Is there parking at Buga in Clairemont?

Yes, there's parking available at the location on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. It's a straightforward spot to pull into, so don't stress about hunting for a space—just come hungry.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Buga takes reservations and we'd recommend making one, especially for groups or weekends. That said, walk-ins are welcome during slower times—call ahead if you're unsure about wait times.

What should I order on my first visit?

Go for the all-you-can-eat option (Option B gets high marks). Start with the bulgogi—reviewers consistently rave about it—and mix in an assortment of beef and pork. The side dishes (banchan) are solid too, which matters when you're cooking at the table.

How does the cooking actually work at my table?

You cook the meat yourself on a built-in grill right at your table. The waitstaff won't grill it for you like at some other Korean BBQ joints, but they're attentive and responsive—they'll keep an eye on you and handle refills without hovering.

Is this place good for kids?

Absolutely. It's tagged as kid-friendly, and the interactive table grilling experience is actually fun for families. Just keep an eye on the hot grills, obviously.

What's a good value option if I'm on a budget?

The all-you-can-eat happy lunch set runs about $27 per person and is legit—quality marinated meats and quick service. Dinner will cost more, but you're eating well-sourced, properly prepared Korean BBQ in Clairemont at moderate prices.

Do you have options for people with dietary restrictions?

Korean BBQ is naturally flexible—tons of grilled meats and vegetable sides. Beer and wine are available too. If you have specific allergies or dietary needs, call ahead or ask your server; the staff here gets good marks for responsiveness.

When should I go to avoid a long wait?

Lunch service, especially weekday lunch, is your sweet spot—less crowded and the value-focused happy hour pricing kicks in. Evenings and weekends will draw bigger groups, so reserve if you're planning a weekend dinner.

Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant — Korean in Clairemont, San Diego

“Buga Korean BBQ is the neighborhood's rare all-you-can-eat grill spot where the meat quality doesn't tank after round two.”

While Woomiok goes deep on bone broth and EE Nami obsesses over one perfect cutlet, Buga throws open the gates: AYCE Korean BBQ that trusts you to manage your own grill, order refills at will, and maybe get a little reckless with the **bulgogi** and **spicy pork belly**. The marination here matters — beef actually tastes like something beyond char, and the pork varieties (standard, spicy, wine-marinated) give you enough range to keep the parade interesting through five or six rounds.

The setup is pure Clairemont efficiency: tabletop grills fired up fast, servers who'll swap your grate without fuss but won't babysit your cook times, and a side dish spread (kimchi, pickled radish, spicy rice cakes) that refills on request. Lunch runs $27 for the happy hour AYCE — legitimately solid value if you can make it before 3pm on a weekday. Dinner pricing jumps but the meat selection expands.

The space runs loud and smoky, which is either the point or a dealbreaker depending on whether you're here for atmosphere or efficiency. Groups work well — the grill becomes a shared project, and the servers handle eight-tops without visible strain. It's also weirdly functional for business lunches if your colleagues don't mind smelling like charcoal afterward.

Downsides: you're doing your own grilling, so if you wanted the full-service treatment, this isn't it. And the sushi mentioned in some reviews exists, but you're not here for California rolls when there's **kalbi** and **chadol brisket** on deck. Skip straight to the meats, pace yourself through the first three orders, then get strategic about what actually needs a fourth round. The **bulgogi** consistently earns it.

Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

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