I’ve been coming to this place since I was a senior in high school, and now that I’m a senior in college, I thought it’d be meaningful to share my experience. First of all, the food is delicious — the side dishes are always fresh and there’s such a great variety. Dare I say, they have the best kimchi in town! Ever since they introduced the All You Can Eat (AYCE) option, I’m pretty sure they see me once every week — and that says a lot. The servers are always friendly, and no matter how busy it gets, they remain composed, polite, and respectful. I have several dietary restrictions, but they’ve always been accommodating, which I really appreciate. Another thing worth mentioning is that they’re the only AYCE restaurant I know that serves Beef Belly — my absolute favorite cut of meat. I also don’t like overly loud places, but the atmosphere here is always chill, the music isn’t too loud, and the lighting is just right. I really appreciate that, too.
Overview
Sam Won Garden Korean BBQ in Jacksonville, Florida, is a must-visit spot for anyone craving authentic Korean barbecue in a cozy, welcoming setting. Located at 4345-1 University Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32216, this restaurant has earned a reputation for its excellent food, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a long-time fan of Korean cuisine or new to it, Sam Won Garden offers a fantastic experience that will keep you coming back for more.
As soon as you step inside Sam Won Garden, the first thing you’ll notice is the warm, rustic feel of the space. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a hearty meal with friends or family. The restaurant has a traditional Korean BBQ setup, where diners cook their own meat right at the table on a built-in grill. This interactive dining experience adds a fun element to the meal, as everyone can choose their favorite cuts of meat and cook them to their liking.
The menu at Sam Won Garden Korean BBQ is full of tempting options, from marinated short ribs to juicy pork belly and tender beef. One of the standout dishes is their “Samgyeopsal,” a classic Korean dish of grilled pork belly served with a variety of banchan (side dishes). Each bite of the crispy, flavorful pork is complemented by the tangy kimchi, savory pickled vegetables, and spicy dipping sauces that come with the meal. It’s an explosion of flavors that captures the essence of Korean barbecue perfectly.
Another popular item on the menu is the “Bulgogi,” thinly sliced marinated beef cooked on the grill. This dish is a favorite among both first-time visitors and seasoned Korean BBQ lovers. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the smokiness from the grill, makes it a memorable dish that pairs wonderfully with a side of rice and kimchi. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t miss their “Spicy Pork” option, which packs a flavorful punch and leaves your taste buds tingling.
One thing that sets Sam Won Garden apart from other Korean BBQ spots in the area is its commitment to quality. The meats are always fresh, and the banchan is made in-house with a perfect balance of flavors. Even the sauces and marinades are crafted with care, ensuring that each dish is packed with authentic taste. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or a special dinner, the quality of the food here never disappoints.
The restaurant is also known for its attentive and friendly staff. They take the time to explain the menu, guide you through the grilling process, and ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Their warm hospitality adds to the overall experience, making it feel like a special occasion every time you visit.
For those who are new to Korean BBQ, Sam Won Garden is a great place to start. The staff is happy to explain the grilling process and help you choose the best dishes for your taste. If you’re unsure what to order, try their “BBQ Combo,” which gives you a taste of a variety of meats and allows you to sample a little bit of everything. It's perfect for groups or anyone who wants to try a bit of everything on the menu.
In addition to their BBQ offerings, Sam Won Garden also serves up delicious traditional Korean dishes like “Kimchi Jjigae” (kimchi stew), “Bibimbap” (rice with mixed vegetables and egg), and “Japchae” (stir-fried glass noodles). These dishes provide a more traditional Korean experience that complements the BBQ selection perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their “Korean Fried Chicken” is crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive.
As for location, Sam Won Garden Korean BBQ is conveniently situated in the heart of Jacksonville, making it a great choice for both locals and visitors. Whether you're stopping by after a long day of shopping or looking for a place to gather with friends for a night out, this restaurant offers the perfect setting. The easy-to-find location on University Blvd S ensures that you won't have trouble getting there, and the ample parking nearby makes it hassle-free to visit.
Sam Won Garden Korean BBQ also gets high marks for its reasonable prices, especially considering the high quality of food and the interactive dining experience. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a filling, flavorful meal without breaking the bank, making it a great choice for both casual and special occasions. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply enjoying a great meal, Sam Won Garden offers something for everyone.
Overall, if you’re looking for a top-tier Korean BBQ experience in Jacksonville, Sam Won Garden Korean BBQ is an excellent choice. With its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder why this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. So, gather your friends or family, head over to 4345-1 University Blvd S, and treat yourself to a memorable meal at this beloved Korean BBQ spot.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Anyone who has lived in Jacksonville has been to Sam Won once in their life. What they don't know is that this place has a new owner and got renovated with smokeless table grills all over the place. What they also don't know is that the quality is top notch, as well as the service. Have I also mentioned that it's only $27/person for the all you can eat Korean BBQ? You can not beat that price for the great experience there. Oh, there's a button you can push to call a server instead of yelling across the restaurant for one. Don't forget to sign up for their point system. Seriously, other Korean BBQ places are like almost $40/person...why?!? Those other restaurants need to learn how service and quality is from Sam Won Garden.
It's been a long time since I've been here but my mom and dad came here a lot. So we came to give a try since our go to was closed on a Monday. Located within a strip mall, plenty of parking outside. Love the atmosphere inside and the smells as you enter were wonderful. They have an all you can eat, cook at the table option but I like my meals served to me and not cook it myself. The Bento box lunch special has a lot of food. It's the same meal served for dinner. The beef and spicy pork bulgogi is the best. They over cooked the chicken after tasting my sister's plate. We also got a side of Japchae which is delicious. Also got the hot pot Bibimbap. One of my favorite meals. We are definitely regular customers here
One of the best all you can eat korean bbq places out there. Not for the meat but the side dishes and the soups! Most places do not have the soups and they have a full, meal sized, soups, egg souffle, excellent side dishes too. I live far away but will definitely come again when I drive through Jacksonville.
We always have a great time at Sam Won Garden! Our go-to is the All You Can Eat Korean BBQ, and it never disappoints. The staff is so kind and attentive—they’re quick to bring anything you need, and always make sure your grill is perfect. That kind of service makes such a difference, especially during a longer meal like KBBQ. What really sets Sam Won apart is the variety of appetizers and banchan (side dishes) included with the all-you-can-eat option. A lot of other KBBQ spots skip that or charge extra, but here you get the full experience from start to finish. It feels generous and authentic, and the flavors are always on point. Highly recommend for a fun night out with friends or family. Come hungry and ready to grill!
AYCE kbbq starting at $27! We enjoyed the banchan! My favs were the kimchi, tofu, and noodle with light cream! I’m glad also for the side of romaine lettuce. Rice is optional. We got the brisket, sliced pork belly, and spicy pork. You can get 3 meats and 3 sides at a time. For sides we each got a tofu soup, then shared the kimchi pancake. Our individual soups were fairly big and so was the pancake. The grill was decent. So stuffed!
Lots of history at this location. First place I ever had sushi and where I fell in love with Korean flavors. Under new management now so a few differences however overall glad I went back during a hometown visit.