Hanh’s Hibachi: Korean Barbeque on the Square
Jack London Square is on the forefront of the restaurant scene. Steps away from Bocanova, Scott’s Seafood, Il Pescatore, and Yoshi’s Oakland, there’s Hanh’s Hibachi, adding Korean cuisine to the international selection in this up-and-coming Oakland destination.
Like many other family-style restaurants, Hanh’s Hibachi features a casual atmosphere. Two intimate dining rooms share a wall of windows. Each offers a view of passing trains and pedestrians walking the square. Slate tile floors, a maple counter, colorful hanging lamps, and light-colored woodwork throughout the space make for a pleasant and comfortable interior.
The barbeque selection here is delicious, with tender beef and juicy pork recipes passed down from Mother Hanh, who began the small Hanh’s Hibachi chain with her husband in San Francisco back in 1978. The barbeque comes in a generous quantity, served with rice, sprout salad, cucumber salad, and kimchee.
The restaurant caters to the commuter and weekend crowd, unlike more traditional Korean restaurants you might find on Telegraph Avenue. In other words, this likely won’t be the spot Koreans will frequent for a taste of their grandmother’s cooking. One difference here is the amount of side dishes you receive – just a few forkfuls of kimchee, cucumber, and sprouts as opposed to dozens of little servings of pickled veggies, tofu, beans, and kimchee selections that cover the length of the table.
Yet, the Hanh’s recipe for success is evident – unique family recipes here include hickory-smoked barbeques, grilled and marinated skewers, a wide variety of appetizers like tempura and pot stickers, and sandwiches served on a French roll with jack cheese, kimchee, and sprouts. Combination plates like the Beboppin’ Bibimbop make it possible for you to taste a variety of the restaurant’s flavorful offerings. Let your server know if you like your dishes mild, medium, or spicy.
HelloOakland tip: In addition to being in Jack London Square, Hanh’s Hibachi has a location in Palo Alto and three locations in San Francisco on Polk Street, Castro Street, and Irving. The Jack London Square restaurant boasts one of the better locations geographically, with the waterfront nearby and free entertainment throughout the summer months, including noon-time concerts on Tuesdays.
Posted by Renee Rutledge
