Kimchi Korean BBQ

3132 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
+1 805-845-2889
$$$ Korean barbecue restaurant , Restaurant
(385 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Kimchi Korean BBQ on State Street offers a straightforward Korean barbecue experience in a casual, no-fuss setting that suits both small groups and families. The space feels approachable rather than flashy, with a focus clearly on the interactive aspect of cooking your own food at the table. This hands-on style makes it a nice pick for those who enjoy sharing plates and controlling their own grilling pace.

The restaurant’s menu highlights the essentials of Korean BBQ, featuring banchan side dishes, a variety of marinated meats including wagyu, bulgogi, pork belly, and options like spicy tofu soup with brisket. Patrons have noted the freshness of the ingredients and appreciated how quickly their food arrives, in some cases just minutes after ordering online. This setup keeps the flow smooth without unnecessary waiting.

Service here tends to be friendly and attentive, with staff often checking on diners and ready to help, including accommodation for dietary needs like gluten intolerance. One practical tip: the metal grilling plates are sometimes swapped mid-cook, so expect a bit of interruption, though it’s usually handled promptly and with a joking lightness by the team.

The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing rather than trendy or upscale, making it a solid spot for casual weeknight dinners or weekend outings. Locals seem to enjoy the weekday happy hour specials, which add a lively dimension with well-priced drinks and food—a good reason to stop by early evening after work.

Kimchi Korean BBQ works well for diners who appreciate communal cooking, want a taste of traditional Korean flavors in Santa Barbara, and don’t mind a space that puts more focus on the food and grilling experience than on ambiance. It’s approachable enough for first-timers curious about Korean BBQ as well as returning locals looking for hearty, satisfying meals without the formality.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Has all you can eat
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 3:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

385 Reviews
Gabriela M

17 Dec 2025

The food was good. The service was fine, if I have one feedback is for the workers to check in before changing the metal plate rather than grabbing it while we are mid stir. lol Honestly thought it was funny but yeah I think asking first would be nice. The flavors were good though. They weren’t super busy and were attentive when I went on a Saturday night.

Svetlana Arriaga (Lana)

10 Dec 2025

The quality and the taste of the food were amazing. It is all you can eat and you get to cook it right in front of you. You place your order online and they bring it out in less than a minute. The service was great - very attentive and friendly. I would definitely want to come back soon!

Logan Dentinger

26 Nov 2025

Staff was very friendly kind, and helpful. Food was great and easy to cook.

Mr. Rodriguez

17 Nov 2025

The place was great and Jefferson our waiter was excellent to work with, someone in our party was gluten intolerant and he tried hard to find options and alternatives for him. The food was honestly very tasty and everything seemed fresh. Some of the best tasting Korean bbq I have had in a while!

Jay

21 Oct 2025

Man I’ll tell you this, the happy hour on the week day is something special. I went here once before and didn’t think anything crazy of it, but this time around it was one of the best KBBQ we’ve ever had. The happy our drinks and food was well worth it!

Ian

07 Oct 2025

I believe it’s the only good Korean BBQ in town. It’s all-you-can-eat with two price tiers. The price got significantly more expensive compared to a few years ago, but if you are hungry, I’d say it’s still worth it! Very good selection of meat and great service. The wait can be quite long when you arrive during busy hours and/or have a large party, so be sure to arrive early! They have a parking lot in the backyard, and some free street parking spaces in front and on nearby streets. The atmosphere might not be perfect to some people as it can be a bit crowded and noisy, so make you don’t mind that too much.

Kevin Rodriguez

01 Oct 2025

First time here, and honestly one of the best Korean barbecue places I’ve been to. The food was top notch, and the service was incredible. Our waiter was Jefferson, who really cared about his job and the service. I have celiac disease, a gluten allergy, and as soon as I informed him of this, he took any precaution he could to make sure that I had good healthy options. I really appreciate this place, will definitely be back.

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