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

Song Hak takes reservations and accepts walk-ins, but since it's a Korean BBQ spot in Clairemont where tables are built for grilling, calling ahead is smart—especially on weekends or for larger groups. Walk-ins might face a wait during dinner rush, but lunch tends to be quieter if you're flexible.

Is there parking nearby?

Song Hak is located on Convoy St in Clairemont, which has street and lot parking typical of the area. Arrive early on weekends or be ready to circle; it's not a major parking headache, but don't count on finding a spot right out front during peak times.

What should I order first?

Start with Combo 3—reviewers rave about it as a perfectly-portioned feast for two with quality cuts like beef brisket that actually tastes remarkable. If you want to go off-menu, the beef tongue and cobis are excellent, and they have fish options you won't find at every Korean BBQ spot.

Is this place kid-friendly?

Yes. Staff has been noted as patient and kind with children, and families show up regularly. The interactive nature of tabletop grilling actually makes it engaging for kids, though you'll want to watch them around the hot grills obviously.

What's the price range, and is it worth it?

It's expensive, but reviewers consistently say the meat quality justifies it—this isn't the all-you-can-eat bargain Korean BBQ model. You're paying for fresh, tender cuts and a solid experience, not volume. Come here when you want a real dinner, not just cheap eats.

When's the best time to go to avoid a long wait?

Hit them up for lunch or early dinner (like 5 p.m. on a weekday) if you want to dodge the crowd and get attentive service. Thursday and weekday evenings seem to be sweet spots in Clairemont before the dinner rush kicks in.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?

They serve fish and have a range of meat and vegetable sides, so you can build around most preferences. Fair warning: some reviewers mentioned MSG in the banchan (side dishes), so if you're MSG-sensitive, ask the staff about preparation upfront.

No information available about outdoor seating or dog-friendly patios at this location, so check with them directly or assume indoor-only dining.

Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego — Korean in Clairemont, San…

“Song Hak Korean BBQ trades the all-you-can-eat grind for quality cuts you actually want to grill twice.”

While the village's other Korean spots lean into banchan spreads or quick-turn lunch bowls, Song Hak commits to the tableside ritual — premium cuts, charcoal smoke, and the kind of marbling that doesn't need a sauce crutch. The **beef brisket** (chadolbaegi) arrives with enough fat cap to self-baste as it hits the grill, developing crispy edges while staying tender at the center. The **beef tongue** consistently overdelivers — sliced thick enough to get char without turning jerky. And the **pork jowl** (when it's not frozen, which seems to be a coin flip) offers the fattiest, most indulgent option on the menu.

The combos make sense for first-timers: Combo 3 feeds two adults without waste, rotating through enough cuts to understand what you'll order à la carte next time. Banchan quality varies — some nights the **kimchi** and **corn cheese** punch above weight, other nights they taste like MSG took the wheel. The **steamed egg** (gyeran-jjim) divides opinion for the same reason.

Service skews patient and kid-tolerant, especially during the 5pm early-bird window before the Thursday-Saturday rush. They'll grill for you if you ask, but half the point is doing it yourself. Parking's easier here than at the packed spots two blocks west, which partially explains why it's never slammed despite delivering better meat quality than places with hour-long waits.

Expect $35-50 per person depending on how much you order and whether you stick to combos or go rogue. The fish options (rare for KBBQ) give non-red-meat eaters an actual play beyond tofu. Come on weeknights if you value elbow room; come weekends if you want the full smoke-and-sizzle energy.

Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego

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