Essentials: The Meat of the Matter at Baekjeong Lynnwood

Things have gone so well for popular Korean barbecue restaurant Baekjeong Lynnwood since its opening last fall that owner Michael Chon is planning several more in the Seattle area.

The Los Angeles-based chain opened its first West Coast location outside Southern California to much fanfare last September. Two-hour wait times were common.

While that’s died down, Chon, the owner of Kijung Hospitality Group/Baekjeong Korean Barbecue Restaurants, says a Bellevue location is next, followed by a third in downtown Seattle, and a fourth near Sea-Tac International Airport.

“We have been simultaneously evaluating a number of locations outside of the Los Angeles area,” Chon says. “Seattle was at the top of our list as we fell in love with the city while visiting over many years — the greenery everywhere, the crisp air, the outdoor activities, and especially the people.”

Chon notes that the California restaurants are generally based in dense Korean and Chinese neighborhoods. The Lynnwood location features new dine-in and bar menus and an interior design that aims to replicate the ambience and vibrance of a typical street in Seoul. Local touches include a street art mural featuring the Seattle skyline and a Seahawks logo.

Baekjeong serves only USDA prime-graded meats and servers cook the meals at each individual table.