BBQ + Rice

In a city obsessed with the next big dining destination, there’s something refreshing about a restaurant that simply nails the basics. BBQ + Rice is a no-frills Korean rice bowl spot tucked into a strip mall in East Hollywood, and it’s exactly the kind of workhorse restaurant that deserves more attention. Counter service, a communal table, and some of the most satisfying bowls you’ll find for under $10 in LA.

The rice bowls here hit all the right notes. The spicy chicken is a standout, featuring tender meat in a fruit-forward gochujang marinade with housemade potato chips on top for an addictive crunch. The sautéed kimchi bowl delivers a one-two punch of vinegary heat with optional bacon and melted cheese that transforms it into pure comfort food. For something more subtle, the bulgogi offers that perfect salty-sweet balance without the chewy fat that can plague lesser versions.

Don’t sleep on the pickled vegetables displayed in a little fridge by the counter. These rotating selections of radishes, cabbage, and kimchi are legitimately some of the best house-made pickles around, and at just a few bucks for a generous container, they’re an absolute steal. They also come in the bowls, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich proteins.

BBQ + Rice isn’t trying to impress you with fancy decor or an extensive menu. It’s just here to serve reliably excellent Korean comfort food at prices that won’t make you flinch. For a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a solid takeout option, this East Hollywood spot delivers exactly what you need.