Gogi Korean BBQ

The owners of this restaurant are applying for a liquor license to operate at 1055 Bardstown Road, where Buffalo Wild Wings used to be. ("Gogi" means "meat" in Korean.) They had the front door open while working on the place today, and it looked like they've gutted the interior. My guess is they've got several months of work left before it can open.

[Robin Garr]

Gogi as in bulgogi, I guess. I'm always happy to welcome another Asian eatery in the popular food zones. Thanks for the report, Rich.

I could not be happier! Korean is my favorite cuisine and it seems this chain has great reviews.

I could not be happier! Korean is my favorite cuisine and it seems this chain has great reviews.

Is it really part of a chain? I know there are places with similar names in other cities, including Columbus, Ohio, but I thought that was just a coincidence. The full name of the Louisville restaurant will be "Gogi 1055 Korean BBQ," according to the legal notice for the liquor license.

Relax guys, this is a well respected local operator doing a new to market concept. Prepare to grill your own bulgogi tableside which you see in most other large cities. I cannot believe no one in Louisville has done this yet anyways...
This place will be hot
Louisville is finally growing up and becoming a true "big city." It's nice to see with lots of development everywhere.

Relax guys, this is a well respected local operator doing a new to market concept. Prepare to grill your own bulgogi tableside which you see in most other large cities. I cannot believe no one in Louisville has done this yet anyways...
This place will be hot
Louisville is finally growing up and becoming a true "big city." It's nice to see with lots of development everywhere.

For years, Lee's had grill tables. Then, a few years ago, they disabled them. I was told it was a code issue.

[Robin Garr]

For years, Lee's had grill tables. Then, a few years ago, they disabled them. I was told it was a code issue.

Didn't Koreana II have them also?

For years, Lee's had grill tables. Then, a few years ago, they disabled them. I was told it was a code issue.

Didn't Koreana II have them also?

That was the place on Preston, correct? I believe they did, but I wasn't 100% sure (I also couldn't remember the name).

[Robin Garr]

Didn't Koreana II have them also?

That was the place on Preston, correct? I believe they did, but I wasn't 100% sure (I also couldn't remember the name).

Yes, that was the place - corner Preston and Gilmore Lane, I believe, with an excellent Asian grocery next door. I know they had the grill apparatus, but it wasn't being used when we were there for lunch. I assumed they were there for dinner, but maybe there's a problem with Korean barbecues? It's not the indoor flame, because Japanese teppanyaki eateries are all over. But maybe the Korean process requires a bigger flame that either the fire department or air pollution control can't go along with?

Like you, I'm not sure I ever saw the ones at Koreana II being used.
As to Lee's, my guess has always been that neither the restaurant owner nor the landlord wanted to spring for a sprinkler upgrade. Fingers crossed that Gogi will have them.

[Robin Garr]

Like you, I'm not sure I ever saw the ones at Koreana II being used.
As to Lee's, my guess has always been that neither the restaurant owner nor the landlord wanted to spring for a sprinkler upgrade. Fingers crossed that Gogi will have them.

We shall see! I'm dubious, though. The more I think about it, now that the issue of gogi vs teppanyaki came to mind, the Japanese slice-and-dice requires a flat grill top that can easily be fired by gas or even electricity, which is pretty routine in a restaurant setting as long as there's an overhead exhaust fan. But charcoal indoors? I expect that's going to take some serious sprinkler and ventilation work.

Like you, I'm not sure I ever saw the ones at Koreana II being used.
As to Lee's, my guess has always been that neither the restaurant owner nor the landlord wanted to spring for a sprinkler upgrade. Fingers crossed that Gogi will have them.

We shall see! I'm dubious, though. The more I think about it, now that the issue of gogi vs teppanyaki came to mind, the Japanese slice-and-dice requires a flat grill top that can easily be fired by gas or even electricity, which is pretty routine in a restaurant setting as long as there's an overhead exhaust fan. But charcoal indoors? I expect that's going to take some serious sprinkler and ventilation work.

I think you are on to something with your observation about gas/electric grills vs.charcoal. I lived in Lexington in the early 90's and Ararang Gardens had legit charcoal grills. They were presented somewhat like the parillada at Palermo Viejo. On the other hand, I seem to recall the grills at Lee's being gas.

We have used the grills at Koreana 2 many times Just seat yourself at one of those tables and the very sweet owner/server will hook you up with everything.
They are closed for remodeling so hopefully they keep them.

Thanks for that update Michele. I'm almost embarrassed to say I thought they had closed. I guess it speaks to how often I get over to that part of town these days. Since I'm a huge fan of Korean food, I'll make a mental note to check them out online periodically to see when they reopen. If memory serves, my last impression was that I loved the food but thought the ambiance failed to match. I guess the remodel was due because that visit was probably fifteen years ago.

Yes, Koreana II has table side BBQ. It is great, and for $34, two people can eat two meals. We recently had some Korean BBQ in Portland and while it was good, I remember longing for Koreana.

Really looking forward to Gogi, as it's closer to where I live.