Yangmani

Koreatown’s Korean BBQ scene is fiercely competitive, with seemingly endless options lining the streets. Yangmani manages to carve out its own space in this crowded field by focusing on what they do best: exceptional offal cuts and a banchan spread that goes well beyond the standard offerings. The restaurant has a more refined atmosphere compared to the rowdy gopchang joints that dominate the neighborhood, with elegant gold plates and powerful ventilation that keeps the smoke from overwhelming your clothes.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the Chang Combo, which brings together all of Yangmani’s prized offal selections on one plate. Large intestine, small intestine, abomasum, and tripe each get seared until the edges develop that perfect caramelized crispness while maintaining the ideal amount of chew. While the meat portions run a bit smaller than you might expect, that’s actually by design—it leaves room for you to explore the remarkable banchan selection that includes unexpected treats like quail eggs, refreshing apple salad, and a gochujang ground beef stir-fry that you’ll find yourself requesting refills of.

Don’t skip the Mountain Tripe Fried Rice, which arrives in a sizzling hot stone pot with a layer of perfectly crisped rice at the bottom. The smoky chopped tripe adds wonderful texture throughout, and since it’s prepared in the kitchen rather than on your table grill, you can enjoy it while you’re still working through your grilled meats. The steamed egg isn’t included with the combos but is absolutely worth ordering on the side.

This is the spot for groups celebrating birthdays or anyone looking for a more upscale gopchang experience in K-Town. Yes, you’ll pay a bit more than at the party-atmosphere joints, but the quality of both the meat and the accompanying dishes makes it worthwhile.