for rice and ban chan dishes. Friendly staffs. The beef ribs were so well-cooked that they were melting in the mouth. Seasoning was excellent: slightly spicy as I like it to be!

Busy in-n-out place: know what to order before you walk in the restaurant as you need to order before being seated. We ordered a single dish to share. The presentation was pretty entertaining as the sizzling dish topped with cheese is torched at the table to melt the cheese! The beef ribs were so well prepared and cooked that they were melting in the mouth. Seasoning was excellent: slightly spicy as I like it to be!

9/18/2022. My wife and I are on vacation in San Fran and wanted to try this place out. First night we stop by for dinner and the wait time was over an hour, so we went elsewhere. 2nd night we stop by and there were people waiting outside so we did not take a chance. 3rd day, we decided to go early for lunch right before they were open, and we finally got in to eat. We can see why the wait time was long as the inside is small. We ordered the Braised Beef Ribs and Ox tail with cheese and purple rice. The melting of the cheese was an experience and fun to watch as they torch it in front of you. The food was amazing. I was skeptical of the cheese, but I actually enjoyed it. The beef and oxtail meat were nice and tender. The soup was full of flavor. The sides I tasted it and didn't care for, as it seems to be put together fast, not much flavor. Service was okay, everyone seems busy, if you need service, you'll have to flag them down, but they'll get you right. Overall great food, glad we were able to enjoy it while we were on vacation.

Limited menu but delicious dishes that is enough for 3-4. But Chaotic service, you first need to get into line, then check in and order, then wait again for the table. Limited staff makes it hard to get beer, or anything else you need extra. If you sitting close to the door prepare for freezing drag during winter 🥶

Loved this place!!! We got there right at opening and there was no one but a second after 3 other couples showed up. The service is quick and they know exactly what works for them. The food was fall off the bone perfection. Definitely come with more than two people or just enjoy the leftovers.

Food: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 3.5/5 Overall: A wee bit expensive and a long wait for what it is. Would I come back: Maybe if I was being treated out to the place. The extended review... Food: Kalbi Jim with Extra Meat - 3.5/5 - So I'd say the taste itself is a 5 but the pricing is definitely a 2. The food itself is very tasty and rich. But between two people, I've paid less for a lot more portion size. Usually I'm able to get something for half the price and take some home but here the whole thing was finished. Good quality, but I wouldn't wait or pay so much for this. Service: 4/5 - Friendly service. Ambiance: 3/5 - It's a bit cramped and packed!