At King Chang, there’s something for every type of meat lover. Patrons can choose from various combinations, such as beef, pork, or intestines, which are prepared on a stone grill and served with stew, corn cheese, and steamed egg. And in case you need other pairings with the meat or soju, King Chang also serves a special “pocha” menu with beloved street food items from Korea, such as marinated chicken feet, cheese dumplings, spicy rice cakes, and even silkworm pupa. Due to the widespread acclaim of its Buena Park location, King Chang opened another location in LA’s Koreatown just last year.

At Mr BBQ, the meat doesn’t sacrifice quality, as it’s notably one of the only all-you-can-eat spots that offer wagyu and prime-grade beef. Customers can select between two AYCE options, with the premium one comprising a few extras like wagyu beef tongue and filet mignon. The USDA prime ribeye and the beef short rib are two of the most commonly ordered options, and the bulgogi is also a fan favorite, likely due to the marinade derived from the owner’s family recipe. Though Mr BBQ first set up shop in 1995 as a small establishment, the restaurant today feels quite hip with neon lights, upbeat music, animal caricatures, and light-up cocktails.

Eight Korean BBQ is for all the pork belly lovers out there. Their signature meal consists of a pork belly flight, which includes eight long strips, all marinated in different flavors — original, wine, black sesame, gochujang, garlic, herb, curry, and miso — and prepared by servers on an iron grill. Other popular cuts of meat include pork jowl, prime brisket, and beef tongue, while their combos are served with stew, fried rice, and bean sprouts. Though Eight first opened in Koreatown Los Angeles, it expanded to Buena Park in 2013. Eight continues to attract diners with the all-you-can-eat offerings that are available only on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as a bottomless beer and soju special.

Despite opening during the peak of the pandemic, Arisu Korean BBQ has since made a name for itself due to a commitment to superb meat quality. In fact, the owners source only USDA prime beef by visiting different suppliers and hand-selecting the meat each week. The boneless short rib, non-marinated bone-in short rib, and brisket are the most popular cuts, while the buckwheat cold noodles are also a frequent and sensible add-on to the end of the meal. And for an extra taste of Korean culture, Arisu taps into history with an interior that is mapped out into kingdoms from ancient Korea.

For elevated Korean barbecue, KyungBokKung has made a name for itself in Korea with over 45 locations and a dozen more throughout Asia. The restaurant prioritizes top-tier meat quality, particularly with its prime beef and wagyu offerings. For those looking for a more well-rounded feast, KyungBokKyung also provides various course meals — three options of traditional Korean meals known as hanjeongsik as well as barbecue options that come with various sides and delicacies including mung bean jelly salad and beef tartare. Dining here is noticeably more serene than your average Korean barbecue experience, thanks to the sleek interior design, near-silent vents, and smokeless charcoal.

If you’re a fan of variety, then Grams BBQ has got your back. Not only do they serve a plethora of cuts for its all-you-can-eat fare, Grams also offers unique meat options that can’t typically be found in Korean barbecue restaurants, such as Brazilian picanha-style top sirloin cap, marinated beef heart, and pork skin. Patrons frequently rave about its signature woo-de galbi — marinated Angus beef short rib off a large bone — as well as the wagyu cuts. Grams also aims to amplify trends in Korea by serving brands of drinks that are currently popular with younger crowds in Seoul, like Seoul Night soju and Won Mae plum wine. Though the wait here can get long, its hours may warrant a late-night visit.

Hailing from Seoul with 40 locations around the world, Sookdal is known for its pork portfolio, namely pork belly, pork shoulder, and pork neck. Better yet, they wet age their pork belly and pork shoulder for richer and more tender cuts. The combos are the way to go for those looking to indulge in an assortment of meats in addition to a stew of choice, while their standout sides include risotto with cream sauce and grilled cheese. Sookdal also encourages many iterations of the perfect bite of pork belly with its pickled veggies, chopped garlic, cheese, wasabi, and even pineapple.

When thinking of a standard Korean barbecue experience, Cham Soot Gol probably isn’t far off — big air vents, loads of banchan, and a lively ambience that’s optimal for group gatherings. They offer one all-you-can-eat option with classic Korean barbecue meats, such as brisket, pork belly, and bulgogi, while bone-in short rib can be ordered for an extra charge. Though Cham Soot Gol has been in business for nearly 18 years now, they’re consistently known as one of OC’s most dependable AYCE spots, and most notably, regulars appreciate the unlimited ice cream for dessert.

Since its inception at its Los Angeles location in 2012, Baekjeong has quickly become a Korean barbecue staple in Southern California. Derived from the word “butcher” in Korean, Baekjeong fittingly butchers all its own USDA prime beef and premium-grade pork on site. Though their meat combos are consistently popular options, customers most often gravitate toward the short rib, which comes in different preparations — bone-in, boneless, marinated, and unmarinated. Other cult favorites include the thinly-sliced beef brisket, pork jowl, the cheese mountain tripe fried rice, soybean stew, beef tartare, and kimchi and seafood pancakes. Don’t miss out on the steamed egg and the corn cheese, both of which are also conveniently prepared on the grill.

If looking for an affordably priced all-you-can-eat experience, family-owned Wang Cho has one covered. Though the restaurant started in Chino over 10 years ago, it has since opened another location in Santa Ana near Southcoast Plaza. Even with three distinct AYCE tiers to choose from, each comes with over 20 meat options. The most commonly ordered cuts are the Angus beef brisket, marinated beef bulgogi, and the LA short ribs. The flavorful marinades stand out in particular, with options like basil pork belly, smoked honey barbecue chicken, and rosemary spicy shrimp.

Irvine’s All That Barbecue makes for a well-rounded all-you-can-eat experience. The restaurant boasts a large selection of over 30 items on its AYCE menu, all with spunky names to match the bustling energy of their dining room. Though customers most frequently order the more tried-and-true Korean barbecue options like beef belly, pork belly, brisket, corn cheese, steamed egg, and kimchi stew, All That Barbecue also serves more unique items, such as lemon beef belly, filet mignon, and spicy baby octopus. The cheese fondue is a hit among those who want an extra dipping sauce for their meat.