Dan Sung Sa

In LA for a last minute trip and wanted to try some Korean food and didn't want the BBQ do it yourself style. This place was absolutely incredible!!! The ambience was very much a dive bar kinda vibe with the food being cooked right in the middle of the restaurant for all to see. I got the Pork Belly plate...the meat was juicy and tender! The lettuce made a nice accompaniment and the portion was big! I also got a couple of skewers...the spicy chicken and the frog legs. I was warned by the waiter that it was going to be very spicy and it made my tongue numb! Lol The frog legs was just to try something different...the texture was more boiled meat and soft than chewy or crunchy. It's a perfect place to hangout with friends and get drunk while eating bae snacks and for cheap! The only downside is the waiting! You've got to give you name and just wait outside to be called. No phone number or reservation system... literally a guy with a clipboard coming out and yelling names. You've got to have a better system for that in this day and age but it was worth the 50min wait!

Lively, tasty, life-giving dining experience. We had such a great time sitting at the bar, ordering skewers, drinking from our teapot of lemon cocktail. The vibes in this place are very fun—came with one other person but seems great to come with a slightly larger group (say 4-6 to fit in a booth). Especially loved the kimchi pancake, the shrimp skewer, mushroom skewer, and tomato and bacon skewer. Will definitely go back to try more of the extensive menu!

Dan Sung Sa holds a special place for me - it was the first Korean bar I ever went to and one of the first restaurants I explored in LA, and it remains a favorite even after returning. First Impressions & Atmosphere I came here on a date night at 6:45pm while bar hopping - my first night staying in Ktown at a hotel. The moment we walked in, it felt transportive. The space captures the feeling of a local Seoul bar without trying too hard: dim lighting, graffiti-weathered brick walls, and a tucked-away back hallway where we sat, surrounded by antique decor like an old TV in the corner that adds character rather than distraction. Despite the aged aesthetic, everything is clean and well kept. Menu Style & Ordering Strategy The menu is crafted for an exploration of authentic Korean cuisine, standing out from the KBBQs mirroring the Starbucks on every corner in my Seattle years. This is an à la carte, small-plates spot, and it’s one of the best examples I’ve experienced of offering a wide variety without sacrificing quality. We ordered a mix of skewers and shared plates, all of which were well executed and introduced me to real Korean cuisine. The garlic skewers and mushroom skewers were standouts for me. It was also my first time trying ginkgo skewers - not a personal favorite, but I appreciated having the chance to try something less common - my partner loved them though. Everything pairs naturally with soju, even if you’re like and are not a big drinker. I wouldn’t feel awkward skipping on alcohol if with a group of friends or colleagues, which is nice for accommodating a variety of people. Service & Pacing Service strikes the right balance: attentive enough to guide ordering and check in between rounds, but never interruptive. Even when the place is busy, the staff moves efficiently, which speaks to how experienced they are. Who It’s Best For Dan Sung Sa works for a lot of scenarios - date nights, casual hangs, first-time K-town explorers, and seasoned Korean food fans alike. The variety makes it a safe bet for mixed palates. That said, it’s not the place for a quick bite or for anyone looking for one large entrée. Plan to spend 1–2 hours and let the night unfold (you can see some of my other recipes for recommendations for ktown bar-hopping). Final Take It’s popular for a reason, and worth the wait. If you can, I recommend reserving in advance. Even a year later, the combination of food, atmosphere, and those graffiti-worn walls makes this one of the most memorable and enjoyable spots I return to in Koreatown.

A Korean pub in LA full of character! It’s a very popular spot with long lines — we waited about an hour to get in, but it was totally worth it. The food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the atmosphere was great. Definitely a place I want to visit again next time!

This place was soooo freaking cool. The asthetic and the vibe was amazing. The servers were so tentative, the portion sizes are amazing. I think if you bought a bottle of soju you could get some of the dishes for 1.99. I would've given 5 stars but the lady at the front was a little rude. But regardless its still a great spot.

Total vibe and great value ! Got a bunch of different things to share for the table - a bunch of skewers, kimchi pancakes, soups, short ribs etc. awesome place to go on an evening out with friends without breaking the bank. Low key vibes love

Short wait on a Friday night. Friendly staff when getting us seated and with our drink and food. Skewers are the best bang for your buck; filling and delicious and fresh with so much to choose from. Highly recommend the soju cocktail if sharing drinks! Amazing all around, it's a must visit staple of KTown!