BaekJeong translates to “butcher” in Korean and is a popular US west Coast Korean BBQ chain focused on high-quality meats. Founded by Korean TV host Kang Ho-Dong (강호동) in LA in 2012, the now 7 location chain expanded to the Bay Area in 2023. Been meaning to get there as the weekend wait can be hours, especially during the first year there.

The setup is designed to create a feeling of a Korean night market though it felt like most other large Korean BBQ restaurants which isn’t bad. Overall the food was good, a bit high-priced for the value and the experience felt very American (again, not bad and meeting the local audience.) in the future I’d prefer Korea Town restaurants in San Jose such as

Unlike many specialty BBQ restaurants in Korea, this chain does both pork and beef cuts. Larger parties can share and enjoy a variety of cuts of meat. Barbeque goes great with soju and Korean beer which are extremely overpriced here and in other Korean restaurants. There’s many Korean supermarkets in the Bay Area and it’s easy to find most Korean drinks and food there.

They did have a favorite of ours which is raw beef (육회) and it was fantastic. It’s typically mixed with salt, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper.

We have covered these topics: raw beef, BBQ and ordering meat. And here’s how to say “I like ____”. And of course, the well-used “delicious”.