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San Jose, CA

North America

United States

# ToBang – Korean BBQ Restaurant in San Jose, CA
ToBang is a renowned Korean BBQ restaurant located in San Jose, CA, offering an authentic dining experience with a focus on quality meats and exceptional service. Established as a local favorite, ToBang has garnered a reputation for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ, where diners can enjoy a variety of meat options cooked right at their tables, complemented by an array of traditional side dishes known as banchan. With a history of dedicated service and community involvement, ToBang continues to be a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience.

## History
### The story of ToBang
ToBang was founded with the vision of providing an authentic Korean BBQ experience that emphasizes quality and customer satisfaction. The founders aimed to create a space where guests could enjoy traditional Korean cuisine in a warm and inviting environment, making it a staple in the local dining scene.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a local favorite in the early 2000s
- Expanded menu offerings to include various meat sets and side dishes
- Gained recognition for exceptional service and quality
- Adapted to changing dining trends, including a focus on BBQ-at-table format

### Cultural and local influence
ToBang has significantly influenced the local culinary landscape, introducing many to the joys of Korean BBQ. The restaurant has become a gathering place for families and friends, fostering community ties through shared meals and cultural appreciation. Its success has inspired other Korean restaurants in the area, contributing to the growth of Korean cuisine in San Jose.

### Continuing the tradition
ToBang continues to uphold its founding principles by maintaining high standards for food quality and customer service. The restaurant regularly updates its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and customer preferences, ensuring that it remains a relevant and beloved dining destination.

## Community
### Community involvement
ToBang actively participates in local events and initiatives, often collaborating with community organizations to promote Korean culture and cuisine. The restaurant hosts special events that celebrate Korean holidays and traditions, inviting the community to experience authentic Korean food and customs.

### Community notion about the place
The community regards ToBang as a reliable and welcoming establishment. Many patrons appreciate the friendly service and the restaurant's commitment to quality, often recommending it as a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Korean BBQ. The restaurant's popularity is evident in the consistent positive feedback from customers who value both the food and the atmosphere.

### Events and gatherings
ToBang frequently hosts events that bring together food lovers and those interested in Korean culture. These gatherings often feature special menu items, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant community space where people can connect and celebrate.

## Offerings
### What ToBang offers
ToBang specializes in Korean BBQ, providing a variety of meat options that guests can grill at their tables. The restaurant offers several set menus, allowing diners to choose from different combinations of meats and side dishes. This flexibility caters to both small and large groups, making it an ideal dining option for various occasions.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at ToBang is centered around the interactive nature of Korean BBQ. Guests can enjoy grilling their meats to their preferred doneness while savoring a selection of banchan, which includes traditional side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seafood pancakes. The restaurant's focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors ensures a satisfying meal for all.

### Events and packages
ToBang offers special packages for larger groups, making it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings. These packages typically include a selection of meats, side dishes, and beverages, providing a comprehensive dining experience that highlights the best of Korean cuisine.

### Facilities and features
- BBQ-at-table grilling
- Cozy and casual ambiance
- Efficient service to accommodate busy dining hours
- Variety of set menus for different group sizes
- Regular updates to the menu based on seasonal ingredients

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of ToBang highlight the restaurant's strengths in food quality and service, with many patrons praising the attentive staff and the delicious meat options. However, some customers have noted issues with parking and the sometimes rushed dining experience during peak hours.

### Compliments and strengths
- High-quality meats and flavorful dishes
- Attentive and friendly service
- Efficient order-taking process, minimizing wait times
- Variety of menu options catering to different tastes

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews commend the food and service, some customers have expressed concerns about the pushy upselling tactics from staff and the limited parking availability. These factors can detract from the overall dining experience, particularly during busy periods.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, ToBang is highly regarded for its delicious Korean BBQ and welcoming atmosphere. Despite some minor drawbacks, the restaurant's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes it a favored choice among locals and visitors alike.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
ToBang is conveniently located at 1052 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara, CA, in a bustling area known for its diverse dining options. The restaurant is situated in a strip mall that features several other Korean eateries, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts. The neighborhood is characterized by its vibrant community and accessibility, with various shopping and entertainment options nearby. Visitors can easily explore the area before or after their meal, enhancing their overall experience in San Jose.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does ToBang serve** ToBang specializes in Korean BBQ, offering a variety of meats and traditional side dishes.
**Is there parking available at ToBang** Parking can be limited, especially during busy hours, so plan accordingly.
**Do I need a reservation to dine at ToBang** While reservations are not always required, they are recommended during peak times to ensure seating.
**What are the popular dishes at ToBang** Popular dishes include bulgogi, brisket, and seafood pancakes, along with various banchan.
**Is ToBang suitable for large groups** Yes, ToBang offers set menus and packages that cater to larger groups, making it ideal for gatherings.

## Visit ToBang Today
ToBang invites you to experience the best of Korean BBQ in San Jose, CA. With a rich history of community involvement and a commitment to quality, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience filled with delicious food and friendly service. Whether you're a local or a visitor, ToBang is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family. Don't miss out on the opportunity to savor authentic Korean flavors in a welcoming atmosphere!

20ce7790-305f-43ef-9ee0-95dd2e03c61e

4.5 stars for food 5 stars for service These women working here work SO hard and it doesn't go unnoticed. They're running around making sure the waitlist moves quickly, refilling up our banchans and waters, and constantly checking in on us. The KBBQ is so so tasty, and the service is just impeccable. This is my go-to KBBQ spot. I always get the Special-C and get Bulgogi, Brisket, and Pork Belly, and I always leave feeling so full! Parking can be tough since it's a busy parking lot.

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Great food for a good price. My party made a reservation 30 minutes in advance ahead on a Saturday lunch. Parking here is horrible though! Make sure to accommodate for that on a weekend. We ordered the set B which came with 3 meats from a selection. We opted for the beef belly, pork belly and for $9 extra, the galbi, which came cooked already. They refilled our side dishes and often checked up on us. Only concern I wanted to express was one of the servers seemed a little pushy/rushed us when ordering. Other servers were really nice and checked up on us a lot. Otherwise, food was good.

9981f228-87d6-4012-afa5-b830fb3b4292

I came here at night, here's my experience: 1. Ambience (4/5): the restaurant was very clean, cozy and had a casual style. There was a lot of seating when I came. I think this place will be a nice place for some big parties. 2. Service (5/5): all of the ladies were very nice and welcoming. My server was the smallest one and also the sweetest. They were very attentive, they checked on my table regularly and refilled my banchan whenever I wanted. Good service! 3. Food (3/5): - Korean pancake (4/5): it was crispy on the outside but soft in the center. The portion was quite big for one and it had a generous filling. The filling included: squid, something was yellow and I supposed it was sea urchin, some green onions,... The taste of the pancake was quite bland, but thanks to that, I could really taste the seafood inside. Don't worry, the sauce on the side goes really well with those pancakes. It was a great appetizer! - Beef tofu soup (3/5): personally, the taste was quite common, there was nothing special. One plus is that the soup was packed with beef, but one downside was they were quite dry and not tender. - Banchan (3/5): there were 7 banchans were served on my table. I wasn't really impressed with the banchan here. But I liked the potato and fish cake. Overall, the staff here were very nice and welcoming to their customers. Next time, I'd love to come back with my friends to try the Korean BBQ here!

aad9eb37-f996-4a17-b882-3019da7018d3

ToBang has been around for a while, and like many people, it's one of our go-to KBBQ spots in the area. It's not AYCE, but the meat quality is always solid. I'll admit, I didn't really understand the hype at first many years ago, but after trying other places nearby, I totally get it now. It's a no-frills, quick-in, quick-out kind of spot. They're super efficient -- there's almost always a line, but they keep things moving without it feeling rushed. You order by set type depending on the number of people, which makes it easy. The seafood pancake is delicious, and for meat, the brisket is our go-to which never disappoints. I love that they often give out little extras like corn cheese or mini tteokbokki alongside the banchan! There's always a wait on weekends, so make sure you go early enough so you don't have to wait too long.

3f5eb02d-b931-45f1-be1f-72afc8a5c5f4

This has always been our go-to KBBQ spot! On this latest visit, I especially appreciated the great customer service, speed of service, and quality of all the dishes! They revamped their menu sets to be more straightforward for first-timers, and I appreciate how they take your order before you sit down to ensure they keep things moving quickly. There is never a very long wait time, again due to how efficient they are with running the restaurant. Some of my favorite staples here are the spicy BBQ chicken (not too spicy for my weak self and packed full of flavor,) bulgogi, seafood pancake, and tofu soup. The portions are on the bigger side in my opinion, so if you're on the fence about getting that extra meat dish, I'd go without it and just order more if you still feel hungry. All in all a solid Bay Area KBBQ institution!

33427980-c2a4-42ad-b3a1-e82ca5e093ec

One of the best spots for NON-AYCE KBBQ! If you're looking for KBBQ but don't want to feel overly stuffed from AYCE, then ToBang is the place. The menu has 4 different sets (A, B, C, D) to choose from which comes with a select number of meats, choice of seafood pancake, kimchi fried rice, etc, and you can add on an extra $9 if you want additional dishes. For a group of 5, our server recommended Special C which came with 4 meats. The meats were all tender and delicious. Seafood pancake was a little bit smaller than I had anticipated. We also got a side of steamed egg too. This was enough food for us because the staff kept serving us banchan throughout our meal to the point where we were politely declining the extra dishes. I loved ToBang and all of the staff were so nice and caring to us. Highly recommend! But beware the parking can be limited during busy hours.

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I like coming here for their special menu sets. We normally come on a weekend night and they take our order at the entrance after we tell them how many people. You need to be ready with your order. If not, I recommend you read the menu outside the window before going in. They do always try to upsell you though. It is a rushed experience though. You may be sitting right next to another party but they have plexiglass divider. We normally get Special B with 3 meats (bulgogi, spicy pork and brisket) but every time we get pressured to get Special C with 4 meats but we decline. The special comes with seafood pancake, assorted banchan including lettuce, daikon and rice paper for wraps. They will refill these banchan. Usually there's corn cheese and sometimes tteokbokki included. You get a choice of Kimchi fried rice or steamed rice. We usually get the kimchi fried rice and add on a steamed rice for extra. We also add on a mixed tofu stew for $8. The brisket is cooked at the table while the bulgogi and spicy pork come cooked on a hot sizzling plate. Not the highest quality, but good bang for your buck and we're always left feeling full with leftovers.

327a5132-c583-4fc3-a99a-557fafed18f4

Tobang is a staple and has been around a long time in the area. They asked if had a reservation which we did not for 4 people on Saturday at 6:30. They were about half busy with about total 8 long tables that are split into 2 sides to maximize number of parties. From the get go the old ladies are pushy at selling the combo set and all the add ons. This was a big turn off, kind of like old sleazy car salesman selling you a new ride. I did like that they kept coming back asking if wanted more banchan. As far as the meat, it is very average quality. We ended up getting combo C for $126 and chose 2 brisket, pork belly and spicy pork that came cooked from kitchen. Plenty of parking in the plaza. Would I come back, maybe in a group or just spend a little more and go to 10 Butchers.

58641956-1dbc-46f9-bec6-6df0082d60bb

The restaurant is located in a strip mall with several other Korean restaurants but it seems like they were the only one that had a line of people waiting outside. Parking was difficult and we ended up parking across the street. We made reservation for 3 on a Saturday night and they were very accommodating when we called to let them know that we will be a little late. Once we were there, we ordered our food before being seated. They strongly suggest getting the combos and have the cooked meat as it would be faster. We were hungry so agreed to it. We got the ($92.99) 3 meat combo with Bulgogi, Kalbi and spicy Dwaeji galbi jjim ($9 extra) and steam egg for $4. We were seated shortly after we ordered and all the banchan was already on the table. I really like the potatoes and fish cake. The pickled radish was too sour for me. Kalbi - Good flavor and the meat was tender. It came on a hot plate but the plate was barely warm and the onions were not even cooked. Bulgogi - Again it came on a lukewarm hot plate with mostly raw onions and the meat was overcooked and dry. We asked the staff about it but she only apologized about it. Dwaeji galbi jjim - This dish came nice and hot. It has good flavor but the pork ribs were again, dry and overcooked. The seafood pancake was crispy and delicious but we only got 4 pieces when it said on the menu 6-7 pieces. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. IF I do come back in the future, I would definitely order raw meat and cook it myself so I can control the doneness of the meat.

ea01e493-5011-40e6-87d6-b901fc37f582

This was my go-to place for years for delicious bulgogi. In fact I guess I went so often that they started to recognize me. Around the time the pandemic ended they switched over to a primarily BBQ-at-table format, and I haven't gone as often, but when I have it's been delicious. Often a line, so plan ahead.

Discover ToBang in Santa Clara, CA—an authentic restaurant offering delicious cuisine in a vibrant setting. Visit us today for a memorable dining experience.

ToBang Restaurant in Santa Clara, CA - Authentic Dining Experience

Santa Clara County

ToBang

California

Explore the full menu at ToBang in Santa Clara. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 1052 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara.

ToBang Menu – Food & Drinks in Santa Clara, CA

Learn about ToBang in Santa Clara. Discover our story, cuisine, and what makes us special. Visit us at 1052 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara.

About ToBang, Santa Clara, CA

Opening hours for ToBang, Santa Clara. Find opening hours for ToBang, Santa Clara on 1052 Kiely Blvd.

ToBang Menu Overview

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