Steve's Korean B.B.Q.

Ordered the spicy BBQ chicken. Food was amazing, however I was disappointed to find out that Steve was not there. Where is Steve?????? Ridiculous.

One of the best short ribs I’ve ever had in my life. Whoever was cooking Saturday night deserves a raise immediately. Underrated spot

Probably the most affordable Korean food you can find. 5 star relative to price. Dishes come w kimchi and sprouts. Wasnt the feshest or best cuts but you get a lot of food at a great price.

The bibimbap has amazing sizes and portions. They don't give it in a clamshell container with 3 separate sections. It's just a flat container, and they fill it up with 2 inches of food. Amazing.

This place will be here as long as it wants. I ate here frequently when I lived in Berkeley. Great no-frills Korean BBQ at student prices. The kimchi is always really crunchy and not too fishy. The other places in this food court are quite good too, so there's probably something for everyone. Alas, they don't serve alcohol, but I'm strangely ok with it.

If you want to be full to the brim, his this spot. It may not look nice, but the short ribs are a must have. The portion is large and the meat is tender which makes it hard not to finish. It's very difficult to find a place where you get a better bang for your buck on short ribs of all things. The spicy pork is also worth a try.

My son is absolutely in love with the Teriyaki chicken which is the reason for the 5 stars. We moved here from Washington stater and the Teriyaki everything there was just so good. He found this place , and it's his go to. We've since moved from Berkeley but we make the trip for their Chicken. Small place, you wouldn't know it's there , unless you stumble on it, but in my opinion those are usually the best food place... The low-key Mom n Pops.

We came here for lunch, and the prices were OK (each dish was around 20 bucks, and they have large portions). I highly recommend, unless your vegan. Most dishes contain meat, besides a veggie bibimbab.

Always good spot but no gluten free options unless you ask for seafood over rice with no soy sauce, Then your safe.

This place never fails to fulfill a student’s (or alumni’s) hunger. This place has been here for so long, but it shouldn’t be a surprise. The barbecue plates are yummy and the portions are great especially for the reasonable price. There are a variety of barbecue and other food plates to choose from.

It's 3am and Steve don't play. I had to wreck the vibe by being over 25. No one in here even knows they're abc's. The best you can do is stare at the floor until they call your number. Hyper salivating. I prefer to have meals while sitting as opposed to standing though I am thankful to be still standing after all these years of painful review descriptions. Namaste.

Sam

We came here for lunch, and the prices were OK (each dish was around 20 bucks, and they have large portions). I highly recommend, unless your vegan. Most dishes contain meat, besides a veggie bibimbab.

George Marquez

Always good spot but no gluten free options unless you ask for seafood over rice with no soy sauce, Then your safe.

Clinton Tran

This place never fails to fulfill a student’s (or alumni’s) hunger. This place has been here for so long, but it shouldn’t be a surprise. The barbecue plates are yummy and the portions are great especially for the reasonable price. There are a variety of barbecue and other food plates to choose from.

Anthony Cioffi

It's 3am and Steve don't play. I had to wreck the vibe by being over 25. No one in here even knows they're abc's. The best you can do is stare at the floor until they call your number. Hyper salivating. I prefer to have meals while sitting as opposed to standing though I am thankful to be still standing after all these years of painful review descriptions. Namaste.

Was my favorite during undergrad, 20 years ago, and they're still going strong. Their $12 plate is enough for two large meals of chicken, rice, and veggies, and the most excellent sauce. Love y'all 💖

Love this place. The food is amazing. BBQ pork, BBQ chicken. The rice and sides. It's simple and delicious. Long live Steve's.

Been coming here for over 30 years and the it's still the best affordable Korean food in the bay area! Prices have been rising accordingly and two of the guys behind the counter are still working here from when I was a teenager, don't see that much anymore.

This place is great. VERY positive experience, DELICIOUS food. I even called to ask for a veggie side to my short rib and bbq beef plates. He was super polite, patiently let me explain what I wanted, and in 5 minutes added a huge perfectly cooked mixed veggie plate to my order. Honestly, everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. This is now MY GUY for Korean bbq in the East Bay. Have to add that this all took place on a very busy a Saturday night. 🤙👊💪🙏

Adam Winn

Love this place. The food is amazing. BBQ pork, BBQ chicken. The rice and sides. It's simple and delicious. Long live Steve's.

marissa z

One of the best short ribs I’ve ever had in my life. Whoever was cooking Saturday night deserves a raise immediately. Underrated spot

lou sisuphan

Been coming here for over 30 years and the it's still the best affordable Korean food in the bay area! Prices have been rising accordingly and two of the guys behind the counter are still working here from when I was a teenager, don't see that much anymore.

Bryan Nagaishi

Probably the most affordable Korean food you can find. 5 star relative to price. Dishes come w kimchi and sprouts. Wasnt the feshest or best cuts but you get a lot of food at a great price.

Erin Crawford

This place is great. VERY positive experience, DELICIOUS food. I even called to ask for a veggie side to my short rib and bbq beef plates. He was super polite, patiently let me explain what I wanted, and in 5 minutes added a huge perfectly cooked mixed veggie plate to my order. Honestly, everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. This is now MY GUY for Korean bbq in the East Bay. Have to add that this all took place on a very busy a Saturday night. 🤙👊💪🙏

Only been here for lunch about a dozen times. Not sure they even speak English, but they are friendly and get my low-carb chicken dish right all the time. Very tastey and good value. The meat seems to be precooked and they throw it on the grill to heat up. Free water and free hot tea is usually available as self serve.

I come here when I want a large amount of meat with a large amount of rice. I typically get the chicken with noodles, then douse it generously with their hot sauce. The sides of kimchi and beansprouts are pretty terrible, but that's not what I came here for.

I always get the beef and rice (#1) and it is usually great. Sometimes it is not as flavorful. They're fairly quick to make it and staff is friendly. The prices are a bit high.

Food tastes ok but the meat sometimes has too much soup/sauce making it soggy. Still worth a quick bite if you're craving Korean food.

Solid fast korean restaurant. Hearty and tasty meat/rice dishes for hungry college students. Next to multiple smiliar restaurants. 2 blocks from campus. Recommend.

A little overpriced, but what isn't. The food is always good. Portions are hit or miss. I was full on my last visit, and I like that they have a low carb option. I've had the pork, beef, and chicken and it's all good. Need to try the seafood some time. Self serve water is always a nice touch.

This place is practically a Berkeley staple. This restaurant has been here longer than I've been alive. Eating here, you'll understand why they've survived all the turnover, while many places haven't. The staff is friendly. The food (proteins) is made to order and always fresh. The Kim chi obviously has to be made beforehand. There's great flavor and the spice for the spicy chicken is enough for you to be satisfied, but not enough for you to breath fire. I've never been unsatisfied coming here over 20 years.

Consistently good and reasonably priced, as most Asian Ghetto places go. The spicy pork keeps calling me back, because it's spicy, fatty, and comforting. Not the best Korean food I've had, but it's pretty tasty. Each dish comes with a side of rice, pickled bean sprouts, and kimchi. You can get tea for free, and they're very quick about getting your food orders out. The staff is friendly, and they look like they're always having a good time working together and cooking. Definitely a great place to grab a quick bite!

It is my go-to spot for quick and tasty KBBQ. I love their Barbecue Short Rib, and here's why it's great – it's seasoned just right and super tender. The sides, like kimchi and bean sprout salad, add extra zing and freshness to the meal. These sides not only complement the short rib beautifully but also refresh your palate. Plus, you get a generous portion of rice to enjoy with everything.

SF2TOKYO

A little overpriced, but what isn't. The food is always good. Portions are hit or miss. I was full on my last visit, and I like that they have a low carb option. I've had the pork, beef, and chicken and it's all good. Need to try the seafood some time. Self serve water is always a nice touch.

Dave C

This place is practically a Berkeley staple. This restaurant has been here longer than I've been alive. Eating here, you'll understand why they've survived all the turnover, while many places haven't. The staff is friendly. The food (proteins) is made to order and always fresh. The Kim chi obviously has to be made beforehand. There's great flavor and the spice for the spicy chicken is enough for you to be satisfied, but not enough for you to breath fire. I've never been unsatisfied coming here over 20 years.

Michael Manguinao

Consistently good and reasonably priced, as most Asian Ghetto places go. The spicy pork keeps calling me back, because it's spicy, fatty, and comforting. Not the best Korean food I've had, but it's pretty tasty. Each dish comes with a side of rice, pickled bean sprouts, and kimchi. You can get tea for free, and they're very quick about getting your food orders out. The staff is friendly, and they look like they're always having a good time working together and cooking. Definitely a great place to grab a quick bite!

Alice Hou

It is my go-to spot for quick and tasty KBBQ. I love their Barbecue Short Rib, and here's why it's great – it's seasoned just right and super tender. The sides, like kimchi and bean sprout salad, add extra zing and freshness to the meal. These sides not only complement the short rib beautifully but also refresh your palate. Plus, you get a generous portion of rice to enjoy with everything.

Cafeteria style Korean place. Definitely hole in the wall. Price to food and quality ratio is way better than other Korean restaurants. Highly recommended if you are craving KBBQ on a budget.

Very good "college student meal". The plates are super affordable and they give a pretty healthy serving. However, if you're looking for taste, the first few bites are pretty good but after a bit, the food starts tasting bland and boring. If you need a quick cheap meal, this is a pretty good choice. But on a college budget, it was mega worth

Bill Lai

Cafeteria style Korean place. Definitely hole in the wall. Price to food and quality ratio is way better than other Korean restaurants. Highly recommended if you are craving KBBQ on a budget.

Jason Liang

Very good "college student meal". The plates are super affordable and they give a pretty healthy serving. However, if you're looking for taste, the first few bites are pretty good but after a bit, the food starts tasting bland and boring. If you need a quick cheap meal, this is a pretty good choice. But on a college budget, it was mega worth

The food is alright! However, they always seem to forget very simple side requests. I’ve gone around 7-8 times now, and only twice did they remember to not put kimchi even though I explicitly asked for none. It’s a very easy thing to do.

If you want to eat high-class in the Asian Ghetto, this is the most expensive place there. A rice plate will run you around $9, but the portions they give you are enormous. The meat is okay, pretty dry, and the rice and kimchi are also just decent. If you're really craving Korean food, I think Kimchi Garden is a little more authentic, but if you're just craving Korean Barbeque, might as well go here.

Not super authentic but taste is still ok. Comes with free sides and tea. Portions are on th larger sides but if you want korean food I suggest going to t- toust or kimchi garden

Affectionately named Estaban's. I avoided this place for years but came back because of their large portions. You really get your money's worth here, and while there are much better Korean options, this is okay.

Had the lunch combo with spicy pork and chicken. The spicy pork had delicious flavor but the chicken lacked flavor. Next time, I’ll try their short ribs!

Got to try out this place, small little restaurant surrounded by other small shops. Perfect for all the college kids . The price was pretty good for the amount of food you get . It's good if your local, but nothing really stands out that it would be a must go to place .

Average but surprisingly good food for the price. I would recommend if you care to try.

I come here sometimes during lunch break for a quick meal, however I must say I don't exactly recommend this place for, let's say dates and other occasions. This is a small walk-in restaurant tucked away in a small alley, and unlike the other restaurants in the alley you have to actually order versus ordering by phone. You pay first after ordering, and then wait until your number (on your receipt) is called. The chefs are not Korean, however I trust that they have mastered the art of Korean BBQ. Also, the Hangul on the restaurant sign isn't correct; "Korean" in Korean is 한국, not 코리안 (which is the phonetic spelling of "Korean" in English). Anyways, last time I came here I ordered the spicy pork lunch special, and my plus one ordered the chicken. Unfortunately, this restaurant is overpriced, but this is a small business so I understand. I would rate the food 3.5/5 stars; it was good, not amazing but not displeasing. The chicken was unfortunately a bit dry. I do not recommend this place for fancy occasions, however I do recommend it for when you need a quick meal that isn't too bad.

CC C

I come here sometimes during lunch break for a quick meal, however I must say I don't exactly recommend this place for, let's say dates and other occasions. This is a small walk-in restaurant tucked away in a small alley, and unlike the other restaurants in the alley you have to actually order versus ordering by phone. You pay first after ordering, and then wait until your number (on your receipt) is called. The chefs are not Korean, however I trust that they have mastered the art of Korean BBQ. Also, the Hangul on the restaurant sign isn't correct; "Korean" in Korean is 한국, not 코리안 (which is the phonetic spelling of "Korean" in English). Anyways, last time I came here I ordered the spicy pork lunch special, and my plus one ordered the chicken. Unfortunately, this restaurant is overpriced, but this is a small business so I understand. I would rate the food 3.5/5 stars; it was good, not amazing but not displeasing. The chicken was unfortunately a bit dry. I do not recommend this place for fancy occasions, however I do recommend it for when you need a quick meal that isn't too bad.

Antonio H

Average but surprisingly good food for the price. I would recommend if you care to try.

This place has been around for a long time. Used to come here for a treat back in the late 80’s. Came back a few days ago and it looks the same. Tastes the same too I guess, but not as flavorful as I remember. The reason for the low rating is that my wife and I both got an upset stomach and didn’t feel better until we got it out of our system if you know what I mean. Normally that kind of reaction would merit a zero star, but probably just a bad batch. But I won’t be coming back.

They give you a lot of food for 15 dollars, but the flavor isn’t good.

Jose Baldonado

This place has been around for a long time. Used to come here for a treat back in the late 80’s. Came back a few days ago and it looks the same. Tastes the same too I guess, but not as flavorful as I remember. The reason for the low rating is that my wife and I both got an upset stomach and didn’t feel better until we got it out of our system if you know what I mean. Normally that kind of reaction would merit a zero star, but probably just a bad batch. But I won’t be coming back.

Elías Chejin

They give you a lot of food for 15 dollars, but the flavor isn’t good.

Have been coming here for years and always liked the food portions. Lately, the food quality has gone done and I am okay with getting less food. I had to throw it out bc it was clearly old ingredients.

I am the old customer for more than 4 y. I ordered a BBQ Short rib dine in, after I finished half of the dish, I picked up my friend's meal and left for 2-3min. They throw away my dish, even there were not so many customers at that time. In this situation a simple apology can make thing better, but they didn't. They blamed me for leaving. Although I had many meals for this place in the past 4y, I will NEVER come again for the bad service they provide

I'll never come back here. The employees say very vulgar things in Spanish and laugh about it.

I'm generally forgiving with my reviews, but my God that beef bibimbap was not seasoned at all. The food was just so bland, I had to force myself to finish it because I was hungry. Sure there was a decent amount of food, which is good if all you want to do is fill your stomach, but you can already do that at the multitude of other restaurants in Berkeley for the same, or cheaper price.

C Abz

I'll never come back here. The employees say very vulgar things in Spanish and laugh about it.