Annaburg's only Korean-style raw beef? Macheko

Macheko | Ann Arbor’s Budget-Friendly Korean Gem – Stews & Beef Sashimi Steal the Show! I’ve eaten at Macheko countless times—both dine-in and takeout—and it’s hands down one of the best Korean spots in Ann Arbor for the price! It’s south of campus, about a 15-minute drive from U-M’s central area. Fair warning: weekend nights get packed for Korean BBQ, so expect long waits 😅. But here’s the tea: their BBQ is just “okay”—the real stars are their stews, specials, and that unbeatable beef sashimi 🇰🇷! 🍖 Korean BBQ: Decent, But Not the Highlight Don’t get me wrong—their BBQ isn’t bad, but it’s not as good as some other spots (like that campus-area one that forces an 18% tip). The meat quality is just so-so, and here’s why: Good Cuts (But Small Portions): The non-marinated options are the best—beef tongue, brisket end (chadol), kalbi sar, and skirt meat. But portions are tiny, and the meat is sliced super thin (like, “blink and you’ll miss a bite” thin 🥩). Grill Issues: The grills don’t get hot enough! You can never get that crispy, charred edge you crave—by the time the meat’s cooked, all the juices have run out, leaving it a little dry. Total bummer for BBQ lovers. Skip the Marinated Meats: Stick to non-marinated if you get BBQ; the marinated ones are too salty and mask the meat’s natural flavor. 🥘 Stews & Soups: Must-Order, No Exceptions! This is where Macheko crushes it. Their stews are flavorful, hearty, and worth the drive alone—no skimping on ingredients here! Oyster Soon Tofu (My Go-To!): 10/10, ORDER THIS! The broth is so fresh, packed with plump, juicy oysters and other shellfish (no tiny, sad seafood here 🦪). The tofu is silky soft, and every spoonful is warm and comforting—perfect for cold Michigan days. I get this every single time—never disappoints. Chadol Den Jang (Brisket Doenjang Stew): Spicy, savory, and so下饭 🍚! It has more veggies/tofu than brisket, but the doenjang (fermented soybean paste) flavor is bold—just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. Sur Lung Tang (Beef Bone Soup): Milky white, rich, and simmered with oxtail, beef, and tendons 🥩! It’s super fragrant, but almost no seasoning—just sprinkle a little salt to taste. The best part? They pile in the beef and tendons—no skimping here. Warm, nourishing, and perfect for when you’re under the weather. 🥩 Beef Sashimi: Ann Arbor’s Hidden Korean Treasure! This might be the only spot in Ann Arbor with Korean-style beef sashimi—and it’s my absolute must-order (sadly no photos, but trust me)! The beef is frozen then slightly thawed, sliced thin into tender strips—so fresh, you can taste the quality. It comes with a spicy Korean sauce, a raw egg yolk, crisp pear/cucumber strips, and pine nuts. Toss it all together, and every bite is creamy, spicy, and refreshing 🥢. I’d drive 15 minutes just for this! 🍗 Fried Whole Chicken: Big Portions, Solid (But Not Mind-Blowing) Their famous fried whole chicken is decent, but not a standout. The outer crust is thick and a little hard, but the meat inside is still juicy 🍗. Pro tip: I actually love the fried Korean rice cakes that come with it more—crispy, chewy, and seasoned perfectly. The whole chicken is huge—get it for 4+ people, or opt for the 8-piece small size if you’re a smaller group. 💰 Final Verdict: Cheap, Tasty, & Worth the Drive $15–30 per person, huge portions, and delicious food—unbeatable in Ann Arbor! The side dishes (banchan) are also great—fresh, varied, and refilled if you ask. The only downside? It’s a bit far from campus, so dine-in can be a hassle. But for the price and flavor? I’ll keep coming back again and again. #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #AnnArbor #MichiganFood #KoreanBBQ #KoreanFood #MichiganLife #MichiganEats #AnnArborFood #AnnArborEats #AnnArborRestaurants #AnnArborLife