Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Oo-Kook Korean BBQ

    3.9 (2.3k reviews)
    PriceyKorean, Barbeque
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Oo-Kook Korean BBQ Photos

    OO-KOOK KOREAN BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Oo-Kook Korean BBQ

    Recommended Reviews - Oo-Kook Korean BBQ

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brisket Pork belly
    Joe S.

    This place has been my go-to for kbbq for years. Quick, friendly, attentive service every time keeps me coming back! This is a two-storey establishment (stairs only), and I do like the vibe upstairs just slightly better, but you can't really go wrong no matter where hi you're seated. I must admit I've only ever eaten the same meats every time, and they've always great: beef brisket (sometimes on the fatty side which I like, sometimes not), bulgogi (one of the best in town!), pork belly slices (like very thinly-sliced bacon), ribeye (needs some salt but delish nonetheless), and marinated beef. Don't forget to ask for the steamed eggs and kimchi rice! A few beers and some soju on the menu, so if you're a cocktail or wine drinker, don't expect them. Lot is valet only ($4 as of March 2025) but I've seen meters around the block. The place gets crazy full after 630 pm even on weeknights, so plan accordingly!

    Jie G.

    Came here for friends's birthday and went for the $38 AYCE. A few thoughts/tips: - Meat quality was good and marinated well. Our favorites are short ribs, bulgogi, filet mignon, beef tongue. - Strong smoke throughout the room which makes dining experience less enjoyable. The vent is set too far away from the grill and so many tables in a closed setting. - You can only order 4 items between each order. We have a party of 6. Not convenient when you have to wait 15 mins in between for meat with a 90 min AYCE limit (although they do not enforce time limit strictly).

    Refillable sides: :Kimchi, Pasta, Cucumber Mains: Cheese Corn, Beef Brisket, etc
    Steven Q.

    Last Thursday, I was assisted by Sunny and Alex! What I loved about the restaurant is that the staff is very organized & coordinated and "on the move." I was able to receive my meats in a timely fashion as well as any refillable sides whenever I ran low. The biggest highlight was when Alex greeted us during our eating session and politely asked if we'd like to have our meat personally cut up by him on the grill. We approved and he worked like a pro! Good portions of food, good service, and you get your moneys worth. The wait wasn't long either! This is now my favorite go-to spot. Even if there a wait list, trust me that it's worth it :)

    Angela L.

    I came here on a Sunday with a party of 5. It was a slow Sunday around 4:30pm. Unfortunately we were placed at a table with a faulty grill. The grill kept turning off and the staff tried to keep us there. We had to request to be moved to a different grill as it was taking ridiculously long for the meats to cook. In that aspect I wish they would have offered the second time or even the third time for us to move. There is a call button that you press for the staff to come get your order which makes it a bit annoying for them I think ahaha. There was a Latino waiter who was extra accommodating and gave us great suggestions about cooking and she meats to choose props to him!!! Overall I would say that the service is okay. The meats were pretty well marinated. There are plenty of KBBQs in ktown but give this one a try if you have some down time.

    Thomas C.

    AYCE for a decent price. Meat quality is ok but it's AYCE so that's expected. Meat variety is very good, they have multiple cuts of beef. Service is good too. The servers grill for you and have a good attitude. Parking is $4. Overall, is it as good as Hae Jang Chon? Probably not. But I still think this place deserves 4-5 stars considering all factors combined.

    Bailey A.

    OOKOO KBBQ AYCE KBBQ for $36.99. That's a steal in K town and they had sooo many options to choose from as far as proteins go. We definitely left full & happy Deets below on the meats FOOD: All the Banchan Garlic Shrimp Bulgogi Honey Comb Pork Ribeye Filet Mignon Intestine Pork Belly Black Angus Short Ribs Brisket WHERE: 3385 W 8th St. LA CA (multiple locations) Valet//$4

    Alejandro F.

    Oo Kook is a favorite staple of a couple of friends and mine when it comes to KBBQ in the heart of KTown, and there are several reasons for it: 1. Its seating layout is so well-made that you're never in the way of anyone else. 2. Nice aluminum chopsticks. Such a nice touch that you seldom see at these kind of places! 3. AYCE KBBQ! But truly AYCE. To the point that, when first got here this time around, my friend asked the server for extra banchan from the get-go and the accommodated our request! 4. Last time I came here, they did not have fishcakes, but they do now! Love having them expand and improve the menu on their own volition. 5. All of the cuts are fresh and of high quality. You never feel like you're eating 2nd-grade meat. 6. They have valet parking (please bring cash) OR street parking nearby is also an option! These are just some of the reasons that keep us coming here. Top-notch service too!

    Really good parking.  Valet for $4.  So worth it.
    Bob P.

    There are obviously a ton of Korean BBQ places in K Town. Of the ones we have been to Oo-Kook is hands down the best. Best food, best service, and while it might be a bit more expensive than the others, if is WAY worth it. No meat sitting out for hours that you serve yourself. They bring it freshly cut from the kitchen and it is super high quality. Tons of sides and sauces. Highly recommend!!

    Troy H.

    I always enjoy a great KBBQ spot. The food options are wide ranging but my favorite is their Angus Prime Thin Slice Brisket. Another favorite of mine is their Pork Jawl as well as their Thinly Sliced Pork Belly. The sides are on point as well as their sauces. Service is great as the staff will help you with any questions. Parking is valet or adjacent street.

    The setup once you are taken to your table to seat down and eat.
    Stephanie J.

    This place is great for a first date or hanging out with family or friends, the food is delicious and many options to choose from and the workers are friendly and informative about questions regarding the menu.

    So good
    Rich C.

    Great find. The staff is super friendly and they keep your meat coming. They also continue to swap the grill as we started to make it super dirty. The meats are great and such a great selection. The prices are a little high but what isnt. The parking is valet and costs $4 or you can street park. Overall yummy and I will be back

    Justin S.

    AYCE BBQ - a DTLA Ktown staple. Oo-kook's rendition is $37.99 / person, with extra charges for drinks. The AYCE menu has ~30 items, ranging from cuts of beef, pork, chicken, to seafood and misc side dishes like steamed egg. Banchan spread seems plentiful, with potato salad, macaroni salad, cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, bean sprouts, pickled radish, rice paper, japchae, and normal salad. Today's rice paper was disappointing - days-old and crumbled at the touch. Meats seemed reasonably fresh, though wait staff forgot about items a few times Flagging down servers was inconsistent enough that my party needed grill changes b/c the grill had sat there with nothing cooking and started to smoke up. Ventilation was also quite poor, leading to wafting clouds of smoke one would expect in a 60s smoking room.

    ribeye
    Keilab A.

    This is my usual AYCE spot and since my last visit here, I feel like it just doesn't hit the same. It's still a great spot, but their meats have changed in my opinion. The bulgogi has a different taste, the filet mignon and ribeye comes with butter and a sprig of thyme now? the pork belly is no bueno. The grill we had was bad-it would take forever to heat up and cook the meats. Also, they were blasting club type EDM music which was doing too much. I'm curious as to why they fell off. New management? No idea, but I will likely just stick to regular KBBQ restaurants that prioritize meat quality.

    See all

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Troy H.
    1227
    1317
    1325

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 4
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron W.
    0
    14
    0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Grace C.
    419
    1564
    3282

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cece L.
    334
    414
    1163

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Good quality and variety of protein. Fast and friendly service with a "come with the family or friends" vibe. Would recommend.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 59

    Oo-Kook Korean BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Oo-Kook Korean BBQ

    My job is planning a group dinner here. I have allergies to gluten, SOY and dairy - what can I eat here? Are there marinade options without soy?

    Could you eat alone in this place?

    No they won't let you order for All You Can Eat with just one person

    Is reservations recommended?

    Nah. Each time we just rolled up, and it was on weekends.

    What is the current prices as of January 2022?

    Dinner all you can eat is about $36 a person , very worth it!

    Are pets allowed in outdoor seating area?

    Nope

    To you take reservations?

    Yes they do, however to avoid waiting for a long time. You can join the waitlist via Yelp! They also have a tablet you can sign in on in person. But it's much easier on your phone once you're close by!

    Hello, Are they open for inside dining? Is it all you can eat?…

    It's covered patio dining only and yes, all you can eat. :)

    Does anyone know if they offer private rooms for a party of 8-10?

    What's the max amount of people at the table?

    It's 6 to a table.

    Is this all you can eat during covid?

    Yes it is! And still very good :)

    Are you open for dine-in?

    Yes, for outdoor dining (on the parking lot covered under tents)

    Are they open for dine in now?

    Yes I recently called and dine in is open!

    Do they cook the meat for you or is it a DIY situation?

    You cook it yourself

    Do they take reservations for large parties?

    Yes

    Do they have noodles?

    Cold noodles(neng myun) is available at an additional cost. Also complimentary korean vermicelli noodles (chop chae) are regularly rotated during dinner hours.

    Do they offer ayce for party of one?

    Unfortunately for AYCE BBQ there is a 2 person minimum required. There are other delicious items for single patrons dining in such as short rib soup, BBQ Short Ribs and Cold Noodles combo, etc.

    Do you serve 1 with AYCE menu?

    Nope they start minimum 2 people for the AYCE

    When does the lunch price end?

    I think 3pm

    Is there valet parking?

    Last time i was there it was 2 dollar valet....i think.....and i also think its during the evening not early in the day

    View All 37 Questions

    You might also consider

    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - Brisket Quesadilla

    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live

    4.5(993 reviews)
    2.3 miDowntown
    $$

    My wife and I were just walking through LA Live and received word from a hostess that it was buy…read moreone get one happy hour. So of course we jumped on it. I ordered the Blood In, Blood Out and my wife ordered the Hispanic! At the Disco. Both drinks were amazing. We also ordered an appetizer of their Smoked Hatch Chili Queso which was delicious in every conceivable way. Additionally, the hostess we first talked to and our waiter were both outstanding. A++ service here. We're definitely going to come back next time we're in the area.

    STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!…read more When the employee lured us in, she said to go to the counter inside and wait for someone to seat us. There were several employees that saw us just standing there, but we still waited there for 5 mins before someone told the girl from outside to take us to our table. We were finally seated. Then guy who told the girl to seat us was just standing around d chit chatting with another employees for about 15 minutes before he even came to our table. He never even introduce himself. He just took our order. Another 20 mins came by before our food was served. OUR FOOD WAS ROOM TEMPERATURE. Short Rib was ok. The macaroni was stale and OLD! It was dry and not fresh! We asked for extra BBQ sauce and that didn't arrive for another 15 mins. We had to wave down another employee to try to get the sauce to us. I wouldn't recommend this place! Horrible service. Didn't even come around to see if we needed anything or if everything was good or not. We came here around 1:30pm on 3/16. The restroom was also out of paper towels and soap from the soda dispenser. Poor quality food! Glad I tried it, so I know to not come back again!

    Photos
    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - Mac Rib

    Mac Rib

    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - MacRib Sandwich

    MacRib Sandwich

    Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live - Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito

    See all

    Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito

    The Park's Finest

    The Park's Finest

    4.2(2.7k reviews)
    2.9 miEcho Park
    $$

    Wednesday worker plate Pork ribs…read moreBrisket Cornbread To preface this review, I ordered takeout and ate the food roughly 1 hour after and was slightly cold. The Wednesday worker plate had an assortment of meats and a chunk of cornbread, which I thought was a good way to try some of their various offerings. The barbecue chicken consisted of a leg and a wing piece, which i thought was overall fine. The shredded pork was well seasoned and moist, and the hot link pieces were very flavorful. The beef adobo was my favorite as it had a very deep and rich coconut flavor that complimented the meat. The pork ribs were very tender and juicy and had a good meaty pork flavor. The brisket was also good too. Both these meats reheated well later in the day and was still tasty! The cornbread was also exceptional and eating it, I felt it was more like a dessert but also worked well between bites. The cornbread was moist more cakey, and had a very deep sweet coconut flavor. This is the standout. Overall delicious and recommend!

    Honestlyyyyy I've had this place on my bookmarks for quite some time and it didn't live up to my…read moreexpectations, especially considering all the recent raving reviews. We ordered four of the most ordered and highly revered items: tri tip, coconut beef adobo, smoked gouda mac, and the cornbread bibingka. * Tri tip: Ours was cold and not tender.. wasn't very flavorful either. Kinda tasted like the forgotten order that's been left drying on the counter for some time. The price is decent for an entree of tri tip though. Comes with a horseradish sauce + vinegar and bbq sauce on the side, but I didn't think any of these accompaniments were strong on their own. Made the tri tip better but not by much. * Coconut beef adobo: One of the better items. Beef chunks were melt in your mouth and the sauce was a good middle between savory and vinegary - balanced out by sweetness from the coconut. * Smoked gouda mac: Would not order again. The big shell macaroni noodles were soggy; the cheese sauce was mild in flavor, clumpy and not satisfying melty; lastly, the panko crust was just there and didn't add anything imo. * Cornbread bibingka: The other better dish of the night - very moist, muffin like crumb, and not too sweet or heavy. Portion is on the smaller side though. My bf who normally isn't a fan of cornbread enjoyed this!

    Photos
    The Park's Finest
    The Park's Finest - Short-rib, wow!

    Short-rib, wow!

    The Park's Finest

    See all

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    4.1(214 reviews)
    2.8 miDowntown
    $$$

    We didn't just show up hungry, we showed up like a squad of starving warriors returning from…read morebattle, ready to grill anything that wasn't nailed down. And Gyu‑Kaku? They met that energy like absolute champs. Let's be honest: the staff probably clocked our "we tip well" aura from the parking lot. We walked in radiating good vibes, and they hit us right back with top‑tier service, fast, friendly, and so attentive it felt like we had our own personal pit crew. Drinks refilled instantly, plates cleared with ninja precision, and grills swapped out like a Formula 1 tire change. Awesome Great service! Special thanks to the staff and the chef, "wow" that must be me ? Ha ha ha. Clean, modern, inviting, the kind of place where you immediately think, "Yeah... I'm about to eat way too much and I'm okay with that." The lighting hits that perfect "I look good while eating beef" glow, and the vibe is chill without being sleepy. Such an Inviting ambiance! Let's talk about our line up, the Feast (aka: The Table That Feared Us) We didn't order food, we ordered a full spread that could feed a small village. * Toro Beef , melts faster than your willpower. * Angus Beef Rib, juicy, rich, and absolutely disrespectful in flavor. * Kalbi Chuck Rib, sweet, savory, and the reason we started questioning what made us so hungry. * Yaki Shabu Beef, thin, delicate, cooks in seconds, disappears in even fewer. The Sides (aka: The Supporting Cast That Stole the Show) * Kimchi & Spicy Cucumbers, the perfect "wake up" slap between bites. * Half Gyu‑Kaku Salad, refreshing enough to make us feel healthy for 3 seconds. Ha ha ha. * Fried Cheese Wontons, crispy little pockets of happiness. * Karaage, fried chicken so good it should be illegal. * Fried Chrispy Bacon Bits, so crunchy, salty, addictive. * Tokyo Iced Tea, the drink that whispers "you're gonna sleep GREAT tonight." We came in hungry, the kind of hungry where you start imagining the grill talking back to you. The staff saw us, felt our energy, and probably said, "Oh yeah... these folks are tipping like their lives depend on it." And honestly? They weren't wrong. Every dish slapped. Every bite hit. Every moment felt like a celebration of beef, friendship, and questionable self‑control. We didn't just eat, we conducted a full‑scale culinary demolition mission. Gyu‑Kaku -DTLA delivered great service, clean ambiance, and food that made us feel so good and welcomed. We came in with good strong positive energy, and they matched it, maybe because they're awesome... or maybe because we tipped like we were sponsoring the restaurant. Either way, let's just say we had a pleasant 10/10 experience. "Special thanks to chef ....Miguelito!" "Enjoying life one bite at a time!" Miguel C.

    I haven't tried their dinner AYCE at any Gyu-Kaku, but their lunch combo is easily one of the best…read moredeals in Downtown LA. For the price, it's hard to find anything more satisfying. I usually go with the Angus beef rib (soy tare) and toro beef (soy tare), and the combo comes with rice, salad, and miso soup. At $15.95 (before tax), it's a great value for two meat options. Another thing I like -- though it might not be for everyone -- is that you get to cook your own meat. I prefer my meat done a certain way, so it's nice having that control, and everyone can cook it to their own preference. One downside is that service can be slow during lunch hours, as they often seem understaffed.

    Photos
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    See all

    Oo-Kook Korean BBQ - korean - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...