Chula Vista Blog
Ready to experience this new business in Chula Vista?

Exciting New Korean BBQ Spot Coming to Chula Vista: Sura Korean BBQ

Sura Korean BBQ located in Chula Vista

Hey, Chula Vista! If you’re as passionate about discovering new dining experiences as I am, you’ve probably heard of Common Theory Public House and Realm of the 52 Remedies. Joon Lee and Cris Liang, the dynamic duo behind these popular spots, are always ahead of the curve. They opened Common Theory Public House in 2014, way before gastropubs were the thing, and Realm of the 52 Remedies in 2018, setting a new standard for speakeasies with its futuristic vibe. Get ready for their next project: Sura Korean BBQ.

The New Kid on the Block: Common Theory at Otay Ranch

Fast-forward to this year and Lee and Liang have brought Common Theory to the Mix at Millenia in Otay Ranch, even before the complex is fully built! But that’s not all—they’re about to launch something special next door.

Sura Korean BBQ: A Dream Realized

At 1960 Optima Street in Chula Vista, Joon Lee, Cris Liang, and Andy Ahn are opening Sura Korean BBQ by the end of June. This 4,500-square-foot restaurant will have 30 tables equipped with gas grills and can seat around 140-150 guests. Lee, who hails from South Korea and later moved to Chula Vista for high school, has been dreaming of opening a Korean BBQ joint for over a decade. Diners will be able to select from three different tiers of its all-you-can-eat experience, priced from $36.99 to $56.99 per person.

The Ultimate Korean BBQ Experience

Sura Korean BBQ promises to be an all-you-can-eat paradise with three pricing tiers: classic, premium, and Sura. Prime options will feature ribeye and soy-marinated beef short ribs. Guests can order from servers or visit the fresh meat bar to pick up their items and bring them back to the table to grill.

“We’re going to have some of the most traditional Korean foods,” Lee says. Expect delicious dishes like japchae, fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, and sweet-and-sour pork.

Sura Korean BBQ in Chula Vista
The new Sura Korean BBQ will be a foodie’s paradise with so many options. Photo Credit: James Tran

A Fusion of Flavors for the Local Community

Understanding the diverse tastes of Chula Vista’s community, Sura will also offer familiar Mexican and Filipino bites like pancit, chicken adobo, and carne asada. Lee adds, “We’re going to have tortillas, pico de gallo, and salsas ready. People can grill their carne asada at their tables and make tacos for themselves.”

I can’t wait to try their carne asada; this is going to be a super cool twist.

Drinks and Desserts Galore

And don’t worry about the drinks! Sura will serve self-serve ice cream, craft beer, wine, and soju spirits. “You can’t go to Korean BBQ without Korean soju,” Lee jokes.

Looking Forward to the Future

While Common Theory’s Chula Vista location is experiencing a slow start, Lee remains optimistic. “This area is still expanding,” he explains. With the SDSU campus being built across the street from Sura, Lee sees immense growth potential. “It’s going to be great,” he assures.

So, mark your calendars and prepare to grill some delicious meats at Sura Korean BBQ! This spot is set to become a new favorite for locals and BBQ lovers alike. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy eating!

Are you looking forward to all the new Korean BBQ spots coming soon to the Chula Vista area?

Amanda Contreras

Amanda, hailing from the vibrant city of Chula Vista, embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. With a Journalism degree from Southwestern College under her belt, she possesses a keen eye for captivating stories and a deep appreciation for the community that shaped her. Whether she's basking in the lively ambiance of a local dog park or savoring the joyful moments with friends at her go-to happy hour haven, Amanda's zest for life and her city shines through. Her passion for uncovering the hidden gems of Chula Vista and her commitment to storytelling make her a unique voice and a beloved figure among those who know her.