Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Mama Chos BBQ in Castro Valley

4.4 (87) 18911 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States

Categories

Korean barbecue restaurant

Location on the map

Castro Valley, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-538-6262
Site: https://mamachosbbq.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–7:30 PM
Thursday:11 AM–7:30 PM
Friday:11 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday:11 AM–7:30 PM
Sunday:11 AM–7:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.4

87 Reviews for Mama Chos BBQ 2024:

Review №1

2023-07-07 02:46:37

Just had one of the worst experiences at Mama Cho’s. I have been going there since it opened and have always loved the food. Since 2020 they have literally doubled the price of a plate and reduced the amount of Kalbi Ribs in half. We spent $60 for Two of us. We have ordered the same thing for years and the cost was less than $35 with Tip. I will be shocked if they stay in business for much longer.

Review №2

2023-05-01 20:39:26

The first time I ate chicken it was hard and I couldnt bite into it at all…. really disappointed… tastes like beef jerky.

Review №3

2021-01-24 16:44:09

Great location. Friendly staff.4 stars. I asked for chicken and received steak. Luckily I eat beef. Tasty and flavorful. Next time Ill try the Chicken...

Review №4

2019-10-30 21:07:31

I highly recommend the burrito. Really impressed how tasty it is combining the best of Korean and Mexican cuisine can be. The only downside is how long it takes to get your order.

Review №5

2021-12-17 06:58:29

Mama Cho’s was sooooo good I got the KBBQ bowl with the spicy pork and it was delicious. I practically inhaled it. Will definitely be back!

Review №6

2023-08-02 20:56:29

Cook was on his phone whole time took 20 minutes to get a simple sandwich and fries no people ahead of me. First and last .

Review №7

2021-06-14 20:32:34

Not bad, not outstanding. I got the spicy pork burrito and it was a pretty good and reasonable price. The problem with the burrito, and with most burrito stores, is the taste is segregated. One side all I taste is rice and flour and the other side is a bunch of flavor. If they could mix the stuff together, I would run to give this place a better review. This place is a good snack and quick food and the rating reflects the taste of their burrito only. I will update when I try other options on their menu

Review №8

2023-04-14 21:53:18

Order a galbi bowl and it came with a scoop of rice, one strip of galbi( cut into 3 small pieces with the bone), bit of kimchi, and a sprig of lettuce. All this for $19. Incredibly overpriced.

Review №9

2022-05-09 22:30:45

One of the best Korean BBQ burritos I have ever had. The spicy pork is my go to but the kalbi is excellent as well. The bibimbap is good too although they dont do stone pot.

Review №10

2021-07-12 06:10:51

The food is tasty, but the meat portion for the price is really disappointing. I got a bowl and paid the extra to get LA kalbi, and I got just 3 small pieces of meat, which equated to maybe 1 small full size short rib if it weren’t cut into smaller pieces at the bone intervals. It was a pitiful portion. That in combination with the wait time (about 30 minutes from ordering to getting our number called) means I’ll reconsider ordering from here again. I’m not sure if maybe the pandemic has affected their portion sizes, but I don’t remember being that disappointed by what I received in past visits. Avoid the bowls and try a burrito instead.

Review №11

2022-12-17 00:42:39

I ordered a bowl with LA Kalbi and it came with one slice of short ribs cut into 3 for $17.50. I will not be ordering that again and will stick with the spicy pork for $13.50 instead.

Review №12

2019-12-20 21:26:14

The food here is good, no question. The problem I have is this: when we first started going here they gave good sized portions, which made it more reasonable to charge what they charge. However, more recently the portions are way skimpier, AND they charge for every single extra little thing, including any kind of substitution. They charge extra for more than half the meat options, so you end up spending at least $20 for lunch. It’s tough because I do think the food is tasty (the burrito is killer), but when I get the mama chos plate I’m still hungry afterward even when ordering extra stuff. Wish they would just charge their higher rates and give you a decent sized portion of everything.

Review №13

2022-09-25 08:06:20

Love this place! They have the best Korean Bulgogi Beef plate! Plus specialty groceries are a must here, like Kimchee, Miso paste and other specialty items.

Review №14

2020-01-11 10:23:37

Pros:Cashier was friendly! They allow credit card/debit card usage. Plenty of seating. I liked the fish cake and seaweed salad was alright.cons:tried 3 kinds of korean-mexican tacos. $5/each including tax, so it wasnt a good deal. They werent much bigger than $2 tacos Ive had and certainly didnt taste better. I liked the marinated pork 1. The chicken taco was rather bland til I added salt to bring out the taste. Just tasted weird. Didnt like the taste of the taco. ( I didnt add too much salt in.) The taco in the middle tasted bad, but I finished it since I already paid for it.result:Id like to try the actual korean food, but Im not sure Ill come here again. Pretty pricey and the $ on yelp isnt accurate. Its more like $$. I dont like their +$1 policy for drinking beer at the restaurant/food court place.

Review №15

2017-03-14 20:45:49

Had dinner at Mama Chos after a long day of trout fishing at Lake Chabot. Ordered the chicken and spicy pork combo rice plate. Very tasty and delicious. Price was just under $10, really good value, they put lots of chicken and pork on your plate. Finally a eatery that gets it RIGHT! I will definitely be back. I highly recommend Mama Chos

Review №16

2020-06-11 22:33:50

They have very good varieties of choice of meats and especially the Korean pork belly meat....

Review №17

2021-09-30 21:33:28

I went this Tuesday and I’ve gotta say I had the most pleasant experience at mama chos bbq my experience first started off with this gentlemen named Malik who took my order. I was confused about the korean bbq burrito thinking if it has French fries in it and he made sure to answer all of my questions.

Review №18

2018-09-18 22:45:24

The Koren style tacos are fantastic. I dont usually like fusion but this is an exception. The chicken is very good but the rib tacos are excellent! They also sell 3 eye ribs so you can take home to BBQ which I plan to do. I will be back for sure.

Review №19

2021-10-12 08:04:51

Im a die hard Mama Cho’s BBQ fan. Its worth the drive & is the best go-to for hosting an at home Bbq. They also have great and rare beer selections. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Review №20

2016-05-13 19:42:03

Love their marinated meats from their meat counter -- so juicy and the flavor is amazing. Theyve also got Korean fusion tacos you can order and eat in at the food court. Well come back to try the bulgogi cheesesteak next time!

Review №21

2020-07-12 22:59:47

Great selection of meat, including delicious beef bulgogi. They also carry a small selection of fresh produce, eggs, milk, banchan (Korean side dishes), and frozen foods. Along with other beverages, they also offer an excellent selection of local beers. You can pick up all the ingredients you need to prepare a meal at home, or get a cooked meal (currently only for takeout).

Review №22

2019-08-27 23:08:09

Extremely busy so be prepared to wait. In the rare occasion where it’s not busy, buy a lotto ticket, cuz it’s legit your lucky day. NOTE: they do not sell lotto tickets. We loved the spicy Korean fried chicken and hope it will be added to the permanent menu soon. If the lot is full I usually park in the community center lot across the street.

Review №23

2016-05-26 20:01:46

The prices are just right for the quality and quantity of the hot foods offered. Ive had the fusion tacos which are hearty but well balanced in flavor. Today I had their kalbi burger with a side of sweet potato tots. The burger is so tender and flavorful. The toys are just sinful with the perfect balance of crunchy, pillowy paired will with the lemon aoli.

Review №24

2022-02-11 20:53:40

Really good Korean style food. We typically get the bowl or plate, but my wife also tried the salad style bowl today, and also liked it.

Review №25

2018-09-14 22:18:04

Spicy pork burrito was okay. The flavors did not mix well. May try the galbi later. The main reason for the 4 stars is thanks to the garlic fries. The garlic fries were nicely crispy, and you can actually taste the garlic. I would come back soley for the garlic fries. I may also purchase the white radish kimchi/salad in the grocery section too. The eating area was clean and brightly lit. There are framed photos of lake chabot market before it was cleaned up and changed into its present state on the table slab against the front windows.

Review №26

2020-08-13 04:31:02

Pretty good for a butcher shop, not so much for prepared food. Overpriced and small meat portion. Bi bim bap isnt too surprising to only get a spoonful beef. If you want a plate you figure since its just meat and a scoop of rice w/ kimchi, they would have a better portion. nope. $14 for the plate and $3 extra to do short rib. and that is JUST 1 SLICE. They accidentally charged me for a double portion, $6, and it still was on the smaller side for what i thought would be $17, but for $20 to only get 2 pieces of short rib. they trippin trippin.

Review №27

2020-06-04 21:29:48

9 weeks pregnant, I miss all Korean foods so badly and seriously considered coming back to Seoul for some real Korean foods during pregnancy. I was recommended to try this place and bought short ribs for Galbi and Jangjorim along with marinated Bulgogi and spicy pork two days ago. Raw meats were so fresh that I did not have to spend time preparing them for cooking. And marinated meats were ULTIMATE KOREAN SOUL FOODS. Definitely will go there soon.

Review №28

2017-06-02 01:11:15

Seriously?! Where has this place been all my life! I wish it was closer to me in South Bay though. I got a spicy pork and kalbi taco, and shared the Ma Chos kalbi fries with an egg on top. The meats are amazing -- the family actually started with a meat business (its next to Mama Chos -- C&H Meats) and the oldest son took his moms home recipes to create Mama Chos!

Review №29

2023-09-27 20:02:47

I like the bbq platter and the burritos.

Review №30

2018-03-26 13:27:33

Located in a former grocery store turned food court. Ordered the MBBQ burrito with spicy pork. Salty and sour taste. Very unpleasant. Will try the Kalbi next time with rice which is more traditional and should taste better.

Review №31

2022-05-18 19:15:35

Had the KBBQ taco with spicy pork and a flour tortilla. The pork was really saucy and watery. I was expecting a more spicey and bbq flavor.

Review №32

2022-04-17 00:34:51

One of the best places to eat in Castro Valley… but their beer isn’t kept cold enough… and at $5/bottle it feels like crazy rich Asian place, ha ha

Review №33

2018-10-03 22:33:16

Cute clean and quiant indoor market and beautiful eats. Korean chicken is soft and yummy! Spice! Yes! Picnic tables and chair to eat right there. Quick get to spot when not crowded. Parking lot. Easy!

Review №34

2017-08-26 02:47:48

The worst food I ever had !!! 👎👎👎👎Spent $27 for a rice plate with beef and chicken!! Only 3 Pieces of each verry verry tiny and a LOT of white rice, and a hoagie chease steak that tastes horrible!!I really hope.that me and my wife will not get sick from eating that garbage!!!Waste of $27 !!!👎👎👎👎👎

Review №35

2021-11-29 18:18:43

Awesome neighborhood spot to grab a bite, pick up some fresh beef, and nice little green grocery area. Good selection of Kim Chee and assorted asian convenience foods

Review №36

2018-04-27 03:49:56

This place is clean, the service is friendly and the food is Delicious! I am Korean and I love the food! If you havent tried Korean food, this place has a good twist of mixing Korean, Mexican and American food, I highly recommend anyone try this place!

Review №37

2019-07-19 00:46:48

This NOT KOREAN FOOD! Flavor is garbage service is garbage. Food was not worth the $16.95 they charged. Barely any food your better off going elsewhere. You have been warned!

Review №38

2020-07-03 20:04:30

I was very dissapointed about this place. I got nachos and the salsa pico de gallo did not tasted fresh, the guacamole was also old and almost black like it was made one day before.

Review №39

2022-03-05 23:55:15

Like buying Mango Boba tea here. It tastes so fresh. Wasnt too busy for a.Saturday afternoon.

Review №40

2017-08-07 21:25:27

This place is amazing. The Mexican-Korean fusion menu is delicious as well as the ability to pick up meat like Oakland Galbi to cook on the grill!

Review №41

2022-04-15 21:30:13

First time visiting the market place eatery. Saw this while visiting lake chabot looking for a place to eat.I guess everywhere you eat out now is expensive so I have to get used to it.

Review №42

2021-04-05 19:43:11

One worker said i can use the bathroom the other said i couldnt. Yet when a female asks her she let her use it . double standards is the reason i gibe this place 1 star.

Review №43

2020-01-25 19:43:10

Great Meat choices and the Philly Cheesesteak are Delicious and I Definitely Recommend that you try them, with the Meat and Fixings of your choice.

Review №44

2022-10-23 18:09:05

The kalbi burritos and KBBQ burritos are awesome and very filling.

Review №45

2019-06-29 00:36:29

Great food selections, craft beer, comfortable environment makes it one of Castro Valleys best food n chill spots.

Review №46

2020-07-10 22:14:08

The meat selection is great! Great price for their meat and produce, and the food is pretty good.

Review №47

2016-06-21 13:36:47

Great meal but quite long to get my order ready, hope you can improve it. Love the place!

Review №48

2022-02-27 04:14:38

Great Korean and Korean fusion food. A little pricy but excellent

Review №49

2019-02-18 22:06:11

Love to bring home some of the chicken, pork, or beef and kimchee. Also a pleasant location to hang out.

Review №50

2017-01-18 20:03:51

The menu is amazing. You have to try the Oakland kalbi. Its next level good.

Review №51

2020-11-20 01:22:09

Mama Chos is always good. Definitely a fun place to have lunch or dinner!!!

Review №52

2023-02-15 01:43:49

Really disappointed in their portion and the way they treated us.

Review №53

2021-02-19 19:34:10

Tastes great, good price, quick, healthy, convient! Nice ppl too!

Review №54

2022-09-27 01:10:30

Kalbi and bulgogi were poor quality and overcooked

Review №55

2018-12-09 01:17:21

I have to go back and hit all the different stations. Great concept, great food.

Review №56

2021-05-07 07:26:47

Mama cho’s have great burritos and friendly service staffs

Review №57

2019-06-29 15:19:03

Korean bbq burritos... yeah. Theyre good.

Review №58

2019-10-17 04:15:54

Amazing food! Love the spicy pork

Review №59

2022-07-11 14:29:42

Bulgogi burritos. Go get one, or three.

Review №60

2019-06-22 23:22:21

The BBQ tacos are outstanding. Not to be missed.

Review №61

2022-01-22 23:11:29

Bulgogi cheese steak was tasty.

Review №62

2018-10-18 03:40:19

Tasty, food to go and fresh meat for take-out.

Review №63

2020-11-03 04:38:44

Best original Korean food in the East Bay.

Review №64

2017-06-13 23:19:29

Good fries and good food

Review №65

2018-09-18 16:29:14

Chicken is marinated and definitely cooked with love!

Review №66

2017-09-13 22:59:08

Pretty darn good Korean chicken burrito. Girthy...

Review №67

2020-05-24 14:43:03

Tried the chicken burrito, pretty yummy stuff

Review №68

2020-07-13 20:35:48

Love this place. Great food and service

Review №69

2020-05-24 16:45:28

It is delicious but a bit pricey.

Review №70

2021-11-02 20:34:06

Always delicious and service is always good

Review №71

2020-08-30 05:18:10

Love the variety of yummy food offered.

Review №72

2019-05-01 04:18:56

They have good food in the place.

Review №73

2018-10-26 22:59:15

Best BBQ and Korean fries!

Review №74

2019-08-02 09:52:25

Very good Korean burritos

Review №75

2019-08-12 16:49:09

Has bulgogi and bibimbap

Review №76

2018-04-09 19:07:40

Great bulgogi burger

Review №77

2019-09-16 21:16:25

Love this place and the food is great.

Review №78

2020-10-05 04:35:17

Yummy!

Review №79

2020-08-12 22:01:10

Delish

Review №80

2020-07-04 23:22:30

Great place for lunch or dinner

Review №81

2019-10-15 21:05:37

Best!!

Review №82

2019-02-10 00:55:22

Castro Valleys BEST!!!!

Review №83

2017-12-14 20:42:32

Variety of places in this facility

Review №84

2019-08-17 04:02:58

Tacos

Review №85

2017-05-08 06:29:06

Well cooked food!

Review №86

2017-01-05 17:09:43

Its great good service

Review №87

2018-12-23 18:15:03

I like