Chef 21 Sushi Burger and Korean BBQ in Columbia

What Chef 21 Offers

Chef 21 Sushi Burger and Korean BBQ is a casual restaurant in Columbia that combines two distinct cuisines under one roof: Korean barbecue where you grill meat at your table, and sushi burgers that blend Japanese and American sandwich formats. The restaurant sits at the intersection of two food cultures, letting you order grilled Korean beef one moment and a sushi burger the next. It's the kind of place where the menu doesn't force you to choose between traditions.

The Korean BBQ side works the way it does throughout South Carolina: you order raw meat and vegetables, they arrive at your table with a built-in grill, and you cook to your preference while eating. The sushi burger side takes nigiri and sashimi concepts and presses them into a hand-held form—rice, fish, and toppings stacked between crispy layers instead of on a plate. Neither format is common in Columbia, which makes Chef 21 worth a visit if you're curious about how different food cultures solve the same problem: how to make protein, rice, and vegetables into something you want to eat.

Key Takeaways

• Chef 21 serves table-grilled Korean barbecue where you cook raw meat and vegetables on a built-in grill, plus sushi burgers that compress Japanese fish and rice into a handheld sandwich.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and operates as a casual dining spot, not a fine-dining establishment, so expect a relaxed atmosphere and moderate pricing.
• Korean BBQ at the table works best with a group, since you're sharing the grill and the experience, though solo diners can order and cook alone.
• Sushi burgers are a less common format in South Carolina, so they appeal to diners looking for something outside the standard sushi roll or nigiri presentation.

How Table Grilling Works at Chef 21

When you order Korean BBQ at Chef 21, the server brings your raw meat—typically beef, pork, or chicken—along with a platter of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and leafy greens. The table has a built-in grill surface, either charcoal or electric depending on the location and setup. You cook the meat and vegetables directly on that surface, controlling the heat and timing yourself. This is not a spectacle or a show; it's a practical way to eat, and it's how Korean barbecue restaurants operate throughout the country.

The advantage is control: you decide how well-done your meat is, how charred the vegetables get, and when to eat each piece. The social advantage is that everyone at the table cooks and eats together, making it a shared meal rather than individual plates arriving at different times. If you've never done table grilling before, the server will walk you through the basics—how hot the grill gets, which cuts cook fastest, how to use the metal tongs and scissors to cut meat into smaller pieces.

Bring an appetite and plan to spend time at the table. Korean BBQ is not fast food. A typical meal involves multiple rounds of meat and vegetables, and the pace is set by how quickly you grill and eat, not by kitchen timing. If you're dining alone, you can still order and grill, but the experience is designed for groups of two or more.

Sushi Burgers and Other Menu Items

The sushi burger format is Chef 21's signature departure from standard sushi presentation. Instead of rolls or nigiri arranged on a plate, the fish, rice, and toppings are compressed into a burger-like structure—usually with crispy rice or a thin layer of nori (seaweed) holding it together. You eat it with your hands, the way you would a sandwich. The fillings vary by order: some versions include spicy mayo, cucumber, avocado, and raw fish; others add cooked proteins or tempura elements for texture contrast.

This format is practical for a casual restaurant setting and appeals to diners who find traditional sushi presentation fussy or who simply want something they can pick up and eat without chopsticks. It's also a way to serve sushi in a restaurant that's already focused on interactive, hands-on eating through the Korean BBQ side of the menu.

Beyond the two main formats, Chef 21 typically offers appetizers, side dishes (called banchan in Korean cuisine), and drinks. The specific menu changes, so check the restaurant directly or their social media for current offerings and any seasonal specials.

Location and Practical Details

Chef 21 is located in Columbia, South Carolina. The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot, meaning the atmosphere is relaxed, the service is straightforward, and the pricing is moderate—not budget fast food, but not high-end either. Reservations are a good idea, especially for larger groups or during peak dinner hours, since table grilling requires more time and coordination than standard restaurant service.

Parking is typically available on-site or nearby, depending on the specific location. The restaurant is designed for walk-in traffic as well as reservations, so you can stop by without calling ahead, though you may wait during busy times. Hours vary seasonally, so confirm before you go.

When to Go and What to Expect

Dinner is the primary service time for Korean BBQ restaurants, since the table grilling experience is more social and leisurely than a quick lunch. Chef 21 likely operates lunch service as well, but the restaurant shines at dinner when groups gather to cook and eat together. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and Friday and Saturday evenings can mean a wait if you don't have a reservation.

Dress code is casual. You're cooking at your table, so wear something you don't mind getting a light smell of smoke or grease on—it's part of the experience. The restaurant environment is family-friendly, though the interactive nature of table grilling appeals more to adults and older teens than to very young children.

Budget roughly 30 to 60 minutes for a Korean BBQ meal, depending on how many rounds you order and how leisurely you want to eat. Sushi burgers are faster if you're in a hurry, but the restaurant's identity is built on the table grilling experience, which is inherently slow and social.

How Chef 21 Fits Into Columbia's Korean Food Scene

Columbia has a small but growing Korean food community, with restaurants ranging from casual spots to more formal establishments. Chef 21 occupies a specific niche: it's casual and interactive, combining two formats (table grilling and sushi burgers) rather than specializing in one. This makes it useful if you want to try Korean BBQ without committing to a full Korean restaurant experience, or if you want to mix Korean and Japanese cuisines in one meal.

The table grilling format is less common in South Carolina than it is in major cities with larger Korean populations, so Chef 21 offers something you won't find everywhere. If you're curious about how Korean food works in a social, hands-on setting, this is a practical place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to grill to eat Korean BBQ at Chef 21?

No. The server will explain the basics when your food arrives, and the process is straightforward: place meat on the grill, wait until it's cooked to your preference, eat it. If you've ever cooked anything on a stovetop or outdoor grill, you already have the skills. The restaurant handles the rest.

Can I make a reservation, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most Korean BBQ restaurants take reservations, and Chef 21 likely does as well, especially for groups. Call ahead to confirm availability and to let them know how many people are coming. Walk-ins are usually welcome during slower times, but you may wait during peak hours.

What if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

Korean BBQ restaurants can accommodate vegetarians by grilling vegetables and serving vegetable-based side dishes, though the menu is built around meat. Sushi burgers can also be made with vegetable or cooked protein fillings. Call the restaurant before you go to discuss what's available for your specific needs.

Is table grilling messy or does it smell?

There is some smoke and a light smell of grilled meat, which is part of the experience. You won't leave smelling like a barbecue, but your clothes may have a faint scent. The grill surface is designed to contain splatter, and the restaurant has ventilation to manage smoke. It's cleaner than outdoor grilling but less sterile than a standard restaurant table.

How much does a meal at Chef 21 typically cost?

Pricing varies by what you order, but Korean BBQ meals generally range from moderate to mid-range depending on the cuts of meat and how many rounds you order. Sushi burgers are typically less expensive than full BBQ meals. Call the restaurant or check their menu online for specific prices.