46 Best Barbeque Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Checked them out yesterday and was very impressed! Food was fantastic, service was great and they have lots of options including some Korean Fusion“

“Awesome place, great bar-b-Que“

“Umma’s K-BBQ is a fast casual Korean and Hawaiian influenced restaurant located at the corner of Trabuco Road and Bake Parkway in Lake Forest. The plaza is anchored by a McDonalds and Starbucks and there is plenty of parking available except during peak hours. Their menu is fairly extensive and even though you can dine in the outdoor courtyard, takeout is the way to go.

With a combination plate, you can enjoy 2 proteins with choice of base and 4 side orders. I opted for the kalbi and spicy chicken and they did not disappoint. I also tried the spicy pork but it was unfortunately on the dryer side. White rice was my base and I chose cabbage salad, spicy cucumber and a double order of chapjae glass noodles as my side dishes. I also sampled my wife’s kimchi and mac salad which were just as tasty as the other sides. The best parts of our experience were the generous portion sizes and the exceptional service provided by the young man behind the counter. We’ll def be back!“

“I love this place! Food is always great and you pick what you want!!“

“So good. I know of no other place near here with Cantonese BBQ, especially duck. I primarily only get the duck but I have had the honey walnut shrimp and the green beans and have never been disappointed.
I use to have to drive to Irvine to get some duck but now that Sam Woo has closed this I the only place. I would argue it is better than Sam Woo was when they were still in business.
So happy this place opened so close to me.“

“The roast fish and BBQ skewers are pretty authentic. The environment is also interesting if you understand the culture. It is kinda pricey for the amount of the food. The roast fish plate looks big but it is actually not that much. Two people can spend 100 easily with some drinks.“

“Enjoyed a delicious lunch combo special that included two sliders, 1/2 house salad, and a side (sweet potato fries). It was delicious, and a ton of food. Our bartender was super friendly and very attentive. Highly recommend this place if you're in Irvine.“

“We had brisket 7oz and it was delicious! love the rolls and peanut coleslaw. Our waitress checked with us frequently and provided excellent service. Thank you!“

“Best spot get tri tip sandwich. lets go!“

“I really like this place. I have taken friends here and they all like it. The rice bowl or sauce and the meats are really good. The potato macaroni salad and other sides and the sandwhiches. Basically anything on the menu i like. This older asia man i think might be the owner was there more around september or so i havent seen him the past couple times ive been there. He is very friendly and personable. One of the cashiers the past couple times is good but he needs to stop wearing earbuds unless its for a hearing reason. He seems disinterested and always asks to repeat myself. And he is playing video games on his ipad which im not attacking but no one wants to feel like theyre interrupting the workers who are meant to provide service to them and i know this from experience since i have worked in cpunter service before. But im not trying to trash him just giving feedback. Great job guys thank you, it is the best affordable place to eat near saddleback college. Much appreciated in Jesus name.“

“I love Miyagi Shabu!! had the half and half with ribeye and wagyu....so delicious! best of both worlds and the porridge they make at the end is the bomb!!“

“Best, new family owned place! My first time trying Korean BBQ...had the spicy pork...soooooo good! Environment was very welcoming...and customer service was awesome! Kuddos to owners Maggie and Earl...you’re doing a great job! #customerforlife“

“This is my favorite and go to shabu and its for a reason. the quality of meats here are incredible and they offer different types of cuts with different prices. They also offer more than few options for broth which is a huge plus and my favorite here is the yuzu. moreover, the wait time is not long and they have greta service.“

“Staff are friendly. Place is clean and wait time was very minimal“

“Stopped by on a weeknight and found the restaurant relatively full but I get it!

The restaurant itself is open and clean. The service is fast and friendly. Given so many people I was happily surprised how quickly the food came and how attentive the service was.

The food, honestly, loved it! The portions are a good size. The flavors are spot on. They offer a grilled menu after 5pm, which is fun to eat!“

“i am at aloha bbq great place to eat!!! :)“

“Very good 🥩 steak. Will come here again ❤️“

“If you're looking for a top-tier all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience in Tustin, I Can Korean BBQ is a must-try! From the moment we walked in, the service was attentive and friendly, with the staff making sure our grill was always clean and our meats were cooked to perfection.

The meat quality here is excellent—everything was fresh, well-marinated, and flavorful. The premium cuts like the beef brisket and short rib were melt-in-your-mouth good, while the pork belly had the perfect balance of fat and crispiness when grilled. They also offer a great variety of banchan (side dishes) that complement the meats well, and the kimchi was spot on!

What really stood out was the ambiance—modern, clean, and spacious, making it a great spot for both small gatherings and big groups. The ventilation is solid too, so you don’t leave smelling like smoke.

For the price and quality, this is one of the best KBBQ spots in the area. Whether you're a seasoned KBBQ lover or a first-timer, this place will definitely satisfy your cravings. Highly recommend!“

“Team members are chill and the tea slaps. What more can you ask for?“

“It was our first choice for our anniversary dinner! Good decision!!“

“I've been a fan of this Korean BBQ spot for a while, but today's experience was outstanding! Not only is the food consistently good, but the service was phenomenal. Our server, Evan, went above and beyond to make sure our meal was perfect, and the manager checked in to ensure everything was good. This is the best Korean BBQ in Orange County. Highly recommended!

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair ramp“

“Excellent KBBQ. Banchan (side dishes) all tasted great. Portions are decent. Chadol (Brisket) was little chew. Ribeye and short ribs were tender and juicy. Service was great. Now, don't need to go up to Buena Park for upscale KBBQ in Irvine.“

“Went here for lunch, (they have amazing lunch specials on weekdays) and got my food quickly. Highly recommend trying this on your lunch break or whenever you get a chance. Food is high quality with great taste. Definitely going to be a regular here now!“

“Honey Pig BBQ is a lively and fun Korean BBQ spot that never disappoints. Their signature tabletop grill setup is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. I love how everything is cooked right in front of you, from the thinly sliced beef brisket to the generously seasoned kimchi and bean sprouts. The sizzling sound and aroma create an experience as much as a meal.

One highlight for me is their post-BBQ fried rice. The staff mixes leftover juices and ingredients from the grill into rice, resulting in a savory, crispy dish that’s worth saving room for. The side dishes are plentiful, fresh, and perfectly complement the main dishes.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is vibrant, though it can get a bit smoky and loud during peak hours, adding to the lively experience. Service is attentive, with staff regularly helping manage the grill and ensuring you’re enjoying your meal.

If you’re in the mood for a casual gathering with friends or family and want to enjoy authentic Korean BBQ with an interactive twist, Honey Pig BBQ is a solid choice.“

“Hi House Chinese Restaurant offers an authentic dining experience with delicious, high-quality dishes that are truly worth every bite. The food is flavorful and prepared with care, showcasing traditional Chinese flavors. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, making it the perfect place for a meal with friends or family. The service is top-notch—attentive and friendly, ensuring a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!“

“Quality meat that’s not frozen. Good ventilation. Prompt service.“

“Nice place to hang out with friends“

“Delicious 🤤 food and amazing service. The place has a very good atmosphere.“

“Solid Hawaiian BBQ joint. Chicken, beef, pork, and katsu on the menu. The combo plate gives you a taste of everything and weighs like 5 pounds… perfectly cooked cabbage and macaroni salad. I got the chicken katsu which was appropriately thin and crispy with our being dry. Good curry sauce and it has potatoes!! Will definitely eat here again and work my way thru the menu. They have limited seating at the Irvine location on Barranca. Friendly service. Clean restaurant. A++“

“Great Hawaiian food from a small chain started on the island“

“We stopped by for a quick lunch and were initially hesitant due to the low ratings. However, the experience turned out to be quite good. We ordered the combination and spicy octopus hot stone bibimbap, both of which were excellent. While the food prices are relatively high, it might just be a reflection of current inflation. We enjoyed the ambience, and the service was standard. Overall, we liked this place and would consider stopping by again if we’re in the area.“

“AMAZEBALLS! Japanese A5 Wagyu For The Win!“

“Delicious and affordable AYCE KBBQ with quality meats. You can order select meats from the server and they also have a self serve meat bar with lots of options. Few of my favorites from the premium menu were: the wagyu beef belly, prime marinated short rib, and prime marinated boneless short rib cut.

They offer 3 menu options~ weekday lunch ($21.99), signature ($29.99) and premium ($38.99), which all include the meat station.

Great service and they came by often to change the grill.“

“Their specialty dishes are: 1. Sullungtang: taste amazing and very light. A good meal for winter/ 2. Cold noodle: the best I've tried so far, especially when you get a combo with spicy pork or bulgogi 3. Meat: spicy pork/bulgogi was homemade and were not like other korean restaurants. Taste very delicious!“

“This place is probably one of the few places in Irvine providing BBQ skewers. I usually visit this place at night with friends. We really enjoyed the great food and drinks, it is not the best but overall is good and authentic with a lot of variety. The price is relatively fair considering the location of the restaurant. There are not many waiters and waitresses so they are pretty busy but they are helpful.“

“Had an amazing family dinner with my sisters here . The Food was delivered quickly and was delicious. Carrot cake is fabulous we ordered the 2 half garlic chicken and full rack family meal which comes with your choice of pasta , salad bread sticks. Added their yummy mashed potatoes also bbq salad with delicious dressing my favorite.“

“Ordered some dinner here of 3 different options of the teriyaki chicken, beef short ribs, and katsu chicken. All platters were an immense amount of food, and you could feel the weight of the food in the to-go bag. I was shocked when opening the carton to see what seemed like 2-3lbs of meat, 1lb of rice, and some macaroni salad. I will say the food is more fast food vibes and not high-end quality, but for the price you pay and the amount of food you get. I would say it is worth it.
Great flavor from the teriyaki chicken that had a long-lasting marinade you can taste. I would definitely recommend people to get the chicken katsu or the beef ribs because the flavor is just a lot better than the teriyaki chicken, although good, is just very generic.
The macaroni salad and the spam musubi are also very nice little appetizers! Again, would recommend it as a lunch stop and definitely taking some seconds home because of the amount of food you get. It's a cool spot with a few seats and usually not crazy packed. The guy at the front was very helpful and great at service.

Vegetarian options: They have some macaroni salad and coleslaw

Dietary restrictions: Definitely carnivore friendly as you can just get a huge amount of beef, teriyaki chicken, and eat that as the main meal

Some keto options as well

Parking: Plenty of free parking in front of the store and even by the Target parking lot

Kid-friendliness: Kids are welcome, and I see families hanging out after baseball and soccer games

Wheelchair accessibility: Ramps for access and doors are always open - they have some seating available as well“

“average kbbq, not all meats are good, but some are decent. i don’t recommend the brisket nor the serious eats - very tough and dry. go for the beef belly. the don’t rub me off is decent - good seasoning, just lots of fat.

for the price $37 for weekend lunch ayce kbbq, it’s ok. there are better kbbq places around.

menu online is different than menu in person“

“I ordered off the kiosk because the line was long af. It said I'll get my food in 20 minutes. Was kinda worried because I took my insulin already. But food came out in a little less than 15 minutes. Portion was huge! Ordered the mini katsu.

These guys handled the rush fast.
Earning their salary.“

“they have a special limited time deal on their 4pc boneless box for $9.99. It comes with fries and drink. I think its a great deal than the 6pc boneless box lunch deal because this offer is all day, wheres the lunch deal ends at 3pm and its $16.99 but with tax it comes out to like $18.“

“I love this ZIP BBQ in Tustin, Its small placed but it well management the store are very clean the services are great and fast the foods are excellence. Thanks will coming back and recomend“

“Great place! We did a la carte. Food was delicious; prices for most things were fair but the veggie portions were 4 thinly sliced zucchini, 4 of the smallest mushrooms I’ve seen, and 2 small shishito peppers for $8. Otherwise, service was very good, staff is super friendly, good atmosphere & nice music. Would go back. Happy hour prices are good for most options, some minimal discount.“

“Great place & Beer list. Smokehouse & plenty of room. Very friendly place“

“These guys went above and beyond having known it was a chilly night to be eating outdoor, they provided us with blankets! What a touch of service-golden!“

“Kaju Soft Tufu offers an authentic and satisfying Korean soft tofu stew (sundubu-jjigae) experience with rich, flavorful broth, silky tofu, and fresh ingredients like seafood, beef, or vegetables. The well-balanced spice level and generous portion sizes make it a comforting and hearty meal. The complimentary side dishes, including perfectly fermented kimchi and crisp pickled radish, enhance the dining experience. With a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant is a great spot for anyone craving a warm and delicious bowl of sundubu-jjigae. Highly recommended!

Vegetarian options: There are many Korean-American types of vegetarian foods- Wonderful and delicous!

Kid-friendliness: There are chairs for baby's, dedicated menus for babys.

Wheelchair accessibility: Very Good wheelchair condition“

“Excellent! My first time eating "real" Korean BBQ. I met a friend of mine at this location for lunch. We got the premium menu. All I can say is "wow"! The service was excellent, the food was great quality and I ate myself into a food coma... Just trying everything! So many delicious meats and sides to choose from. The service was spot on. Everything I needed was brought to me at just the right time, without even asking. My drink never ran low, my grill never over used and my plates always replinished. My favorites were the wagyu beef, the kimchi fried rice, the dumplings and the salad. Second favorite meat was the longbone beef. Would definitely recommend. Great experience.“