Mina's Korean BBQ — Restaurant in San Jose

Great, authentic (I'm Korean) and huge portions. It's amazing this little hole-in-the-wall place is hidden among tech companies. I am so glad I found this place. I've had it twice this week already and am considering it again today. Most places will give two pieces of Kalbi (short rib) or three if it's not good quality like from L&L Hawaiian BBQ (theirs is so thin and fatty). This place gives four ribs, cut up into pieces, 6 different kinds of banchan. Only downsides to this place is the location and parking availability. If you go during the lunch peak (12-2) you might find yourself waiting for parking and a seat. I go around 11:30-11:45 and have issues with parking but not being seated. It's a small restaurant, maybe if my minds-eye can recall there are only about 15 tables. They can accommodate larger groups by combining the tables but NOT recommended. I think a group of 6 would be the maximum I would recommend. So I've tried the bibimbap (google it if you're not sure what it is. It's GOOD)

The kimchi jigae (kimchi soup with tofu), the fried mackerel from the lunch menu and the kalbi. All are excellent given the fact the kitchen staff are Mexican. They were good students.

Bottom line, I highly recommend this place. Great food, great portions and even better service. They do get VERY busy and service can suffer for this but it's not...

We went on a Friday for dinner and it was absolutely empty at 6pm. However, it started filling up as we were there. I got the bulgogi; while the meat and marinade had nice flavor, the quality of the meat was lacking. There was a lot of fat and gristle, which was edible, but made chewing a chore. The banchan (side dishes) were OK, nothing stellar. I've had better. We also got the tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), which actually was the best thing I had there.

Service was OK (only one lady was attending to the tables, but because the seating area was small, this was manageable). Prices were a bit higher for dinner than I would have preferred (particularly because the quality of the meat was so low).

I wouldn't mind going back to try out their lunch specials (as that's what most reviewers mention), but I won't be going...

Absolutely delicious soon dobu!! I ordered the combination soondobu which comes with beef and seafood. The soup broth was incredibly flavourful and delicious and they give tons of tofu in the soup! I especially love how they let you select your spice level. Along with the soup you get a bowl of purple rice and of course side dishes! The dishes were amazing especially the kelp noodles and they're unlimited. The staff is super sweet constantly refilling the side dishes and making sure those with dietary restrictions know what they can/cannot eat. I recommend coming here a bit earlier than the regular lunch rush because it gets VERY VERY busy and...