Surviving a Georgia winter requires strategy, but here’s one essential: find a place where the kimchi is spicy and the soju flows freely. These Buford spots aren’t just restaurants—they’re warm havens where banchan plates multiply like magic and the grill sizzles with promise. Consider this your guide to making it through the chill, one perfect bibimbap at a time.
HANA 하나 분식당
$ | (470) 395-5970 | WEBSITE
HANA is pretty laid-back—but when you’re craving Korean comfort food, that’s exactly how you want to feel. The simpler it is, the more you appreciate it. So head to HANA, grab a seat in the cozy dining room, and dig into something while you soak up the relaxed atmosphere and plan your next visit. This is one of the best Korean spots in Buford, but it’s still wonderfully casual, and being self-service means you don’t even need to worry about tipping.
Chef JK Korean BBQ Master
$ | (678) 288-9300 | WEBSITE
If you feel bad about how much you spend on Korean BBQ, get a meal at Chef JK Korean BBQ Master, which is definitely (probably) more affordable than your usual spot. This is a restaurant in Buford, and if you take someone here, they will guaranteed think that you know more about Korean food than you actually do. This place also serves generous portions every day, and features delicious dishes with things like Han Bang Gal Bi Tang and perfectly seasoned short ribs.
Thrill Korean Steak And Bar
$$ | (470) 238-3656 | WEBSITE
Thrill Korean Steak And Bar is a spacious, beautifully decorated spot in Buford, Georgia where you should go with friends who tend to complain about places that only have a few basic proteins.
This place features fantastic options like bulgogi beef and galbi short ribs, along with smoked pork belly and pork brisket, but even if you don’t know the difference between bulgogi and galbi, there’s plenty to keep you satisfied, like the all-you-can-eat format and attentive servers like Jason and Daniel providing cooking advice throughout your meal.
Bogle Bogle Tofu & Noodle (보글보글)
$ | (470) 719-9757 | WEBSITE
Bogle Bogle Tofu & Noodle gets plenty of authenticity, so you won’t have to worry about feeling like a tourist here. It’s also nice and diverse on the menu, so you won’t have to worry about feeling like a picky eater, either. (You will be a regular, of course, but at least you’ll be one with good taste.)
하준농원
$ | (470) 238-3265 | WEBSITE
Harun Nongwon has two things we truly appreciate: healthy ingredients and homemade tofu. So if you’re looking for something to eat on a Tuesday evening, know that you can have a very good meal here. The space is pretty simple, with organic decor and wooden tables, and it’s a perfectly good place to enjoy some time with a couple of friends in Buford, especially during busy hours when the self-service style keeps things moving.
Gwangjang Food Hall(Inside Boxete Kitchen)
$ | (678) 981-4746 | WEBSITE
Gwangjang Food Hall isn’t a fancy restaurant. It’s just a Buford food hall that has kiosks, modern decor, and a five-star feel. When you’re grabbing lunch, you need stuff like that to distract yourself from the fact that you’re not cooking or meal prepping. The food is also super-reasonable here, and they give you eco-friendly packaging. And the only thing that tastes better than cheese tteokbokki is, um, actually most things. But, at the same time, most things aren’t this tasty.
DON GA NE | Authentic Korean restaurant, Korean foods in Suwanee, GA
Not every Korean restaurant is great for authentic dining. Some make you feel like you’re settling for a watered-down version or trying to convince yourself that instant noodles are the real deal. DON GA NE, however, isn’t like that. It’s a friendly, quick-service spot in Suwanee, GA, and it’s the sort of place where you can enjoy standout dishes like their soybean paste and sweet and sour pork, which are said to be the best in Georgia, when you’re craving truly spicy and delicious flavors.
JAWS Topokki Suwanee (죠스 떡볶이)
$ | (678) 819-8766 | WEBSITE
We aren’t entirely sure what JAWS Topokki is exactly (or what the letters JAWS actually stand for), but you can just think of it as a Korean spot with a full menu. It feels like a place you’d find in a bustling food court, and it’s one of the few spots in the area where you can enjoy some rose topokki soup. They also have reasonably priced lunch boxes, a great kimbap selection, and some spicy tteokbokki you can eat while it’s busy inside and everyone thinks you’re just grabbing a quick bite.
천통한식 소들녘 SODEULNYUK Korean BBQ
$ | (678) 394-5190 | WEBSITE
The thing about eating Korean BBQ in Buford is that people might assume you’re on a culinary adventure, and then they won’t judge you. And that sounds like a check mark in the win column. You can order kalbi or mackerel here any day, or you can try kimchi pancakes and spicy cold noodles here any day. The choice is yours. There are also plenty of cozy corners where you can watch families enjoying home-style Korean meals.
ChiMaek Chicken
$ | (470) 266-1996 | WEBSITE
It’s a dreary evening, and you don’t want to go somewhere sterile with harsh lighting where you’ll be constantly reminded of the week’s stresses. Instead, head to ChiMaek Chicken. This Buford Korean spot is a spacious, welcoming space that feels like a bustling family kitchen in Seoul. There’s even a cozy corner for large parties, which you should gather around while you try any of the perfectly seasoned fried chicken options.
The friendly staff, including an engaging older Korean lady, provides excellent suggestions, making the experience feel personal and warm. The red curry snow chicken tenders are crispy and just spicy enough for $15, while the spicy garlic wing combo and chicken fried rice are also top picks. With everyday specials and dishes complementing a ChiMaek meal for around $10, it’s a great deal compared to other places where similar items can cost $16-20.
Although it wasn’t busy during a recent visit, the atmosphere remains inviting, with seating for groups and small tables in the middle. The hot sauce adds a nice kick, and the sweet onion and spicy wet sauce chickens, along with Korean Chinese options like jjajangmyun, won’t disappoint. This independent gem, formerly the Choong Man franchise, is a must-try spot that maintains crispiness unlike other places, with chicken boxes stacked to the brim and tasty pickled radish to round it all out.
bb.q Chicken Suwanee
$ | (678) 541-5310 | WEBSITE
We wouldn’t send you here for a fancy dinner, but if you’re craving crispy fried chicken with friends, it’s spot on. BB.q Chicken Suwanee is a casual and laid-back alternative to the many chain restaurants in Buford, and they have a solid selection of Korean-inspired dishes to dig into. Food-wise, they serve flavorful options like the sweet and spicy Gangjeong and the standout Spicy Galbi chicken – but that’s not a bad thing.
You shouldn’t expect free refills on pickled radish before you order, unless you’re feeling generous or you really want to.
Chung Ki Wa Korean BBQ
$$ | (470) 395-0990 | WEBSITE
If you’re really into Korean food and you enjoy sharing hearty meals with friends, Chung Ki Wa Korean BBQ is one of your best options in Buford. This place isn’t quite as fancy as some modern Korean spots, but it’s a good spot to gather with a few friends who couldn’t care less whether a restaurant has sleek decor or minimalist plating.
The homey atmosphere with privacy walls between tables makes it feel like you’re at a family dinner, and the reasonable prices mean you can order generously without worrying about the bill. You’ll find yourself passing around large bowls of spicy pork bone soup or braised baby back ribs, dipping into the delightful surprise of spicy marinated crab from the banchan selection, and leaving completely satisfied with that authentic, home-style Korean experience.
Iron Age Korean Steakhouse – Mall of Georgia
$$ | (678) 541-5055 | WEBSITE
As a Korean BBQ destination, Iron Age Korean Steakhouse has a lot going for it. They have tabletop grills where you can cook your own food, there’s a variety of steak, pork, and seafood to choose from, and the staff is attentive and informative. They also cater to vegetarians and offer gluten-free options. And all of that makes it pretty ideal for families.
This is essentially a hands-on dining experience without the formality, and you could probably linger over your meal and not feel rushed for several hours.
Cafe Mixx
$ | (470) 326-5788 | WEBSITE
We have to include Cafe Mixx on this list because it’s one of our favorite Korean spots, and they offer a kid-friendly atmosphere with special tables every day. So, say your friends are in town, and they want to have a casual meal. Not fancy, casual—because they don’t understand the difference—and you all head over to Cafe Mixx while the afternoon’s still young.
Fortunately, you can enjoy their delicious desserts and outstanding iced coffee immediately after and take the edge off your study session before your evening plans even begin.