I came here last night after hearing about this restaurant chain for many years now. Now that they opened one up here in Temple City, I didn't have an excuse to not go try it out. I have always heard about how great their meat quality is and also about their impeccable service. I arrived at around 4:30, and the wait for this place was only around 45 minutes, which wasn't that bad yet on a Saturday night. I ordered the Large Beef Combo, which was for 3 people (my mom, my brother, and me). The quality of the meat was definitely there. It was a step up from the type of meat that Oo-Kook serves. The seaweed wraps was definitely something that was different and delicious. The downside to this was that it was not a lot of meat for the price that you're paying. It also came with egg, cheese corn, and a tofu soup. The egg and cheese corn was good, but the tofu soup was REALLY salty to the point where I was just chugging water after every spoonful of the soup. At the end, I think I was the only one in my party who actually got full, because I ate all the bean sprouts and drank the whole tofu soup. The other two was just not hungry but not full either. Now, the biggest problem I had with my experience was not the food (I already knew it was going to be expensive), but the service that I received. Looking at the other reviews for this place, it seems like I probably just got a bad server/cook. My server was a woman (she never mentioned her name). She barely spoke at all during the whole time we were there. Other than when she asked us for our order and at the end of the meal, she didn't really speak at all. I am not sure if she didn't really know English that well (she did have an accent), but I feel like our experience could have been a lot better if she spoke and communicated to us about our meal more. She didn't ask us how we liked our meat or even the pace we wanted to eat at. I would still have a whole bowl full of meat, and she would be cooking the next batch of meat already. I just felt like she was just trying to rush us to just eat our meat and leave. Not only that, I saw (from other Yelp reviews) that we're supposed to get free egg/corn refills, which I did not even hear about from our server. Overall, I think that this place just has some problems that they still need to work out. For basically $40 a person (after tips), I would expect to receive some top notch service. I've been to a lot of other high end restaurants at around the same price range, and this place just did not meet my expectations. For the experience that I got, I rather go down a few blocks to Oo-Kook with no waiting time and get full from AYCE for slightly lower quality meat but cheaper price. Edit: Oh yeah, our server also missed when she was trying to move a piece of meat from the grill to my brother's bowl, and it resulted with the meat hitting the table and falling onto my brother's shirt and onto the ground. I know it was an accident, but if you think about it, that piece was worth at least $3-4. Other than a "Sorry", we did not get compensated for that at all. read more

Subject: Disappointing Experience at Baekjeong Restaurant in Temple City, California on December 29, 2023 My recent visit to Baekjeong Restaurant on December 29, 2023 was regrettably not as expected, and I would like to share my experience. On that day, a group of eight of us--two families--arrived at the restaurant around 4:50 pm. Prior to our arrival, I had made multiple attempts to contact the restaurant on December 28, leaving a voice message at the provided number (1-213-799-6328) but received no response until I reached them on the morning of December 29. Upon our arrival, I approached the receptionist to inquire about the waiting list as instructed during our phone conversation. However, despite being informed that we needed to arrive as a complete group of eight, we were denied service after waiting for 27 minutes without any reasonable and understandable reasons/explanations. The interaction with the receptionist and subsequent staff was disappointing and somewhat confusing. Despite our efforts to comply with the restaurant's instructions, we were abruptly asked to wait outside in the cold weather, which was challenging for me due to a medical condition. I made an effort to explain this, but unfortunately, we were not accommodated. The situation escalated when a manager, Ramos, informed us that we would be removed from the waiting list due to what was perceived as "yelling" and "condescending behavior." Our attempts to seek clarity and understanding were met with dismissal and refusal of service. I was advised by the staff (name "Judy" and "Ramos") to contact HR for resolution. However, I believe it's important to share my experience publicly to encourage transparency and fair treatment of customers. My intention in sharing this account is not to cause embarrassment or disparage the establishment but to express disappointment and discrimination in the lack of communication and the treatment received. I hope this feedback contributes to a better customer experience in the future. Of course, I am not sure if I would go back to this restaurant.. read more

My recent visit to this non-AYCE KBBQ restaurant was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was inviting and the spacious setup added to the comfortable vibe. It's worth noting that they uphold the policy of having the entire party present before allowing you to be seated, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the meal together. We made it to the restaurant around 5:15 PM, cleverly avoiding the upcoming dinner rush. As the evening progressed, the outdoor area got busier, validating our decision to come in early. Our timing couldn't have been better. A dedicated server took our orders, and we were pleasantly surprised to find another waiter assigned to expertly cook the meats for us. The cuts of meat, particularly the fatty selections, resulted in juicy, mouthwatering bites that left us delighted. The brisket was a standout, offering a delightful balance of flavors. The short rib, another highlight, was tender and succulent with just the right amount of bite, all without crossing into chewiness territory. Transitioning to marinated short ribs brought a change to an open flame grill. While the texture was appealing, the sweetness of the marinade might be an acquired taste for some, including myself. However, the execution was spot-on. The extensive variety of sides, all refillable, was a welcome surprise. I must confess, as a regular at AYCE KBBQ places, I initially felt that the protein portions might not be enough. Yet, I compensated by indulging in the plentiful sides. A special shout-out goes to the seafood kimchi pancake, a dish that even someone not typically a fan of Korean pancakes like myself couldn't resist. The flavors were simply exquisite. In summary, my experience here was exceptional. When compared to an AYCE option, the meal was more affordable, especially when shared among five people. While I could have easily gone for another five rounds of meat, the undeniable quality and taste of what was offered surpassed my expectations. This restaurant has solidified itself as a must-visit for its superior KBBQ experience. read more

Unfortunately, this last visit confirmed it for me: I won't be coming back. I've given this place multiple chances, hoping each time that things would improve, but it's consistently disappointed me with poor service and mediocre food quality. First, the food itself is just not worth the price. The combo options come with small portions of low-quality meat that lack flavor and tenderness, making the meal feel like a poor investment. The banchan (side dishes) are another letdown; they don't taste fresh at all. The salad and kimchi seem like they've been left out for days, resulting in bland and unappetizing flavors. The egg and cheese corn is also disappointing - it tastes like canned corn with a sprinkle of cheese, adding almost nothing to the meal. The service, though, is what has truly driven me away. There's an odd, uninviting atmosphere here, with no greeting when you enter or leave, and the staff seem disengaged throughout the meal. When cooking the meat, they barely pay attention, often letting it overcook or burn. We ordered the Combo + Beef Tongue, and most of our meat ended up overdone because the staff would wander off right after placing it on the grill. They didn't even replace the grill plate, which left a burnt taste on the meat from charred residue. For a restaurant that's supposed to provide a great grilling experience, this lack of care and attention is unacceptable. It's disappointing to write this review because I genuinely hoped for a better experience each time, but the issues remain the same: overpriced, uninspired food, careless meat grilling, and inattentive service that undercuts the entire experience. For a restaurant built around serviced meat grilling, Baekjeong has missed the mark on all fronts. Baekjeong has let me down too many times - I won't be back. read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Baekjeong, and the exceptional service provided by our server, Maggie, made our night unforgettable. Right from the start, Maggie's warm and friendly personality set the stage for the rest of our meal. With her knowledgeable guidance, she carefully explained the different options available on the menu and suggested a few of her personal favorites. Not being overly familiar with Korean BBQ, we appreciated her patient responses to our numerous questions. Her recommendations were spot-on, making our dining experience a true culinary delight. Maggie was prompt and attentive without being intrusive. She ensured the grill was always filled with a delicious selection of meats and constantly checked in on us to see if anything was needed. What truly stood out was her genuine passion for providing excellent customer service. It wasn't just about doing her job, but rather about ensuring each guest had a unique, enjoyable experience. It was evident in the way she engaged with us, always with a bright smile and enthusiasm. Moreover, Maggie was able to balance her attentive service to us with her other tables, which demonstrated her strong multitasking skills and dedication to her role. The food at Baekjeong was a symphony of flavors, from the delectable meats to the delightful side dishes. However, it was the exceptional service provided by Maggie that elevated this dining experience from good to outstanding. I wholeheartedly recommend Baekjeong to anyone who enjoys excellent food and top-notch service. And if possible, ask for Maggie - she's sure to make your evening a memorable one. Kudos to Baekjeong for having such a gem in their team. We will definitely be coming back and look forward to being served by Maggie again! read more

Allow me to paint the picture for you. It's been a long work-week, I haven't seen my family in a few months, and all I wanna do is take them out to a nice dinner and spend some quality good old-fashioned "family time" with them. Perhaps I made the mistake of choosing to take them out to dinner on a very busy Thursday, especially since it is the week of the Memorial Day weekend, however, my family and I were fortunate enough to meet one of the most kind-hearted, friendly, and overall incredible people at Baekjeong. Sasha, was absolutely AMAZING!!! He was honestly the only reason why my family and I even waited as long as we did, which wasn't too long I suppose, but Sasha made sure to check in with us regularly and also give us updates on what our place in line was. He even made for great small talk with my party and made sure we were all comfortable while waiting for our table (he placed chairs for my elderly grandmother, and mom, to sit while we waited), by the way our "Nana" says "THANK YOU SASHA" It honestly set a positive tone from the beginning of our Baekjeong experience, which was out of this world in the best way. But it truly all started with Sasha first. Also, Robbie (our server) was INCREDIBLE!!! He was a total pro at cooking our beef combo meal and knew exactly how to prepare it with the utmost perfect technique (I had to post/promote it on my Instagram LIVE lol), so cool! He was also the other best part of our dinning experience. Overall, these two incredible employees were the shinning stars of our experience. We will DEFINITELY be returning for Father's Day! read more

Another restaurant reopened for outdoor seatings in the Temple city plaza. This Korean BBQ restaurant has been the locals' favorite Korean restaurant before the pandemic hit. Now that it reopens, many people come to dine here during lunch and dinner. Although the foods are pricy, the meat quality is very good. They claimed all meats are hand cut. I don't know what that means but I guess it must good. Besides, each meal comes with a tons of small side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, noodle sheets and more. Seems to be a good deal. Upon the recommendation from the server, we ordered their beef combo which consisted of rib eyes, briskets, and short rib meats. Meats seemed to be good quality but the portions were not that big. The meats did have a lot flavors and tender. For outdoor dining, instead of BBQ the meats yourselves, the server would cook everything inside the restaurant before taking the meats out to the patrons. The menu also features a lot of a la carte items including a lot of favorite Korean dishes. Didn't have a chance to try them but I heard they are very good as well. The outdoor area is very spacious and airy. Each customer is checked at the entrance for temperature. Everyone is required to wear masks to dine here. During these hot days, parking in the unground parking garage is recommended. read more

I went to Baekjeong for pre my daddy's day a couple years back (been while) and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. The service was excellent from start to finish, and the quality of the meat was top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive and helpful, making our dining experience truly enjoyable. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and took the time to explain the different cuts of meat and recommended the best way to cook them. The meat itself was of high quality and cooked to perfection, with a great balance of flavors and textures. We tried the galbi and the brisket, both of which were tender and delicious. The sides were also fantastic, with a great selection of fresh vegetables and sauces to complement the meat. While the price is a bit on the higher side, the quality of the food and the excellent service make it worth it. We left feeling satisfied and impressed with the overall experience. I highly recommend Baekjong to anyone looking for an exceptional Korean BBQ dining experience. The attention to detail and quality of service make it a standout restaurant in the area. While it may be a bit pricey, the quality of the food and service make it well worth the cost. Overall, a five-star experience that I would gladly return to again and again for " ANOTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS" read more

I have been to Baekjeong before and after covid and their meats are high quality and the food is amazing. The take-out has a lot of meat and plenty of sides too. I could care less about the cost because the meat is high quality and very tasty. After one bite of each meat, it's amazing. The price is perfect for the quality. I and my family loves it here. The beef tartare was amazing too and yes it's supposed to be cold or else you are eating bacteria that can hurt your stomach. They also cook your meat for you so thank god because I don't like cooking the meats because I get burnt and the smell of meats on my clothes. The pregrill isn't bad either because it's will get really hot and cook the meats even more if you like it crispy. The service here is amazing too because the servers are kind and helpful. When we ask for some sides they try to bring it out asap but they are super busy so I understand why they can take long. The host is super nice too we usually wait for 20-40 mins depending on the weekend or weekday. I would recommend on weekends try going around lunchtime and 5-6 for dinner because it tends to get busy on at 7-8. But the weekdays are usually not busy but only Friday nights. FYI they have tents and lamp heaters to keep you warm and cozy from the cold. read more

We just had our first-ever Korean BBQ experience at Baekjeong, and it was SO good. But honestly, what really made the whole experience was our server, Joey. Neither of us had ever had Korean BBQ before, and we're also both pretty new to eating meat in general, so we had a LOT to learn. Joey could not have been better. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, generous with his time, and so good about explaining everything to us without ever making us feel ridiculous for knowing absolutely nothing. He walked us through the different cuts, how everything worked, what to eat with what, and all the little things that made the meal feel like an actual experience instead of just us sitting there staring at a grill full of meat wondering what to do next. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was really cool and somehow felt a little like we were eating Korean BBQ in the future, and we left ridiculously full and very happy. But truly, Joey made the night. It absolutely would not have been the same experience without him. If this is your first time having Korean BBQ, find Joey. He'll take care of you. We are currently too full of meat to say anything more intelligent than that. read more

I recently visited Baekjeong, a Korean BBQ spot, and had a mixed experience. While the meats were decent, there were a few issues that affected my overall enjoyment of the meal. One of the main disappointments was that the side orders on the grill seemed to burn much faster than I remembered. Within minutes, the eggs were burnt and stuck to the pan, resulting in an unpleasant texture and taste. It was a letdown, as I had higher expectations based on previous visits. Additionally, the eggs had a different taste with a powder-like texture, which was not what I anticipated. This inconsistency in quality was a bit off-putting. On the positive side, the meats at Baekjeong were satisfactory. They were cooked adequately and had decent flavors. However, they didn't quite hit the spot for me, and I felt that something was missing. Overall, Baekjeong provided an average Korean BBQ experience. The issue with the side orders burning quickly and the unusual taste and texture of the eggs were drawbacks. While the meats were alright, they didn't fully satisfy my expectations. If you're looking for a Korean BBQ spot, there may be better options available. read more

Our family's favorite Korean BBQ spot! Their meats are so fresh and never disappoint. What truly enhances our visits, however, is the exceptional service from the lovely receptionist, SASHA! From the moment we arrive, Sasha greets us with her warm smile and positive energy, creating the perfect atmosphere for our meals. My kids adore her! She has a wonderful way with them, making them feel welcome and special each time we visit. Her friendly demeanor and attentiveness turn our dining experience into something truly memorable. We come here every week not just because of the delicious food that satisfies our cravings but also for the joy of seeing Sasha's bright and cheerful spirit. Sasha's exceptional customer service truly makes our visits worthwhile. She goes above and beyond to ensure that we feel valued as guests, and her genuine kindness leaves a lasting impression on our family. Thank you, Sasha, for always providing us with excellent service and unforgettable dining experiences. We can't wait to come back for more delicious BBQ and the wonderful atmosphere you create! My kids are also looking forward to give you their drawings read more

This is a great place to celebrate birthdays and graduations. We were a party of 8 at Baekjeong, Temple City, and despite how packed the restaurant was, we felt genuinely taken care of from start to finish. David, John, and Peter were our servers that night, and they managed our large group with impressive attentiveness. They kept our drinks filled, checked on us constantly, and coordinated seamlessly to make sure everyone at the table got the side dish refill that they wanted. That level of service with 8 people at a busy restaurant is no small feat. The beef combo was exceptional. I thought every single bite was worthwhile. The quality was consistently high across each cut, perfectly marbled and cooked just right on the grill. Everyone in the group was satisfied. Baekjeong has always delivered solid Korean BBQ, but this experience reminded me why I keep coming back. The combination of excellent meat and genuinely attentive service makes it one of my go-to spots for group celebrations. If you're planning a larger party and want to feel taken care of, ask for David, John, or Peter. They'll make sure your experience is memorable. read more

This is the go to place I take people out of state who are visiting for kbbq when they've already tried AYCE. By the plate, this the only spot in the 626/SGV area. Meat quality is better than most. Seems like they've changed their style of cooking, you're not going to see this style anywhere. They are using cast iron grills, pretty gutsy to stand apart from other kbbq. The grills look heavy, cooks meat pretty well when it's hot. There is a downside, the marinated meat does not cook as well anymore, taste like boiled meat. But hey, experimenting and trying new things is what sets you in a higher tier. Service was great from the host to the servers and finally to the managers on duty that day. Hosts were getting people checked in, and seating as quickly as they could. Servers were busy cooking meat to perfection, my table's meat order was not burnt considering how busy our server Erik was. We got our table followed up by Linda and momo who were on the floor bussing tables and wiping them down to get set up. I've never seen managers in action on the floor like that before . Great examples set by management. 10/10 will come back. read more

If you're looking for an incredible Korean barbecue experience, Baekjeong is a must-visit! The atmosphere is lively, with a bustling energy that makes dining here an event in itself. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they guide you through the process, especially if you're new to Korean BBQ. They help with cooking, which is great because it lets you enjoy the food without worrying about perfecting the grill. The quality of the meat is impressive--well-marbled, tender, and packed with flavor. The pork belly and short ribs are crowd-pleasers, and the cuts are so flavorful they barely need any seasoning. Baekjeong also offers a wide variety of banchan (side dishes), which are constantly refilled, so you get to try a little bit of everything. One unique feature is their cheese corn and egg ring, which cooks around the edge of the grill. It adds a rich, creamy contrast to the smoky meats and is perfect for balancing out the meal. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality and the experience make it worth every penny. If you love Korean BBQ or want to try it for the first time, Baekjeong is definitely the place to go. read more

The menu at Baekjeong is focused on Korean barbecue, and it did not disappoint. The cuts of meat were of the highest quality, and the marbling was exquisite. The servers were helpful and attentive, cooking the meats to perfection on the tabletop grill and providing expert guidance on how to pair them with various sauces and sides. I also tried their seafood pancakes, which were absolutely delicious. The pancakes were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a generous serving of seafood that was cooked to perfection. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and I could taste the freshness of the ingredients in every bite. The prices were reasonable for the quality of the food, and the service was outstanding. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere that added to the overall dining experience. Overall, Baekjeong is a top-notch Korean barbecue restaurant that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. From the quality of the food to the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere, every aspect of the restaurant was outstanding. read more

Beakjeong Temple City is one of those spots that reminds you why Korean BBQ is such a go-to when you want a meal that actually feels like an experience. From the moment you sit down, the energy is there--busy grills, great aromas, and a team that keeps everything moving smoothly. The meats are the star, no question. You can taste the quality immediately--rich, flavorful, and sliced just right for grilling. The marinated options bring a deep, slightly sweet-savory punch, while the non-marinated cuts let the natural flavor shine. Add in the melty cheese corn and that iconic steamed egg on the side of the grill, and it's game over. Service is fast, sharp, and super dialed-in. They swap grills without you asking, keep the table clean, and make sure you're never waiting on anything. It makes a difference when the whole meal flows without interruptions. It's the kind of place you pull up to when you're hungry-hungry and want something satisfying, social, and just a little indulgent. Not low-key--but that's exactly the point. read more

We ordered small beef combos, but the service used same grill to cooked three different kinds of meat, asking for spicy sauce never come asking for rice paper never come. Metal cups was come with dry-onion (really dirty) and I asking if we can have new (clean)cups , emm .. he only bring one back! Speechless!!! Btw,he also serviced table next to us (We checked) , obviously he knows different meat should use different grill, just too rushed. I ask his coworker it's disgusting as pictured,we cannot eat, the guy says you guys should ask him to get grid baking tray,(do you have service training ! Do you ??! ) wait what ? Are you lost your mind, bro ? It's not first time to be here, (over100 times dine in ) are you trying to teaching me how to do ? It's so weird, when I was high school student I came here for nice food.but now I definitely will not coming back this location... feel sick & too many excuses for bad service... Anyway, the second service guy brings the Grid baking tray &rice paper & spicy sauce, so we paid. read more

This is my favorite Baekjeong location in LA. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming, and we are greeted with a smile every time we visit. We usually go during lunch, so the wait has never been long. The one time we went for dinner, we made a reservation through Resy and were seated within five minutes, which made the experience even smoother. The ambience is also really nice. The restaurant has a large, spacious dining hall, and when it is not too busy, they usually seat guests toward the front, which feels comfortable and inviting. I always order the pork combination, which comes with kimchi jjigae, and it never disappoints. The pork is flavorful, tender, and cooked perfectly right in front of you, which makes the meal feel fresh and fun. My daughter loves their pork too, so it has become a place we all enjoy as a family. Overall, this location has great food, warm service, and a pleasant atmosphere. I always look forward to coming back, and it is definitely one of my favorite Korean BBQ spots in LA. read more