With the power of our RDI we have determined that the best Korean BBQ in DC (including the surrounding metro area) is Kogiya Korean BBQ. With a score of 71 on our restaurant delight index (with Yechon coming in second with a score of 56) it wasn’t even close. Come take a look for yourself!
The Korean BBQ scene in DC
Table of Contents
Best Korean BBQ in Washington DC
1. 9292 Kogiya Korean BBQ
Address: 4220-A Annandale Rd Annandale, VA 22003
Restaurant Delight Index: 83/100
If you’re looking for some authentic Korean BBQ then Kogiya is your best bet. I’m pretty sure they got such a high RDI score because of how much they offer! They have an a la carte menu, but Kogiya really shines when you get the AYCE! The quality of their beef is on point and unlike other places where you need to pay extra for rice and a steamed egg souffle, Kogiya’s got you covered. If you don’t want the AYCE option, there is a $13 lunch combo which offers a meat of your choice, unlimited side dishes, and either a soup or noodle.
With quick service and plentiful banchan (side dishes), Kogiya is a favorite among locals. The atmosphere is fun with loud music, perfect for big groups with close friends or family! They’re also open late which is great for those looking to feast until 2 a.m. Kogiya is pretty popular and can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, so I recommend visiting during the weekdays if possible. If not, make sure to call before heading over! I also recommend carpooling because they have limited parking.
Instant coffee is also served at the end of the meal as part of the service.
What to Order: Samgyukpsal, Beef brisket
2. Yechon
Address: 4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
Restaurant Delight Index: 73/100
Located in the informally known Korea Town of Washington D.C., Yechon is one of the older Korean restaurants in Annandale. Yechon is open 24/7, making it the perfect place to go after a late night with friends, or whenever you are hungry! Yechon offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes with multiple side dishes and even sushi.
However, Yechon is a little pricier than other spots and the service can be scattered. They also don’t offer an AYCE option, but their waitresses dress in traditional hanboks, which only helps the authentic vibe.
What to Order: Soondoobu, Galbi dolsot bibimbap, Galbi, sushi
3. Honey Pig BBQ
Address: 7220-C Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Restaurant Delight Index: 73/100
With fair prices and generous portion sizes, Honey Pig is a great place for some trusty, good Korean BBQ. Because of its popularity, the wait for seating may take a while, but once you sit down the service is quick. Not only that but the serving staff moves quickly to ensure that the guests have to wait as little as possible for their meat. With Korean music playing in the background, creating a fun, Seoul-like atmosphere, Honey Pig is great to visit with friends and large groups! A karaoke spot is located next door, which is a natural next step on your night out.
Though their banchan isn’t the greatest, as long as you are a meat lover, there will be plenty. Honey Pig doesn’t take reservations, which can be inconvenient, but the wait usually runs shorter than what the hostess may tell you (which means she’s smart). Honey Pig is a great place for Korean BBQ in the DC area: they cater well to non-Koreans looking to have a good time in a fun atmosphere… of course the sizzling plates of meat helps.
What to Order: LA galbi, bulgogi, Pork belly
Competition
More than ten restaurants in and around Washington, DC were reviewed, and of those, four met our criteria of having more than 100 reviews and passed the Fakespot fake reviews test.
| Korean BBQ Restaurants in Washington DC | RDI |
|---|---|
| Kogiya Korean BBQ | 83 |
| Yechon Korean Restaurant | 73 |
| Honey Pig BBQ | 73 |
| Zannchi | 71 |
| Kangnam BBQ | 62 |
| Woo Lae Oak | 40 |
What's next?
We’ll be updating this post regularly over the year give these Korean BBQ restaurants some time to accumulate more reviews. That will only increase our confidence in these scores. Until then try out these Korean BBQ spots and pro tip: it’s always better with friends. 🙂
