Myung Dong Noodle House — Restaurant in New York

While passing through the area, decided to dine here for a weekday lunch. A shared (free) parking lot adjacent to the restaurant was available to use, but was a bit difficult to get a parking spot. Entered the restaurant and was warmly greeted by staff and immediately seated. Was seated next to a group of lovely and lively mature ladies that strongly appeared to have enjoyed their lunch/meals. This also made me feel like it was a good choice for lunch here. Waitstaff were very courteous, friendly, attentive, and helpful. They advised that there was no rush, to patiently go through the menu and possibly use the QR code (for the pictures of dishes) to help assist deciding what to order, and that they're there to assist if we had any questions about the menu. Banchan served was just their kimchi and what appears to be baek-kimchi (white kimchi). Was also served hot barley tea, which was earthy and slightly bitter, but delicious and warming for the cold weather that day. Ordered and waited briefly while the dishes were served. Mandoo dumplings were hot, very delicious, and filling. Kalguksu with seafood was huge, very filling, not too spicy, and the flavor was ok. Haemul Soondubu meal was served very hot and bubbling. The stew was very flavorful, delicious, and filling. The marinated grilled pork served with that meal was very delicious and tender, too. Overall, the food was very good, but may be a little pricier for some, but can be worth it. Service was great. Restaurant was clean and spacious with a simple modern design. Atmosphere was bright, lively,...

For those who are wondering: No, this is not an extension of Myeongdong Gyoza, from Myeongdong, Korea.

And yes, this also means that Myeongdong's unlimited noodle service does not apply here at this location...

However! The Myungdong Noodle House answered the K-Town's need for the famous kalguksoo from Myeongdong, and I gotta say, it was a pleasant surprise.

The original kalguksoo has its own distinct flavor, a little less greasy than what you may have tasted in Korea. I immediately knew I'd have a craving for this here, in NYC.

The steamed mandoo too, had me reminiscing about the time in Korea. It was replicated delightfully. I enjoyed them just as much. about After trying all of our dishes, we knew that what Myungdong Noodle House had was their own thing. They may have caught my attention with another's gimmick, but it was their flavor that got me curious to try different items on their menu. You know? You try one thing and it becomes obvious to you that the rest of the menu is going to be the same top-tier flavors.

And boy were we glad that we didn't need to wait 45 minutes to sit down as we did in Korea. This place is pretty big! The staff is friendly and the table service is conveniently equipped with calling bells.

If you are not about to drop in Myeongdong Korea any time soon, I'd recommend...

The place is clean and organized. Plenty of things to read and get entice by😅. The food was great... Kimchi was nice and spicy, the pickled cabbage was more on the sweet side but still yummy. App: seafood pancake... Wow! Thin and crispy. The seafood didnt taste like those frozen little seafood mix found in freezer section. Tons of seafood compare to others. Soft tofu stew with seafood, pork and beef... The broth taste so good... Very sweet from the ingredients and it's so different from all the other ones I've had (including in Ktown). Got spicy and was very enjoyable... Would get very spicy next time. The rice was perfectly fluffy and they pour the tea (soooo good) into the rice pot to pick up the rice at the bottom of the pot... it was great! The grill pork that came with the stew was a bit sweet and dry. Also cold, can tell it has been sitting around for a bit 😥 MD signature noodle soup was also great. The broth was nice and thick, very flavorful. The dumplings in the soup was amazing, skin was so thin and yet fill with plenty of meat. The only issue I had was the broth was not hot (noodle was)... Service was exceptional! Consistent refill of kimchi, tea, water... If need anything, get it immediately. Can't wait to go back and...