Guides

17 Best Places to Eat Korean BBQ in NYC in 2024

by: Sarah Cook

Last Updated on Nov 14th 2024

With so many different places to try Korean BBQ in NYC, it can sometimes be tricky to know which restaurants are the best. In addition to choosing a restaurant, first-time visitors to a Korean barbecue restaurant might be intimidated by the seemingly endless options on the menu.

If you’ve found yourself wondering about any of these things, our guide to the best Korean BBQ in NYC serves as a helpful starting point for your next international food adventure.

Korean immigration to the United States began around 1903, and, according to Boston University, it took place in three main waves. A key part of the vibrant Korean culture that has made a lasting impression in America is the many Korean barbecue restaurants that offer insight into the flavors and aromas of Korean cuisine.

Finding a great spot for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in NYC is one way to enjoy Korean culture and cuisine. It's the perfect option if you’re planning a night out with a group of friends, and it also makes for some great date ideas in NYC.

What is Korean BBQ?

Before diving into a list of the best Korean BBQ in NYC, it can be helpful to have a crash course in Korean barbecue. Korean BBQ is typically a family-style dining experience where the meal is grilled at the table right in front of you. At some Korean BBQ restaurants, you grill the food yourself, while at others there is a grill specialist who will do it for you.

The meat options at a Korean BBQ restaurant traditionally include beef and pork, and you can choose between marinated cuts of meat and unmarinated. Many Korean BBQ restaurants have expanded their selection of meats to include a long list of other proteins, so it might be a good idea to decide ahead of time which ones you’d like to try.

The banchan, or side dishes, include rice and kimchi as well as vegetable dishes and salads. These are meant to be enjoyed with the meal as complimentary flavors to the star of the show, the meat.

Try not to fill up on them ahead of time! One of the best things about Korean BBQ is the atmosphere and experience, so don’t miss the chance to engage all of your senses when you visit a Korean BBQ restaurant.

Korean side dishes and samgyeopsal — *Marinated pork with plenty of banchan or side dishes (via Canva)*

What is Korean Style BBQ Called in Korean?

Have you ever wondered, "What is Korean style BBQ called?" What we call Korean BBQ actually comes from the Korean phrase gogi-gui, which translates to “meat roast” in English.

While this style of eating has been popular in Korea for hundreds of years, this eating trend became popular in America during the late 1990s. This is when a new wave of interest in Korean culture and cuisine swept the country.

Koreans will also use the name of the meat to refer to the meal itself. They may ask for samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), galmaegisal (pork skirt-meat), galbi (marinated beef short ribs) or the popular bulgogi (marinated beef sirloin, tenderloin or ribeye).

How Do You Eat Korean BBQ?

One key piece of advice for eating Korean barbecue is to pace yourself! The entire meal is meant to be a long-lasting experience where you can truly savor the environment and the delicious food in front of you. Many people make the mistake of starting to nibble on the side dishes and appetizers and forget to save room for the actual meal!

One popular way to eat and enjoy Korean BBQ is to create a ssam or wrap using a lettuce leaf, the grilled meat and adding any of the banchan you prefer. These bite-sized portions allow you to mix and match flavor combinations until you’ve tried everything on the table.

It's also customary to add a jjigae or stew after you're done with the meat. These can be shared or eaten separately and will depend on your spice and taste preferences.

*Making ssam or a wrap with pork belly (via Canva)*

How Do You Order Korean BBQ?

It can be a bit overwhelming to walk into one of the best all you can eat Korean BBQs in NYC without any idea of what to order, so here are a few tips. First, don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of meat options on the menu.

Start with some of the more traditional basics like bulgogi (ribeye that has been thinly sliced), short ribs or even flank steak. Some experts also recommend trying the meat that hasn’t been marinated in any sauces first, so that you can get a sense for what you like or don’t like before moving on to cuts of meat that have been marinated and infused with different flavors.

It's also worth knowing that at some all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurants in NYC you will pay for any food that is left over, so try to be mindful of how much you plan to eat when placing your order. Before you visit your next Korean BBQ joint come equipped with your camera and a few photography classes in NYC under your belt to get the best shots of your experience.

Best All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ in NYC

1. Let’s Meat

Let’s Meat is an excellent choice for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in NYC. If you want to enjoy your favorite Korean BBQ delicacies, and lots of them, bring your friends to Let’s Meat.

With two different levels of all-you-can-eat specials, you can choose the meal option that is right for you and your group. Both options are under fifty dollars per person, so it is a pretty great deal on a lot of food.

Spicy tofu stew — *Don't forget to try the spicy tofu stew or sundubu-jjigae (via Canva)*

2. Wonder Pig KBBQ

Next time you visit Queens, be sure to have lunch at Wonder Pig KBBQ for a delicious and affordable all you can eat experience. The lunch menu is about $28 per person, making this a great lunch stop for visitors to Queens and locals alike. Its specialty is pork, so don’t miss the delicious pork bulgogi.

3. Gen Korean BBQ House

For more all-you-can-eat BBQ in NYC, try Gen Korean BBQ House, which offers a traditional menu with plenty of delicious options to choose from.

How much is Gen BBQ NYC? Typical prices at Gen BBQ are around $20 per person for lunch and about $29 per person for dinner. Keep in mind that other dishes, appetizers, drinks and desserts are not included in the all-you-can-eat price.

Best Korean BBQ in Koreatown NYC

*Delicious Korean BBQ in NYC (via Canva)*

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4. Gaonnuri

To experience the delicious Korean BBQ in Koreatown, NYC, head to Gaonnuri. This upscale and modern take on Korean barbecue is located in a skyscraper in Koreatown, and its selection of meats for grilling is extensive. Try the more traditional beef and pork options, or experiment with shrimp or even duck to take your Korean BBQ experience to the next level.

5. Jongro BBQ

Located in Midtown West, Jongro BBQ is located in the heart of K-Town and is actually a South Korean chain restaurant that has made its way to the United States.

You will enjoy a fun, vintage-inspired atmosphere as well as authentic cuts of meat with traditional marinades. The bustling ambiance of the restaurant gives it a truly authentic feel.

6. New Wonjo

New Wonjo claims to be the oldest Korean BBQ in Koreatown NYC, and its reputation for delicious banchan and premium cuts of meat is stellar. Its also open from 10 am to 5 am, so it’s the perfect spot in Koreatown if you need a late-night dinner (or super early breakfast) after a night out. Guests love the reasonable prices, lunch specials and bustling atmosphere.

7. Nubiani

There are lots of different places to find Korean BBQ in Manhattan and in Koreatown, specifically, but Nubiani’s rich interiors and polished grill tables make it stand out.

Founded in 2022, it is a relative newcomer to the Korean BBQ scene in NYC. Nubiani offers delicious Korean BBQ favorites and is committed to preparing them in traditional ways.

They also offer communal seating in case you can’t make it with a group of four to sit at your own grill table, making this a good option for a lunch break spot.

8. Anatoya

If you're looking for atmosphere, excellent cuts of beef and traditional banchan and sauces, Anatoya in Koreatown is a perfect choice. You can indulge in an expensive cut of Wagyu beef or split a barbecue platter for two to share.

Be sure to make a reservation, and try the kimchi jjigae for an authentic addition to your barbecue experience.

Fresh makgeolli — *Enjoy a bottle of fresh makgeolli to wash down the meat (via Canva)*

More of the Best Korean BBQ in Manhattan

9. COTE

If you'd like to take your Korean BBQ in NYC experience to the next level, consider dining at COTE, the only Korean barbecue restaurant to be Michelin-starred.

How many Michelin stars does COTE have? The restaurant, which opened in 2017 boasts one Michelin star each for its locations in Manhattan and Miami. As if that wasn’t proof enough of COTE’s quality, they also boast a dry-aging room for their steaks, a luxurious atmosphere and an extensive wine list.

10. Gopchang Story BBQ

For a different take on Korean BBQ, visit Gopchang Story. The word gopchang refers to a Korean dish made from intestines, typically the small intestines of cows or the large intestines of pigs. Gopchang is bursting with huge flavors but it's also super chewy.

At Gopchang Story in NYC, you will enjoy these traditional dishes as well as a Korean hot-pot. It is the perfect place to visit if you’d like to experiment with new meats and flavors.

*Try gopchang for something a little different (via Canva)*

11. Don Don

For a casual restaurant setting and delicious cuts of pork, visit Don Don in Manhattan for an interactive dinner experience. Visitors can grill the food directly at the table, which makes the meal feel more interactive and unique.

Don Don also serves traditional Korean beverages like makgeolli and somac to round out your dining experience.

Top Tip: Somac is a combination of soju and mekju, which is beer in Korean. This is a potent alcoholic concoction, usually drank in one go, which is not for lightweight drinkers. And watch out for makgeolli, it is sweet, refreshing and delicious, but can give you a wicked headache the next morning if you don't pace yourself.

12. Yoon Haeundae Galbi

Looking for even more Korean BBQ in Manhattan? Many Korean BBQ restaurants emphasize their inclusive, family-style environment, which can sometimes result in restaurants that are loud and bustling.

Yoon Haeundae Galbi is different. With a more upscale, intimate environment, this Korean BBQ eatery offers unique meat-slicing techniques and unbelievably tender and juicy cuts of meat. Be sure to make a reservation, as Yoon Haeundae Galbi books up very quickly.

Haeundae is one of the top beaches in Busan, South Korea, and Yoon brings these authentic flavors from South Korea's East Coast to America's East Coast.

Best Korean BBQ in Brooklyn

13. Atti

For fine dining in Brooklyn, visit Atti, which offers a truly intimate Korean barbecue dining experience. Its incredibly tender cuts of meat are served with a strong selection of stews and kimchis to help you experience all of the different flavor offerings of Korean cuisine, making this some of the top places for Korean BBQ in NYC.

14. Insa

Another spot for Korean BBQ in Brooklyn is Insa, which takes a more modern twist on the traditional Korean BBQ fare. Guests to Insa can enjoy a host of complimentary banchan.

You can even take the family-style dinner to the next level by ordering a punch bowl from the cocktail menu that will serve everyone at the table. It truly is a perfect place to gather with friends and family over a good meal.

Best Korean BBQ in Queens

15. Goo Gong Tang

Many of the best Korean BBQ in NYC focuses on meats like beef and pork, but at Goo Gong Tang in Flushing, you’ll find that seafood is the name of the game.

It serves things like specialty barbecued clams, mussels, shrimp and more. This is a great restaurant to try if you’re looking to add something new to your previous Korean BBQ experiences.

16. Hahm Ji Bach

New York City is often called “The City that Never Sleeps,” and you can say the same thing about Hahm Ji Bach, which is open 24 hours per day!

Any time you're craving Jeju-style black pork belly or delicious banchan items, you can head to Hahm Ji Bach and take advantage of their absolutely enormous menu of traditional offerings.

17. Sung Book Dong

Sung Book Dong certainly deserves its spot on the list of Best Korean BBQ in NYC. Located in Little Neck, Queens you’ll find excellent banchan offerings as well as large portion sizes that make any meal feel like a celebratory feast.

This spot might not have as much to offer in the way of atmosphere as other restaurants, but the tender beef bulgogi and the marinated crab on the menu speak for themselves.

Try the soy marinated crab — *Try the soy-marinated crab for a new flavor sensation (via Canva)*

Whether your goal is to try the best Korean BBQ in Brooklyn or explore Koreatown for the most delicious all-you-can-eat BBQ, any Korean barbecue meal feels like a feast that caters to all five senses.

Not only do you get to experience the delicious flavors of the meats and banchan, but the bustling atmosphere and sensory experience of each restaurant is also a huge part of the adventure.

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