MGD Hollywood: A Korean BBQ Experience Reimagined

“I’ve been in the restaurant industry for about 25 to 30 years,” Michael shares. His career began working in a variety of roles, including a busboy, dishwasher, prep cook, and bartender. Over time, he climbed the ranks to restaurant management and eventually ownership.

Michael was working as a bar manager when his now partner Eric approached him. "He had a nightclub space that had closed during COVID, and he asked me if I wanted to open a restaurant with him. I thought, 'Why not?'—it was something I’d always wanted to do."

With a tight budget and a location that had been closed for years, Michael and Eric had to start from scratch. “The place was a disaster when we took over. It had been closed for close to three years, so we pretty much had to rebuild everything.” Despite numerous setbacks—including heavy rain that delayed construction—MGD Hollywood opened its doors in April 2023.

MGD Hollywood isn’t your typical Korean BBQ spot. Michael and his team wanted to create an inclusive experience that would appeal to a broad audience. "Our goal was to make Korean BBQ accessible to everyone, not just those familiar with it," Michael explains. The restaurant offers both an all you can eat menu and a few à la carte options like New York steak and a 36-ounce tomahawk steak.

The all-you-can-eat experience is designed to be interactive and social, with a menu of over 50 items.

"We have a grill at every table, and people can order meats, grill them themselves, and share," says Michael. “It’s a fun, communal experience.”

The menu includes a mix of raw and marinated meats, traditional Korean side dishes like banchan, and appetizers.

MGD Hollywood also went viral on TikTok, drawing in customers who had never tried Korean BBQ before. "It was fun seeing people who drove from as far as San Diego just to check us out after seeing us online," he says. While the viral moment helped bring in new customers, Michael believes it’s the overall experience that keeps people coming back.

One of the biggest draws of MGD Hollywood is its outdoor dining experience. "We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy Korean BBQ without leaving smelling like a grill," Michael jokes. “Because we’re mostly outdoor, you don’t leave smelling like you cooked all day.”

As the restaurant continues to grow, Michael is focused on elevating the dining experience even further. "We’re developing an indoor dining space that’s more of a supper club vibe—dim lighting, small bites, and a focus on cocktails and conversations." He’s also working on expanding the à la carte options and introducing higher-end cuts of meat.

As the colder months approach, Michael is preparing to introduce new menu items and focus on improving the Korean BBQ experience. "I recently met with someone who has over 30 years of experience in Korean food. We’re working together to make sure our menu is the best it can be," he says.

As Michael continues to innovate and refine the dining experience, MGD Hollywood is poised to become a staple KBBQ spot in the Los Angeles food scene, offering something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned BBQ lover or a first-time visitor.