Lava Korean Steakhouse — Restaurant in North Myrtle Beach

Update in reply to the owner: I was there on Thursday night. I know that your response was an attempt to address the issues with my visit, but it comes across as rude.

IF all the grills were working, we would have been seated inside at the open table. We were told by your hostess that we couldn’t sit there unless we weren’t grilling our own food as the grill didn’t work. IF all the outside grills worked, the grill at the first table we sat at would have lit.

I can agree with you that it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to bring raw meat to a customer’s table. So when we waited well over 25 minutes without any food, drink refills, or any staff checking on us, we decided to simply leave. We attempted to find someone to talk to about our wait, but no one was available.

Based on your reply, you are either incredibly disappointed in your staff or implying that I’m lying, which I have absolutely no reason to do. I almost never give a 1 or 2 star review to a restaurant.

Instead of implying that these customer reviews are incorrect, it would be a better use of your time to properly train your staff and ensure your restaurant is ready to open.

Original post: I had hoped to give the restaurant a better review. I try to give a lot of grace in my reviews, especially to newly opened restaurants. However, we (a party of 2) were there for an hour and had nothing but a glass of water.

We were seated fairly quickly but could only sit outside as not all of the grills in the tables inside were working. It didn’t take long for our server to come take our drink order. By the time she brought our waters, we were ready to order. We ordered pork belly and chicken bulgogi to grill ourselves. Our server told us the food would be ready quickly since we were grilling it ourselves. After some time, she returned say she didn’t think chicken bulgogi was on the menu. We showed her where it was on the menu, and she went back inside. After another bit of time, she came out with the grill piece and attempted to light the grill. When it didn’t work, we moved to another table. After lighting the grill, she told us our food should be out soon. She didn’t place the grill top on the grill, so we attempted to do it ourselves so it would be ready when our food arrived. It was too small, so there must have been a piece missing from the grill in that table. We waited for our server to return expecting to need to switch tables again.

No one came to check on us, see if we needed refills, or give an update on our food for over 25/30 minutes.

I cannot comment on the food as we got tired of waiting and left. We attempted to find our server, a manager, or the hostess to inform someone that we were leaving, but none of them were seen as we exited the restaurant.

I know that this is a newly opened restaurant, but too many things went wrong during our visit. A restaurant that offers a grill-your-own-food Korean BBQ experience should know which grill tables are working and which are not when they open. The servers should know the menu. And while neither of those issues are deal breakers for me, the one thing that is a dealbreaker is a lack of service. I don’t mind waiting a reasonable amount of time for food, but we waited at least 25 minutes with no staff updates or check-ins and well over 30 minutes after placing our order for meat we were grilling ourselves.

Maybe we will return someday to give Lava a second chance, but our first impression...

Very scary and not even mediocre. 2 stars is generous. We went during their first week open. They are definitely not ready to be open. The restaurant has great potential. We were seated promptly at a dirty table with food and old chopsticks still there. We were then moved to another table that was somewhat cleaner or at least appeared cleaner. There were several dirty tables present even though they were not that busy. We were then brought plates that were dirty and still had food particles caked on them and the silverware. The staff is definitely not trained well and management was not present at all, if there even is any. I felt bad for our waiter, he was nice and tried hard. The staff is just left to fend for themselves and we had to teach the waiter how to light and maintain the grill while we ate. The food is very underwhelming. The bulgogi comes out as an uncut, nonmarinated chicken breast and the beef as unseasoned slabs. This is so weird and definitely unlike any other Korean restaurant I have ever been to. The raw meat was brought on flat wooden cutting boards with meat blood and juice dripping off the sides onto us as it was placed on the table. This for one is unsanitary as wood cannot be properly cleaned. We were given cuts of beef fat to use to grease our grill instead of oil or butter. After our grill got charred during the first cooking round we asked for it changed and the waiter said “we do not do this.” Every Korean restaurant changes the grill multiple times while eating as they get too burnt and crusty. The waiter obliged and changed it eventually, but it was a scary experience for him and us. He didn’t have the proper tools or knowledge and could have easily severely burnt himself or anyone in his path. They make special tools, used at other korean restaurants, that grab the hot grill plates and protect everyone. The total experience was bizarre. It was expensive… all Korean bbq is…but well worth it when good.. this however was not.

I hope this review helps them make changes and step it up. As of now I won’t return...

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, "Lava Korean Steakhouse" is a culinary paradise that promises an unparalleled dining adventure. As you step into this enchanting restaurant, you're enveloped by an ambiance that seamlessly blends elegance with a cozy atmosphere, setting the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

Let's delve into the gastronomic delights offered by Lava Korean Steakhouse. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted by the skilled chefs who infuse Korean flavors into classic steakhouse favorites. Whether you're craving the savory tenderness of a perfectly grilled steak, the delightful aromas of Korean barbecue, or the bold flavors of traditional side dishes like kimchi, Lava Korean Steakhouse offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

But it's not just about the food—it's the exceptional service and hospitality that truly sets Lava Korean Steakhouse apart. From the moment you're seated to the final farewell, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Their passion for hospitality, coupled with their knowledge of the menu, ensures that every aspect of your meal is executed flawlessly.

And let's not forget about the libations! Lava Korean Steakhouse boasts an impressive selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the menu. Whether you're in the mood for a crisp white wine to accompany your seafood, a robust red to pair with your steak, or a refreshing cocktail to start your meal off right, the expertly curated drink menu has something for every palate.

In summary, Lava Korean Steakhouse is a culinary gem that exceeds expectations in every way. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a night out with friends, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal, Lava Korean Steakhouse promises an experience that will leave you craving more. Make a reservation today and prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other at Lava...