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    Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ

    4.4 (356 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ Photos

    Business Info

    THIRSTY COW KOREAN BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ

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    Reviews With Photos

    Romuel Dave C.

    Overall this could be my new favorite AYCE KBBQ spot for the moment. Coming inside is very modern, clean, and chic. Wood fills the air. While it was a Monday evening, (and I can't speak on their peak hours) service was superb. Meat turn over was fast, sides replenished quickly upon request, and overall the staff is trained very well. Food quality is great, and the true reason for a great review. Every cut we had was delicious. It was some of the bet Gyu Tan I've had at an AYCE jawn. A huge plus is when you ask for "A LOT OF GARLIC AND JALAPENOS" they don't play. Their ssamjang and flavored salts are also very, very good. Don't forget to order them. Basil ssam is also something I've never had, but very happy to be introduced to. Another plus is they have their own Golden Ale. Solid flavor profile too. Price is on par with quality establishments, I would not hesitate to pay it either. The only reason for a non-perfect rating is that our steamed egg tasted burnt. It was cooked perfectly, but tasted burnt? That tells me someone didn't clean the pots, which makes me question what else hasn't been cleaned properly. I'll be back thirsty cow... and I'll be...thirsty for some more quality meats!

    Amy L.

    I really liked the food. Good quality meat, and I appreciate that they focus on a more moderate selection of cuts that they can do well. Wish there were lettuce and radish wraps as well but the sesame? leaves and rice wraps are my top preferred anyway. Banchan was standard and good. And they top off your meal with a Melona popsicle! Very kind and patient staff, but there were moments where we accumulated a long wait time and had to check in for our order / some dishes got forgotten. The restaurant itself showcases fusion decor playing off the stereotypes of an American steakhouse and with a bar with several whiskey? drinks, cocktails, soju, and beer. Somehow it's less "fusion" and more American and Korean, but the quality in product is there. I'd choose this place again for a modern, fun AYCE KBBQ experience.

    Steamed egg, tofu soup
    Bella J.

    Service was great! Food was brought out quickly. Meats were great quality and very yummmy. I think the premium menu is definitely worth the price, especially with big groups. Very spacious. Will definitely be back!

    8/15/2026.
    Zeela D.

    Hungry for some AYCE Korean BBQ in the city of Garden Grove? Then satisfy your hunger & thirst at Thirsty Cow in Garden Grove and you will leave happy & full! We came here for the first time on Saturday 8/15/2026 around 11am and were pleasantly surprised by the decor and design. We were first seated at a table which wasn't accommodating to our height due to our knees touching the bottom of the stove, so we were moved to another table which provided much more leg room. The panchan aka side dishes were excellent, fresh and tasty. We chose the basic tier and were pleasantly surprised by the service, the server used an onion to flavor our grill before applying the first round of meat which was the brisket and we felt very well served. The meat quality was grade A excellent, with the thick cut of short ribs, fattyness of the brisket, and thick cut of the sirloin steak; we were already impressed by our first 3 premium choices of meat. At the end, you can have grilled pineapple rings with brown sugar on top as well as a complimentary Melona ice cream bar for dessert (choice of coffee, pistachio, strawberry, or Ube). Thirsty Cow was delicious and so satisfying. So next time you're craving Korean BBQ that is AYCE, then quench your thirst at Thirsty Cow in Garden Grove off of Valley View Avenue in Garden Grove!

    Outside
    Michelle T.

    For groups of 6+ make sure you ask for the table with 2 grills. They have a waitlist that you can join only when you get to the restaurant. The place is very large, lots of seating. It gets busy fast. I like that they set up the table with the banchan before seating us. John did a great job servicing our table and changing the grill. 10/10 would come back again! Refillable coke was $3.5! Free Melona ice cream at the end! Lots of parking available

    Creme brulee
    Kat N.

    Came on a Tuesday and the wait was about 20 mins for 7 ppl. They had a pretty neat bar with tv's for you to kill time so that was a bonus! Drinks were yummy, if you like mezcal, the spicy marg is a great try. For a sweeter drink, the creme brulee one was good too. On to the meats, we got the premium and it did not disappoint. Everything we ordered was great, the service was excellent and the whole experience will def have us coming back.

    Premium beef tongue
    Vance H.

    We went on a Friday and arrived just before opening. The overall décor and ambiance were both very nice. We chose the premium option, which was $57 per person. We started with the beef brisket, which was flavorful and a great introduction to the meal. All of the dry aged meats we tried were delicious. As for the smoked meats, we couldn't really taste much smokiness, but the meat itself was still very good. We especially enjoyed the black truffle salt and wasabi sea salt, which paired well with the meats. The Black Angus ribeye and filet mignon were our favorites they were so good that we ended up ordering multiple plates. Overall, everything we tried was flavorful and tasted great. The staff was attentive throughout our visit, and we would definitely come back again.

    Black Angus Woodae Galbi
    Pawan S.

    This place was amazing!! Went here for my 22nd birthday and they did not disappoint whatsoever. Getting a table was easy and the staff was super attentive and on top of it. They were super kind and our waiter gave us recommendations and was amazing. Some of my favorite cuts my far were the hand cut short rib 10/10. The Woodae smoked Galbi was also a 10/10 amazing smoky flavor and it was super tasty. Another thing that surprised me was the Wagyu beef belly. I'm not too into beef belly but omg that Wagyu beef belly was so good. If you dip it in the sauce on the side omg 11/10. The inside is nice and clean cool vibes going on they also have a bar with the games which is cool. My only concern was the last call i feel like my party was rushed especially since we didn't get our first meat for a while but other than that this place was amazing. I would definitely recommend for anyone thinking about going and I would say definitely upgrade to the premium menu.

    Sign
    Anh H.

    Actual Rating: 3.5/5 Service: Quick and attentive. Parking: Located inside a shopping plaza with plenty of parking. Ambiance: The restaurant is huge. Beautifully decorated with a full bar. Drinks: - Margarita 4/5 - Creme Brulee Martini 3/5 - This drink was way too thick and sweet. Tasted like pure sugar. Food: - Beef Tongue 4/5 - Waygu Beef Belly 4/5 - USDA Prime Boneless Rib Finger 3.5/5 - Thinly Sliced Pork Belly 3/5 - Spicy Tofu Soup 3.5/5 - Corn Cheese: 3/5 - Wasabi Sea Salt: Just okay. i didn't taste much of the wasabi in it. - Rosemary Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt: Highly recommend this salt. It had the perfect amount of truffle. - Sides: Nothing memorable of any of the sides. They were just ok. Overall I thought this place was good but not great. It had a lot of potentials. Wish the sides were better. t cost about $80pp for the AYCE option + one drink. Not sure if I'll return.

    Beef belly and thick cut hickory pork belly
    Joy C.

    Went at 5pm with friends, which was perfect. They have a 2-hour time limit and it starts when you are seated. Last call for food orders is at the 1.5 hour mark and you can order 3 meats/portions at a time. Some banchan weren't as good but we enjoyed the pickled radish, kimchi and onions. Loved the Delmonico beef, beef belly, as well as thick sliced hickory pork belly. Loved that they include Melona ice cream pops in the end for dessert. Great experience but there were random little flies throughout our dinner and the restroom could've been cleaned and checked on more frequently.

    Stephanie O.

    Came in with a party of 11 at the recommendation of one of our friends who visited another location and wanted to try the Garden Grove location. The venue is huge perfect for a variety of group sizes. There's also a full bar that was nice to hang out at while we waited for a table. Staff was very friendly and accommodating which was super appreciative so we could handle billing after with ease. The variety and quality of meat on the menu blew us out of the water. We had so many options available for us to try, many of which you don't see at some more common kbbq places. Our friends and I were so impressed, especially when it was a first experience for a few people in our group. The banchan were all delicious, the salt options phenomenal, and the sides we could order out of this world. Absolutely worth paying for the premium menu option. You won't regret it at all, unless you didn't bring stretchy pants. Grilled pineapple and Melona ice cream to finish a very fun and filling meal was the perfect ending to our first day in the area for vacation!

    Spicy Pineapple Margs, Bourbon Flight
    lannee t.

    I just left the restaurant and am in the car as I am writing this. I felt the urgent need to write this place a review ASAP. From start to finish-- a memorable dinner to say the least. Checked in at the front via Yelp and was able to hang out at the bar while waiting for a table. Bartender was a great dude who had a heavy hand. I regret not asking for his name! He also happily obliged my request to change the tv to the Spurs and Tims game. Was able to bring drinks to dinner table. Chose the premium menu-- beef belly, beef tongue, black angus hand cut short rib, wagyu delmonico steak were all amazing. I loved that they had basil ssam. I love basil in general but to have it with kbbq was a positively surprising experience. Truffle salt? Chef's kisssss. I had two tofu soups lmao idk why but it hit today. Cinnamon pineapple? Random but it works. Melona included ice cream?? Get out of hereeeeee! Service: 10/5. Everyone was so appropriately attentive, welcoming, willing to answer every question, made great recommendations, and was overall such a great team. Food came out quickly and although we can only order 3 meats at a time, you can put in another order right after the meats come out. Anyway, I mostly felt inclined to write this review because of our server Kendrick-- A++++++. There are servers who are tooooo attentive (I appreciate you but I need to process my feelings before you visit me again) and of course lack of service. But Kendrick? Bro knew what we needed before we even knew we needed it. What a guy. Please give him a raise. I have a food baby but as soon as I give birth, I'll be back!

    Danni O.

    A real 5/5 kbbq experience! The $57 premium ayce menu is more than I usually pay but so worth it. Loved the beef tongue, NY strip, boneless rib finger. Service was on point even though they were short staffed. The bar has a decent selection of drinks and liquor to get the party started too!

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ

    Do they have white rice as a side? Asking because just checked the menu on the side part and it only saids rice paper instead!

    They do have white rice as a side!!!

    1 person dining is ok?

    Yes. You should be fine. Lots of elbow and table room. Elbows out, and chopsticks at the ready!

    Do they take reservations? If so, how do you make reservations?

    Yes, call the restaurant or go in.

    What's the kid's price?

    It depends on the height of the kids. Under 42 inches free; between 42 - 54 inches it's half price. It states it on the menu.

    Do you serve alcohol?

    Yes. Beer and Wine.

    How do they charge per head?

    $45 regular or $57 per person. I recommend the $57 because it's premium meats.

    Is this AYCE self - serve or is it fully served by a server?

    Fully served by the servers

    Do they allow single diners?

    party of 2 minimum based on their menu online

    We should encourage them to open for lunch on weekdays and serve a lunch special dosirak (bento box)?

    View All 15 Questions

    Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang

    Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang

    4.1
    (535 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Everything we ordered was delicious, and even the banchan (side dishes) stood out. The portions…read morewere generous, and all of our food came out surprisingly fast. Here's what we ordered: 1. Ox Knee Soup (도가니탕) - $21.99 2.Jong Ro Gukbap (종로국밥) - $18.99 3. Ginseng Chicken Soup (삼계탕) - $23.99 4. Seafood Soft Tofu Soup (해물순두부) - $18.99 5. Pork Kimchi Soft Tofu Soup (돼지김치순두부) - $18.99 6. Spicy Stir-Fried Pork (돼지불고기) - $23.99 7. Spicy Stir-Fried Squid (오징어볶음) - $22.99 If you're looking for authentic Korean comfort food, this place is definitely worth a visit. We'll definitely be back! Jong Ro Seol Lung Tang (종로설렁탕) 8942 Garden Grove Blvd Ste 114, Garden Grove, CA 92844

    Cozy, korean comfort food. Not necessarily a hole in the wall, but it's hidden away in the corner…read morebehind the Grams. The servers are aunties that won't check on you after every bite but will come over the second you raise your hand. I took my mom for lunch and we dug in a little too quick - photos were snapped after we've made a small dent on the food. We got the Seolleongtang and soondae platter which was plenty to share between two people. We ended up taking half of the soondae platter home and enjoying it for breakfast the day after. For those not familiar with Seolleongtang, the soup comes out very basic. You're given a bucket of scallions, a little pot of salt, and shaker of ground pepper to season the broth as you please. I recommend adding a few spoonfuls of the radish kimchi sauce. Speaking of the banchan, Jong Ro prepares some of the freshest and most flavorful banchans on the street. I wish they offered a menu option that was just a bowl of rice and bottomless banchan. The soondae was perfectly springy, paired with a salted shrimp sauce and flavored salt dip. The platter also came with boiled (or steamed?) pork belly, pig ear, and other pork innards that were nicely cooked. I love restaurants like this because they are simply good at what they do. Nothing is over-the-top. There is always a constant stream of customers. The times I've gone have been during your typical slow hours and the place was always 60% full. I imagine the house is full during dinner time or on weekends and rightfully so. Definitely stop by if you're looking for a heartwarming and belly filling comfort meal.

    Photos
    Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang
    Cooked pork with Vegetable plate(보쌈)
    Cooked pork with Vegetable plate(보쌈)
    Jong Ro Shul Lung Tang

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    Dawa Kitchen

    Dawa Kitchen

    4.5
    (711 reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$

    The combination of tasty food and attentive service earned the five stars. Been wanting to try this…read morespot for their mega katsu dishes and it did not disappoint. HUGE props to Ian for holding down the FOH fort solo on a slammed Friday night. He handled all the tables and the 8+ groups waiting with such grace and genuine care, showing just the right amount of urgency to indicate the patrons were the priority. He anticipated when the tables might need refills or extra napkins, never flinching when it seemed as though everyone wanted something broiled table side, all while juggling the scorching dishes the kitchen crew cranked out with ease. Ian very easily tipped this review into five star territory with his hard work! We ordered the chicken katsu and the bibimbap for the two of us, but really want to try the short ribs and cheese, and the bibimyun. The crowds were a diverse mix of Korean elders, young college kids, and neighborhood folks - all signs that the food speaks for itself. If you're looking for quality Korean comfort food, a simple menu, and an intimate atmosphere, this is the place for you. Oh, and the banchan choices were great for a kimchi, pickle, mac salad lover like me!

    I went to Dawa Kitchen a few years ago with my younger sister and dad, and I'm glad this place is…read morestill in business and that their portion sizes are still incredibly massive! We ordered the chicken katsu curry, beef soup (galbi tang with glass noodles), and dawa chicken. All three dishes were shared family style and we had a good amount of chicken katsu curry to take home as leftovers for my friend's partner to eat for his dinner. Can you believe that a group of seven women only had to pay $71.86 total (including tax and the automatic gratuity for our party size that was 5+ people) for that much food? We each paid $10.27 for our portion and that's highway robbery in this economy. In terms of customer service, I'll say that our server was incredibly friendly when he was present, but he admittedly came by literally only three times during our visit: when we had to dramatically flag him down to order, when he dropped off our food when it was ready, and when we had to flag him down to pay for our check. I'm so glad they had a handheld terminal for us to use for checkout because we might have passed out from heat stroke if we waited any longer, lol. There are always trade-offs in this life, I suppose. We'll be back soon!

    Photos
    The front half of the restaurant is not huge, so avoid coming with a large group unless you don't mind splitting up.
    The front half of the restaurant is not huge, so avoid coming with a large group unless you don't mind splitting up.
    Dduk Bok Ki (added cheese $4 and ramen noodle for $3) total $24
    Dduk Bok Ki (added cheese $4 and ramen noodle for $3) total $24
    Green apple soju

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    Green apple soju
    Halgatteok Garden Grove

    Halgatteok Garden Grove

    4.6
    (49 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Located in the food court inside the H-mart. Was craving some rose tteobeokki, and this definitely…read morehit the spot. I got the combo A which included your choice of tteobeokki along with the tempura set and a drink. This was delicious, I got it with their signature giant tteobeokki. They were massive but super chewy, soft, and went so well with the sauce. The sauce was amazing, it was so decadent, rich and fatty. The tempura also went great with the sauce, both the dumpling and the roll tempura has vermicelli filling which I found interesting and delicious.

    The only reason this is not a 5 star review is because of my experience dining in at Halgatteok. I…read morecame in at 12pm on Friday and ordered a grandma tteokbokki with garaetteok and level 2 spicy. 30 minutes pass by, and I notice that two other groups have already received their food (these groups arrived and ordered much later than I did). When I received my food 45 minutes later, it was the complete wrong order. I received a rose tteokbokki with ssal tteok. I mentioned this to the kind lady behind the counter and she remade my food. However, when I got the freshly made dish, it was still the wrong order. She remade the dish with garaetteok but it was still rose, and not the grandma style. As it was approaching a whole hour since ordering, I just accepted the food, even though I tried to explain to her that what I received was the wrong order. She told me that what I got was the grandma tteokbokki, which the dish was not since it was creamy and had sausage and bacon. I would have asked for another remake, but she had posted a sign that said the restaurant closes at 1:30pm, and it was shortly after that time. I was hoping to have a good time here since the reviews are great, but this experience makes me apprehensive to give the place a try again.

    Photos
    Located at the back of the small food court
    Located at the back of the small food court
    Tempura Set
    Tempura Set
    Store front

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    Store front
    Gaenali Bon Ga Korean Restaurant

    Gaenali Bon Ga Korean Restaurant

    4.7
    (395 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    A little nice lady was willing to teach me how to eat raw marinated crabs and help me put on my…read moregloves. She served us army stew on our behalf. It's your typical mom and pop shop and I'm glad I came. Restroom is clean. It's handicap accessible with the space they provide. As I mentioned before I got the raw marinated crab and it comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large. My group chose a small because we were getting army stew and that's already filling. The raw marinated crab is spicy so it has that kick to it. It was juicy and tasty. The army stew if filled with spam, sausage, and a little bit of instant noodle so it's sodium filled meal. The stew was okay; nothing special except being served by a nice older lady. Soup was delicious though but have to stop myself because of the sodium. You'll be drinking lots of water but that's how it is with raw marinated crabs and army stew.

    I still find myself craving Korean food from time to time, so I decided to give this place a try…read more They served six different banchan (Korean side dishes), and the auntie came by to ask if we wanted refills, which was a nice touch. For our main dishes, we ordered: 1. Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon 해물파전) 2. Bossam (Boiled Pork with Napa Wraps 돼지보쌈) 3. Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew 된장찌개) One thing to note is that the table menu doesn't list prices, so you'll need to check the full menu if you want to know the cost. The rice served here is purple rice, which feels like a traditional Korean touch. They usually provide ice water, but if you prefer hot water, just ask the auntie. They also have hot tea available. This restaurant definitely has an authentic Korean vibe. The dining area is not very large, but the atmosphere feels very Korean and the portions are generous. They also offer Korean marinated crab (ganjang gejang), and based on what I saw that day, most of the customers seemed to be Korean locals. Sharing this spot with anyone who loves Korean food and is looking for a more authentic Korean dining experience!

    Photos
    Interior as of Aug23
    Interior as of Aug23
    Bossam, 8/10
    Bossam, 8/10
    Spicy marinated crab

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    Spicy marinated crab

    Thirsty Cow Korean BBQ - steak - Updated August 2026

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