GoWasabi (Astoria, Queens)
These restaurants in Queens’ Astoria neighborhood (GoWasabi has now opened a second location in the area) serves a mix of both Japanese and Korean cuisine. Many patrons eat at GoWasabi because of its creative sushi and maki rolls, these forward-thinking restaurants have a diverse menu that includes a few great Korean dishes. The Boolgogi Dinner, a traditional dish of Korean barbecued beef over rice, is one of these. GoWasabi is not only, or not even mainly, a Korean BBQ joint, but that makes it the perfect choice for a group of eaters with different tastes. The array of menu options from both Korean and Japanese cuisines makes these two restaurants the spots for an outing with a larger group, or for those with adventurous tastes.
Dokebi Korean BBQ (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
BiBim Bap, a classic Korean dish of rice, meat, fried egg and a mix of vegetables, is especially good at Dokebi. Though it’s a few dollars extra to have this meal served in a hot stone bowl, it is worth added cost to have this meal brought to you in the traditional way. The sizzle of the hot food on the rough stone as the meal is set in front of you adds both flavor and flair to the dish. If you and your group want to take advantage of the opportunity to cook your own meal, however, the pork, which along with other Korean barbecue options can be ordered in either single or double sizes (though a single is definitely enough for two to split) is almost sinfully good. The thin, sweet slices of pork practically melt in your mouth, but the shrimp and tuna barbecue meals are delicious as well.
Dokebi Korean BBQ is located in the heart of the hip Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. If you’re planning a night out, it’s the perfect first stop on your way to a trendy local bar.
Kang Suh Korean Japanese Restaurant (Manhattan, Garment District)
Kang Suh is another Asian restaurant serving a mix of dishes and cuisines, but it has especially delicious Korean barbecue. Located in New York’s famed Garment District, on Broadway between West 32nd and 31st streets, Kang Suh has a massive menu. It does have a selection of sushi and other Japanese fare, but the BBQ section of the restaurant, located upstairs, allows you to try their variety of Korean dishes in a traditional and festive atmosphere. Classic barbecue entrees, like the boneless short ribs or the sliced pork marinated in a spicy sauce (Jayeek Gui), are delicious, but there are also à la carte options for the indecisive diner who wants to try a bit of everything. Kang Suh offers more variety than most Korean barbecue restaurants in the area, so it truly has something for everyone.
