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.
Korean barbeque always tops the list of favorite foods for foreigners. Table grilling offers a unique bonding experience, much like a backyard picnic. And like any BBQ, beer and soju are a must. There are many different ratios for making so-maek, which is a mixture of soju and beer (maekju). Some restaurants even provide special measuring glasses that aid in creating the perfect recipe. If you look closely at the picture above, you’ll see that soju is poured first followed by the beer…it’s up to you to choose the best mix. Here’s a picture of the same Hite-Jinro so-maek glass. And more pictures.
