Gyu-Kaku

With a prime location on Restaurant Row, this Beverly Hills outpost of the popular chain draws DIYers who like to cook up meals on their own personal grill. It’s a small space, which means it gets crowded and noisy – bustling with people who come for Japanese barbeque with enough Korean accents to elicit cries that it’s not authentically either. No matter, the marinated meats, chicken, fish and veggies are tasty and satisfying, even if some complain the portions are small and pricey. And paying for kim chee – sacrilege! But it’s a trendy, fun dining experience, and that’s what most are after anyway. There is a big menu of cocktails and sake, and they have a great happy hour Mondays through Thursdays ($2 Kirin mugs and $5 cocktails) at two different times during the evening. Top it all off with very un-Japanese s’mores, which you can also grill yourself, natch.

TIPS: The valet is shared by neighboring Fogo de Chao, so expect a wait, or avoid the line altogether by finding street parking (it is possible). Go to the web site to download the monthly specials and coupons.