Brian Nagele
In the hustle and bustle of New York City lies a world of cuisine for you to explore at your leisure.
In addition, the diverse culture that lies within the five boroughs of this metropolis encompasses a wide range of customs and traditions.
One of the growing favorites in NYC through the years is Korean BBQ. Their approach to meals provides variety and adventure that many residents and tourists seek in their next dining out experience.
For a unique experience, many Korean BBQ restaurants offer a built-in grill right at the table. As a result, diners can choose their favorite cuts of meat and marinade, creating the perfect dish right in front of them.
If you are new to Korean culture or want to expand to other establishments, the choices in New York City are abundant. Here are all the best spots for Korean BBQ in NYC for some iconic dishes in the area.
Cote Korean Steakhouse
16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Phone: 212-401-7986
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Walking into Cote Korean Steakhouse, the first thing you might notice is the smell of sizzling meat and seafood.
The other thing is the fun atmosphere. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions.
Cote Korean Steakhouse serves bibimbap, bulgogi, and spicy pork cutlets. I recommend trying those dishes if you’ve never had traditional Korean cuisine before.
The Cote’s menu doesn’t have a lot of variety, but it does exemplify the iconic selections you should try at least once. However, there are some better Korean restaurants in New York City with more variety.
Jongro BBQ
22 W 32nd St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-473-2233
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Jongro BBQ sits in the heart of New York City’s Koreatown, only a short walk from the Empire State Building.
Apart from all the BBQ classics, the restaurant also offers many seafood entrees, including oysters, octopus, shrimp, and clams. These dishes are all prepared fresh in-house daily in a traditional Korean atmosphere.
I recommend getting a beef tongue or pork belly with rice cakes. The beef tongue comes out hot with steamed rice.
The meat melts in your mouth, and the rice cakes have just the right texture when combined on your spoon.
Pork belly is also pretty good here, but it’s more fatty than meaty, so I prefer the beef tongue.
Don’s Bogam & Wine Bar
17 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 123-456-7890
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This restaurant offers authentic Korean cuisine and a wide selection of wine. Don’s Bogam & Wine Bar is a great restaurant for hosting a night out with friends or a date, offering excellent food accompanied by friendly staff.
The restaurant itself is spotless and well-maintained, with modern decor and indoor and outdoor seating.
The food is prepared fresh, and there’s enough to share among several people. Many dietary options are available, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
In addition, they have an entire section dedicated to seafood selections that will make your mouth water. I recommend the seafood pancake appetizer to pair with any meal (especially brunch).
It comes with a vegetable salad and kimchi, optional but adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
Baekjeong NYC
1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-966-9839
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Baekjeong has a great selection of meats and vegetable dishes, plus a full bar. Mondays are their popular all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ night.
Those days are packed, but if you go with a few friends, you should be able to get your fill of yummy Korean BBQ cooked right at your table!
They were voted New York City’s best Korean barbeque restaurant and are a hotspot for celebrities while in the area.
Take the subway to the 33rd Street Station right off Madison Avenue to reach them quickly. If you want an authentic Korean BBQ experience with quality food, you cannot go wrong with choosing Baekjeong NYC.
I recommend trying the spicy pork belly or pork shoulder marinated in sweet soy sauce, as well as the kimchi fried rice.
They have some great choices for vegetables – my favorites include fresh shiitake mushrooms and garlic spinach. The waiters will refill your banchan quickly while you’re busy cooking your meat.
Antoya Korean BBQ (Formerly Samwon Garden)
37 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-695-3131
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This Korean barbecue restaurant is located in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood and was honored as one of the many quality establishments on Michelin’s 2021 Bib Gourmand Restaurant Guide.
Antoya Korean BBQ offers versatile indoor and outdoor dining choices to suit any visitors or residents of NYC.
There are different types of meat on the menu at Antoya Korean BBQ, and if you don’t know what to order, the staff can help you pick something that fits your tastes.
There are also vegetarian and seafood options available for those who don’t eat meat. In addition, they have some terrific lunch specials.
These specials are available during the week, so if you’re on a tight budget or just looking for something quick, this may be the place for you.
Gaonnuri
1250 Broadway 39th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-971-9045
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Located at 1037 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, this restaurant serves traditional Korean cuisine with a hint of French influence.
The restaurant offers breathtaking views of New York from the top floor of a big-city skyscraper to complete the exceptional dining experience.
The restaurant has a casual vibe, and it’s very family-friendly. You’ll be able to see the chefs preparing your food right in front of you, which adds to the overall experience.
Gaonnuri offers a variety of dishes, including their signature galbi short rib, pork belly, and chicken wings marinated in Gochujang sauce, which are very delicious.
They also have many appetizers for you to choose from and a variety of kid-friendly options on their menu.
Miss KOREA BBQ
10 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-594-4963
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Miss Korea BBQ is the place to go for authentic cuisine that does not rely on heavy MSG or sugar-laden seasonings.
Balancing healthy meal choices with an elegant atmosphere is apparent on every floor of this establishment. The restaurant is in Midtown Manhattan at 35 W 35th St, and there’s plenty of street parking around the area.
One thing to know about this eatery is that they don’t take reservations, so if you are on a schedule, it’s best to call ahead.
Miss Korea BBQ has an excellent selection of beef dishes and pork dishes. One of their specialties is the galbi tang, a spicy beef soup that goes great with rice and some banchan.
Hyun
10 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 917-261-6217
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Hyun is a Korean BBQ restaurant in the heart of NYC’s Koreatown. It’s a modern Korean restaurant with a wood-grilled menu that serves traditional dishes and new creations.
The atmosphere is friendly and casual, with a mixture of comfortable tables, booths, and bar seating. A mural of New York City covers the back wall.
The menu has all the staples from galbi to bulgogi. The side dishes are also great, such as the spicy seafood pancakes and cold noodles made with cucumbers and eggs.
Hyun ensures that the cuts in each dish are from top-grade Japanese wagyu beef, providing exceptional taste and quality.
Cho Dang Gol
55 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-695-8222
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Cho Dang Gol is a small and cozy restaurant with fantastic food and beer. You can reach them easily by taking the train to the 34th Street Herald Square Subway Station.
They have amiable and service-oriented staff. The menu has terrific options that range from appetizers to main courses to desserts.
As far as Korean cuisine goes, Cho Dang Gol serves some of the best traditional dishes that are sure to give you an authentic Korean dining experience.
Even though Cho Dang Gol is small and cozy, they have a separate space for large group parties, which makes them a perfect option for dinner with friends or family on any occasion.
The Cast Iron Pot 3
157-26 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: 347-368-6255
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The meat is some of the most flavorful you’ll find in Manhattan. Only a few blocks down from the Broadway Train Station, the Cast Iron Pot opened in the East Village in 2013 and has since become a favorite neighborhood spot for casual Korean barbecue for all ages.
The service is excellent, and they have a selection of hot sauces. But what makes this place so great are the side dishes to go with your meal. There are also many soups and other things that would be hard to find anywhere else.
Tofu soup made my day when I felt like I had overeaten meat at dinner. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and I loved the poached eggs in it as well.
Offering traditional beef, chicken, pork, and seafood dishes, The Cast Iron Pot ensures their clients leave well fed and in a great mood.
The Woo
206 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-925-2364
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The Woo is a delightful option for Korean BBQ in NYC. The roots are all high quality, so you can be sure that your meal will be delicious. It’s an excellent spot for anyone who wants good food at a reasonable price.
They don’t skimp out on portions either, so you’ll be able to fill yourself up if you order the right amount. Some highlights include the bulgogi and the soft tofu stew.
You can also try their squid appetizer or throwback order of their crispy dumplings – a great way to kick off your meal.
Yoon Haeundae Galbi
8 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-691-8078
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Only a couple of blocks north of the Empire State Building, Yoon Haeundae Galbi has been another terrific Korean BBQ choice in New York City since 2012.
This establishment uses the unique Haeundae method to tenderize cuts of meat, a craft that was perfected through generations and handed down through the family legacy of Yoon’s owner, Bobby Yoon.
The food is very tasty and the price is reasonable. Whether you stop in for lunch, dinner, or want to visit with friends at the bar, Yoon has something for everyone.
The meats are cooked on an open grille table in front of you by your waiter or waitress. They also have delicious appetizers for you to enjoy with beer or soju.
Insa
328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-855-2620
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Insa lies just a few blocks up from the Union Street Subway Station and is a terrific spot for Korean BBQ while finishing up with karaoke in your own private room.
Naturally, the daily specials provide a variety of choices each day, so why not stop by more often?
The daily banchan selection comes with your Korean BBQ menu items and is available for only designated tables. So if you want to partake in karaoke, you will just have to enjoy your BBQ first.
Pair your traditional Korean BBQ dish with a tasty soup or stew at your next visit. But don’t forget to enjoy some sake or soju while you are here for an authentic dining experience.
Let’s Meat BBQ
307 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-889-0089
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Let’s Meat BBQ is a Korean barbecue restaurant with locations in midtown and on the Upper East Side. The restaurant has been featured on various TV shows like “The Chew”, “All Things Considered” and “Anderson Live” and is a favorite of celebrities including Beyonce, Jay Z, and Michael Jordan.
Let’s Meat BBQ offers multiple dining options including beef, pork, chicken and seafood. In addition to their traditional Korean barbecue options, they also serve salads, soups, rice bowls and noodles.
On the weekends, they offer brunch service with a variety of egg dishes including omelets, French toast and pancakes.
Love Korean BBQ
319 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 646-669-8147
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Only a few blocks east of Madison Square Garden sits Love Korean BBQ. This establishment offers an exceptional fine dining experience partnered with a fun environment.
Each day, a live DJ creates a festive, joyful mood, giving patrons a reason to smile when they come through the doors.
Their extensive Korean BBQ menu, soups, hot pots, and skewers will satisfy any palate. If you are feeling peckish, try some of their tasty nimble platters, filled with addictive edibles for everyone. I couldn’t get enough of the Banging Bulgogi Kimchi Fries the last time I visited.
Mapo BBQ
149-24 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11355
Phone: 718-886-8292
Mapo BBQ sits just outside the Murray Hill Train Station, making it easy to get to from anywhere. The casual atmosphere and family-friendly environment is perfect for patrons of all ages.
They are famous for their beef ribs, pork belly, and cold noodle dishes. The friendly staff will help prepare your Korean BBQ dish right at your table over a wood charcoal grill for a unique and flavorful meal you will not forget.
New Wonjo
23 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-695-5815
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New Wonjo is located on First Avenue and 11th Street in the East Village. The restaurant is a short walk from the 6 train at Astor Place and the L train at 1st Ave.
It offers both takeout and delivery services. The establishment features an open kitchen that allows for an easy view of their dishes as they prepare them for you.
Start with a Kimchi Pancake appetizer for a memorable meal, then finish with the Bul Goki.
New Wonjo’s marinated prime rib eye is a dish you do not want to miss out on. In addition, they offer casseroles for two and party platters for those significant events.
Sik Gaek
49-11 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377
Phone: 718-205-4555
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Sik Gaek sits in the heart of Queens, just north of Queens Blvd, offering traditional Korean BBQ with a modern touch.
So whether you want to dine in, sit outside on the patio, have your meal delivered or take it home, you can enjoy their dishes anywhere you please.
Although they offer some of the more popular Korean BBQ dishes you will find at other similar establishments, their Yangnyum Galbi is one of the best-marinated beef short rib dishes around.
Consequently, if beef or pork is not your style, Sik Gaek has an additional selection of seafood options to enjoy.
The Kunjip
32 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-564-8238
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As one of the oldest Korean BBQ restaurants in New York City, The Kunjip offers a traditional celebratory experience in every meal. They also include a full array of traditional Korean dishes on top of their BBQ menu.
Tucked away in a nondescript building on 41st street, this restaurant has been bringing fine Korean cuisine to New Yorkers for nearly 20 years.
The service is warm and welcoming, with servers who will take care of you while you enjoy your meal.
The clientele is mostly Korean, but sushi lovers also frequent the place. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of sushi or not – there are plenty of other choices to choose from on the menu!
Naturally,
The Kunjip offers beef, pork, and a selection of chicken dishes if seafood is not your forte. The BBQ Combo for Two is a perfect choice for first-time visitors. It includes various marinated beef and pork options, along with a tasty stew.
Woorijip
12 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-244-1115
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For over 20 years, Woorijip has provided traditional home-cooked meals that you will find in any local Korean family. They sit in the heart of Koreatown between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
They pride themselves on offering comfort food dishes they have enjoyed throughout generations, sharing their love of food and connection.
Woorijip strives to make quality food affordable and tasty with fresh ingredients and exceptional customer service.
Their meal items are healthy and do not require you to watch your budget while eating out. My favorite is still the Soy Garlic Chicken, although their Baked Whole Mackerel with Lemon is a close second.
Whether you live in New York City or are visiting, there is an abundance of Korean BBQ establishments that can give you a taste of authentic cuisine right from across the world.
From fine dining to a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, you are sure to find a restaurant you will love from our list.
If you’re not in the mood for NYC’s Korean BBQ scene, check out these amazing Indian restaurants instead!
Have you tried any of our favorites on this list, or is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear what others find in their dining experiences.
