Hero Korean Steak House: Grilled Meats and Traditional Sides in Columbia

What Hero Korean Steak House Serves

Hero Korean Steak House in Columbia specializes in Korean barbecue—grilled meats cooked at your table on built-in grills, served with banchan (small side dishes), rice, and soup. The restaurant's core menu centers on beef: marinated short ribs (galbi), thin-sliced ribeye (bulgogi), and unmarked cuts grilled plain so you taste the meat itself. Pork belly, chicken, and seafood round out the protein options.

The experience is interactive. Your server brings raw meat and vegetables to a tabletop grill, you cook to your preference, and you wrap pieces in lettuce leaves with garlic, peppers, and ssamjang (Korean dipping paste). The banchan—typically kimchi, seasoned spinach, pickled radish, and bean sprouts—come free and refill throughout the meal. Rice and a clear broth arrive at the start.

Hero also serves non-grilled Korean dishes: bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables and egg), Korean stews, and noodle soups. The bar stocks Korean beer, soju, and plum wine alongside standard spirits.

Key Takeaways

• Hero Korean Steak House cooks meat at your table on a built-in grill, letting you control how well-done each piece gets.
• The meal includes unlimited banchan (side dishes), rice, and soup, plus lettuce wraps and dipping sauces for assembling each bite.
• Beef short ribs and thin-sliced ribeye are the signature proteins, though pork belly, chicken, and seafood are also available.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and serves both grilled and non-grilled Korean dishes, with Korean beverages on the drink menu.

How the Tabletop Grill Works

When you order, your server brings a tray of raw meat and vegetables—usually mushrooms, onions, and zucchini—and places it on the grill built into your table. The grill is already hot. You use metal tongs and a spatula to move pieces around, cooking them as fast or slow as you like. Most diners cook a few pieces at a time rather than everything at once, so the meal stretches across 45 minutes to an hour.

The lettuce wraps are the traditional way to eat: tear off a leaf, add a piece of cooked meat, a slice of garlic, a pepper, a dab of ssamjang, and eat it in one bite. Some diners mix cooked meat into their rice instead. Either way, the banchan stay on the table throughout, and you eat them between grilled bites.

If you have never done this before, tell your server. They will show you the order to cook things and how much to make at once. The grill can feel intimidating the first time, but it is hard to ruin meat by overcooking it slightly—Korean barbecue is forgiving.

Pricing and What to Expect to Spend

Tabletop grilling costs more than ordering a single prepared dish. Beef short ribs and premium cuts run higher than chicken or pork belly. Most diners spend between $25 and $50 per person before drinks and tax, depending on which proteins they choose and how much they eat. The unlimited banchan and rice keep the per-person cost reasonable compared to other grilled-meat restaurants.

Hero accepts cash and card. Reservations are recommended on weekends, especially for larger groups, because the tabletop grills take up space and the restaurant fills quickly during dinner hours.

When to Go and What the Atmosphere Is Like

Hero is busiest Friday and Saturday evenings. Lunch is quieter and a good time to go if you want a more relaxed first experience with tabletop grilling. The dining room has a casual, energetic feel—the smell of grilling meat and the sound of sizzling grills at neighboring tables create an active atmosphere. Groups and families are common; solo diners can sit at the bar or request a small table.

The restaurant is well-ventilated, though you will smell like grilled meat when you leave. Wear clothes you do not mind getting a slight char smell on, or plan to change when you get home.

Non-Grilled Options and Sides

If tabletop grilling is not what you want that day, Hero serves bibimbap—a stone bowl of warm rice topped with cooked vegetables, a fried egg, and your choice of protein, mixed together at the table. Korean stews (jjigae) and noodle soups are also on the menu. These dishes arrive prepared and ready to eat, no cooking required.

The banchan that come with grilled meat are also served with these dishes, so you still get the full range of pickled and seasoned vegetables. Portions are substantial, and most people finish satisfied.

Drinks and Dessert

The drink menu includes Korean beer (Cass, Hite, Asahi), soju in several varieties, and plum wine. The bar also makes cocktails and serves wine and standard spirits. Soju pairs traditionally with Korean barbecue—it is lower in alcohol than whiskey but higher than beer, and the slight sweetness complements grilled meat.

Dessert options are limited. Some locations offer bingsu (shaved ice with condensed milk and toppings) or mochi ice cream. Ask your server what is available that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cook the meat myself?

Yes, tabletop grilling is the main experience at Hero. If you prefer not to cook, order bibimbap, stew, or noodle soup instead—those arrive prepared. Your server can tell you which dishes do not require table cooking.

What if I do not like spicy food?

The meat itself is not spicy; the heat comes from ssamjang and other dipping sauces you control. Ask your server for mild or no ssamjang, and skip the peppers in your lettuce wraps. The banchan vary—some are spicy, some are not. Your server can point out which ones to avoid.

Is there parking?

Hero is located in Columbia. Parking depends on the specific location; call ahead or check the restaurant's website for details about street parking, a lot, or garage access near the address.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes, and reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and for groups of four or more. Call the restaurant directly to book, or ask if they take reservations through online platforms.

What should I order if it is my first time?

Start with beef short ribs (galbi) or thin-sliced ribeye (bulgogi)—both are forgiving to cook and show off what tabletop grilling is about. Order one protein to share if you are unsure about portion size. The server will bring everything you need, including instructions.