The Best Korean BBQ in New York City

Korean BBQ is not just a meal, it’s a participatory sport. It's the sizzle of marinated short ribs hitting a hot grill, the endless parade of banchan (side dishes), the steam from a bubbling cauldron of kimchi-jjigae, and the easy flow of soju. In New York, you have two main arenas for this experience: the electric, vertical density of Manhattan's Koreatown and the sprawling, specialized excellence of Queens.

Our point of view is simple. Go to Koreatown for the energetic, late-night spectacle of it all, a perfect entry point and a guaranteed good time. Go to Queens for a deeper dive, for restaurants that specialize in charcoal grilling or specific preparations of pork and beef that taste like they came from a kitchen in Seoul. This list has the best of both worlds. We've focused on places that deliver on the quality of the meat, the generosity of the banchan, and that specific, smoke-filled energy that makes you want to stay for another hour.

Manhattan

Manhattan’s KBBQ scene is anchored by the glowing, sign-packed strip of 32nd Street known as Koreatown, with a few destination-worthy outliers. These are the places for a celebratory group dinner before a night out or for a high-end steakhouse experience with a Korean point of view.

Cote

Flatiron · 16 W 22nd St · $$$$ Map

Cote is the only Michelin-starred Korean BBQ in the United States, and it lives up to the hype. It merges the format of a classic American steakhouse with the interactive joy of Korean barbecue. The move here is the Butcher’s Feast, a selection of four prime and dry-aged cuts cooked for you on a smokeless grill. It’s a polished, high-stakes night out, ideal for impressing a date or closing a deal.

Go for: The Butcher’s Feast for the essential experience. Know before you go: Reservations are released 30 days in advance and disappear almost instantly. Book exactly when the window opens.

Jongro BBQ

Koreatown · 22 W 32nd St, 2nd Fl · $$$ WebsiteMap

This is the quintessential Koreatown experience. Located on the second floor, Jongro feels like a busy hall transported from Seoul, decorated with vintage Korean signs. They butcher their meat in-house, and the quality shows. The beef and pork platters are massive, perfect for a group, and come with an impressive array of banchan. The energy is loud, fun, and fueled by soju.

Go for: The large beef platter to share with a group. Know before you go: It’s walk-in only and the wait can be substantial, so put your name down and grab a drink nearby.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

Koreatown · 1 E 32nd St · $$$ Map

Baekjeong is another Koreatown titan, known for its high-quality cuts of meat and lively atmosphere. The circular grills are rimmed with channels for cooking corn cheese and steamed egg, a signature touch. The staff is efficient and will expertly cook the meat for you, ensuring perfect char and tenderness. It’s a reliable choice that always delivers a great time.

Go for: The beef combo and the theatrical corn cheese. Know before you go: It gets crowded and loud, making it a great place to kick off a night, but not for quiet conversation.

Yoon Haeundae Galbi

Koreatown · 8 W 36th St · $$$ WebsiteMap

Yoon presents a more refined take on Korean BBQ, drawing on a family recipe from Busan. They are known for their special cutting techniques, like the diamond-cut short rib that marinates deeply and cooks evenly. The space is a bit more modern and calm than its 32nd street counterparts, making it a good option for a slightly more composed, but still excellent, grilling experience.

Go for: The marinated short ribs (galbi) and the duck. Know before you go: They have lunch specials that are a great value if you’re in the neighborhood mid-day.

New Wonjo

Koreatown · 23 W 32nd St · $$ WebsiteMap

Claiming to be one of the oldest KBBQ spots in the neighborhood, New Wonjo offers the rare experience of grilling over real charcoal in Manhattan. This adds a distinct smoky flavor to the meat that you won't get from gas grills. The vibe is decidedly old-school and no-frills. It's a foundational K-Town spot that's open very late, making it a key player in our guide to [/late-night-food-nyc](Where to Eat After Midnight in New York).

Go for: Anything that benefits from a real charcoal grill, especially the kalbi. Know before you go: The restaurant is open nearly 24 hours, making it a reliable option at almost any time of day or night.

Gaonnuri

Koreatown · 1250 Broadway, 39th Fl · $$$$ WebsiteMap

If you want your Korean BBQ with a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline, this is the place. Perched on the 39th floor of a tower on the edge of Koreatown, Gaonnuri offers a fine-dining experience. While the prices reflect the altitude, the quality of the food and the stunning setting make it a memorable destination for a special occasion. For more sky-high options, see our list of the [/best-rooftop-bars-nyc](The Best Rooftop Bars in New York City).

Go for: The view of the Empire State Building while you grill premium short rib. Know before you go: Request a window seat when you book, which often needs to be done well in advance.

Gopchang Story BBQ

Koreatown · 312 5th Ave, 2nd Fl · $$ WebsiteMap

For the more adventurous eaters, Gopchang Story specializes in grilled beef intestines (gopchang, daechang, and makchang). This is a delicacy in Korea, prized for its rich flavor and chewy texture. The intestines are expertly cleaned and cooked tableside until crispy. It’s a specific craving, but if you have it, this is the best place in town to satisfy it.

Go for: The assorted gopchang combo to try a bit of everything. Know before you go: This is a specialized experience, so make sure your whole party is on board for offal.

Queens

For many, the best and most authentic Korean food in New York is in Queens. The neighborhoods of Flushing and Murray Hill are packed with restaurants that feel like they were lifted directly out of Seoul. Here, charcoal grilling is more common, the banchan is often more elaborate, and the focus is squarely on the food.

Mapo BBQ

Flushing · 149-24 41st Ave · $$ Map

Often cited by locals as the best KBBQ in the city, Mapo is a no-frills spot where flavor is king. They are famous for two things: using real charcoal for grilling and their kalmaegisal (pork skirt meat). The meat is incredibly tender and benefits immensely from the smoke. The banchan spread is also legendary and extensive.

Go for: The pork skirt meat and marinated short ribs over real charcoal. Know before you go: It's a small, popular spot. Go early or on a weeknight to avoid a serious wait.

Hahm Ji Bach

Flushing · 40-11 149th Pl · $$ Map

Open 24 hours a day, Hahm Ji Bach is a Flushing institution known for its generous portions and one of the city's best banchan spreads, which sometimes includes soy-marinated raw crab. The sprawling menu covers everything from grilled meats to complex stews. It’s a go-to for large groups and families at literally any hour.

Go for: Black pork belly (heuk돼ji samgyeopsal) and the incredible variety of side dishes. Know before you go: The restaurant uses service robots to deliver food, adding a slightly futuristic touch to the traditional meal.

The Cast Iron Pot

Flushing · 136-72 Roosevelt Ave · $$ WebsiteMap

If all-you-can-eat is what you’re after, The Cast Iron Pot is one of the better options in Flushing. They offer a wide selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables for a set price. While AYCE can sometimes mean a dip in quality, Cast Iron Pot holds a respectable standard, making it a fun and budget-friendly choice for a very hungry group.

Go for: The all-you-can-eat menu for a fixed-price feast. Know before you go: Like many Flushing spots, it can get very busy on weekends.

Kum Sung BBQ

Murray Hill · 40-07 149th Pl · $$ Map

Located in the "Food Alley" near the Murray Hill LIRR station, Kum Sung is a neighborhood favorite with a specialty you don't see everywhere: grilled duck. Slices of duck breast are rendered on the grill until the skin is crisp. They also do excellent versions of the classics, like bulgogi and cold noodles (naengmyeon).

Go for: The sliced duck barbecue for something different. Know before you go: Murray Hill, Queens, is a smaller, more concentrated Koreatown that's well worth the trip.

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi

Murray Hill · 162-23 Depot Rd · $$ Map

This active Murray Hill restaurant is a specialist in all things pork, particularly thick-cut pork belly (samgyeopsal). Recognized by the Michelin Guide, the focus here is on high-quality ingredients. The room is simple and bright, always packed with locals who know where to go for some of the best grilled pork in the borough.

Go for: The signature pork belly and the funky, aged house kimchi. Know before you go: They manage their own bookings, so you’ll need to contact the restaurant directly for a table.

Picnic Garden BBQ Buffet

Bayside · 201-16 32nd Ave · $$ Map

A long-standing favorite in Bayside, Picnic Garden is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has been a celebratory spot for Queens families for years. You grab your own raw marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables from a long buffet line and bring them back to the grill at your table. It’s a chaotic, fun, and very filling experience.

Go for: The huge variety and the classic AYCE buffet experience. Know before you go: It’s located in a more residential part of Queens, so it’s easiest to reach by car.

The Shout NY Take

Choosing a Korean BBQ spot is about matching the restaurant to the night you want. For a quintessential New York night out, the energy and convenience of Koreatown are hard to beat; places like Jongro are institutions for a reason. For a meal that feels closer to Seoul, a trip to Flushing or Murray Hill for the charcoal-grilled specialties at Mapo or the pork belly at Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi is essential. Wherever you go, arrive hungry, order for the table, and embrace the communal spirit of cooking and eating together. It's one of the best ways to have a meal in this city.