Gen Korean BBQ House — Restaurant in San Jose

Poor quality of food compared to Saratoga location, but that was not even the issue. I came in with the party of 8. We got sat right away when we were all here, so you would assume it’s not busy. This was my parents first time trying Korean barbecue and I wanted them to have an amazing experience here. They and two other in my party don’t really know how to use chopsticks so we requested forks right away. The server told us that they didn’t have any forks but they did have spoons. So of course, we requested spoons. After waiting for more than 50 minutes and requesting spoons three times, we asked one of the food runners or busser for the fourth time, and he brought them within two minutes. It was very frustrating seeing my parents eat with their hand while they waited for a spoon. The actually meat service as also slow. We noticed that tables around us including ourselves were ordering meats at the same time and yet other tables were getting their food first. I’m not saying there was a five minute time difference, I’m saying it took 10-15 minutes compared to other tables. The server might’ve noticed that we weren’t getting that much meats, so she offered us a ribeye that she probably ordered on accident and gave it to us so we can have something to cook. Also, we were all doing the premium meat service. There was times where we had to constantly remind the server about our orders and to refill our waters and sodas. It was also a bit frustrating when we ordered four more sides of rice and the server at first said that they were cooking the rice so it might take a while, which at first it is understandable. 20 minutes later, the server comes back and tells us that their machine broke halfway through the cooking process. This occurred 30 minutes before they closed, so I honestly believe they just didn’t make another batch of rice and the server just lying to us. Lastly, to make things worse, I wanted to bring this to the manager’s attention so he could better prepare and train his servers. When we brought this to his attention, he told us to take his personal number down so that next time we came, to text him so he knows so we can get good service. I have never been to or worked at a restaurant where you need to notify the manager that you’re going to eat there to get good service. That should already be a standard. On top of that when I brought up the fork and spoon issue, Manager said they had plastic forks, which the server failed to mention. We honestly would’ve been fine with plastic forks. The manager did mention that they have been out of forks for the past month. If they have been out of forks for the past month, why don’t they get more? Manager did say they have a shipment coming in eventually. Not having forks in a restaurant is a big issue. If I was in his position, I would’ve gone to a store to get forks because they are a necessary part in providing good customer service, until the standard fork shipment arrived. Overall, It was all these little problems that eventually turned into a big problem.

I am a supervisor at a restaurant and my partner used to serve at a Gen at a different location, so to an extent, we know what we’re talking about. I hope corporate takes action. I honestly enjoy going to Gen , besides this location, of course and these issue can easily be solved...

The worst service we ever had (both server and store manager).

We were welcome nicely when we walked in until the ordering happened. We are 3 adults and a 8 year-old kid. We wanted 4 hot water because the weather was cold and would be better when eating bbq (at least for us). Later, our kid wanted an ice water, so we asked the server if we could have that. He was silent, walked away, and came back with an ice water in a different manner - no talking, no response when we said thanks, and kinda slammed the water on the table. We noticed the his manner changed, but we didn’t care much at that time. When he walked by again, we waved our hands and asked if we can make a second round of order, instead of telling us to wait, he ignored us and walked away. Then, he came back and we tried to ask again, he once more time ignored us, and turn to the next table and asked that table if they wanted to order. Then, we asked him again when he finished with that table, but he walked away and completely ignored us. We felt disrespected, since we only had ordered 1 round of meat at the time and asked for an ice water, this shouldn’t be this way.

We waved at the manager and he came unhappily. The manager asked what was wrong, and we told him that we wanted a new server because the current server was bad at his job and completely ignored us. To be honest, the manager was no better than the server lol. Instead of apologizing for inconvenient service or bad service that we were experiencing, he was silent and did not say a single word after that. Both were unhappy and gave the worst service we ever had. Trust me, try it out yourself and see if you see them smile. Rude! What did we do? Asking for some ice water? Or because we didn’t say we wanted ice water at the beginning when you asked us? We couldn’t think of any reason!

That was the service, and the food here was 4/10, our own rating. You must try out other AYCE Korean bbq place to experience the service and food they provide, with similar pricing. Because of content sensitivity, I don’t think it is a good idea to post our favorite Korean AYCE here, but I’d say this place is no longer an ideal place to come. The service and quality are going down.

To be honest, we haven’t come back here for more than 2 year since we found a better Korean bbq place, much much better, similar pricing with way-better service, fast, friendly, put their heart in the job, and much more. We decided to come here because our favorite place was packed, and the wait time was so long; coming back here again was our biggest mistake in 2 years. I thought that I wouldn’t want to leave any tip, but my wife said yes to tip. So, we left 15% tip just to say thanks for the negative experience, not the service that your provided us. WE DON’T LIKE YOUR SERVICE AT ALL!

*sorry, forgot to take the picture of the receipt for proof.

Our message: If you had a bad day or for whatever reason, just stay home and relax yourself - don’t put it on your customers. We come here and pay for the food and service. We do not come here and beg for your food and favor. Nothing is free and...

This place is crazy popular. Expect to wait for a decent amount of time if you don't have reservations and reservations is highly recommended. Not having had reservations we came with a party of nine and when it was time for our seating we were surprised to find us trying to seat us at two separate tables that were adjacent to each other but not connected which we had to decline because it would not satisfy our desire to socialize together if we could not be seated at the same table. I only mention this because it seems to me that they do such good business that they could offer such an accommodation to their patrons and most might take it because seating is difficult to get in a good amount of time but most will accept it. I personally don't think an establishment should offer that even if they are making money hand-over-fist. We decline this and eventually got a proper sitting as we preferred. Our server was polite however it still was a bit of an odd experience as we did not get served in a timely efficient manner to start, but eventually the pace Gru to the speed and response that we expected to have to begin with. If you've ever been to Korean barbecue before than you more or less know what to expect. you can order two plates of raw food to cook on the grill and can order two more as soon as your plates are on the grill but can never have more than two plates at any given moment of raw meat. Every setting comes with a spread of Korean sides that include things such as tofu and kimchi and it is bottomless they will refill you all night long if needed. Overall I don't find this restaurant to be particularly different than other Korean BBQ establishments. The interior is relatively dark and more modern and presents a bit like a nightclub. I imagine the popularity is due to its appeal to a younger and somewhat hipper crowd. Although I don't think you will be dissatisfied with your experience here, for my personal tastes the wait is not worth the experience. but do not let this deter you from trying it out if you are a fan of Korean barbecue and don't mind a beautiful wait for what is likely a decent Korean BBQ outing.

1.11.24 Still mostly the same. The lines are not long or non-existent on this day when we arrived at 5 and when we left at 730. The fans are weak or don't work at all so can get smokey and your clothes will smell. In the world of rising restaurant costs, this is actually a deal now for a buffet type meal at the price of a meal ticket. Still not my thing but...