Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant — Restaurant in San Diego

We had a party of 8, so we called around to see what the wait would be like at the usual places. One was 45 minutes and the other was 45 to one hour. We really wanted Korean BBQ for our out of town guests, and then we saw Prime Grill. I called ahead and told them we were a party of 8, and they said no wait. We pulled into the parking lot and saw an attendant there, making sure people were parking there only for the restaurants in that area. We quickly found a parking spot. We walked in and they were able to seat us right away. We all ordered the basic one at $19.99 a person. We had two tables between us, and therefore 2 cooking stations. They use gas grills here. Their grills are designed to channel the grease away, and not on the fire below. The grill never went out once, and they never came around to adjust it like they seem to do at other places. One place seems to like to turn it down, perhaps so our food will take longer to cook, and we'll get full faster. They also start taking forever to bring the meat. Prime Grill did take a little longer for each iteration, but nowhere near the lengthy delays of the other big places. They also use electronic ignition on their grills, so no difficulty getting them lit. Manna BBQ I think is electric, and TGG is gas but requires a lighter to light them.

The meats we ordered were very fresh. They offered rice paper without us asking, a type of onion salad, spinach and many other sides I didn't try. They have meat slicers in the open, behind glass where you can see them, and they appeared to be sitting the meat fresh.

Each table had a button for service or the bill, and each time we would press it, they would come right out. It was great because they didn't have to bother us otherwise.

They also use aluminum cups for the water, so the water tasted perfect, and they bring a big bottle out so you can serve yourself.

This place is awesome, and we'll be...

We had reserved a party in advance, and the place was horribly understaffed (it was a Thursday and packed full).

Now, I understand. My mother was a waitress for a long time. I get that staff calls in sick, or they quit without notice, etc. So I'm not blaming anyone for the understaffing.

What I can't understand; however, is when I'm waiting patiently for a half hour to get my check after we finished our last plate, and I watch our waiter walk directly past our table without making eye contact at all, and help another table out, then walk back, again, without acknowledging us, while I'm trying to patiently and calmly get his attention.

If he did this once, that would be fine, but he didn't... he helped that same table out an additional 3 times before I had to get up, walk to the counter, and ask him when he intended on getting us our check.

So, between understaffing, biased servicing, and automatic gratuity for parties of 6 or more (when our waiter deserved nothing for a tip), I can't recommend this place at all. There are more Korean BBQ places with better service and the same quality...

1st, I was seated after people whom I arrived before. 2nd, perhaps it’s just a “bad day,” however, the place appears to be understaffed for the amount of customers dining. Staff was rude- no formal greeting & short in their interaction/description of menu. From the aroma, I’d say the food smells delicious I can’t confirm that as I’m still awaiting my order.

If I weren’t as hungry as I am I’d leave this establishment! They’ll never receive my money again.

UPDATE 10/13/2020

The food was delicious & for that I rated them with 2 stars. However, the food is not the sole experience for me. I pay attention to how I’m treated at public establishments. Customer service is key but not beyond the point of the customer being blatantly rude or offensive to staff which I am not. They just lack the proper skill set when interacting with their patrons as I observed their various exchanges. Service is below subpar. I paid for what I ate and left no tip. Have...