When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
356 Korean BBQ & Bar
Why 356 Korean BBQ & Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
356 Korean BBQ & Bar in San Diego offers a dynamic dining experience ideal for meeting up with friends who enjoy interactive and flavorful meals. Located conveniently in Mission Valley Mall, this Korean barbecue spot features table grills that allow guests to cook their own selections, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. The restaurant's vibe is lively with hip music and a club-like ambiance that enhances social gatherings. Their menu highlights premium Angus prime steaks along with a variety of quality beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and noodle soups, providing options to suit different palates. The spacious seating and attentive service contribute to a comfortable, enjoyable environment. Reasonably priced and open until midnight, it's a great spot for casual dinners or late-night hangouts. Whether you're a Korean BBQ aficionado or new to the cuisine, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar offers an approachable and satisfying experience with a focus on fresh, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Here's what people think of 356 Korean BBQ & Bar
As of recent, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar holds a 4-star rating based on 1252 reviews.
User reviews of 356 Korean BBQ & Bar reveal a mix of positive experiences along with some criticisms. Many customers praised the restaurant for its tasty meat selections and the interactive grilling experience that makes dining both fun and engaging. The atmosphere and music have been complimented for creating a lively and upbeat vibe suitable for groups and couples. Service speed was highlighted positively, with staff generally described as friendly and attentive. The value for money with reasonably priced all-you-can-eat options was appreciated by many. However, some negative reviews pointed to a decline in meat quality over time, describing selections as less premium and occasionally cheap. A few customers also mentioned pricing issues with drinks and expressed a desire for better beverage options. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus leans toward the restaurant being a convenient and enjoyable place for Korean BBQ in the Mission Valley area. Overall, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar remains a popular destination for those seeking an authentic yet casual Korean BBQ experience in San Diego, with a balance of quality food, atmosphere, and service.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Genesis Gomez
Yes yes please go here because it is absolutely worth it!! The meat is suuuuper good! The location is convenient with a lot of parking, and dining space is nice for bigger groups. Price is average for all you can eat, but super worth it!!!
Pily P
Absolutely loved this place! The food at 356 BBQ is incredibly tasty, fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The staff is genuinely adorable and made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. Everyone was super friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere is cozy but vibrant, and the service is quick. A perfect spot to enjoy authentic Korean BBQ. Can’t wait to come back!
Cesar Molina
I would like to start my review by rating the customer service provided by Kathy, Kathy took her time explaining how the menus work, and she paid attention to all my needs. She kept our food going and replaced the grills as needed. Placed meet on the grill for me, and when she did that, it felt as if she was doing it with care. Kathy, you did a job well done. The place was nice, this is definitely a restaurant where you can bring your kids and whole family. The food quality was decent. All the meats looked and tasted good also. Make sure to put yourself on the waiting list by walking up to the door where you will find a table to put in all your info. You have to get yourself in the wait list even if the place is empty or you are the first one to arrive or they will not call your name up.
Mark
Very loud, but the food is excellent quality and everything was very tasty
Olive T
356 KBBQ is located within the Mission Valley Center mall and so there are plenty of parking spaces. The restaurant is in the same place where Seau's used to be located. It is next to Buffalo Wild Wings. We visited 356 KBBQ on a Saturday evening and it was crowded. We had to wait over 30 minutes to be seated outdoor. While waiting, the smell of the BBQ meat was making us very hungry. When we were called to the hostess counter, we had to select our BBQ menu. There are three price points to choose from. We chose the medium price point, which was $55.99/person for dinner with the lunch price being $46.99. At the price point we selected, there are definitely some premium cuts of meats to choose from, but the premium cuts are only one per person. They do offer a premium package that offers dry aged steaks and Wagyu beef. After selecting the bbq menu option, hostess took us to our outdoor seating. We had to talk through the restaurant in order to get to the outdoor patio seatings. We passed by the refrigerator units holding various cuts of meats. Restaurant is a spacious, lofty, modern restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. We liked the bronze colored, Liberty Bell exhaust hoods used to capture the smoke from the grills. There was brick facade throughout the restaurant and the place was well ventilated despite all the smoke that people produced from cooking the meats. Kpop music was playing which gave a trendy and upbeat vibe. Loved the non-traditional Korean BBQ ambiance/vibes of this restaurant. We ordered the various dishes throughout our dining experience at 356 KBBQ: Rib Eye Steak, Pork Belly, Slice Short Rib, Grilled Bulgogi, Beef Short Rib, 356 Beef Brisket, Beef Brisket Belly, Beef Tongue, Corn Cheese, Glass Noodles, Kimchi, Cucumber Kimchi, salad, radish, and even pho (surprisingly delicious). Servers were quick getting the meats and side dishes out. We loved that they offered different grills and especially loved the charcoal grill flavor the best! Waitstaff did change out the grill tops often depending on the meats we ordered. Beef quality has exceeded our expectations. Thick cuts of meats were worth the high price point as they were hearty, and savory. Every single type of meat was delectable and tasty. Plenty of side dishes to choose from. We loved cooking the corn cheese on the grill to make the cheese gooey. Servers were very attentive, courteous and informative. We would recommend this AYCE Korean BBQ restaurant and will be back again to satisfy our Korean BBQ craving.
How to reach 356 Korean BBQ & Bar
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Why 356 Korean BBQ & Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar with your friends?
Gathering friends at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar is an excellent choice if you want to combine delicious food with a lively and social atmosphere. Korean BBQ is naturally a communal dining experience, where everyone gets involved grilling their own food at the table, creating a dynamic and interactive environment that immediately brings people together. The all-you-can-eat option at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar ensures that everyone can enjoy endless servings of high-quality meats and sides, making it perfect for groups that want to eat heartily without worrying about individual orders or prices. The restaurant’s modern, industrial decor paired with upbeat music sets a fun and youthful vibe, encouraging relaxed socializing and plenty of laughs around the grill. It is also located conveniently in the Mission Valley Mall area in San Diego, which offers ample parking and accessibility for groups coming from different parts of the city. These qualities make 356 Korean BBQ & Bar not just a meal spot, but a vibrant setting where friends and family can rally around great food, share a memorable experience, and enjoy each other's company without distraction.
What activities and dining options does 356 Korean BBQ & Bar offer that make it ideal for groups?
At 356 Korean BBQ & Bar, the core activity that keeps everyone engaged is the interactive grilling experience at each table. Guests can choose from a wide variety of prime cuts, including Angus steaks, beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp, which are delivered fresh to your table ready to be cooked to your liking on built-in grills. This hands-on style allows group members to participate equally in preparing their meals, fostering connection and conversation as everyone tends to the grill together. The all-you-can-eat buffet-style menu is especially popular for groups; it offers unlimited portions of meats and an array of traditional Korean side dishes, such as kimchi, rice, and pickled vegetables, which provide plenty of diversity for different tastes. In addition to the primary Korean BBQ fare, there are also hearty noodle soups and other Korean specialties available, increasing the menu’s appeal for a broad range of palates. The full bar complements the meal with a variety of beverage options, including Korean beers like Cass, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, perfect for toasting and keeping the energy lively. The restaurant’s atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, with spacious seating arrangements and outdoor seating options around a large flame pit, accommodating both smaller groups and larger gatherings with ease.
Why is the atmosphere at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar conducive to group meetups?
356 Korean BBQ & Bar boasts a modern, industrial design with exposed brick, metal accents, and a contemporary layout that appeals strongly to younger crowds and groups looking for an energetic dining environment. The music is typically upbeat rock or pop, which adds to the lively vibe but is not too overpowering for conversation, making it ideal if your goal is to enjoy the meal alongside catching up with friends or family. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options, including seating around a large outdoor flame pit which adds warmth and a unique ambiance, especially during evening meetups or cooler weather. This versatility means groups can choose their preferred setting, whether an intimate corner indoors or a more open-air social space outdoors. A full bar provides a great place to start or end a meal with cocktails or cold beers, while the spacious tables allow for everyone in the group to be seated together, strengthening the communal feel. Overall, the vibe at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar strikes a balance between casual comfort and festive energy, creating an ideal backdrop for making social gatherings feel more special and memorable.
What makes the location of 356 Korean BBQ & Bar convenient and accessible for groups?
Situated in the Mission Valley Mall area in San Diego, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar boasts a strategic location that is highly accessible for groups traveling from various parts of the city or surrounding suburbs. The mall itself provides ample parking space, reducing the stress of finding spots for larger gatherings arriving in multiple vehicles. Being part of a vibrant commercial zone means that the restaurant is surrounded by amenities and entertainment options, which allows groups to extend their meetup before or after the meal, such as catching a movie, shopping, or enjoying other nearby attractions. Its proximity to major roads and highways also means it’s easy to navigate to and from the restaurant, an important consideration for group meetups where convenience helps maintain a relaxed schedule. The restaurant’s setting inside a busy mall area also adds a layer of safety and visibility, which can be reassuring for families or friends meeting up at later hours. All these geographic and logistical factors make 356 Korean BBQ & Bar not only a culinary destination but also a practical choice for any group planning a hassle-free and enjoyable outing.
How does the food quality and service at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar support a great group experience?
356 Korean BBQ & Bar is widely appreciated for serving high-quality meats that are well-seasoned and fresh, including prime cuts of Angus beef and specialty Korean dishes that satisfy a variety of tastes. The all-you-can-eat buffet is particularly praised for its generous portions and variety, allowing groups to sample multiple types of meats and sides without limitations. Guests consistently mention the flavorful experience of cooking their own food, which adds an interactive layer to dining that can engage even those who might be less interested in traditional sit-down meals. While reviews note that service can sometimes be inconsistent—mostly in attentiveness—many find that the overall dining experience compensates for any minor service delays, especially since dining is leisurely and interactive, allowing groups to set their own pace. The staff generally provide a friendly and welcoming environment, contributing to the comfort of group gatherings. The reasonable pricing, given the quality and quantity of food, makes it an economical choice for groups who want a fulfilling meal and a fun night out without breaking the bank.
What special features or upcoming plans at 356 Korean BBQ & Bar enhance its appeal for group meetups?
356 Korean BBQ & Bar’s commitment to expanding and enhancing its dining experience is evident with new locations opening in areas like Eastvale and Chula Vista, broadening its accessibility for groups throughout the region. Its premium all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, featuring wagyu beef and unlimited seafood alongside ample side dishes, gives groups even more reasons to pick this spot for special occasions or casual meetups. The restaurant’s presence on social media, including active Instagram updates, keeps customers informed about new menu items, special events, and promotions that can make group meetups even more fun and cost-effective. The large-format shared meals, combined with the availability of an extensive bar and outdoor seating options such as the flame pit area, further increase its versatility for group sizes ranging from intimate friends’ get-togethers to larger family celebrations. These features, along with the growing chain’s ambition to maintain consistent quality and atmosphere across locations, assure customers that 356 Korean BBQ & Bar will remain a top choice for Korean BBQ gatherings.
In summary, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar offers an interactive, fun, and flavorful dining experience that is perfectly crafted for group meetups. From its convenient location and quality all-you-can-eat options to its vibrant atmosphere and expanding footprint, this Korean BBQ destination provides everything a group needs to enjoy a memorable night out together. Whether looking for a lively place to celebrate, reconnect, or simply enjoy great food, 356 Korean BBQ & Bar stands out as a prime venue.