Brothers Restaurant - Korean BBQ in the Richmond - Report

[Dave MP]

A friend and I ate at Brothers Korean BBQ on Friday. Neither of us had been before. We waited a short time (15 mins?) for a table...the grilling tables require a minimum order of two grilled items, so since there were only two of us, we were forced to order from that section of the menu. Luckily this was okay with us, although I would like to return again with more people to do some grilling but also try some other menu items.

We had the bulgogi and the pork. Both were really excellent, portion of meat was quite generous. I slightly preferred the pork, which had a sweet coating that was really delicious.

There was a very nice variety of panchan...at least 7 small plates - kimchee, bean sprouts, gelatin, seaweed, anchovies, pickled daikon, cucumber...there might have even been more. Also bean paste, lettuce, rice. When they brought out the panchan, they also brough spoons and two small bowls, which we wondered about since we hadn't ordered soup. A few minutes later, they brought out a soft tofu soup, on the house.This was a nice touch which we appreciated. The soup was good...lots of tofu and vegetables in a slightly spicy broth - and one lone clam in its shell at the bottom of the pot.

All of the charcoal grills, including ours, were very smoky. The whole restaurant was filled with smoke, so it's something to consider if that doesn't sound appealing. Our meal, for basically an unlimited amount of food and huge meat portions, came out to 26 dollars each (including tax and 20% tip). Not a bad deal considering quality and quantity of meat and other items.

I'd definitely return.

Dave MP

4128 Geary Blvd
(between 5th Ave & 6th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
[phone]

[Scrapironchef]

I've eaten there an number of times and it has always been good. The marinades are less sweet than some of the other places around, which suits me better.

I think everyone gringo gets the "free" kim chee chigae, it is a nice touch.

Do go with a larger group, you can then order a couple of the grilled items as well as other items off the menu to balance them out.

If the resto is really busy, go to their other location a block down the street, they are seldom both packed.

[Dave MP]

Is there any difference in quality between the restaurants?

[Calvinist]

I've eaten in both several times and have not seen any difference in quality. Frankly, we go to whichever one we park closer to.

[baron45]

Any differences in the two Korea Houses on Post Street in Japantown?

[Scrapironchef]

Not that I've ever been able to detect. I suspect that they really have only one kitchen for all the prep and panchan. I too choose mostly on parking.

[ML8000]

Don't know if it's true but I heard a story about why there's two restaurants blocks away. The two locations are owned by brothers who had a falling out (thus the 2nd restro opened) and don't talk to each other...yet they'll readily recommend the other place if one place is crowded.

Haven't been in a long time but liked it and remember how they brought out the hot charcoals in a bucket.

[Carrie 218]

Brothers is my favorite Korean BBQ but I'm surprised they mentioned a minimum for a grill table. My BF and I have always dined as just a two-some and nothing has ever been mentioned like that to us before.

[Dave MP]

Huh. I actually read it on the menu first, and brought it up with them, and they confirmed it. So we didn't even attempt to order otherwise. Good to know that this rule isn't necessarily followed.

Dave MP

[Carrie 218]

Thanks for the clarification -- I never noticed it on the menu and just ordered what I wanted...

[artemis]

Thanks for posting. I haven't been here in years, but was planning on introducing a friend to Korean food via Brothers soon. Glad to hear it's still performing well.