Don Don Korean BBQ, conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, truly stands out as a must-visit destination for Korean barbecue enthusiasts. From the moment you step in, the experience is defined by exceptional service and outstanding culinary delights. What truly sets Don Don apart is its remarkable staff, particularly our server, whose patience and dedication to quality service were simply outstanding. Their attentiveness ensured a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, making us feel well-cared for throughout our meal. The star of the show, of course, is the Korean BBQ meat. The quality is superb, with the aged meat being a particular highlight—tender, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Adding to the generous offerings, we were delighted to receive complimentary white rice, a thoughtful touch that complemented the rich flavors of the barbecue. To cap off a long work week, the soju hit just the right spot, providing a refreshing and satisfying accompaniment to our feast. Beyond the delicious food and excellent service, Don Don Korean BBQ also impresses with its reasonable pricing and highly convenient location, making it easily accessible for anyone in the city. Don Don Korean BBQ offers an exceptional dining experience that combines top-tier service, high-quality aged meats, and a welcoming atmosphere, all at a reasonable price. It's an ideal spot for a satisfying Korean BBQ meal in Manhattan.
Overview
Don Don Korean BBQ, located at 37 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, is the perfect spot for anyone craving a true taste of Korean barbecue in the heart of New York City. The restaurant is renowned for offering an authentic Korean BBQ experience with a modern twist. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan of Korean cuisine, Don Don Korean BBQ has something that will make your meal unforgettable.
As soon as you step into Don Don, you're welcomed with a warm, contemporary atmosphere that feels both inviting and vibrant. The décor seamlessly blends traditional Korean elements with a sleek, modern design, giving the space a relaxed yet energetic vibe. It’s the perfect environment for both casual dinners and special celebrations.
The heart of Don Don’s menu revolves around its Korean BBQ offerings, where diners grill their own meats right at their table. The variety of options is impressive, with everything from tender cuts of beef and pork to savory marinated chicken. One of the standout dishes is the short rib (galbi), which is marinated to perfection and grilled to a juicy, flavorful finish. If you're new to Korean BBQ, the interactive grilling process adds a layer of fun, making it an engaging dining experience. It’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing, bonding, and enjoying the food together with friends and family.
A key reason why Don Don Korean BBQ stands out among other restaurants in the area is its commitment to high-quality ingredients. Each meat selection is carefully sourced, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The sides, or "banchan," are another highlight. These small, flavorful dishes, ranging from kimchi to pickled vegetables, are served alongside the main BBQ offerings and add a wonderful balance to the meal. Don Don does not skimp on these accompaniments, and they are consistently fresh and flavorful.
For those who prefer something different from the grill, the menu also offers a range of traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and spicy stews like kimchi jjigae. These dishes are just as carefully prepared as the BBQ items, giving guests a well-rounded experience of Korean cuisine. The bibimbap, a rice dish topped with vegetables, egg, and your choice of protein, is especially popular for its comforting flavors and the perfect balance of textures.
What truly elevates the dining experience at Don Don Korean BBQ is the attention to detail in service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist in guiding you through the menu. Whether it’s helping you choose the right cut of meat or explaining the best way to cook your dish, they’re eager to ensure you have a fantastic experience. This level of customer service, paired with the lively atmosphere, makes Don Don a standout choice for anyone looking for a top-tier Korean BBQ experience in New York.
Don Don Korean BBQ also shines when it comes to location. Situated in the heart of New York's bustling Midtown Manhattan, it’s an easy spot to drop by after a day of sightseeing or a busy workday. The location’s proximity to major attractions and offices makes it a convenient dining choice for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re planning a casual outing or a special evening, the restaurant's prime spot ensures you'll have easy access to an unforgettable meal.
For those who are looking to explore the diverse flavors of Korean cuisine, Don Don offers a fantastic opportunity. From the grill to the sides to the desserts, every element of the meal is crafted with care and expertise. The restaurant’s commitment to high standards of food preparation and service is clear in every dish, and it’s easy to see why it has become a favorite among those seeking authentic Korean BBQ.
If you haven’t had the chance to experience Don Don Korean BBQ yet, it’s worth making a reservation. Whether you're new to Korean BBQ or a long-time fan, the restaurant offers an experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. With its fantastic location, top-quality ingredients, and exceptional service, Don Don is more than just a place to eat-it’s a destination.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast servicePopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ DinnerAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Came here for my best friend’s birthday. We got the chef’s feast and we really loved it. Best corn cheese I’ve had in any KBBQ spot (in NYC, Fort Lee, LA, and Seoul). The pork was truly phenomenal and the portions were absolutely huge. We had a lot to take home that night. Lauren was our server and the service here was remarkable. I’ve been to multiple Michelin stars and the attentiveness here was seriously on par; she truly went above and beyond to make sure me and my friend were comfortable (it was hot in the restaurant but that was bc of the recent heat wave). Anyway, I’ll definitely be back here. It’s the best kbbq in the city regarding taste and bang for buck *also my other friend went here the other day and he got the regular tasting menu and he really loved it too! So it seems like you can’t go wrong either way
Prix fixe menu was perfect for our table of five and we really enjoyed all the sides that came out. Meat was tender and flavorful and it was very convenient to eat since the servers grill, cut and plate for you. It feels like eating in a casual restaurant attached to a butcher store since they display the dry aged pork in the coolers. Highly recommend!
My friend told me about this place and of course in true James fashion I was skeptical. Generally Korean restaurants in Manhattan are not authentic (too many "fusion" concepts or just simply tender to the tourist market). However, this place was great! No frills, just meat and sides. Loved it and will be back.
I came here twice with some friends and we had an absolute blast here!! The food was impeccable, service was 10/10 (to our waitress if you see this let me know your name because you were the best). They make homemade soju, we ordered the passionfruit flavor, and it was out of this world!! Everything was so delicious and I can’t wait to come back . Kimchi fried rice I think is to die for!! Especially with some pork belly on top, my mouth is watering just thinking about it ↕. One of the most authentic, true experience for being in Korea you can find within New York! If you want more shots from this restaurant and more check out my page @blaze_eatsnyc !!
My favorite cuts are pork collar, followed by pork jowl. The dry age was a bit too tough imo. The pork belly pieces are cut a bit too thick. Corn cheese is good. You get 2 soups (kim chi and beef) and w noodles (both cold, one dry and one with soup). I wish they serve the noodles earlier so we can enjoy it with the meat. This butcher's set is a bit too much for 4 people imo.
Great spot for pork kbbq in the city! We came in Monday night with a reservation for three and got the tasting menu with a bottle of the chestnut makgeolli (which was delicious). The tasting menu was great value and I appreciated that the servers helped to cook, though they weren’t the most attentive. (For instance, we had to ask for a bib as well as refills for water and lettuce.) Meanwhile, the pork was great - especially the dry aged versions - as were the egg soufflé and kimchi soup. Also, special mention to having wasabi on the plate as a dipping option! Would definitely stop in again.