Cheong Wun Korean BBQ

Choeng Wun KBBQ (5/5), why, oh why, must you tempt me with your meaty, marinated goodness? Why must your perfectly marbled galbee caramelize to savory nirvana? You know it’s good when even the lowly, near fat-free bulgogi is excellent, and perhaps, the star of the show.

I grew up on LA’s Koreatown and everyone knows this neighborhood is the second coming of Seoul. I’ve been to KBBQ joints in the Bay and LA and this is the best I’ve had thus far considering quality, flavor, portions (unlimited!) and price. It’s been almost 5 years since my first taste of Choeng Wun and 6 birthdays, one anniversary and countless date nights later, it’s still as good as it gets with zero chance of diminishing returns.

The lineup

Yes, there are other more luxurious places with marquee names and a following that swears by them. I’m not one of them. I’ve been to them and I haven’t been impressed. Mostly depressed because I passed up a guaranteed great meal and greater time by not going to Choeng Wun to “try something new — maybe it will be better.” No, it’s not and it certainly wasn’t. This is a hole in the wall joint that doesn’t need to floss to bring in the customers.

Come hungry, ready to grill and throw down a couple bottles of Jinro Soju. To take your meat to an alternate dimension, request the following: garlic, jalapeno slivers, peppered/salted sesame oil. Now dip that sizzling morsel just a bit and pop it in your mouth. Enjoy.

Exterior

Tip for the girls: schedule your visit on nights you’re schedule to wash and blow straight your hair because it’s gonna get smokey. Tips for KBBQ junkies, Choeng Wun has a frequent diner card for loyal patrons. Ten stamps and the 11th visit is free — AND, that includes the extra two pant sizes you’ll go up.

Choeng Wun Korean BBQ, 944 N Western Ave., Los Angeles, 90029, 323-465-7590