Grill 9 — Review by Mikey Chen
Las Vegas, United States — Korean Barbecue
Grill 9 is a Korean barbecue all-you-can-eat buffet in Las Vegas featuring an impressive signature tier menu at $49 with prime Wagyu cuts, premium seafood, and unique offerings rarely found at similar establishments. Mike was extremely impressed by the quality and tenderness of the meats, especially the special cut short ribs and prime beef ribeye with exceptional marbling. The experience delivered authentic Korean barbecue with premium ingredients and attentive service within the 90-minute time limit.
What was great: Prime Wagyu cuts with exceptional marbling, tender and juicy meats, unique rolled garlic beef (LA Garby) rarely found at all-you-can-eat places, high-quality sashimi and seafood, premium beef tartare with uni and scallops, truffle pasta, bone-in short ribs with perfect tenderness
What could improve: Limited portions on premium items like uni scallops (only one serving), some marinated dishes slightly too sweet for personal preference, 90-minute time limit
The Dishes
Grill 9's signature menu ($49) is an ambitious all-you-can-eat offering that immediately impressed with its scope and quality. The ribeye steak featured prime grade beef with stunning marbling that lived up to expectations. The special cut short ribs, both bone-in and boneless varieties, proved to be standout items - cooked to perfect tenderness with meat that practically fell off the bone. The hanging tenderloin was juicy and refined, while the prime beef ribeye demonstrated why prime grade matters in Korean barbecue.
What set this restaurant apart was its inclusion of premium items typically unavailable at all-you-can-eat establishments. The beef tartare served with uni and scallops was sublime, with creamy uni balancing the richness of tender raw beef. The uni scallop preparation arrived as a single, precious bite that left Mike wishing for more. The sashimi selection included tender tuna and salmon, with the salmon specially prepared in a vinegary sauce that balanced the richness of the fish beautifully.
Beyond the raw and grilled items, the kitchen offered creative cooked dishes. The truffle japetti featured a runny egg on top of instant ramen, delivering richness though the truffle flavor wasn't particularly pronounced. The dynamite dish brought together scallops and salmon in a spicy mayonnaise preparation reminiscent of a California roll. Side dishes included cold noodles served with mustard and vinegar, marinated short ribs that achieved incredible tenderness and caramelization, and LA Garby (rolled marinated beef) - a specialty that Mike emphasized is rarely found at all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurants. This rolled garlic beef became one of his favorite items, consistently more tender than unmarinated options and achieving beautiful caramelization on the grill.
The Experience
The restaurant presents a well-organized all-you-can-eat experience with a massive menu highlighting weekday classics and weekend premium and signature options. The 90-minute time limit creates appropriate pacing for the feast. Service was attentive and responsive, with dishes arriving in logical progression from raw preparations to cooked meats to secondary dishes. The grilling experience allows diners to control their own cooking, maintaining the interactive element traditional to Korean barbecue while servers manage meat and dish distribution efficiently.
Value and Pricing
At $49 per person for the signature tier, Grill 9 delivers exceptional value given the prime grade Wagyu offerings and premium seafood selections. Premium ingredients like uni, high-quality sashimi, and prime beef ribeye would cost significantly more at traditional Korean steakhouses. The signature tier justifies its price point through both quality and variety, with the only limitation being that certain premium items like the uni scallop appear to have restricted quantities.
Notable Moments
This rib looks like it just went for a swim instead of being on the grill. Look how juicy and tender this thing looks.
Every new piece of meat I bite into tastes more tender than the last. That is actually the richest, most tender, juiciest piece of meat here.
Prime. That's also unheard of. And look at the marbling on this rib.
Mike's enthusiasm builds throughout the review as he encounters increasingly tender and well-executed pieces of meat. His repeated amazement at the tenderness of each new cut, combined with his appreciation for items rarely found at all-you-can-eat establishments like the rolled garlic beef, captures the restaurant's unique positioning.
The Verdict
Grill 9 stands out as a premium all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue destination that refuses to compromise on ingredient quality. For serious carnivores and Korean barbecue enthusiasts visiting Las Vegas, this restaurant delivers prime grade Wagyu and seafood that would satisfy even high-end steakhouse expectations. The inclusion of specialty items like uni-topped beef tartare and LA Garby demonstrates culinary ambition beyond standard all-you-can-eat fare. Best suited for those willing to invest in the signature tier experience and prepared to maximize the 90-minute window with strategic, celebratory eating.