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Best Barbecue Restaurants in Historic South-Central

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Genwa Korean BBQ DTLA restaurant
1. Genwa Korean BBQ DTLA
4.6
Exceptional(29)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Experience the pinnacle of Korean BBQ at Genwa Korean BBQ DTLA, nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles. This culinary gem stands out with its high-quality meats and an impressive array of "banchan" Korean side dishes that elevate the dining experience. Praised for its state-of-the-art smokeless grills, diners can enjoy a variety of meats cooked right at their table without the lingering smoke odor. Genwa has been celebrated as one of the top spots for Korean BBQ, even earning a spot on LA Weekly's 10 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Los Angeles in 2012. Reviewers consistently rave about the "amazing" food and "excellent" service, with one noting, "the best way to enjoy Korean BBQ" thanks to their attentive staff. Whether it's the spicy pork, ribeye steak, or the succulent Wagyu beef, every dish is a testament to Genwa's commitment to quality and authenticity in every bite.
A photo of Craft by Smoke and Fire - LA Live restaurant
2. Craft by Smoke and Fire - LA Live
3.4
Very Good(21)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Craft by Smoke and Fire in LA Live, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, stands out as a beacon of American cuisine. This lively spot offers a soulful dining experience, with dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in American culinary traditions. Patrons rave about the "drool-worthy BBQ," "amazing brisket," and inventive "mac n cheese burrito," highlighting the quality and creativity of their offerings. The ambiance is consistently described as fun and welcoming, with reviews praising the "great atmosphere and service." As one diner puts it, Craft by Smoke and Fire is the place "where craft cocktails meet mouthwatering American classics," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of America.
A photo of Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire restaurant
3. Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
4.7
Exceptional(49)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.
Booked 12 times today
Savor the unparalleled quality of Genwa Korean BBQ in the bustling Beverly/Fairfax area of Los Angeles, where the art of Korean barbecue is taken to new heights. Renowned for its premium meats and an extensive array of banchan, Genwa offers a truly authentic experience, underscored by their innovative smokeless grills that promise a fresh environment without the lingering smell of smoke. It’s no surprise that LA Weekly hailed it as one of the 10 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants. Customers rave about the "incredible quality meats" and the "amazing variety on banchan," making every meal a lavish feast. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, Genwa delivers a memorable dining experience with its exceptional service and sumptuous flavors, making it a must-visit for barbecue aficionados.
A photo of Smoke City Char Bar restaurant
4. Smoke City Char Bar
4.2
Awesome(58)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Arts District
Welcome to the Smoke City Char Bar, an oasis in Downtown LA's Arts District. Featuring gorgeous interiors and comfortable patio seating (dog friendly!), Smoke City Char Bar is an excellent selection for Craft Smoked Meats, BBQ, Local Drafts and Specialty Craft Cocktails. Located just across the street from the landmark Arts District Brewing Co (set your GPS to 899 Traction Ave), free 2 hour validated parking is available in the Aliso Parking Lot (access on 3'd Street). Don't miss our happy hour: Thurs - Sun from 4pm - 6pm.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LA restaurant
5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LA
4.8
Exceptional(144)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Little Tokyo
Booked 11 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Downtown Los Angeles offers a uniquely authentic barbecue experience that stands out in the vibrant Little Tokyo neighborhood. Known for its engaging "cook-your-own" style, the restaurant allows diners to become chefs at their tables, grilling premium meats to perfection. Patrons rave about the quality and flavor of offerings such as the "must-try" Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib, highlighting the "delicious and well-seasoned meats" that provide a mouthwatering experience. The setting is not only stylish and upscale but also conducive to a magical dining atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. Coupled with attentive service and a convivial ambiance, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ delivers an unforgettable dining delight, making it a top destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
A photo of Maple Block Barbecue restaurant
6. Maple Block Barbecue
4.3
Awesome(210)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Culver City
Booked 6 times today
Maple Block Barbecue in Culver City is a haven for Southern cuisine enthusiasts, offering an authentic barbecue experience that’s hard to find in LA. Praised for its "moist and tasty" beef brisket and "perfectly smoked" free-range chicken, this restaurant has mastered the art of wood-smoked meats using whole peach wood, which lends a unique flavor profile adored by diners. Reviewers rave about their side dishes too, particularly the "stupid good" loaded grits and the creamy, eggy potato salad. With accolades like "the best BBQ place hands down!" and a familial atmosphere, Maple Block Barbecue stands out as a top choice for Southern dining in the city, making every meal a delightfully smoky journey into the heart of American barbecue tradition.
A photo of Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle restaurant
7. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle
4.8
Exceptional(254)
Price: Very Expensive
• Barbecue • West Los Angeles
Booked 17 times today
Delve into the heart of Tokyo-style Japanese BBQ dining at Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining in West Los Angeles. Celebrated for its authenticity and quality, Manpuku has been a staple of culinary excellence since its origin over 60 years ago in Tokyo, Japan. Patrons rave about the unforgettable beef tongue and the premium Kobe Ribeye, highlighting the "tender and juicy" meat as a "must for any beef eater." The glowing reviews consistently mention the exceptional service, with frequent mention of the attentive and knowledgeable staff, making every dining experience special. As one enthusiastic diner puts it, "Manpuku stands far and out as the absolute best…*every time*." Whether you're a fan of succulent meats or flavorful vegetarian dishes, Manpuku promises a fulfilling experience that ensures "you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart."
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | West LA restaurant
8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | West LA
4.6
Exceptional(222)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • West Los Angeles
Booked 36 times today
At Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in West Los Angeles, you're not just dining, you're embarking on a true Japanese culinary adventure. Founded in Tokyo and celebrated as the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, Gyu-Kaku offers an authentic yakiniku experience that allows you to become the chef of your meal. Patrons rave about the "excellent food" and the "quality of the meats," which include must-try dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. The atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to date nights, where you can enjoy your meal paired with Japanese sake or a frosty beer. Customers consistently highlight the "amazing food" and "great service," making Gyu-Kaku a top destination for Japanese BBQ lovers.
A photo of Genwa Korean BBQ Beverly Hills restaurant
9. Genwa Korean BBQ Beverly Hills
4.4
Awesome(24)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Beverly Hills
Booked 15 times today
Tucked away in Beverly Hills' bustling Restaurant Row, Genwa Korean BBQ is a gem for authentic Korean barbecue enthusiasts. Celebrated for its high-quality meats and an extensive array of banchan, Genwa offers an unparalleled dining experience. It's the attention to detail, like their state-of-the-art smokeless grills, that sets this restaurant apart. As one diner raved, “The meat is extremely tender and savory; side dishes varied and excellent.” Recognized as one of the top Korean BBQ spots by LA Weekly in 2012, Genwa continues to deliver exceptional food and service, making every visit memorable. Whether you're grilling your favorite cuts or indulging in ready-prepared delights, Genwa is a must-visit for barbecue lovers.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Beverly Hills, CA | La Cienega restaurant
10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Beverly Hills, CA | La Cienega
4.5
Awesome(1261)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Beverly Hills
Booked 38 times today
At Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Beverly Hills, you are not just dining; you are embarking on a culinary journey steeped in the heart of Tokyo traditions since 1996. Celebrated as the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand, Gyu-Kaku offers an authentic yakiniku experience that puts you in the chef's seat. Patrons rave about the “juicy, fresh” premium meats and the vibrant atmosphere where “the staff is amazing and the music is a vibe.” With a menu featuring the beloved Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib, this dining haven ensures every visit is memorable. A fan favorite, one diner exclaims it’s “100% my fav restaurant to date!!” making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Japanese barbecue.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rebeccavip
    San Diego •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    What you get for your money here makes everything worth it. It’s a beautiful restaurant with impeccable service. The servers are welcoming and warm and eager to make your meal enjoyable. They stay and cook your meets on the grill and help serve all of your food the whole meal. The portions of EVERYTHING are enormous. The meats are 16 oz servings so when you look at the prices keep the portions and service in mind. The appetizers are also extremely generous compared to any restaurant. Everything we had was amazing and we even had two young children in a party of six and they made them feel like they were rock stars in a nice restaurant. We will be back.
    More info
    Genwa Korean BBQ DTLAPrice: Expensive• Korean• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Annemarievip
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    Great service and the food is on point every time. Love this spot!
    More info
    Genwa Korean BBQ Mid WilshirePrice: Expensive• Korean• Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.
    •
    4.7
  • Paulvip
    Orange County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 11, 2024
    It had been over 10 years since my last visit to a Gyu-Kaku location, and from my recollection, they’ve really upgraded! The food was fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent; the staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. The ambiance was also top-notch, creating a lively yet comfortable dining atmosphere. I brought my son and his friends here, and they all had a wonderful time. It was the perfect spot for a fun, interactive meal. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience in Downtown LA.
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LAPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Little Tokyo
    •
    4.8
  • Garcia
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 20, 2024
    Waitress took forever and restaurant was empty. We didn’t even eat , we left before she could ask us what we wanted to drink. That’s how long she took
    More info
    Craft by Smoke and Fire - LA LivePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Downtown
    •
    3.4
  • OpenTable Diner
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jul 14, 2024
    We ordered the smoked watermelon appetizer, California Ciabatta sandwich with salad, cornbread, and burnt ends Mac & cheese. It was all delicious. Our friends ordered tri tip and Salmon with crispy Brussels. They loved it aa well. Our server was very friendly. We’ll definitely come back!
    More info
    Smoke City Char BarPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Arts District
    •
    4.2

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