Osamil Upstairs — Restaurant in New York

Ended up liking the cocktails here a lot more than I expected! However, service was not great. Felt understaffed?

Of the various drinks we had, my favorites were:

LP - a butter washed and peppercorn infused bourbon based drink with a cream top and lemon pepper seasoning. A little spirit forward, but cream top eases that aspect if you’re concerned about that. Smells funky, and the curdling in the glass can seem a little off putting, but if you like something a little different like me, this tasted great.

Baebae - a super easy-to-drink vodka and soju drink that’s flavored with pear and honey. Pear isn’t always identifiable in drinks so I was super happy that it was so obviously pear! Everyone’s favorite.

Sesame Street - strawberry lemongrass vodka and rum based drink with sesame oil, cucumber and pineapple. Refreshing, light, and I’d probably get this every time.

Sol - pine needle infused Sonia based drink served with pine needle smoked glass. A little spirit forward, but less than you would expect.

Interior is low-lit and beautifully decorated. Perfect for dates.

Until I try this place again, my overall impression was: come for the drinks and food, but not the service. It took us forever to order, forever to get water, one of the servers didn’t seem to want to answer any questions, and curtly answered yes or no and then walked away. Felt understaffed? so maybe that...

Osamil Upstairs is an absolute gem in the heart of New York City. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. The ambiance is chic and inviting, perfect for a casual hangout or a special occasion. The staff are incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, making dining here a truly enjoyable experience.

Now, let's talk about the food – it's outstanding. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are both bold and nuanced. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or trying it for the first time, Osamil Upstairs offers a delightful culinary journey. Be sure to try their signature dishes like the kimchi fried rice or the Korean fried chicken – they're absolute winners.

And let's not forget about the drinks. The cocktail menu is creative and expertly curated, with options to suit every taste. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or adventurous, the bartenders at Osamil Upstairs will craft the perfect libation to complement your meal.

Overall, Osamil Upstairs exceeds expectations on every level – exceptional food, impeccable service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's no wonder it's become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in NYC, look no further than...

Like the semi-industrial decor and the vibe.But food was more of a disappointment. Seems like the chef just trying so hard for fusion flavor but kinda lost in the end

The Uni bibimbap - that rice was way too much for the amount of uni, pickled and other ingredients. I know no way it could a massive amount of uni, but maybe lower the amount of rice, tbh, flavor wise it’s more like a bowl of rice with salt. AND it’s way too oily. I’m sure I mixed the bowl evenly, but all I see is still that the rice soaking in the greasy seaweed purée and no, we can’t finish a bowl of oil.

Steak and kimchi fired rice - seems to be a standard dish for what we call fusion-Asian restaurant/bar but place get the balance right. Barely taste any kimchi flavor but just the bacon and pepper. I understand with how inflation is hitting us, but the size of that hanger steak… just dig out some old pictures, then you’ll know what I mean. Not overwhelming as the bibimbap, but the whole dish is also full of oil and no, we didn’t fished this either.

Service - wasn’t expecting for Michelin class service… but after raising my concern about the amount of oil in the bibimbap (which I got the answer “yes it is”), I thought there should be some further follow up when they saw we left a LOT of rice. Sadly there were...