8 Korean BBQ Restaurants To Enjoy as Indoor Dining Returns
After over six unforgettable months of NYC restaurants being constrained to outdoor dining or delivery/takeout, indoor dining has finally made its long-awaited return. Even though indoor dining has been reduced to 25% capacity, this comeback re-introduces a very exciting culinary option that hasn’t been available for most of 2020: KOREAN BBQ.
When the news hit that indoor dining was back, the 8it team was brainstorming the first places we’d be comfortable dining indoors and Korean BBQ was right at the top of the list. An iconically indoor dining experience: huddled around the piping hot grill, various types of meat surrounded by a bounty of delicious sides (a.k.a. “banchan”), and massive vents sucking the sizzling meat smoke out of thin air. This isn’t something that can be easily imitated on an outdoor patio, which is why Korean BBQ is the go-to option now that indoor dining has returned; however, you can’t just walk down the street and waltz into any random Korean BBQ restaurant. Our mission at 8it is to help you find the BEST food in the SIMPLEST way, so we’ve curated some of our favorite must-eat Korean BBQ spots in NYC for indoor dining season:
1. Cote Steakhouse
16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Where better to start than with NYC’s first “Korean BBQ Steakhouse”. This modern Michelin starred restaurant in Flatiron describes itself as having a “unique, convivial, and interactive atmosphere”. With their sourcing and expertise, Cote prides itself on having high-quality cuts as well as their many flavorful sides and drinks. The restaurant’s modern twist on a classic Korean BBQ set up provides increased ventilation over other restaurants, adding another reason why Cote is one your best bets for indoor dining.
Butcher’s Feast
@ Cote
8it: "A butchers feast, with the best steak omakase.”
-Nick Solares
Short-Rib Galbi
@ Cote
8it: "My traditionalist recommendation. Caramelizes impressively on the grill.”
-Adam Platt, NY Magazine
2. Miss KOREA BBQ
10 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Located in the heart of Koreatown, Miss KOREA BBQ has become a mainstay in NYC’s Korean cuisine scene. Their restaurant has become known for its superb setup of three distinct floors, all providing a unique dining experience. Miss KOREA is ready to take on the return of indoor dining with ample seating that rivals anywhere in town and great quality food to match. Here you’ll again find the Korean style grills and vents that make this restaurant experience fun, safe and centered around good food.
Korean BBQ
@ Miss Korea BBQ
8it: “Employing both wet and dry-aging methods for meat.”
Michelle No, and Patty Lee, Thrillist
3. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Another Koreatown staple and frequent celebrity spot is Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong. This restaurant brings the authentic flare and flavor of Korean BBQ with excellent quality meats and veggies. In addition to Baekjeong’s amazing quality meats, the trenches that surround the grill are filled with egg and corn to balance out your meat-stravaganza. Oh, they love to party too. Pro tip: When your friend goes to the bathroom, tell the waiter it's their birthday and they’ll be in for an hilariously embarrassing Gangham Style surprise. Like it’s Koreatown neighbor Miss KOREA BBQ, Baekjeong has plenty of indoor dining space with built-in grills and vents to go around. Eater says the lines pre-covid exceeded an hour to get into the place, but you might fare better now. Giving all the more reason to check out Baekjeong’s select indoor dining hours (we recommend calling before heading there).
Korean BBQ
@ Baekjeong NYC
8it: “Go all in, or you’re missing the point.”
Chris Crowley, Grub Street
4. Gunbae
67 Murray Street, New York, NY 10007
Outside of Koreatown, there’s still great Korean BBQ to be found in Manhattan. Gunbae, a refined restaurant in Tribeca, is known for their high grade cuts and vast selection of bibimbap. Gunbae has made the return to indoor dining, meaning you can once again enjoy their bright colored and exceptionally well made food and drinks coupled with their indoor atmosphere. Perfect timing as the weather temps begin to dip.
Korean BBQ
@ Gunbae Tribeca
8it: "Offers Korean barbecue experience with traditional and unexpected.”
-James Park, Eater
5. Insa Korean BBQ & Karaoke
328 Douglass St Brooklyn, NY 11217
In the past, Insa has been recognized by Pete Wells from the NY Times with a 2-star rating (for those of you that don’t know, that’s a good thing). They’re known for having a wide array of barbecue options including galbi, 28-day dry-aged ribeye, pork belly and pork jowl. Pete Wells also shouted out the banchan, saying it included “cabbage and daikon, pink with chile paste and fermented on-site; chewy black beans in salty syrup; peanuts with silvery dried anchovies; chewy bands of cuttlefish with time-release flavor.”
Korean BBQ
@ Insa
8it: “The banchan are really flavorful, made with care.”
Pete Wells, NY Times
6. KangTong BBQ
149-20 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11355
Eating in Queens? Have no fear for this borough has no shortage of mouth-watering Korean eateries, including KangTong BBQ. According to Eater, this spot in particular is the most authentic experience you’ll find in NYC, making you feel more like you’re in the backstreets of Seoul than stateside. With the experience comes all the great Korean BBQ staples, minus the Manhattan price.
Korean BBQ
@ KangTong
8it: “Feels like KBBQ in Korea rather than NY”
-James Park, Eater
7. Samwon Garden
37 W 32nd St New York 10001
This is the first US location of one of South Korea’s most iconic Korean BBQ restaurants. Their recipes have been passed down from one generation to another bringing a seriously authentic & quality Korean experience. You really can’t go wrong with any of the classic Korean BBQ meats like galbi, marinated short ribs, ribeye, thinly sliced brisket, or pork belly. Not feeling like going in for dinner? Grill their famous patented diamond-cut KBBQ meats at home from their online ordering site.
Korean BBQ
@ Samwon Garden
8it: Brings a luxury experience from Seoul to K-Town.
-James Park, Eater
8. Jongro
22 W 32nd St fl 2, New York, NY 10001
Where better to end this list than back in Koreatown at a restaurant that’s known as one of the most bustling and energetic spots in the neighborhood. In February it was nearly impossible to get a seat at Jongro in under an hour, but with the return of indoor dining your luck might be improved. Like it’s Koreatown counterparts, Jongro’s expansive setup provides a great opportunity to eat indoors safely while enjoying Korean BBQ. It’s on the less expensive side, but with no shortage of quality.
Beef Platter
@ Jongro
8it: “Significantly better than most of the pricier stuff”
Chris Crowley, Grub Street
If you’ve made it this far without already calling one of these restaurants to secure a table, then you should probably get on it. While restaurants still navigate the uncertain times they’re facing, it’s up to the real eaters of NYC to do our part in supporting them as much as we can. And if you’re not comfortable with dining indoors yet, that’s totally cool - just make sure to order takeout. The restaurants are going to need us now more than ever as the temperature drops. Stay safe and stay hungry.
-Team 8it
