Bay Pocha — Restaurant in San Francisco

Came here after getting a recommendation from a friend. Got here around 9pm and was seated immediately. The seating was comfortable, there are booths and tables are spaced out enough to provide privacy and allow you to talk with your mates at the table without yelling at each other.

Food: The presentation of the food was good, large white places with food centered for contrast. The taste of the food were a little on the mild side in terms of spiciness (hot). Depending on your crave, this place might suit your taste. If you have friends who are less tolerable to spice food, this is the place to bring them.

Service: The servers were really nice and accommodating. The table that was open when we came in was situated by the door and was tad chilly. We said we preferred another seating if possible and we were approached by the server 2 minutes later when a table left, telling us that she will clean the table right away and transition us over if we would like. They servers to get fairly busy and gives out the sense that the place is short staffed when the late evening crowd comes in, HOWEVER, if you just quickly tell the what you need as they run by, they WILL get to the matter.

Overall: I enjoyed the place for what it is and I will revisit, but I don't think I will be selective to whom I will bring depending on the taste buds of my friend, whether they like that heavier spiciness that are present in a lot of other Korean restaurants or whether they are into the lighter end of the Scoville scale. I would suggest going before 10 because the place was packed shortly after my food arrived and there was a queue when I was leaving the place.

Ordered: Kimchi Fried Rice with beef- Everyone enjoyed it, very flavorful Tofu Soup - It was decent, I enjoyed it. Some people thinks it could use a tad more flavor Grilled Squid with butter - very aromatic; lots of ginger, garlic, and onion Korean Fried Chicken Wings - Didn't really stand out, but wasn't bad. The wings weren't dry. Soju Cocktails - I enjoyed them, they weren't overly sweet and you can still catch the hint of soju

What I forgot to tried and was strongly recommended by my friend was the corn with...

Bay Pocha is located in the Merced Manor neighborhood and offers delicious late-night bites - perfect to satisfy any craving. Diners are greeted with bright neon signs on the outside of the restaurant, followed by a fairly well-lit spacious interior with plenty of seating.

Our party of 4 arrived on a Sunday evening looking for a late dinner, of which there are often few options given the restaurant hours; however, Bay Pocha is one of the few eateries that is open late no matter the day of the week. We were easily seated ithout any wait, and ordered the corn cheese, pork belly (Bossam), carbonara rice cake, and bulgogi mushroom hotpot.

The Bossam was definitely the favorite of the night as the pork was cut thick and full of flavor. Something to keep in mind, however, is that the dish does not come served with lettuce, so that will be an added cost. The carbonara rice cake (tteokbokki) was rich and creamy, providing a perfect compliment (along with our corn cheese appetizer) to the salty Bossam we had. Last, but not least, the bulgogi mushroom hotpot was full of umami and provided yet another diverse flavor profile to the dining experience. Overall, we left the restaurant that night with our tummies fully and happy.

If you're a fan of Korean food and are looking for a new spot to try, then I definitely recommend checking...

Bay Pocha is not just a restaurant — it’s a treasure tucked away in the Ingleside Terrace neighborhood, just steps from my parents’ home. From the moment you walk in, the cozy space, decorated with traditional Korean touches, feels like you’ve been transported straight to Seoul.

On our visit, my dad accidentally ordered Bulgogi instead of Galbi. Without hesitation, our server graciously fixed the order, even though the mistake was ours. That small act of kindness spoke volumes — customer service here isn’t just good, it’s extraordinary. Every staff member is warm, attentive, and genuinely cares about their guests.

And then there’s the food — bold, comforting, and unforgettable. The Bulgogi Mushroom Stew and Galbi were both phenomenal, bursting with flavor and served in portions generous enough to share (though you might not want to). Each bite carried the same depth and authenticity I remember from dining in Korea itself.

Bay Pocha may be small in size, but it’s huge in heart, flavor, and hospitality. It’s the kind of place you fall in love with after one visit and can’t wait to return to again and again.

Next on my list? Their legendary Beef Rib Stew.

If you’re in San Francisco and crave real Korean comfort food served with soul, Bay Pocha is an...