“ As a long-time patron of Yakiniq in SF, I can confidently say this is the gold standard for All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ in the city. Over the years, I've watched them maintain their quality while other AYCE spots have come and gone or declined in quality. What keeps me coming back is their consistent value proposition. They offer two AYCE options (basic and premium), and honestly, the basic menu is more than sufficient for most appetites. The meat quality has remained remarkably consistent over my numerous visits - something that's rare in the AYCE world where corners are often cut. One of their strongest points is their attentive service system. The staff has always been proactive about grill changes, ensuring you're not cooking on burnt, crusty surfaces. They've mastered the art of timing - your next round of meat arrives just as you're finishing your current batch, keeping the meal flowing smoothly without overwhelming your table. Key highlights that have stayed consistent over the years: - Efficient service even during peak hours - Well-maintained grills and ventilation - Fresh meat selections - Quick meat refills without having to chase down servers - Comfortable dining environment Pro Tips from a Regular: - The marinated meats are their strong suit - Basic AYCE menu offers the best value-to-quality ratio - Weekday dinner tends to be less crowded than weekends - Don't fill up on the sides - focus on the meat! While prices have naturally increased over the years (as with everything in SF), Yakiniq has managed to maintain its position as the best bang-for-your-buck KBBQ spot in the city. It's refreshing to see a restaurant maintain its standards over such a long period, especially in the challenging AYCE category. For anyone looking for reliable AYCE KBBQ in San Francisco, this place has stood the test of time for good reason. Just remember to come hungry - you'll want to make the most of your AYCE experience! ”

“ Jay (he is the manager I believe and if he isn't, he should be') was very responsive to a surprise birthday dinner that I was planning for a month in advance. He accommodated for 16 people in our party and even allowed for early arrival to set up a happy birthday sign and cake to be stored. The food there was amazing as usual. I always love eating here even before this birthday party. Ambience was not too loud and not too crazy but the service is just amazing. Servers are super attentive and always checking in on you. Cannot go wrong here and just know they will take care of you. Thanks Jay you made the birthday party an extremely memorable one! ”

“ Ditch the premium and stick with the basic. LA galbi and brisket- repeat til full. Sides: steamed egg Repeat this process until satisfied. Go to ramen bar and make your choice of ramen. Idk how they thought of it, but the ramen comes out perfectly! It too soft, and perfectly Al-dente. Service is also amazing. Super attentive, on top of whatever you need and mind you, it's all Latinos working the floor and serving you. Amazing. ”

“ This is basically my neighborhood kbbq, and my experience is always the same (in the best way possible). Service is always very quick and my favorite part is the variety of soju. It is a little loud but I don't mind. Also a really fun dining experience for friends. ”

“ I finally got to try Yakiniq in SF, a KBBQ place that has been on my list for a while! My friend recommended it, even though she went to the one in the South Bay area. Pro Tip: Use the Yelp app to get on their waitlist when you're heading to the restaurant. We waited around 30-45 minutes on a weekend night for a party of 2 at 6:30 PM. Yakiniq offers two AYCE menu options: basic and premium. We opted for the basic, and the experience was great overall! The quality of the meat was decent, with the marinated beef and pork being particularly flavorful. The staff frequently changed the grill without us having to ask, and our table was never empty. The server kept checking on us to see if we were ready for another round. ”