Han Il Kwan is still the place I'll go to with my folks for Sunday dinner and with friends wanting their Korean fix. It gets the highest marks for ambiance; wooden partitioned booths and softer lighting make for a more relaxing meal. And it too throws in freebies including sundubu and pindaedok (fried mung bean cakes flavored with leek or green onion, ginger, garlic and salt). Sample the japchae ($11.95), a peppery dish of sautéed crisp-tender vegetables with beef and vermicelli rice noodles. All of the booths have grills built into the tables. Prices for barbequed meats range from $17.95 for the short ribs to $14.95 for the spicy pork.

- Excerpt from Korean BBQ Roundup, Kimchi never tasted so good by Lisa Y Park