OO-KOOK Korean BBQ - San Gabriel

Ookook is probably one of the better AYCE KBBQ options around in san gabriel valley. We came here for my friend's birthday, and was pleased that we can make dinner reservations even on weekends, for a large party!

Good quality meat and wide selection, there's also a hot food/appetizer bar at the center of the restaurant that is self-service. Service was prompt and they didn't kick us out after our dinner time. One thing to complain, though, was the overhead vent wasn't turned on, where we were and the entire restaurant was quite smokey towards the end of our night and it was hard to breathe.

Parking lot is small so can get congested, and parking spots are also small.

Oo kook! One of the first few Korean barbecue spots in the 626! Can't complain since it's so close to home! This use to be a Sizzler's back in the day believe it or not and I loved that spot! But! I have grew fond of this place after several visits.

Not my go to but it is definitely close to home! Extra rice paper & salad no dressing is what I always have to get here. Service is pretty fast and really good these days.
Get here before 6PM or you'll have to pay the price of waiting for a table!

In the corner where pepboys is[across the street south of Office Depot.] There is plenty of parking space around and it won't be a far walk. It's gonna be big! But all the seats are pretty comfortable! Restrooms are in the far back!

This place can be a good night for an all you can eat dinner. Note it gets packed by 6pm.

Thank you Sophia, Matt Oliver, izeya, Henry, Preston, for the excellent service! You guys are fantastic! Not only looking forward to the food but look forward to seeing all your happy smiles and good vibes again!

FOOD: The meat is mediocre but expectations can't be too high with AYCE restaurants. Favorites were the beef belly, short rib finger, pork belly, steamed egg, and beef tongue. Side dishes are OK but I like that they have a separate station for you to get more side dishes like pineapple, japchae, bean sprouts, and veggies for the grill.

SERVICE: The staff was friendly and quick with service. They did not help us grill any of the meat but were quick to bring out the food, change out our grill, and take away empty dishes.

Don't dress your best when coming here. The moment you enter, you will be drenched in bbq smell. They don't have vents right above each table so it's pretty smoky inside. The tables, floors and chairs are also covered with a layer of grease. I'm not sure if that's just in one day's work or accumulated over time but place definitely needs a deep cleaning.

Tip: If you are a table of 2 or just want to try new meats, I recommend asking for half portion. That way, you don't overstuff yourself with the same meat and get stuck with a large portion of something you end up not liking.

I failed to take photos but this spot was great. Basic amenities inside and was busy, best to join waitlist via Yelp. I liked the buffet variety but I saved my hunger for the meats. It was a great variety and super tasty. Man I wish I could indulge in this type of meal daily.

Very responsive staff to change grill during Saturday lunch probably since there was not many customers. It's a first and it was enjoyable. Previously going here, there weren't many staffs coming by the table to change grill or ask for orders. Galbi is the best that they have here. Also tried shrimp and grilled chicken which were solid as well. Bulgogi and brisket were typical and good. Unlike other places, they don't have the close proximity vents for the smoke so I just be in taking the fumes lmao.

Came here for the 2nd time. My personal experience at Korean BBQ was hit-and-miss when it came to service. This restaurant left me good impression. Really liked their service. Servers were helpful and attentive. Keep up the good work good

Food was great. All the meat we ordered were fresh and nicely prepared.

The only thing I don't like is their range hood or air ventilation, if there is any. Hope they invest the right system to make it a good experience.

One of the common complaints at AYCE Korean bbq spots is the service is bad. That definitely wasn't the case at OO-KOOK. Our server (server?) kept checking on us, and we were offered grill changes regularly.

For a party of 2, we came in and had to wait only 10 minutes - lucky! The place definitely looks popping, and I'd advise coming early to put your name down on a weekend night.

Okay onto the food. Here is what we enjoyed!
-Filet Mignon
-Brisket
-Beef belly (thinly sliced)
-Pork belly (thick)
My top picks were the brisket and the beef belly, but everything was great! There is a hot bar where you can get assortment of dishes and fruits (they have pineapple too).

We've been to OO-KOOK in Ktown but the service and food definitely wasn't as good as the San Gabriel location. We will for sure be visiting this spot again for our ayce kbbq fix!

AYCE kbbq!

We have been craving beef tongue and short rib for a while and decided to come here to get our cravings fixed. Upon entering there are a lot of tables and the space is very open.

There is only one price point which is about $40 per person. The meat selection was pretty good, since they offer most of the meat people would order at kbbq. Beef tongue, short rib, pork belly, chicken, shrimp etc and variety of sides. They also have a self serving hot bar where you can pick out some hot foods and sides.

The short ribs were a hit at our table. The beef tongue was a bit too thick cut for my liking..it turned out to be more chewy than thinner cuts. Most of the meats served were not marinated expect the short ribs.

Servers were very attentive and the meats came out quick. We had our grill changed multiple times as well.

The quality at ookook has gone down significantly. Every was very chewy and did not taste fresh. The most amazing thing is they don't have garlic anymore. Never heard of a Korean bbq place without garlic. Service was slow but the price was expensive. $91.00 for two for substandard food.

Awesome food and reasonable time
Limit. Parties are split into tables of 4. Enjoyed thearinated beef and rib tips