Korean BBQ is a communal dining experience that involves grilling marinated meats and sharing side dishes over a grill at the table. The meal typically includes a variety of meats such as beef, pork, or chicken, often cut into small, tender pieces. While Northern Virginia was once one of the most popular areas in the country for this cuisine, Maryland has recently emerged with a multitude of options. Many of these establishments have been featured in Eater DC’s list of “Where to Eat Korean Barbecue Around D.C.”
Chadol BBQ: Chadol opened at 1403 Research Blvd, Suite A-8 in Rockville’s Research Row back in February of 2022. The restaurant offers a more high end Korean barbecue experience. Eater writes, “Chadol, Rockville’s polished destination for tabletop grilling of premium beef, pork, seafoods since 2022, runs an all-you-can-eat deal for lunch ($29.24) and dinner ($39.62).”
Hwa Gae Jang Tuh (HGJT): HGJT is one of the original Korean barbecue restaurants Montgomery County, located at 2104 Veirs Mill Rd. in Rockville’s Twinbrook Center. Eater writes, “Rockville’s Hwa Gae Jang Tuh offers tabletop grilling for meats like bulgogi, marinated short ribs or galbi, and pork belly. The menu includes dishes like japchae (sweet potato noodles) and mandu (dumplings), too.”
K-POT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot: With two Montgomery County locations (separately owned), you can enjoy K-Pot in Germantown or Rockville. Eater writes, “Get two tabletop cooking experiences in one from this East Coast chain”, as hot pot is included as an option at the restaurant.
Jongro BBQ: The popular New York Korean BBQ restaurant opened up at Wheaton Mall in March of 2022. Eater writes, “premium meats marinated and butchered in-house get cooked tableside with laser thermometers and overhead smoke lamps. All-you-can-eat pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and sides run $34.99 per person.”
MeatUp Korean BBQ & Bar: The only non-Montgomery County location of the Maryland restaurants to have made the list is located in College Park. Eater writes, “The former Kangnam Barbeque has been rebranded by Lawrence Chen, owner of Momo’s Cafe in Palisades, into a dark space filled with neon lights and a late night aesthetic.”
Iron Age: Located at 1054 Rockville Pike in Rockville’s Edmonton Crossing, Iron Age is one of the busiest restaurants in Montgomery County is one of the go-to restaurants for many in the area. Eater writes that the restaurant “offers and array of meat and seafood to grill at the table.”
Firepan Korean BBQ: Firepan opened at the old Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza location at 962 Wayne Avenue Suite L-B in Downtown Silver Spring in the summer of 2022. Eater writes, “With diagrams for where you should cook each meat and cook times, plus different levels of all-you-can-eat menus, it’s a great spot for first-time Korean barbecue eaters.”
Honey Pig: The Virginia-based restaurant opened its Rockville location at 12015-G Rockville Pike, in Montrose Crossing (Rockville). Eater writes that “offerings include brisket, bulgogi, galbi, beef tongue, tripe, duck breast, marinated squid, and more.”
Note: Several restaurants listed have additional locations that are not in Maryland. The full article from Eater DC can be found here.
Featured photo shows Korean BBQ at K-POT in Germantown.
