Mr. Lee's Barbeque House — Restaurant in La Palma

I like the old Mr Lee on South and Norwalk better. Other than because it was cheaper, there are some things in the new location that needs a bit of improvement.

It could have been just during the time when we visited, but the meat was chewy. I think it was the brisket.

I like that they have more side dishes. However, I think the buffet area is too far especially for those seated close to the entrance. It's not the typical buffet where you would be carrying just one plate, hence people don't mind if the buffet is far from the table. Here, the customers would be taking a bunch of little containers for side dishes and bowls of salad or rice. They either need to balance a whole lot of tiny plates in their arms to make just 1 trip, or go back and forth for all that they need. Having the buffer far from the dining table will be a hassle.

It would have been much better if the buffet, and the meat preparation station of the servers (the one in the middle of the restaurant) would swap places.

Also, the cashier and host station should be in the lobby/waiting area so as not to disrupt those seated near the current cashier station. Please do not use one of the tables as a host station as well. You have a lot of other space to do that like in the bar. People tend to gather around that area (servers observing and waiting at the host station, and customers paying their bill). This became a challenge for those seated in that section when they try to pass while carrying food from the buffet. It never happened in the old location. Even if it was small, people did not gather or disrupt any of the tables since there was a separate area for the cashier and host station.

The small passage on the right of the main door should be closed up or at least have a divider. It was cold for those seated on that side during the winter especially if there's a breeze coming in through the open main door.

Since the restaurant is huge, it's best to keep 1 or 2 tables near the current cashier or main door open for those with disabilities.

These are just my suggestions based on my observations and the observations of people I know have dined in this restaurant. It would be great if the flow inside the restaurant would be pleasant and convenient to all customers.

I hope all works out. Best of luck to...

Back to the Future

From Bulgogi House, to One BBQ, then back to Bulgogi House

The last time I ate at One BBQ, we were sadly informed there would be a change in management. Even worse, $9.99 would no longer be an option. I thought ONE BBQ was a tremendous value & perturbed things would change. Alas, things change & life goes on.

While on the internet, I noticed Bulgogi House was having a Grand Opening Special of $11.99 AYCE, valid all day & including free sodas, during the month of June. While not the $9.99 I loved & adored, $11.99 was still certainly a value for AYCE KBBQ.

Bulgogi House brings out meat like other establishments, but sides are presented buffet-style. Kimchi, salad, bean sprouts & potato salad are ready at the table, but those & other dishes are ready for your partaking at the buffet. We're talking rice, japchae, spicy chicken, mojo potatoes & some delicious miso soup, among others. Don't fill up too much on those, though, for the meat is the star of the show.

Not having large intestine as an option to choose from, I stuck to the tried & true beef belly & pork cheek. My brother & sis-in-law laid waste to Bulgogi House's ribeye bulgogi & curry chicken. I must say, the chicken would adhere to the grill, having to tear it apart, just to flip it over.

Speaking of grills, the service we received was top notch. Our grills were changed out no less than 4 times during our visit. We were checked on in a timely manner, in case we were in need of more meat or drink refills.

For those looking for a tipple, a full service bar is located in the front of the restaurant.

Ample seating via long tables, Bulgogi House can accommodate large parties. We saw on the whiteboard, a reservation of 100 people later on in the day. Note that strollers aren't allowed, as they pose a hazard. Parking is in a private lot. Bulgogi House is located on the corner of Orangethorpe & Walker.

Bulgogi House is back in business! I enjoy having the option to get the side dishes on my own & as much as I want. The meat quality was good, with the service being even better. Unfortunely, the $11.99 was only a promo price for their Grand Opening, however Bulgogi House delivered on their first impression. Care for some meat sweats, anyone?

Highly...

I been coming here for 3 years and recently recommended a couple of friends to come here as I always had a good experience but that night we came around 8:30pm and been waiting for 30 mins for a table. At 9 pm they called a party of 2 and asked if we were next. The waiter said don't worry our team is cleaning up a table for you, so you're up next. Literally 1 min later a different waiter comes out and tells us that they don't have a table ready and we will be closing early because the fire marshal was coming to make a visit and can not take us anymore. After waiting almost an HOUR they tell us this. We asked the waiter if we could at least have a table with cooked food already as they just told us about this change after waiting an hour. He said we could but only provide ONE PLATE OF MEAT.( It was a party of 8.) My bf was mad and asked to speak to the manager as we are not paying 11.99 each for one plate of food for the group.Turns out the manager wasn't even there!! After speaking with the waiter asking if we are getting a discount as we are not going to pay full price for one plate of food. The waiter says "ok, we will stay open late for this group." BTW the hours are 11AM-10:30PM and they we planning on closing at 9:30pm on a busy FRIDAY. The services was ok but a female waiter was rude and each time we asked for food she would put the plates in an angry manner and we could tell she was mad. We didn't ask for more water as they were already giving us attitude. Over all basically the employees are making up lies that the fire marshal was coming to close early as no manager was on site. After leaving we still stayed to chat a bit and no fire marshal ever came to the place and we stayed until 11ish talking. I couldn't believe it... If they have no manager on site they will close at w.e time they feel like it. They have changed since the last time I been there and it was recent. Turning away customers so they could leave early? It's like they want to lose money for this business. I was embarrassed as I recommended this place because I had good experiences. I will no longer be coming here for KBBQ. I'll look somewhere else. I am done eating here. I'll go to Red Palace for now on...