Preston T.
Yelp
WALK IN OR RESERVATION NEEDED:
This spot is first-come, first-served -- they do not take reservations, which is typical for many AYCE Korean BBQ places. Expect a wait, especially on weekends or after 7PM. We arrived around 6:15PM on a Saturday and had a 25-minute wait, which actually moved pretty quickly thanks to a steady flow of turnover. Tip: arrive early for faster seating and the best meat quality.
LOCATION/PARKING:
Hwaro 1 is tucked into a busy strip mall on Spring Mountain Road, in the heart of Las Vegas' Chinatown district. Parking is ample and free, but can fill up quickly during dinner rush -- you may end up circling the lot once or twice. The area is well-lit and felt safe, even when we left past 9PM.
AMBIANCE / CLEANLINESS:
The restaurant has a lively, bustling vibe with tables packed close together, sizzling grills, and plenty of chatter. It's definitely more casual and social than quiet or romantic. Decor is minimal but comfortable -- expect stainless steel grills, wooden tables, and big exhaust hoods overhead.
Cleanliness was solid: tables were wiped promptly, tongs and scissors brought fresh, and floors reasonably tidy despite the crowd. Bathrooms were decently maintained, though could use a little more attention later in the evening.
EMPLOYEES:
The staff was friendly, efficient, and surprisingly attentive given how packed it was. Our server checked in often to swap out grills, brought refills without being asked, and made sure we had enough sauces and sides. When we ordered more meat, it came out quickly. The team also did a great job explaining the cuts to newcomers at the next table -- nice touch.
MENU:
It's an AYCE (all-you-can-eat) format with options that include both Korean BBQ meats and a pretty big sushi/appetizer lineup. The menu breaks down into:
Beef: brisket, ribeye, skirt, marinated galbi (short rib)
Pork & Chicken: samgyeopsal (pork belly), spicy pork, garlic chicken
Seafood & more: shrimp, squid, plus side dishes like japchae, steamed egg, kimchi pancakes
Sushi rolls: tiger roll, volcano roll, salmon & tuna selections
Also included were steamed potstickers and bulgogi fries -- both unexpected standouts.
They do enforce leftover fees, so order responsibly.
DRINK(s)//FOOD(s)//SHOW(s):
We had an assortment of meats -- the brisket was sliced beautifully thin, cooked in seconds, while the marinated galbi was hands-down our favorite, sweet and caramelized with a nice char. The pork belly was rich and paired perfectly with the fresh lettuce wraps and house-made ssamjang.
For sides, the potstickers were crispy and juicy, and the soft steamed egg was fluffy, soaking up the sauce wonderfully. The sushi rolls were decent -- not the reason to come, but nice as a palate break between meats.
Drinks were standard: soju bottles, Korean beers, plus sodas. We skipped dessert, though they do offer soft serve.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE [Rating 5/5]:
5/5 for a fun, social, late-night Korean BBQ feast.
While it's not a luxurious dining experience, it absolutely nails the AYCE KBBQ concept: high-energy, solid quality meats (especially early in service), fast refills, and friendly staff who keep things running smoothly. The appetizers and sauces alone make it stand out from competitors. It's the kind of place you come with friends to laugh, grill, and maybe stumble out after one too many soju shots -- exactly what you want from a spot like this.