The Fire Spot — Restaurant in San Diego

January 15, 2024 This place just became number one on my list. We go to so many different places in a regular week, and the meat here is incredibly delicious, easily deserves 10 stars. The charcoal BBQ is a whole other level. Best dinner of the month so far. The people working were super nice and attentive. The place was clean, and the atmosphere and music were great. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back soon. Good job, team!

January 17, 2024 I came back only two days later, and again I can only say: it’s going to be incredibly hard to find another Korean BBQ that can top this one. I probably shouldn’t hype it up so much because the wait might get even longer, but honestly, it’s reallyyyy good, and I can’t get enough. I’ll probably be back again in another two days.

February 6, 2024 By now, I’ve been here four or five times, and this just confirms that it’s one of the best BBQ places ever. I really hope they make enough money to open a second location with more space, because this one always has a wait. I personally like that it’s not a super noisy place, but it’s very popular, so waiting is part of the deal. Side note: I had never eaten radish in my life until this place. I didn’t even know what that white thing was until the waiter told me, it’s actually really good with the marinade they use.

2025 update: Still my number one Korean BBQ in San Diego. I’ve been to many others, believe me, I’ve tried them all, but this one is just the best. I’ve read some ridiculous reviews, like the one from someone saying they wouldn’t recommend it to vegans… really? Or people complaining it was cold inside, wear a jacket! Some reviews sound more hateful than helpful. I’m not the owner, though I probably sound like it. I just hate to see good places get bad reviews that don’t make sense. I’ve brought so many people here, and every single one of them loved it.

The team working here is the right size for the restaurant. They’re not open super late, but that’s just because it’s a small place and the staff works hard from open to close. One of them doesn’t even speak English, but honestly, he’s the best, always attentive and nice, and I’m sure he’ll learn fast.

Also, when a place is packed with people of that same nationality, it’s usually because it’s that good. I’m from Spain, and I don’t go back to Spanish restaurants unless they taste like home. This place is the real deal. Another year, and this is still the best Korean BBQ...

FOOD & DRINKS This is an all you can eat restaurant with a pretty limited list of items to choose from. The marinade wasn't as sweet or spicy as I am used to when I was in Korea. The short ribs were quite fatty. I had to render down the fat quite a lot to make it more enjoyable for me. The wings were a nice addition. The banchan selection and quality was ok. The kimchi was quite sweet. Unfortunately they only had a lettuce salad. Instead I would have preferred some lettuce or guerrilla leaves for wrapping. The best thing about this place is that they use charcoal. For that alone I would recommend them and come back.

SERVICE Service wasn't that great. I believe our table was the only table that hasn't gotten their grill replaced. We didn't specifically asked for it but a customer shouldn't ask for it in the first place. Good service comes naturally. On the positive side everything came out pretty fast.

ATMOSPHERE Since they do use charcoal it helps a lot with the presentation. You can't get this experience with any other type of grills. The interior itself is very typical for a korean bbq place.

RATING I was on the fence weither to give this place a three or four star rating. I think you pay the price for the experience and not so much for the selection of meat and veggies. While the quality of the meat wasn't bad, it wasn't of high quality either but I don't expect this from an all you can eat to begin with. I probably went one star less because there was always that one thing that stopped it from being really good. That said I wouldn't mind giving this place a four star rating. I can definitely recommend to give this place a try. Maybe you enjoy the marinade and fatty bits...

The Fire Spot in San Diego is a must-visit for anyone craving a flavorful fusion of Chinese, Korean, and barbecue cuisines. After returning from our trip to Mexico, we had dinner here with our son and were thoroughly impressed by the quality and experience this small but mighty restaurant offers.

The standout feature here is the charcoal grill, which brings a smoky depth to their high-quality meats. We opted for the prime option ($5 more), and it was worth every penny—especially for the tender ox tongue and juicy ribeye. The sliced brisket and marinated short ribs were also exceptional, cooked to perfection at our table. The sides were flavorful and complemented the meal beautifully, ensuring every bite was memorable.

While the dining area is cozy, the attentive service ensures your time is well spent. They enforce a 90-minute dining limit, but the staff is quick and efficient, keeping the experience enjoyable without feeling rushed. A heads-up: it’s a popular spot, so you’ll need to put your name on the waiting list upon arrival, and peak times can mean longer waits. Parking is fee-based, and payment requires scanning a QR code—something to keep in mind when planning your visit.

Despite the minor inconveniences, The Fire Spot delivers a savory, sizzling feast that’s well worth it. For an elevated Korean BBQ experience with top-notch meats and a cozy vibe, this...