What Quarters Korean BBQ Is and How the Meal Works

Quarters Korean BBQ is a table-grilling restaurant where you cook meat and vegetables on a built-in grill at your table while you eat. Unlike a traditional restaurant where a kitchen prepares your food, you control the heat, timing, and how well-done everything gets. The restaurant brings raw meat, side dishes, and banchan (small shared plates) to your table, and you grill as you go.

The meal is interactive and social — groups sit around a single table with a grill in the center, cooking together. You order by the cut and weight of meat, not by a finished dish. The server brings your order raw, along with a set of metal tongs and scissors for cutting, and you manage the cooking yourself. Most Korean BBQ restaurants, including Quarters, charge per person for the experience rather than per plate.

This style of dining is different from both traditional table service and buffet restaurants. You are not waiting for a kitchen; you are not serving yourself from a line. You are ordering specific proteins, cooking them in front of you, and eating them when ready while they are hot.

Key Takeaways

  • You cook raw meat and vegetables on a grill built into your table, using provided tongs and scissors to manage the cooking and cutting.
  • Most Korean BBQ restaurants charge per person rather than per plate, and the price usually includes unlimited banchan (side dishes) and rice.
  • Ordering by meat cut and weight (such as short ribs or brisket) is standard; the server brings it raw and you decide when it is cooked enough to eat.
  • The meal is meant to be shared — groups sit around one grill and cook together, making it a social dining experience rather than individual plated meals.
  • Dress in clothes you do not mind smelling like smoke and grilled meat afterward, because the smell clings to fabric.

How to Order at Quarters Korean BBQ

When you arrive, the server seats your group at a table with a built-in grill. They bring water, banchan (small side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned greens), and a menu. The menu lists meat by cut and weight — typically in ounces or grams. Common options include short ribs (galbi), brisket (bulgogi), ribeye, pork belly, and chicken. Some restaurants offer combination platters that include two or three different cuts.

You order by telling the server which cuts you want and how much. A typical order for two people might be 16 ounces of short ribs and 12 ounces of brisket. The server writes down your choices and brings the raw meat on a plate, along with a small dish of dipping sauce (usually soy-based), fresh lettuce leaves, and sometimes garlic slices or other accompaniments. You do not order vegetables separately in most cases — they come as part of the meal or are already on the grill surface.

Prices vary by location and meat quality, but Korean BBQ is generally in the mid-range for dining out. Quarters' pricing depends on the specific location and current menu, so check their website or call ahead if budget is a concern. Most restaurants include unlimited rice and banchan in the per-person charge, so you are not paying extra for those.

Cooking Your Meat at the Table

Once your meat arrives, the grill is already hot (the server or a staff member turns it on before seating you). You use metal tongs to place the raw meat directly on the grill surface. Thin cuts like brisket cook in 30 seconds to a minute per side. Thicker cuts like short ribs take 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on how well-done you like them. You can cut a piece open to check the inside, or ask the server if you are unsure.

The scissors provided are for cutting cooked meat into bite-sized pieces while it is still on the grill or when ready after you move it to your plate. This is faster and easier than using a knife and fork. You do not need to wait for all the meat to finish cooking before you start eating — cook a batch, eat it, then cook more. This is the rhythm of the meal.

The grill surface gets dirty as you cook, with charred bits and fat accumulating. The server will come by and scrape it clean with a metal tool if you ask, or you can do it yourself with the scraper usually left at the table. Do not be shy about asking for a clean grill — it is part of the service.

Banchan, Sides, and What Comes With Your Meal

Banchan are the small shared dishes that arrive at the start of the meal and are refilled throughout. These typically include kimchi (fermented cabbage), seasoned spinach, pickled radish, steamed egg, and other vegetables or proteins. They are meant to be eaten between bites of grilled meat and help cleanse your palate. Banchan are included in the price — you do not order them separately, and refills are free.

Rice comes in individual bowls or a shared pot, depending on the restaurant. You can make a quick wrap by placing grilled meat on a lettuce leaf, adding a dab of sauce, and folding it like a taco. Some people eat the meat with rice and banchan instead. There is no single correct way — it is whatever tastes good to you.

Dipping sauces are usually soy-based and come in a small dish. Some restaurants offer multiple sauce options. You can ask for more if you run out, and the server will bring it without hesitation.

What to Wear and How to Prepare

Wear clothes you do not mind smelling like smoke and grilled meat. The smell is strong and lingers in fabric. Many people change clothes after going to Korean BBQ or plan to go home rather than to another location. Your hair will also smell like smoke, so you might want to tie it back or plan to wash it that evening.

Bring a small appetite or plan to share more than you think you will eat. The meat cooks quickly and portions add up fast. If you are new to Korean BBQ, order less than you think you need — you can always order more, but you cannot send back cooked meat.

Arrive hungry but not starving. The meal takes time because you are cooking as you go, and the pacing is slower than a traditional restaurant. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes for a full meal with a group.

Paying and Tipping at Quarters Korean BBQ

Most Korean BBQ restaurants charge per person, with a flat rate that includes the grill, banchan, rice, and water. You order meat separately, and that cost is added to your bill. Some locations have a minimum per-person charge if you order very little meat, so ask when you sit down if you are concerned about cost.

Payment works like any other restaurant — the server brings a check, you pay at the table or at a register, and you tip based on the total bill. Tipping norms are the same as for table service: 15 to 20 percent is standard in the United States. Some restaurants add an automatic gratuity for large groups, so check your bill before adding a tip.

If you have leftovers (cooked meat on your plate), most restaurants will not box it up because it cools and hardens quickly. Eat what you cook, or order less next time.

Common Questions About the Cooking Process

The grill can get very hot — be careful not to touch the surface or the metal rim. The server will warn you, but it is worth remembering. If you accidentally touch it, run cool water over the burn and let the server know so they can help.

If you are unsure whether the meat is cooked enough, cut a small piece open and look at the inside. Rare meat will be red or pink; medium will be mostly brown with a slight pink center; well-done will be fully brown. Korean BBQ is often eaten medium-rare to medium, but cook it however you prefer.

If the grill stops heating or feels too cool, tell the server. They can adjust the temperature or replace the grill element. Do not try to fix it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cook the meat myself, or can the server do it?

At most Korean BBQ restaurants, including table-grill venues, you cook it yourself — that is the point of the experience. However, if you are uncomfortable or unable to cook, ask the server when you arrive. Some restaurants will cook for you if you request it, though this is not standard and may not be available at all locations.

What if I do not like the taste of the meat or it is not cooked right?

Tell the server when ready. If the meat tastes off or is of poor quality, they can bring a replacement. If you cooked it differently than you wanted, you can cook the next batch to your preference. The server is there to help, so do not hesitate to speak up.

Can I bring my own meat or side dishes?

No. Korean BBQ restaurants do not allow outside food. You order from their menu, and that is what you pay for. This is a standard policy across the industry.

Is Korean BBQ expensive compared to other restaurants?

It is typically mid-range pricing — more than a casual chain but less than fine dining. The per-person charge usually includes the grill experience, unlimited banchan, and rice, so you are paying for the full meal. Meat prices vary by cut and quality, so check the menu before ordering if you want to control costs.

What if I am vegetarian or do not eat meat?

Most Korean BBQ restaurants focus on meat, but you can order vegetables, tofu, or seafood if available. Call ahead to ask what options exist at your location. Banchan (side dishes) are often vegetable-based, so you will have food to eat even if you do not order meat.