This vibrant spot serves up hearty Korean favorites like galbijjim around the clock, perfect for late-night cravings and group outings, though be ready for a lively atmosphere.
"The classic spot has two locations in Koreatown, a newer location on Western Ave. where the lights stay on 24 hours a day, and the original on 6th St that stays open until 1:30am. But whether you come at 2pm or 2am, you'll see groups huddled around massive cauldrons of galbi jjim (huge cast-iron plates of spicy, tender short ribs, rice cakes, and vegetables in a red galbi sauce). Order it with cheese on top, and they'll blow torch it at your table until it's melted and bubbly. Beyond this incredible stew, the soups are also worth your time." - brant cox, arden shore, nikko duren, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"With two locations in Koreatown, this late-night galbi-jjim destination serves the dish with tender chunks of short rib, chewy rice cakes, and tons of spice. Top the galbi-jjim with cheese to take it to the next level. While the soups are more than respectable, crowds wait in line for the meaty stone bowl. Early in the morning, the older crowd comes in for discounted soups, like the one with seasoned cabbage and tender chunks of brisket." - Matthew Kang
"Sun Nong Dan is a classic strip mall spot in Koreatown with a full menu of excellent soups and Korean specialty dishes, but everyone is here for one thing - galbi jjim. It’s a giant cast iron plate filled with rice cakes, vegetables, spicy sauce, and massive chunks short rib that melts in your mouth. It’s a remarkable dish, and one that no one should be eating alone. Be sure to bring some friends along, no matter what time you decide to go." - brant cox
"This fluorescent-lit strip mall spot on 6th Street (with a second 24-hour location on Western) is famous for being open until the wee hours of the night, long after the bars have closed. And for good reason: few late-night dining experiences in LA compare. Groups huddle around massive cauldrons of their signature spicy galbijjim: braised short rib, rice cakes, and vegetables simmered in a thick, fire-red sauce. Order it with cheese on top, and they’ll blowtorch it at your table until it’s melted and bubbly. Beyond this incredible onslaught of meat, the soups are also worth your time, especially the next morning. Get the oxtail with brisket soup after a night of karaoke and thank us later." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"The flavors only get better the later it gets at Sun Nong Dan, a perfect place for Koreatown night owls. Beware of long waits when everyone shows up at the same time to order the short ribs boiling in a fiery stone pot. Both this location and second outlet on Western Avenue are open 24/7." - Eater Staff, Matthew Kang
