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Kogi Gogi BBQ - San Francisco
Photo from Kogi Gogi BBQ
Kogi Gogi BBQ at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#2155 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
501
Reviews
54.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality meat
- Attentive staff
- Food variety
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Service issues
- Hidden fees
The restaurant Kogi Gogi BBQ in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset neighborhood offers a vibrant Korean dining experience, perfect for catching a game. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious all-you-can-eat options.
Whether you’re looking for a lively dinner spot or a relaxed lunch, this Korean restaurant provides a welcoming setting for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Kogi Gogi BBQ
Kogi Gogi BBQ offers a Korean BBQ experience where the meat quality often stands out, with many appreciating the variety and seasoning. The service can be quite attentive, ensuring a smooth dining experience for many patrons.
However, some find the overall price to be a point of contention, and the atmosphere can sometimes feel a bit chaotic or compact. It’s a place with clear strengths and areas for improvement.
Average
6
out of 10
501
Reviews
54.3%
Satisfaction
192
negative
37
neutral
272
positive
Kogi Gogi BBQ earns an overall restaurant score of 6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 54.3%. The Food (7) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and variety, drawing significant positive feedback.
Service (5.2) generally hovers around average, with some experiences being quite attentive while others note room for improvement. The Ambience (5.9) also falls into the average range, often described as lively but occasionally compact.
Where it struggles most is Value (4.6), with many finding the pricing, especially for premium options, to be a concern. These insights are drawn from over 500 customer remarks, including 272 positive and 192 negative observations.
What people like
- Quality meat cuts
- Attentive staff
- Diverse food options
What people don't like
- Questionable pricing
- Inconsistent service
- Hidden charges
Kogi Gogi BBQ presents a mixed bag, offering enjoyable Korean BBQ with good food, but it’s held back by inconsistent service and value concerns. With a recommendation score of 6.1, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile for some, but not universally.
If you prioritize meat quality and a lively atmosphere, and are prepared for potential service hiccups or pricing surprises, it could be a decent option. However, those seeking consistent value and flawless service might want to explore other choices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kogi Gogi BBQ
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7 and leaving 70.1% of diners satisfied. Many rave about the excellent meat quality, especially the marinated options, and the impressive variety of side dishes like the delicious corn cheese. With 157 positive remarks among 224 total comments, it seems many find the offerings truly satisfying.
However, not all experiences are glowing, with 56 negative observations pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered issues with frozen meats and inconsistent meat quality, while others found certain side dishes lacking or the grill plates problematic. There were also mentions of overly sweet meat and concerns about the marinade, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
224
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
56
negative
11
neutral
157
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent meat quality
- Diverse side dishes
- Delicious marinated meats
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Problematic grill plates
- Overly sweet dishes
Often praised
- foodGiven the intimate size of the place, I recommend visiting with a group of no more than six people, as larger parties might find it challenging to get seated. The food is top-notch with a wide variety of options. You absolutely must try their steamed egg—it's a personal favorite.
- side dishesside dishes and some appetizers and don't worry it is also all you can eat
- meatthe meat was top tier and perfectly seasoned
- corn cheeseThe meats were just okay, with some arriving completely frozen, making cooking difficult. We enjoyed the soft tofu soup (which contains seafood) and corn cheese from the sides, though some sides tasted like they had been sitting out. The banchan was average; we mostly stuck to the napa kimchi.
- meatsall their other meats and side dishes are wonderful
- all you can eatgorge yourself silly on the all you can eat
- meat qualityThe meat quality is also good
- cuts of meatBoth times the food was spectacular. The cuts of meat were really nice and felt to be of higher quality. The price at $38/person for the regular menu and $55/person for the premium menu does seem to be worth the value of the quality and style.
- portionsportions were of great quality and good size
- quality of meatThe quality of meat was good
Frequently criticized
- meatWe could barely cut the meat with the first pair
- banchanthe banchan (small dishes) were on the table already
- foodFood is marinated in some bitter stuff
- grillThey were verbally assaulted and forced to leave 40 minutes before their 100-minute all-you-can-eat policy ended. The owner threw the check at them, turned off the grill early, and argued with them publicly. He refused to reason with them and later called my boyfriend to berate him, calling him a liar and cursing.
- meat qualityThe meat quality was bad mostly fat
- quality of meatsFor the price, I personally don’t think this spot is worth it. Yes, their portions are decent sized, but the quality of their meats seem to be mid at most. The only meats we liked were the marinated options like garlic pork belly or marinated short ribs.
- KBBQgo somewhere else for KBBQ
- beef bulgogiThe beef bulgogi too sweet and you need to cut before eat
- beef tongueBeef tongue was frozen when they served
- burner ran out of gasOur burner ran out of gas
Overall, if you're looking for a KBBQ experience with generally good food, especially the quality meats and diverse sides, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some aspects, like consistency in meat preparation or certain side dishes, might be a bit hit-or-miss.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
While the overall service experience is a bit of a mixed bag with a score of 5.2 and customer satisfaction at 43.2%, many guests (76 positive opinions) rave about the friendly staff and attentive service. They particularly love the quick grill changes, efficient order and serve food, and the helpful recommendations from servers. However, 90 negative opinions point to significant issues.
Customers frequently mention rude owner behavior, long wait times, and inconsistent service, especially when trying to order more food. Some also felt rushed or ignored, with delays in getting their orders.
Service
176
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
90
negative
10
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quick grill changes
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude owner behavior
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceThey offer a solid selection of delicious meats and sides, and the soju is great. Out of all the Korean BBQ places I’ve been to, this place hands down has the best service. My party never had to wave down a waiter the entire hour or so we were there.
- staffthe staff even extended closing time just for my group
- serversThey recently introduced a new beef rib that is delicious, though it does take a while to cook. The servers are friendly, but their attentiveness could be improved. Even on a relatively quiet Tuesday evening, it was difficult to flag down a server when we wanted to order more meat.
- grillMy party never had to wave down a waiter the entire hour or so we were there. They constantly took our used plates, filled our water, changed our grill, and asked us if we wanted to order more food.
- ownerMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The owner was so happy and welcoming, making the atmosphere very pleasant. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the beef from number 15, which was the bestttt!
- Kevin and his uncI recommend coming hungry, as this place won’t disappoint. Kevin and his unc took good care of us. I will definitely be back for more.
- StaffStaff was nice and attentive
- attentive servicehow attentive they were to us as a table
- celiac diseaseI wish I knew his name, but the older gentlemen (who seems like he’s most likely the owner) is the SWEETEST, and so incredibly kind and accommodating. I have celiac disease and he wrote down for me all the items I could eat. I could have kissed him!
- changing out the grillon top of changing out the grill when it was necessary
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe table burner wasn't working correctly, and instead of being moved to another table (both sides were empty), the staff spent 5-10 minutes trying to fix it, which was a bit annoying. Later, after ordering meat, I wanted to get more napkins and the check, but I was ignored. I understand it was getting busy, so I only deducted one star for these service lapses.
- ownerThe food was great, and most of the staff were helpful and friendly. However, the owner at the host station was rude and dismissive, which detracted from the overall experience.
- customer servicecustomer service from the boss is terrible and rude
- wait timeasked how much longer the wait would be, the guy at the front said more than 5 minutes
- waiterthe waiter was rushing us to order
- Slow uptakeslow uptake to move us after multiple requests
- accept usDidn't accept us at 8:50
- all you can eat policyforced to leave 40 minutes short of their 100 minute all you can eat policy
- attentivenesscould be more attentive
- attitude towards customersThis sort of attitude towards your customers is completely unacceptable
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for potentially excellent service from the staff, but also be aware of the reported inconsistencies and occasional issues with management. It might be a hit or miss experience, so go in with an open mind.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many guests rave about the lively atmosphere and fun experience, often highlighting the big screen TVs playing KPop and the friendly neighborhood vibe. Special touches like special seats for kids and a convenient location also contribute to a positive impression, with 27 positive remarks out of 50 total opinions. However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, as indicated by 19 negative remarks.
Some find the place compact and overcrowded, leading to a smokey environment due to poor ventilation. Issues like a clogged toilet and a general feeling of being grimy and dirty also detract from the overall experience. The overall score for ambience is an average 5.9, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 54%.
Ambience
50
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Big screen TVs/KPop
- Friendly neighborhood vibe
What people don't like
- Poor ventilation/smoky
- Compact, overcrowded space
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThey have special seats, and they even played my daughter's favorite video because they noticed she liked the song. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service and food were also rated 5. The noise level was loud, but you could still talk.
- experiencethe experience was exciting
- locationIt's the perfect place to share a celebratory meal or even just a casual lunch with friends. The location is in a lively and easily accessible neighborhood, which also allows for enjoyable walks and exploration before or after your meal. Overall, Kogi Goji is the best!
- KPoplisten to the loud KPop
- TVsThey even have TVs
- ambianceA good set up
- big screen TVsit at the innermost table with a big screen TV
- favorite videoMy experience was excellent, especially with the children. They have special seats, and they even played my daughter's favorite video because they noticed she liked the song. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service and food were also rated 5.
- neighborhoodIt's the perfect place to share a celebratory meal or even just a casual lunch with friends. The location is in a lively and easily accessible neighborhood, which also allows for enjoyable walks and exploration before or after your meal. Overall, Kogi Goji is the best!
- neighborhood vibeFriendly neighborhood vibe
Frequently criticized
- parkingHard to find parking
- ventilationbecause there is no ventilation inside so dress accordingly
- 100 minute time limitstrict 100 minute time limit
- Burner failurethe original seat we were given had a faulty burner
- ambianceNo ambiance at all.
- atmosphereThe reason I gave a low atmosphere review is because the toilet was clogged and overflowing.
- compact placeis somewhat compact place
- flamethe flame is pretty finicky
- grimy and dirtyeverything felt kind of grimy and dirty
- loudToo loud to expect anything anyway.
If youre looking for a bustling, energetic spot with a fun vibe and dont mind a bit of noise or a tight squeeze, this place could be a great fit. However, if you prioritize a quiet, spacious, and pristine environment, or are sensitive to smoke, you might want to consider other options.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall customer satisfaction for this aspect sits at a rather low 23.5%, some diners definitely found bright spots. Many appreciated the all you can eat options and weekday special deals, feeling the regular menu offered good value for the quality.
With 12 positive remarks out of 51 customer observations, theres a sense that savvy diners can find an affordable experience. However, the overall score for value is an average 4.6, and the sentiment leans heavily towards the negative, with 27 critical comments. Many felt the experience was pricey or expensive, especially for the premium options, and some were particularly bothered by an undisclosed 18% service fee.
The general feeling was that a recent price increase made it not value for money for the quality received.
Value
51
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
27
negative
12
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- All-you-can-eat value
- Weekday specials save
- Quality can justify price
What people don't like
- Hidden service fee
- Expensive for quality
- Tremendous price increase
Often praised
- priceThe cuts of meat were really nice and felt to be of higher quality. The price at $38/person for the regular menu and $55/person for the premium menu does seem to be worth the value of the quality and style. The marinated meats were delicious, and they had some better cuts of meat that you don't find from other places in the area.
- all you can eatit's all you can eat so you can definitely make it worth your while
- Premium menuPremium is 45 dollars
- affordableThe food is affordable and super tasty.
- all-you-can-eattruly AYCE
- overallOverall I spent $91 + $10 = $101 for 2 people
- regular menuregular menu is 35 dollars
- valueThe service was non-stop, and the food was absolutely delicious. It was well worth the value! I highly recommend this place!
- weekday specialweekday special that provides great value
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price, I personally don’t think this spot is worth it. Yes, their portions are decent sized, but the quality of their meats seem to be mid at most.
- expensivethis place is expensive compared to others
- price per personoutrageous price per person
- value for moneyDON’ T WAIST YOUR TIME AND $$$$$ HERE!
- 18% service feethey force 18% too
- deceptive business practiceI am completely against this practice, especially since the business did not disclose this fee upfront. It's a deceptive business practice as it's only mentioned on the back of their menu.
- extra leftover foodHowever, parking can be hard to find depending on the time of arrival. A notable point is that you will be charged for extra leftover food, even the little sides that are already included. Despite these minor drawbacks, I would still come back the next time I’m in town.
- premiumOrdered the premium for $55/person which was a bit pricy
- premium menubecause the premium is overpriced
- premium optionwe ordered the premium for $58 .for little pieces of meat!!
If youre looking for an all you can eat experience and can snag a weekday special, you might find decent value. However, be wary of the premium options and unexpected service fees, as many found the overall experience pricey' and not worth the cost. It seems like a place where careful planning can save your wallet, but impulse decisions might lead to disappointment.
How are the prices at Kogi Gogi BBQ?
You’re looking at roughly 58 $ per person – reported by 81 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 58 $, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests spend less, often in the 31 – 50 $ range, but there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, pushing the average up. So, you’ll find a nice mix of options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points available and the city, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It seems like they cater to different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kogi Gogi BBQ
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Poor Meat Quality, Not Recommended
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food quality. The meat was quite poor and frankly unappetizing. I would not recommend this establishment if you're considering the all-you-can-eat option.
- meat2
- food quality2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Service!
¡Delicioso! The food is delicious. The service is very good, everyone is very friendly.
My experience was excellent, especially with the children. They have special seats, and they even played my daughter's favorite video because they noticed she liked the song. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service and food were also rated 5.
The noise level was loud, but you could still talk. The price per person is $30–50, and the wait time was up to 10 minutes.
- food10
- service10
- friendly staff10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great food, pricey but worth it
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, despite being a bit pricey. The food was amazing, truly the highlight of the visit. Service was also excellent, described as great service and it was quick.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, with a moderate noise level. However, parking can be hard to find depending on the time of arrival. A notable point is that you will be charged for extra leftover food, even the little sides that are already included.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I would still come back the next time I’m in town.
- food10
- service9
- price4
- parking3
- extra leftover food3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food and Welcoming Hosts!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The food was awesome, with the meat being top-tier and perfectly seasoned. Our hosts, Inmy and Kevin, were great and made us feel like family.
I highly recommend enjoying a great meal here.
- food10
- meat10
- hosts10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great First KBBQ Experience!
This was my first KBBQ experience, and my friend took over the cooking. The staff was very friendly and attentive. They proactively cleared out the grill gates and adjusted the heat as needed without us having to ask.
I would definitely try this again 💖.
- staff10
- grill gates9
- heat9
What Kogi Gogi BBQ offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Kogi Gogi BBQ accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Kogi Gogi BBQ offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you’ll find both paid parking lot and paid street parking options available in the Inner Sunset neighborhood.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Kogi Gogi BBQ?
At Kogi Gogi BBQ, you can expect a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a fun meal. Enjoy happy hour drinks, all-you-can-eat options, and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. Lunch, dinner, and dessert are all available with table service.
How does Kogi Gogi BBQ generally rate among diners?
Kogi Gogi BBQ receives an overall restaurant score of **6** and a mixed customer satisfaction of **54.3%**. While **Food** (7) is well-regarded, **Service** (5.2), **Ambience** (5.9), and especially **Value** (4.6) are considered average or below.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Kogi Gogi BBQ?
Many customers praise the **meat quality** and the variety of options available, often highlighting the perfectly seasoned cuts and the all-you-can-eat format. Side dishes like steamed egg and corn cheese also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Yes, some diners express concerns about the **price**, finding it expensive or not offering sufficient value, especially for premium options. Inconsistent **service**, including issues with attentiveness or perceived rudeness from staff or the owner, is also noted. Hidden fees for leftover food and strict policies are also points of contention.