Why I Like Ke‘eaumoku’s New Yakiniku Like

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

My least favorite part about going out for Korean barbecue is the smoke—blowing in my face, clinging to my clothes and hair, and leaving me smelling like, well, KBBQ. At Yakiniku Like, this isn’t an issue. That’s a nice plus for the new spot that opened on Ke‘eaumoku Street at the beginning of April.

What sets Yakiniku Like apart from other KBBQ restaurants in town? The answer is right on the sign. It literally reads: “¥akiniku Like!! Tasty! Quick! Value!” After the efficient smokeless grilling system, this is why I like Yakiniku Like: It delivers on all three.

The menu has à la carte items and set meals, plus sides and mostly soft drinks. Set meals go from $9.95 (the April special combined 75 grams each of kalbi and chicken with rice, salad, kim chee and miso soup) to $24.95, which includes higher beef cuts. Meat choices come in 100-gram portions for $2.25 to $7.50 and include marinated chicken, pork, kalbi, harami and beef tongue.

SEE ALSO: 4 New Korean Restaurants Opened in Honolulu in 12 Days

Meats are sliced thin, so if you’re a big eater, you’ll probably want to add some side orders. The quality is solid, though all I could find out about the sourcing was that the meats come from California. Some cuts are marinated in and drizzled with the house soy-based sauce, a different style from the rich, red-orange kalbi marinades at other spots (you’ll see why below). You can request plain if you prefer.

You order through your phone—just scan the QR code, place your order and pay. Paying before your food arrives is unusual for a dine-in restaurant, but this makes it easy to finish and go—no waiting around for your check, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. I also like how every scan creates a new tab, which makes it super easy to split the bill. Everyone can order from their own phone—perfect for outings with friends.

Back to the marinades and smokeless grills. Yakiniku Like is a Japanese KBBQ chain with locations around the world, and Honolulu marks its first restaurant in the U.S. (Its parent company also owns the Waikīkī udon and sushi restaurant TsuruTonTan.) It doesn’t use those overhead vents that hang above the grill at older KBBQ spots. Instead, vents built into the side of the table immediately pull in the smoke. It keeps the smell contained to the grill—not your clothes.

All in all, Yakiniku Like lives up to its motto. Here’s what we tried.

SEE ALSO: I Got Into Tonkatsu Kuro at 8:15 on a Wednesday Night and It Was So Worth It

Yaki-shabu, Sliced Pork & Premium Kalbi Short Rib Set (250g), $23.95

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

Brisket is always my go-to at KBBQ, so I have to try the Yaki-shabu, aka brisket. It’s tender, flavorful and easily one of my top three meats. The sliced pork is thin and crisps up nicely on the grill. The set’s premium kalbi is one of two short rib options and is noticeably more tender than the kalbi short plate, which has more fat.

Kalbi Short Plate, Harami & Gyutan Set (200g), $20.95

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

The kalbi short plate, from the lower belly, has a nice fatty flavor but is a bit chewier than the premium version. Harami, aka skirt steak, is the thickest cut we try, yet one of the most tender. It gives me steak vibes. I’d definitely order this again. Both are winners with my mom, who likes beef tongue and says this one is good, but the other two cuts are better.

Misuji (100g), $4

Photo: Katelyn Pabila

I have to try the misuji, aka top blade. It’s super tender—and at $4, a good value.

My personal faves? The Yaki-shabu, premium kalbi short rib and misuji.

As for parking, there is a lot right in front that is shared with neighboring businesses. If it’s full, there’s street parking and a paid lot across Young Street that’s $2 per hour.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 1108 Ke‘eaumoku St. Unit 101, (808) 597-9004, yakinikulike.id, @yakinikulike_hi

Katelyn Pabila is the spring 2025 intern for Frolic Hawai‘i.