"Koreatown is definitely not lacking in noisy BBQ spots that are ideal for your even noisier friend groups, but our favorite is Ahgassi Gopchang. The massive spot on 6th St. is a little tricky to find (you have to enter through a back parking lot behind a row of commercial buildings), but once you find it, you’ll enter into a loud, smoke-filled celebration that goes until 2am every single night. Lines can get long at peak times, but just know that you’re waiting on some of the finest cuts of meat in the neighborhood. The skirt steak, marinated short rib, and large intestine are all must-orders." - brant cox
"Koreatown is not lacking in noisy BBQ spots filled with even noisier groups gathered around the grill, but our favorite is Ahgassi Gopchang. The massive spot on 6th Street— famously name-checked by BTS a few years ago— is a little complicated to locate (you have to enter through a back parking), but once you do, you’ll find a room filled with smoky tabletop grills and clanking soju glasses that goes off until 1am on weekends. Order one of the combo sets (either prime beef and pork, or their signature tripe sampler), then witness banchan arrive in waves and servers handle sizzling meats like surgeons. Finishing the night with the “cheese mountain” fried rice cooked tableside is non-negotiable." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park
"This KBBQ spot is not where you go to escape the loud, rowdy, smoky bar you just left to grab a peaceful meal. In fact, this place is basically an extension of that, but with some of the best cuts of meat in the neighborhood. The downside? Expect to wait for a table, but know it's worth it. Besides a few rounds of beer and soju to keep the night going, order the skirt steak, marinated short rib, and the house specialty: large intestine. Open until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends." - brant cox, arden shore, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"For many people, the smoky, rowdy atmosphere is half the fun of Korean BBQ. If you’re one of those people, go to Ahgassi. The massive BBQ restaurant on 6th Street has hour-long waits most nights of the week, but just know you’re lining up for some of the finest cuts of meat in the neighborhood - get the skirt steak, marinated short rib, and the house specialty large intestine. You’ll also get a free steamed egg dish with your food, but plan to order several more for the table." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"There’s no better way to dip your toes into LA’s vast Koreatown than a loud, fun KBBQ meal filled with pork belly, kimchi, and cheese corn. For the full Korean barbecue experience—smoky tabletop grills, clanking soju glasses included—our go-to is Ahgassi Gopchang, an always-buzzing spot famously name-checked by BTS a few years ago. Order one of the combo sets (either prime beef and pork cuts, or their signature tripe sampler), then witness the banchan arrive in waves and server handle sizzling meats like surgeons with tongs and scissors. Finishing the night with the “cheese mountain” fried rice cooked tableside is non-negotiable." - brant cox, nikko duren, garrett snyder, sylvio martins