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    Moodaepo

    3.5 (2.6k reviews)
    PriceyKorean, Barbeque, Bars
    Open 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Moodaepo Photos

    Business Info

    MOODAEPO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Moodaepo

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    Alejandro T.

    I recently tried Moodaepo in K-Town and it's a great spot for affordable all-you-can-eat KBBQ. Their AYCE starts at $25.99 for lunch and $32.99 for dinner, which is a solid deal for the variety you get. Plenty of meats and sides, and everything came out fresh. We also tried their viral watermelon soju, which was refreshing and perfect to share with the table. The vibe is great for groups. Big tables, lively energy, and a fun atmosphere, especially at night. The staff was very attentive and kept everything running smoothly. Plus, parking is easier than most K-Town spots, which is always a win. Definitely a spot I'd come back to.

    Meat
    Ashley H.

    Food here is good!! The amount of meat and overall side dishes are great - japchae, steamed egg, kimchi, rice, salad, and a few more! We liked the marinated brisket and the marinated short ribs the best!! Definitely recommend if you like the traditional marinade. $32.99 / person for dinner (90 min AYCE) Service is very fast to bring anything you order or ask for!! Which I think is important when it's timed. Interior is very lively & fun!! I think that at 6:30 or 7pm they turn the lights down almost to "cosmic bowling" style

    KBBQ
    Yolanda Z.

    i love their ordering system that's a) on an ipad b) you can order every 6 mins instead of most places that limit to 3 items per order c) lets you choose side dishes (insane selection w king oyster mushrooms and soups) lowkey underground spot this will be my new top cheap kbbq. quality isn't bad at all very tender and fatty

    Jennifer C.

    This place was sooo yummy! I loved how it catered to large groups as well! The tables were huge and had plenty of space for everything. The cuts of meat were high quality, and we got a matcha cocktail to share that was top notch. All the sides were tasty and authentic as well. Service was fast and efficient as well! Loved the self-serve iPad concept. Definitely had a fun late-night vibe. I can't wait to come back here!

    IG: socalhkfoodies
    Fiona T.

    Friends visiting LA for the holidays--or just here for the viral Korean BBQ experience? Moodaepo in Koreatown LA welcomes you with large seating for big groups and ample parking , greeted by a huge soju Christmas tree ! Yes, it's not standard, but it's luxury Koreatown vibes . The food is above and beyond. We tried the viral watermelon soju -- sweet, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink -- so fresh it feels straight out of a K-drama. Ribcap steak is the ultimate luxury meat--named Saewoo-sal in Korean because the meat naturally curls in a shape that resembles a shrimp. The prime beef rib, rib fingers, and super tender beef tongue are all melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect spot for your holiday chill. IG: socalhkfoodies

    Megan D.

    Overall, my experience here was great. Our food came fast and there were many options to choose from. The restaurant has a nice vibe to it from all the lights and is a nice place to get together with friends. The only thing I have to note is that you can only order three or six (not sure) dishes at a time, and there is a six minute wait in between each order. A few of our orders were forgotten or missing, which is why I left out one star.

    Victoria T.

    They have such good vibe, fast service and the meat quality is good. The watermelon soju is a great choice if you're going with a lot of people. I really like how you can choose small/medium/large plates. If it's just for 2 people, you can just get small plates and try everything.

    Corn cheese
    Millena P.

    Spent lunch in LA today. Parking: Finding parking in LA is always a challenge, but thankfully they have a private lot right beside them. Free parking lot. Ambiance/Environment: They have a LARGE space with plenty of indoor seating. Perfect for groups of all sizes. Love the music and vibes here. It was somewhat busy when we visited during lunch, but they became even more busy closer to the evening. Service: Join the wait list via the tablet when you enter. They'll text you when your table is ready. We were seated by one of the servers. They were attentive and efficient. Empty plates were constantly removed. Though, it does take a while for the meats to come out. Sometimes it's hard to wave one of the servers down for assistance as it became busier. Meats & side: We decided to splurge and go with the premium menu. It included the yellow and red portions. We ordered majority of the spicy meats like the spicy beef brisket, spicy beef sirloin, and prime spicy beef rib. We also ordered the house special beef belly, wagyu beef belly, and aged ribeye. We enjoyed everything, but our favorites were forsure the spicy meats! The banchan offered were delicious. You can also ordered more sides. I got the spicy kimchi soup which came out bubbling from the kitchen! Their corn cheese tasted as expected. Pricing: Definitely worth it. We enjoyed their meat selections and left overly fulfilled!

    Monica H.

    Looking to live your K-Drama dream without breaking the bank? @moodaepo_la is an affordable premium kbbq spot in the heart of K-Town! Starting at $25.99 (lunch), you get different choices of meats, seafood, and delicious sides! A steal if you ask us The watermelon soju is a must to share with friends and family and have a good time before getting right back into eating haha great part is they also have their own valet parking!

    Gabriela B.

    I didn't realized when we came here that it would be as busy as it was for lunch. There was only one server and she looked to be a bit overwhelmed. We waited in the front with about 5 other groups but it looked like the server and the other guys helping her were setting all the tables up with water and plates to then sit us all at the same time. The place has a 2 hour limit so I assumed they sit everyone at the same time to keep track of when they should be getting up and leave. Although the beginning of our dining experience was a bit rocky everything else went perfect. It was super convenient to have a tablet to order all the foods, drinks and sides we needed without waiting for the server. And they came out fairly quick. They have a lot of tvs around to watch any sport you want. They have a pretty big selection of beers and alcohols, if you drink.

    Rosemary S.

    Sit down was quick and service was A1! Our waiter Will was so nice! He was very attentive, helped with the bbq, and conversed with us half the time. I'd probably come back just to see him. Sides were ample in size and they were all good! I really loved the salad dressing here. Another plus is that they have the thick pork belly. Not the skinny cheap cuts. Ambiance was cool. I heard it turns to like a night club in the evenings. I'll definitely come back for that!

    Drink slushies and Matcha

    This was so worth it for the price! Food was good, service was awesome and I love their drink! I would totally come here just for the matcha drink alone!! The ambience is kind of dark and it is totally loud so please prepare to scream as you talk. But 10/10 #moodaepo #buzzybooth

    Watermelon soju
    Bailey A.

    I honestly have to say it is hard to impress me with KBBQ... Especially in the town where there is a kbbq spot on every corner. HOWEVER, Moodaepo was able to accomplish just that! Their meat? Saucy, Spicy, Savory. Soju? Crisp refreshing danger juice- you could not taste the alcohol at all, and the watermelon tasted so fresh! The customer service was excellent & it was one of the most spacious kbbq spots I've been inside. FOOD&DRINK: Brisket Spicy Pork Belly Short Ribs Corn Cheese Bulgogi Watermelon Soju

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    1 month ago

    Amazing eats!! enjoyed all the perks that come along with the kbbq!#moodaepo #buzzybooth

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    Page 1 of 65

    Moodaepo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Moodaepo

    Do you take reservations for your LA location?

    Yes, we are taking the reservation. Please call us (213) 381-9990. See you soon!

    Can you go as a solo diner?

    Hi Jo, thank you for asking! Unfortunately, we are serving from party of two. I hope you to visit us with your friends or family!

    Do they have rice paper?

    yes of course

    Are they checking if you're vaccinated?

    No they are not checking for vaccine records

    Are you still doing outdoor dining?

    From what I've seen I don't think so

    Do they accept debit card?

    Yes

    Do they show sports/laker games?

    Not currently since they are doing outside dining.

    Can you make a reservation?

    Yes through Yelp but you have to be within a mile.

    We are at the parking lot. Before two am. Where is the parking lot attendant?

    On weekdays they usually leave early but weekends they'll stay till moodaepo's last call then come inside to give the keys back to their owners

    Are the kids allowed in the restaurant?

    Yes they are. I think they pay a partial on the buffet.

    View All 18 Questions

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    Hangari Kalguksu - (LARGE) Hangari Bossam

    Hangari Kalguksu

    4.4(3.2k reviews)
    0.5 miWilshire Center, Koreatown
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    10 years in business

    the clam kalguksu (바지락 칼국수) was definitely the highlight for me! it was super yummy and really…read morerefreshing. i remember eating it on such a hot day and it honestly hit perfectly i also got the yulmu bibim-guksu (열무 비빔국수), which is a cold noodle dish, and that was really refreshing too. overall, this feels like such a good summer spot. the vibe was lax, you just sit down and enjoy!! even the water felt refreshing because they serve it in those cold korean metal cups hehe they also move pretty fast service-wise, which i appreciated, and it's in such a good area with a lot of other food spots nearby. i'm really happy i randomly came across this place and i can't wait to explore more around the area

    Visited Hangari on Saturday evening to try their renown Kalguksu with some friends. I've known that…read morespecific parking lot/strip mall to be a nightmare parking wise, so I bit the bullet and used the on-site valet. There is sometimes street parking but the availability is rough, it's tough to park, and even one of the meters we ended up at just didn't work. They only charge a $5 cash service charge though, which isn't bad. We were lucky to be seated right away, even in a packed restaurant. The restaurant has a surprisingly modern design, and is comfortable for as small as it is. We were quickly served their signature kimchis and barley rice. The kimchi, particularly the yeolmu (young summer radish) kimchi, has a unique flavor profile well suited to their food. We ordered 2 bowls of their plain kalgooksu, 1 bibim milmyun, and 1 tteokbokki. The food came out fairly quickly. The kalgooksu was as expected the star of the show. The anchovy broth brings a savory complexity that seems impossible for a soup made from just dried fish and a few other ingredients. It even has a rich, almost thick, quality to it that is surprising for a fish broth. Their noodles, the titular kalgooksu, have the signature irregularity and chew of knife cut noodles. I appreciate the vegetables that always come in kalgooksu, like potato, pumpkin, and zucchini, which offer an earthy heartiness to the light soup. My only complaint is that the potato is in huge irregular chunks, and is barely cooked, though I feel like I have had this issue with many of the kalgooksu bowls I've had over the years. The bibim milmyun was solid. I think that I prefer the texture and flavor of naengmyeon buckwheat noodles, but the milmyun, which are made with mostly wheat flour, still provide a satisfying chew. The sauce tasted bright and fresh, especially with a splash of added vinegar. It also came with a small side portion of spicy pork and some rice paper to wrap. The tteokbokki was the one let down of the meal. To be fair, I wasn't expecting much out of tteokbokki at all restaurant like this whose specialty is essentially the opposite. I ordered the tteokbokki as a "safe pick" for a picky eater in the group. It turned out to be a bit mediocre in our opinion, and that friend ended up enjoying their kalgooksu anyways. If you're looking to try this dish, it's definitely one of if not the best I've had in Southern California, so I'd totally recommend it. I'll also warn to steer clear of the Garden Grove restaurant of the same name and specialty. I think it's a disappointing mimicry of this place.

    Photos
    Hangari Kalguksu - Belly and Jowl & Chicken-KALGUKSU

    Belly and Jowl & Chicken-KALGUKSU

    Hangari Kalguksu - Bossam jowl combo

    Bossam jowl combo

    Hangari Kalguksu - (MEDIUM) Hangari Bossam (Serves 2)

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    (MEDIUM) Hangari Bossam (Serves 2)

    Danbi - Wagyu zabuton

    Danbi

    4.5(384 reviews)
    0.5 miWilshire Center, Koreatown
    $$$

    We went shortly after they opened and it got busier as the night went on. The Honey butter chips…read moreare dripping with the honey butter sauce & I wished I had a whole bowl of that. The Grilled jowl was thinly sliced & one of my favorite dishes of the night! The Zabuton came out still sizzling on a bed of onions- I absolutely loved this & it is definitely shareable between 2 or more people. The Scallop pancake had baby scallops cooked in to it- very fluffy & filling, another shareable dish between 2 or more people. The Mushroom bibimbap mixed with the sauce is a great vegetarian dish! Parking- $10 self park in the plaza

    My bf and I had an 8:30pm reservation for his birthday and we were seated immediately upon arrival…read more Our server started us off with water and everything got off to a great start. The ambiance was lovely and perfect for a date night. The dining room felt dark, intimate, and cozy, and I especially loved the little candle on the table. It was a small touch, but it made the experience feel warm and special. We ordered the perilla oil noodle, scallop pancake, pork jowl, and hwaechae milk to share. The perilla oil noodle had a strong perilla aroma which I loved, but beyond that it didn't really taste like much. It wasn't bad but it's probably the one dish I'd skip next time. The scallop pancake was great. It was crispy, packed with scallops, and the dipping sauce complemented it really well. The pork jowl was easily our favorite dish of the night. It was tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with all of the accompanying condiments. Every bite felt balanced and well thought out. The hwaechae milk was also delicious and refreshing. It was a fun drink to share and a nice contrast to the richer dishes. While the food was good overall, the portions felt pretty small for the price point. Everything tasted good but it was hard not to notice how quickly the dishes disappeared given what we paid. Maybe it was just the specific dishes we ordered but considering Danbi is on the Michelin Guide, I was expecting bolder and more memorable flavors. Korean cuisine is known for being vibrant and packed with flavor so I left feeling a little underwhelmed. Nothing we had was bad but aside from the pork jowl there wasn't a dish that really wowed me. To end the meal, the staff brought us a yuzu popsicle topped with a birthday candle, which ended up being my favorite part of the entire night. The popsicle was perfectly tangy, refreshing, and honestly more memorable than any of the dishes we ordered. It made the celebration feel thoughtful without being over the top. Overall, we had a great experience. The atmosphere was beautiful, the service was attentive, and it was a lovely place to celebrate a special occasion even though it was a bit overhyped given the small portions, high prices, and flavors that didn't quite live up to my expectations. I'd still come back to try the steak tartare, uni bibimbap, and the zabuton!

    Photos
    Danbi - Inside bar

    Inside bar

    Danbi - Scallop Pancakes

    Scallop Pancakes

    Danbi - Perilla Cild Noodle

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    Perilla Cild Noodle

    Kobawoo House - Kimchi Jjigae

    Kobawoo House

    4.3(1.6k reviews)
    0.1 miWilshire Center, Koreatown
    $$

    What more can I say? This K-town staple consistently delivers when you're craving Korean cuisine…read more We started our meal with a generous portion of Haemool Pajeon (Seafood Pancake), which arrived sizzling on a hot plate reminiscent of a Chili's Fajita Plate. Next came the main attraction: the Bossam Plate, featuring simmered and cooled pork belly sliced to perfection. When you wrap all the other ingredients together, they create the perfect bite. Just after the Bossam Plate hits the table, a bubbling cauldron of Kimchi JJigae (Kimchi Stew) follows behind just in time to help wash down the delectable bites of bossam. Don't forget to order some rice because you'll need something to soak up the stew which turns the rice into a whole meal by itself. The service was jovial and welcoming, and like other Korean establishments, they have a handy-dandy button that jolts the attention of every server working whenever you're in need of service. The small space is very cozy, just the way I like it when I'm visiting with my loved ones. They don't have an extensive menu, just the OG staple items, but I feel the taste has improved over the years. I wish Kobawoo were closer to where I live, or I would be here this weekend, but perhaps it's a good thing we're so far apart.

    This place has been here for so long, I haven't been here in yrs! I was in the area so I decide to…read moredo a take out for lunch to take home for me and my family, such a disappointment! $76.80 for 3 dishes and what a puny portions these are, like a kid's portion. Very small kimchi maybe one or two bites. Three orders that I'm surprised that they give such a small amount of banchan. How can establishment justify this high priced meal for such small portions? God and I drove all the way from South Bay, stuck in traffic for almost 1 1/2 hrs of this. Maybe this is the type of place you should dine in only?? Do not ever do take out here! The food in general was just ok. Nothing special and Kimchi soup was very salty. Threw all 3. Wow, what a waste of money. Very disappointing... I guess I won't be coming here ever again.

    Photos
    Kobawoo House - Popular place. Had to wait 30 minutes for a table for 6 on a weekday at 6:15pm which is not bad!

    Popular place. Had to wait 30 minutes for a table for 6 on a weekday at 6:15pm which is not bad!

    Kobawoo House - Lunch Jangban Guksoo

    Lunch Jangban Guksoo

    Kobawoo House - Jangban Guksoo Vegan

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    Jangban Guksoo Vegan

    Borit Gogae - Dwenjang

    Borit Gogae

    4.4(512 reviews)
    0.9 miKoreatown
    $$$

    Be prepared to walk away feeling very full. We got the set meal here, which came served with…read moreappetizers, barley rice, a lot of banchan (and by that I meant a LOT), soup, congee, dessert, etc. It was definitely more than enough food. We also got an additional order of LA kalbi for some protein. The meat quality was good but I felt like the meat was not marinated long enough and so the flavor was a little bit lacking. If only it just sat in the marinade for a couple more hours, I think this would have been perfect. The tofu soup was not my favorite, to be very honest. There was some flavor in there that made it smell like a stinky towel. Very different from other soondubu soup places and unfortunately not for me. Everything else we had was excellent and I would definitely come back again just for the barley rice and banchan. Service was quick and servers were nice. We also came at 3pm on Saturday so there was no wait. Recommended!

    Across the street from the new Zion market is this wonderful and unique Korean eatery. Unlike most…read moreof the run-of-the-mill Korean restaurants in Koreatown this restaurant serves unique appetizers and a multi-course set menu that gives you a taste of a variety of authentic Korean village food - like pumpkin porridge and acorn jelly salad. It's a lot of food for the price ($35 pp at this writing). While the minimum order is for 2 people, we've tried sharing the 2-people order among 3 and it worked for us, with addition of a couple of other items from the menu. The Korean BBQ beef is at par with most other nice restaurants in K town; their marinated crab was delicious! Service is okay - given how busy they are! Most servers are not very conversant in English so a little patience would help you get the right things you need. Nice and unique vibe with Korean handicraft items and art work on display (and for sale, I believe).

    Photos
    Borit Gogae - Restaurant decor- art work and Korean figurines

    Restaurant decor- art work and Korean figurines

    Borit Gogae - Barley rice mixed with side dishes

    Barley rice mixed with side dishes

    Borit Gogae - Grilled spareribs

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    Grilled spareribs

    Ham Ji Park

    Ham Ji Park

    4.2(1.8k reviews)
    0.5 miWilshire Center, Koreatown
    $$$

    Really sad that Ham Ji Park is closing down permanently. For years, this place has been our…read morefamily's go-to place for pork spare ribs - the best in town. In fact, we regularly brought visitors here. They raved about how good the spare ribs were and even insisted that their last meal before LA should be at Ham Ji Park.  Here's my belated review of what I consider the best spare ribs in LA. From the moment the Korean-style spare ribs arrived at the table, it was clear this was a dish worth savoring. Each rib bore a beautifully charred exterior--deeply caramelized without a hint of bitterness--offering that irresistible smoky aroma the moment it was placed before us. The glaze was nothing short of spectacular. A perfect balance of sweet and spicy, it clung to the meat with a glossy sheen that promised flavor in every bite. There was just enough heat to make your taste buds sit up and pay attention, but it never overwhelmed the deeper, richer notes of the sweet components. But what truly set these ribs apart was the texture. Beneath the charred surface lay meat so tender it practically fell off the bone with the gentlest tug of a fork. Each bite was juicy and succulent, the result of careful cooking and a respect for quality ingredients. Ham Ji Park, you will be missed. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the food.

    tl;dr the delectable pork ribs overshadow the otherwise authentic but standard lineup at this…read morenow-shuttered Korean stalwart Los Angeles Koreatown is home to restaurants that specialize in every facet of Korean cuisine. If you're searching for some of the city's best pork, then those in the know will bring up Ham Ji Park. For 2 decades, generous platters of pork ribs and pork neck stew decked every table. Now, our Korean friends lament the loss of their favorite pork joint in the city. The Koreatown proper location is located in the Royal Plaza mini-mall, just a few blocks off bustling Wilshire. Discounted parking is available in a lot across the street from the Chevron gas station. From the street, the entrance is flanked by potted plants and an enclosed street-ery. Inside, stainless steel chairs are pressed up against wooden tables, each outfitted with a metal grill. Oppressive fluorescent lighting shines down on the stone grey walls, which are left undecorated apart from a few flatscreens. Multi-lingual chatter blends with the sizzle of platters. I visited with some friends for a weeknight dinner, and about half of the tables were occupied. We shared a spread of grilled platters and sizzling soups. The meal began with a carafe of barley tea and a mostly standard spread of banchan. Across our food, the best dish was the signature Charbroiled Pork Spare Rib. The ribs were flavorful without feeling gamey, and the meat was complemented by sweet caramelized onions. The pork ribs handily outdid the good-not-great Charbroiled Beef Short Rib. Lastly, the Milt and Cod Rose with Vegetables stew was fishy and briny, appropriately flavored for the Korean palate. The service was appropriately attentive, although I would've appreciated more intentional refills of our banchan ramikens. The rib plates cost upward of $35 each, while the soup was just under $30. The portions were hearty; a single entree platter could reasonably feed 2 moderately hungry bellies. It's a shame to hear that Ham Ji Park has closed; I'm kicking myself for not trying their pork neck stew earlier.

    Photos
    Ham Ji Park
    Ham Ji Park
    Ham Ji Park

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    Moodaepo - korean - Updated June 2026

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