The Clam House 조개구이 — Restaurant in Monterey Park

Step into a culinary paradise where the ocean's bounty takes center stage. This remarkable restaurant offers an unparalleled experience with its live BBQ seafood and tantalizing flavors. From the moment I entered, I knew I was in for a treat, as the enticing aroma of smoky charcoal filled the air.

Let's begin with the showstopper of the evening: the live BBQ abalone. Sizzling on the grill, the abalone transformed into a succulent and tender delicacy right before my eyes. The natural sweetness of the abalone was enhanced by the smoky essence from the charcoal, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that left me in awe.

Next up were the sashimi-style live octopus legs. This dish showcased the skill and precision of the chef, as the octopus legs were sliced into perfect bite-sized pieces right at the table. Each morsel offered a delightful chewiness and a burst of freshness. It was a thrilling experience to indulge in this unique delicacy, and the flavors lingered on my palate long after each bite.

The BBQ scallops and clams were a seafood lover's dream come true. Grilled to perfection, the scallops boasted a delicate sweetness, while the clams offered a briny and satisfying taste. The smoky notes infused by the charcoal grill added a delightful complexity to these dishes, elevating them to new heights.

And let's not forget the BBQ giant clams and eel, which were nothing short of extraordinary. The giant clams, tender and juicy, showcased the pristine flavors of the sea. The BBQ eel, with its luscious and caramelized exterior, melted in my mouth, leaving a heavenly taste that I won't soon forget.

The BBQ grill with charcoal lent a distinct smoky taste to each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. The table-side service added an interactive element, allowing me to witness the artistry and expertise of the chefs as they masterfully cooked the seafood to perfection.

The true star of this restaurant, however, was the freshness of the seafood. Each bite was a testament to the quality and meticulous sourcing of the ingredients. The dedication to using the freshest seafood available was evident in every dish, making it a haven for seafood enthusiasts.

In conclusion, this seafood paradise surpassed my expectations with its live BBQ offerings and unforgettable flavors. From the mesmerizing live BBQ abalone to the sashimi-style octopus legs and the delectable BBQ scallops, clams, giant clams, and eel, every dish was a celebration of the ocean's treasures. The smoky taste infused by the charcoal grill, coupled with the attentive table-side service, added to the overall dining experience. If you crave a seafood extravaganza that showcases the finest ingredients and impeccable grilling techniques, this restaurant is...

I took my out-of-town guest to this place because I wanted to show them some different Korean food that they could not get in the Bay Area. I decided to take them to try Korean seafood BBQ. I have always gone to Jae Bu Do in Koreatown but I don't want my friends to have trouble finding parking in K-town which is notoriously hard to park. So I decided to take them to the Clam House in Monterey Park since I assume it's easier to park there. It's the same type of food with good reviews on Yelp.

We visited here on a Thursday and there was no wait. Of course, parking was not a problem. We all found street parking.

My friends arrived before I did and secured a table. The first thing they noticed was that the menu was very simple. There were only four options. We inquired about the option suitable for a party of four and we went with Combo C.

The dinner began with a shrimp seafood salad, which, honestly, wasn't that exciting but probably the only greens you are going to get for the meal. Then the seafood grilling started. All the seafood was really fresh. My friends were all amazed that the abalone were literally turning around when the server placed them on the grill. Everyone took out the camera to capture the moment. We really enjoyed all the clams, scallops, squid, eel etc. The meal also provided sides like steamed egg, corn with cheese and kimchi pancakes which were all quite good. The two different types of soups cooking on the side were good too. Towards the end, we had giant oysters, which only one of us enjoyed, as the rest of us were not really oyster eaters. The meal ended with noodles followed by half a potato and a sweet potato. They were there to really fill you up if you were still hungry at that point.

Overall, all the seafood was fresh and the server was pretty much cooking everything for us. The server was very nice, and my friends suggested they open a branch in the Bay Area since they enjoyed the meal so much. My friends definitely want to come back the next time they are in town. I would recommend anyone who wants to experience Korean seafood BBQ in the SGV area to give this...

This Korean spot, though, is way more affordable, so we went straight for Combo C. I was tempted by Combo D, but with just a few of us, there was no way we could finish it—haha.

Honestly, it felt like a “deep-sea family feast” laid out in front of us: • Seafood Salad: A tangy-sweet dressing tossed with shrimp, imitation crab, shredded veggies, and glass noodles. • Pancake & Steamed Egg: Classic Korean banchan vibes. The pancake was standard, but the steamed egg was super fluffy and jiggly! • Mayonnaise Corn: Grilled corn on a sizzling plate, topped with sweet mayo. So wrong, but so right. • Manila & Cherry Stone Clams: Big, juicy clams—super fresh and full of flavor. • Mussels: Each one topped with a bit of pepper and sauce—no fishy taste at all. • Abalone: Yes, it was live and still moving… My kid was stunned watching it go from “alive” to dinner. One moment of silence. It was grilled, sliced, and had that perfect chewiness. • Squid Rings: Bouncy and saucy, with a touch of mayo for that sweet-savory balance. • Spicy & Non-Spicy Scallop Soup: Came with fish cakes, rice cakes, and scallop meat—comforting and flavorful. • Shrimp: Big and firm—just flip them on the grill and done! • Oysters: Wrapped in foil and grilled till juicy, then opened tableside. So plump! • Baby Octopus: Coated in a slightly spicy sauce—chewy and addictive. • Korean Udon (Kalguksu): Light broth with super bouncy noodles. Not sure if it’s handmade, but it sure tasted like it. • Foil-Wrapped Potato & Sweet Potato: The perfect cozy finish—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. Even the potato was a hit, not to mention the sweet potato.

Best part? You barely have to lift a finger—staff do most of the grilling and serving for you. One of the guys even joked around with my kid—such a...