Steve’s Bar-B-Que

Reviews

• Sivilay T.

  star star star star star_border 16 June 2026

  Review #281 - 2019
  
  I'm not too crazy about the idea of ordering take outs from a college campus food court, but I was craving grilled squid for some odd reason and this place happened to be the closest one that offered it.
  
  I called in around 9:15 PM to place our orders and was told that our food would be ready for pick up within 20 minutes.  Perfect!
  
  We showed up around 9:45 PM on Friday, October 11th, because we made a quick detour to pick up a few drinks at Yifang on our way over.
  
  I got two orders of the BBQ kalbi because I was afraid that one order wouldn't be enough for me & the boys to share.  This was actually our favorite of the four items we ordered.  Portion was very generous so we had more than enough to share.
  
  I got the grilled squid for myself, but ended up giving it to my nephews since I was expecting it to be a dry dish.  It tasted ok, just not what I had in mind.  The boys enjoyed it though.
  
  My son got the spicy kalbi tang and he really enjoyed it.  I took a few sips of the broth and thought it was pretty flavorful.  The beef was nice and soft as well.
  
  I got the bibimbap as a filler since I didn't know what else to get and the boys ended up enjoying it.  I didn't taste it since I was too full.
  
  Over all, the food was good and portions are very generous so it's perfect for college kids who are eating on a budget.
  
  We'll definitely be back.

• Cary L.

  star star star star_border star_border 16 June 2026

  Wow!  This place is still here...I used to come here when I was attending UCB!!  Im not sure if its the same owner or changed hands.  But the menu is essentially unchanged!!!  They should have a sign up saying, "1 million hungry college students satisfied by Steve's BBQ!"
  
  I came with some friends after working out nearby and had a ferocious appetite.  And though I've been trying reduce my weight, I embarked on the spicy chicken plate.  The flavors of the kimchi and pickled bean sprouts are just as I remember them.  Not blow your mind but yummy nonetheless!  The fresh crunch and sour flavour just fills one's mouth with satisfaction.
  
  The grilled chicken was ok and mildly spicy.  It takes a few bites and chews before you start to have the feeling but its there.  The portion size is typical but i didnt finish the whole thing and saved some for lunch the next day.  Of course I could have though.
  
  Just an overall tasty meal that goes down Fast and Furious especially when you're hungry!!!

• Patrick Y.

  star star star star star 15 June 2026

  Steve's is literally a gift from god himself. I can literally eat this everyday of my life and not get sick.
  
  Coming into berkeley from Socal, I never had korean food that wasnt all you can eat kbbq. And to have it from a guy name steve? i was like nuh uh honey. But after trying it for the first time, I was wrong, holy i was wrong. The amount they give you can feed 3 people, I' m sure it weighs the same amount as a newborn or a small dog.
  
  The lunch special? it go hard. Half spicy pork and half chicken? It go hard. I douse those two up with that hot sauce like my anus could take it. Ever feel like treating yourself? Get the short rib for like 4 dollars more. The fat on those ribs will solve world hunger.

• Daniel C.

  star star star star star 9 June 2026

  This review is 20 years overdue.  I was a Golden Bear with a limited monthly stipend long before I was a Yelper.  Steve's BBQ in Berkeley's Durant Food Court (aka Asian Ghetto) has been serving Korean plate lunches to students for 30 years!  I was visiting Cal this weekend for lectures and a networking event, so of course I headed to Steve's for lunch.
  
  The food is as I remembered it, although the restaurant  seems cleaner and the menu seems to have expanded somewhat.  The matron looked like she hasn't aged much - I remember her calling out orders back in the day "Number One to Go! Order Number One!"
  
  I opted for the combo spicy pork and chicken lunch plate.  Excellent sear and juiciness on the meats over white rice and two generous sides of bean sprouts and kimchi.  A lot of food for just under $12!  
  
  Steve's BBQ has definitely stood the test of time and I consider it one of quintessential Berkeley dining spots, along with Top Dog, Cafe Strada, Cheese and Stuff, and if you can make it through the lines, Cheeseboard.

• Chener L.

  star star star star star 3 June 2026

  Probably my favorite lunch place during school days. It is called a Korean barbecue place, but do not take the desire of eating traditional Korean food, then you will find this place amazing. Also, food portions are so massive that you can hardly finish everything in your meal.
  The biggest tip: get to use the spicy sauces and powders they provide, the dish and rice will become amazingly delicious.