Baekjeong San Jose — Restaurant in San Jose

Honestly this place is mid across the board. I don’t understand why it’s so popular. The food is just OK, service does the job but won’t blow you away, and it’s just loud inside like Gen without actually managing to feel fun or upscale in any way.

Service could be better, it seems like they’re understaffed and just have bad workflows, this is not the fault of the actual staff and they were all pleasant / helpful atmosphere is a mix of modern industrial chic + 85dB music (measured via Apple Watch and another SPLnFFT app that’s decently accurate, in non-audio engineer nerd terms it’s hard to have a conversation at the table) but also the lights inside are quite bright and not very party-like — strange juxtaposition given that they project visuals on the wall too most importantly, the food is very average and the meats we got were pretty flavorless. It’s slightly better quality than what you’d get at the average AYCE place. It’s a bit expensive for what it is. If you don’t use ssamjang on it, it barely has any flavor (make sure to ask for ssamjang because they don’t bring it by default). The side dishes are also nothing to write home about. The most prevalent flavor in the seafood pancake was fryer oil, and the pancake itself has some kind of crispy noodle-like stuff on top, so the whole thing was burnt around the edges and nearly raw in the middle — definitely not a great texture except for a small ring around the middle that was in the sweet spot, being cooked enough without being very crunchy / burnt.

They don’t have fish cake as a side dish, and they only had a few side dishes in general. The soy bean soup was very whatever. The iced tea was way too sweet, and they give ~8 ounce glasses of it without any ice, no free refills here as it’s not a fountain drink. The egg that they make around the edge of the pan was OK, just make sure you pull it off before it overcooks. The cheesy corn around the edge of the pan was also nothing special, and you don’t get very much — think about 4 tablespoons per pan to split amongst 2-4 people.

The dipping sauce is not bad, decent flavor, but it’s much better when you ask for ssamjang as then they bring out fresh garlic and jalapeño as well, which makes it even better.

They don’t switch the grill out between meats, so you end up with some charred bits on everything after the first meat, which makes it even less tasty. I would recommend just avoiding all the un-marinated stuff — it’s that flavorless. You just taste the sauce and any bits of char that it picked up from the grill.

The service isn’t awful, but we had a reservation and arrived at the bottom host station outside 5 minutes before our reservation. The had us head up the staircase, which reminded me of a staircase you’d use to get up to a rollercoaster, kinda dirty with exposed cement around the edges. Once you get to the top, there’s just a crowd of people waiting around a checkout station with no staff there. Wait long enough and you’ll hear them call out names of parties when they can actually seat you. This is a pretty bad customer experience in my opinion. I’m not an impatient person, but we weren’t seated until about 20 mins after our reservation time, and the atmosphere of the upper waiting area is again not exactly upscale or fun in any way, it felt like an afterthought.

Once seated, most of their tables are for 8 people with 2 grills, so you’ll be sharing the same table with another party. There’s enough room, but again here this could be better. They cook for you here, but we had to ask a few times for enough plates to have somewhere to take meat off the grill since it burns as they don’t turn it off between meats, only down. They also took our soup bowls by accident and forgot our drink order, only bringing our drinks when we were on our final meat and almost done after being reminded twice. These issues to me are more indicative of poor workflows / management at this place, not the staff being bad at their jobs.

Lastly, the bar itself seemed pretty lame and again the lights...

They finally opened this Baekjeong here in San Jose! Super excited to eat here again since I had it in LA K-town.

They do reservations. Totally different from the LA one. Both a good and bad thing. Looks like they're booked out until October. Still, was able to eat here after signing up for the waitlist at 12:15 on a weekday. The estimated wait they gave me was 3 hours. Reason being that they prioritized the online reservations. Waited about 4 1/2 hours from booking with the hostess outside. This is also during the same week of the Grand Opening. The long wait times are also attributed to the longer dine in times parties were taking.

After finally checking back into the restaurant when we were texted back, we went up the staircase entrance and was greeted with a large lobby. The restaurant itself was very large and had many seating arrangements. I would say it's 3 times larger than the one in K-town LA. Even though it was a larger space, it felt kinda cramped with the sheer number of rows of tables. Probably to utilize the amount of parties they can fit and turn over at same time. The tables in the middle were definitely too close to each other since servers were having trouble getting inbetween in order to cook the food for other parties. The bbq ventilation system was the same style they had in Korea with an adjustable height vacuum vent. The seating arrangements were rows of tables and not a center bbq with seating in a circle like in LA.

Our server Kim was one of the best servers I have had in a long time post covid. Not just because of her service but with her personability. While she was cooking our food, a service included into the experience dining at Baekjeong, she was easy to talk to and made the experience delightful. Very attentive with our table and many others in the front section. I think they need more Toast handheld devices since halfway through the dining experience, someone across the restaurant asked to borrow hers. It was noticeable that half of the servers had the holders for Toast but didnt have the devices itself. She asked us when we were ready for each serving of meat to be cooked. We felt very comfortable and not rush, which was very nice. Like LA, we just had to enjoy our food without the worry of cooking the meats.

The meats that came with our meal set was more than enough for 2 people. We ordered the Hodong's favorite combo. It came with 4 types of meats. Brisket, short rib, pork belly, and pork shoulder. The egg that came with the set was flavorful. They pour it in a separate part of the grill for it to cook for you. Similar to the one in LA. That steam/cooked egg is refillable. In comparison to the meats to the LA location, it seems to be lacking. The tastes seem to differ from that in the Baekjeong in the heart of K-town. Not as flavorful. The salads were also visually appealing but overpowering in the amount of dressing.

Not entirely disappointing, but the ambiance and excitement of a new establishment were its defining characteristics of this new Korean Bbq restaurant. Would recommend many other Korean Bbq spots until the hype of this one dies down. The reservations system does take away the amount of parties they could serve and turn over. The LA ones only use physical check in waitlist and had wait times of max 1 hour. If you want the best experience of Baekjeong, highly recommend trying the one in LA to have the truly Korea bbq experience. I'll gatekeep the local Korean bbq spots that rival this spot to myself in the meanwhile. cough cough...

A Gourmet Adventure at Baek Jeong, Westfield Valley Fair, San Jose, CA.

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I'm taking you on a gastronomic journey to a place that has captured not just my taste buds but also my heart – Baek Jeong at Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, California. As a gourmet foodie and wine expert, I've savored dishes and sipped wines across the globe, but there's something about Baek Jeong that stands out in its unique charm and culinary brilliance.

The Essence of Baek Jeong, today at Baek Jeong, Westfield Valley Fair, San Jose, CA.

Nestled in the bustling ambiance of Westfield Valley Fair, Baek Jeong is not just a restaurant; it's a portal to a world where traditional Korean cuisine meets modern flair. The moment you step in, you're greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly balances contemporary elegance with the warmth of Korean hospitality.

A Peek into History

Baek Jeong's journey is as flavorful as its dishes. Rooted in rich Korean culinary traditions, the restaurant has carved its niche by embracing authenticity while adapting to the dynamic food culture of California. Their story is a testament to the dedication and passion for delivering an unmatched dining experience.

Now, let's talk food – the heart and soul of Baek Jeong. Their menu is a mosaic of flavors, each dish narrating its unique story.

The Grills

As a meat connoisseur, the first thing that grabs my attention at any Korean BBQ joint is the grill. At Baek Jeong, the grilling experience is nothing short of a spectacle. From the premium cuts of meat, perfectly aged and seasoned, to the art of grilling them to succulent perfection, it's a masterclass in Korean BBQ.

Signature Dishes

One cannot simply visit Baek Jeong and not indulge in their signature dishes. The 'Galbi' – tender, marinated short ribs – is a revelation. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, leaving you yearning for more. The 'Bibimbap', with its vibrant assortment of vegetables, meat, and a perfectly runny egg on top, is not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.

The Sides

And how can I forget the 'Banchan' – an assortment of Korean side dishes? From tangy Kimchi to sweet-and-salty bean sprouts, these small dishes add layers of flavor and texture to the meal.

Wine Pairing – A Personal Touch

Pairing wines with Korean cuisine is an art in itself. At Baek Jeong, the wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of options that beautifully complement the flavors of Korean BBQ. Whether it’s a robust red to go with the meats or a crisp white to balance the spices, there's a perfect match for every dish.

We had the opportunity to marinate our dishes with Bonny Doon Vin Gris Rosé.

Beyond the Plate

Baek Jeong's charm extends beyond its culinary offerings. The staff's hospitality makes you feel at home, and their knowledge of the menu and wine pairings is impressive. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy and chic, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

As I conclude this gourmet adventure, I can't help but applaud Baek Jeong for not just satisfying hunger but for creating an experience that resonates on a deeper, more memorable level. It's a place where every visit feels like the first – exciting, fulfilling, and always leaving you with a desire to come back for more.

Stay tuned for more culinary explorations, but until then, keep savoring...