Don Don Korean BBQ — Restaurant in New York

I came here with friends after work on a Wednesday and there was no one and it was great. It did fill up later on eventually. The way staff was really nice and the place was cute and clean. The chairs opened up so you can put your things inside so it doesn't smell like you were bbqing yourself. All the wait staff was really nice and friendly. The exhaust didn't seem to work that great once there were a few table bbqing because at some point it did get very smoky but other than that it was a great dinner.

We got the dry aged pork tasting menu which included pork belly, 14 day aged collar and 21 day belly. Of course it came with the various veggie ban chans, egg souffle, choice of stew which we we got soondubu and deoenjang which were both good . We got the bibim cold noodle and it was also nice and refreshing. At the end, we ended up getting the 30 day aged belly as extra. This piece was the most delicious, but it was also $55 for one piece/portion. I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the meat in the tasting menu, but this 30 day version was amazing. The flavor was rich compared to the other meats.

For drinks we got the homemade grape soju and I don't tend to like alcohol but I actually drank some and was pleasantly happy at the end of the meal. I also got their regular grape drink called bong bong and like most sweet drink was sweet and delicious with pieces of grape inside. And finally we got our dessert which was lemon ice cream with strawberry syrup and some Graham crackers on top and this was also very good and not that sweet. They said this changes every so often so you never know what flavor you'll get.

(Photo is the 30 day aged...

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...

As a result of poor planning, I wound up coming here for dinner two nights in a row with a few VIPs who are longtime friends of Chef Shim. Not necessarily a bad thing when you get to sample most of the menu and have lots of comped items. Especially when the stuff is good:

Butcher's Plate: Delicious cuts with the perfect balance of fat to meat

Mushroom: Fungi lovers should definitely splurge for this. I liked it better than the pork. So many types of mushrooms, all perfectly seared

Pajeon: Crispy and perfect

Old School Lunch Box: Freebies for us and so delicious. Shake it like a Polaroid picture!

Bulpan Kimchi Fried Rice: Chewy and tasty, with tons of seaweed flavor. Mmmm

Doenjang Jigae: Good for miso lovers, meh for me

Aehobak Jjigae: Savory, spicy and hearty. The perfect stew for a cold night

Gogi Guksu: My favorite dish of both nights, and one of the best bowls of non-ramen noodle soup I've had in NYC

Gyeran Jjim: Fluffy and flavorful

Black Sesame Soft Serve: These were complimentary for us, but they might be for everyone? Either way, you want this. So stop counting calories and order it!

A couple of other notes:

The place gets LOUD when it's full, and it gets full fast. The acoustics aren't the greatest. Be prepared to shout.

All chair cushions (the red part) can be lifted up to place items inside, like a...