Jong Kak

This is a brightly lit, no-frills Korean BBQ restaurant in Baltimore's Lower Charles Village-Little Korea neighborhood. Open until 4 am, there's the opportunity for some serious people watching. Your first decision will be informing the hostess whether you want to sit at a table with the "regular" menu or BBQ (for 2 or more). BBQ is the pricier option, but it's a multi-course meal unto itself. Little banchan – appetizers – include kimchi, pickled sprouts, quick-cooked broccoli. A server lights a built-in charcoal grill that they occasionally boost with a hairdryer. Depending on the BBQ bundle you pick, there can be tender beef, pork belly, chicken and other meats. They're served with Romaine lettuce leaves, scallions, sliced raw garlic and bean paste – great for carb watchers! The meal is also accompanied by bowls of fresh soft scrambled eggs and hot, spicy soup with kimchi and tofu.