Korean food has long been a favorite group hang-out joint in cities like Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with hibachi heaters the crucial element for the grill-your-own-meats dining experience.

Opened in July 2009 by a trio of fashionable friends—Young Mi Park, Hyun Wanner und Jan Vogel, Kimchi Princess is decidedly more lord than lady, with a whole army of grills atop block wood tables, ruby red lighting and black-uniformed waitstaff manning the two-story loft. Entrées include tscheon pal, thin slices of sweet marinated pork, bibimbop and rarer dishes like soon dubu, a spicy soup with silken tofu. An upper-floor level holds a future bar and lounge area, and the food is, frankly, delicious.