BarbecueLA: Moodaepo II

3014 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 381-9990

It only took a moment to realize why my first experience with Korean barbecue held such an air of déjà vu. The cavernous, dimly lit room of Moodapo II  – filled with pulsing dance music, videos and Friday-night revelers – felt less like an old-school restaurant and more like a Las Vegas club. I’ve been told this flashy style is far from standard in the Korean barbecue world, but the festive atmosphere of this Koreatown staple served only to enhance the indulgent nature of the feast.

It was quickly made clear that, beneath all the style, Moodaepo II also had the substance to back it up. The table was soon covered with a solid spread of banchan, the array of side dishes traditionally served at Korean meals. The kimchi was nothing special, but the perfectly spiced seaweed salad and the fluffy delicacy of steamed egg stood out from the assortment and built excitement for the main course. The service here is best described as hands-off, so it’s best to come with an experienced eater who knows both what to eat and how to cook it. Both the sesame oil that brought out the flavors of the meat and the rice paper that made it easier to eat were only provided on request.

The first round of meat was simple – beef brisket, black angus bulgogi and pork belly. Even with more than 20 other options beckoning us from the menu, additional orders of these three dishes kept us satisfied for the entire meal. They were simply that good. The brisket was melt-in-your mouth delicious, with a delicate flavor that played nicely both with the garlicky brisket sauce and the spicier chili sauce we requested. But it was the bulgogi that stole the show. The marinade was a perfect blend of savory and sweet, and it shone against a simple backdrop of mixed greens and roasted garlic in rice paper.

Throughout the course of the dinner, the restaurant continued to impress both with its food and its attention to detail. From the variety of sides and sauces provided on request to the birthday shoutouts – projected on the wall – Moodaepo II seems genuinely committed to ensuring each guest enjoys the experience. While the pumping music and flashing lights might not lend themselves to intimate conversation, they unite the entire restaurant in the joyful community spirit imperative to the barbecue tradition.

The Bottom Line:  Atmosphere: 4/5   Service: 3/5   Food: 5/5

Story by: Liz Schneider

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