Sure, you could spend a fortune on Korean barbecue in LA – but most nights you just want solid bibimbap without emptying your wallet. That’s why we made this list. These eight Rancho Cucamonga spots deliver authentic flavors where you can feast on banchan, share a sizzling hot pot, and still leave with change from $40. Perfect for your next casual craving or impressing a date who thinks they know kimchi.
Myungdong Restaurant Tofu B.B.Q.
$$ | (909) 481-1957 | WEBSITE
Myungdong Restaurant Tofu B.B.Q. is a Korean spot, but it isn’t an overly fancy place where you’ll spend a fortune and leave feeling like you just attended a formal tasting menu. We especially like the Galbi Combo that comes with sizzling beef, a bowl of rice, four side dishes, and a small tofu soup, and there are some solid choices like bibimbap and mushroom tofu soup as well. This is a great place for a satisfying meal with a friend or some family members who like authentic Korean food.
U Grill Korean BBQ
$$ | (909) 899-1111 | WEBSITE
There are a few Korean BBQ spots around Rancho Cucamonga, and they all serve solid grilled meats, but U Grill stands out with its all-you-can-eat setup and lively atmosphere. The place is a perfectly nice space with a bunch of little wooden tables, and it’s great for when you’d like to have Korean BBQ, but you don’t want to cook at home because you need to spend time in a place that isn’t your living room.
They don’t take reservations, but you can always just grab a soju bomb at the bar if there’s a wait.
NOODOS
$ | (909) 803-0474 | WEBSITE
NOODOS is a fresh-faced spot, and it doesn’t try to hide that fact. Just look at the clean lines and all the noodle-making stations on display. Fortunately, it’s a new restaurant with reliably tasty food, and it’s exactly where you want to be when all you’re looking for is a satisfying bowl of noodles. You can also get a full meal for less than $20, and if you bring a friend, you should be able to convince that person to split some appetizers with you.
Gen Korean BBQ House
$$ | (909) 944-1878 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking for a Korean BBQ spot, there are several things you want to take into account. Ample parking and a kid-friendly environment, for example. Also, whether or not there’s a Gen Korean BBQ House in the neighborhood.
There are only a few top-tier KBBQ places in Rancho Cucamonga, and this one is perfect for families or small groups, sit-down dinners when you don’t want to spend ridiculous amounts of money, and any occasion when you want some of the best marinated long bone short rib steak in the area. Plus, unlike at some other barbecue joints, you can enjoy cooking your food right at the table here.
PELICANA CHICKEN
$ | (909) 244-9090 | WEBSITE
Are you going to bring a date to Pelicana Chicken? Probably not. But this isn’t a fine dining guide. It’s a guide for where to grab some incredible Korean fried chicken without spending more than $25, and this place is perfect for that. Like every other Pelicana location, this one is counter-service and extremely casual, with some simple tables you can sit at while you devour an excellent plate of ban ban chicken with its original crunchy chicken and signature sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
You can also add some cheese curds and onion rings, and still come in under-budget.
Two Hands Corn Dogs – Rancho Cucamonga
$ | (909) 919-3457 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Rancho Cucamonga and never grab a snack at Two Hands Corn Dogs, you’re missing out on one of the best casual spots around. They offer a variety of Korean corn dogs at reasonable prices, but the main reason you come here is for the potato half-and-half. They serve different kinds with everything from cheese inside to spicy sausage, but we especially like the one with elote corn.
Whichever you choose, it’ll be hot, fresh, and perfectly satisfying, and you can either take it to go or enjoy it at one of the counter seats in the food hall.
Flame Broiler
$ | (909) 481-8099 | WEBSITE
Flame Broiler is a Korean restaurant where you can have a spicy mini chicken bowl over rice with a side of vegetables, and leave without spending all the money you’ve been saving for a fancy dinner. Or you can get something like a customizable protein bowl with extra avocado. The food here is satisfying and nutritious, and the whole place is about as clean and chill as a friend’s favorite quick-stop spot.
K-Towne Pho – Fontana Pho 2
$ | (909) 989-9177 | WEBSITE
The original K-Towne Pho is a popular Vietnamese spot in Rancho Cucamonga. Fortunately for everyone who’s craving pho and/or wants to try some Korean additions, there’s a second location in Fontana. Stop by and get some chicken pho, Bibibap with pork and fried egg, and bulgogi fries for lunch. This place is significantly cozier than the bustling original – but it still has plenty of tables (and friendly staff), and you can get some crunchy egg rolls and a free drink to round out your meal.