Yoon Haeundae Galbi — Restaurant in New York

I’ve been visiting this place several times since 2022, and the reason I kept coming back was that my overall impressions were excellent. However, I will no longer visit this place by choice.

Up until 2023: The food, ambiance, and staff were outstanding! They were impeccable compared to other K-BBQ restaurants. However, my last visit was definitely disappointing.

1. Food Up until 2022: The Galbi was amazing, especially the unseasoned Galbi, which literally melted in my mouth. The staff's cooking skills were impressive! The side dishes, except for the cold noodle soup, were great. I especially loved the spicy beef noodle soup—it was incredible!

After 2023: The food quality declined. The Galbi was overcooked and too chewy.

2. Service Up until 2022: The service was exceptional. I used to go upstairs, and the Korean staff lady was super friendly. She even handed me an OxiClean pencil when I dropped food on my dress! Her service was so impressive! The staff were excellent at grilling K-BBQ. The meat's doneness was incomparable to other places, and it melted in my mouth. They cared about customers, constantly checking our grills to prevent burning, taking orders promptly, and explaining how to enjoy the dishes.

After 2023: I went to the first floor, and the staff was inattentive. He left the grill unattended as soon as the meats were on it, so we had to grill and turn the meat ourselves to avoid overcooking. He eventually came back later(compared to my previous experiences it was too late) Despite ordering and requesting side dishes or condiments, we had to ask several times to get them. He did not check our table and seemed very indifferent.

3. Price This is an expensive place. Considering the portion sizes, it’s pricey. There's a mandatory 20% tip, regardless of the service quality. They have a 1.5 to 2-hour time limit, which feels rushed given the high prices and the overall dining experience.

4. Atmosphere The atmosphere is great—clean but not spacious enough. The restroom is spacious. The interior is modern.

5. Overall It used to be a fairly good K-BBQ place. I recommended it to others and dined with colleagues several times. However, I might explore other K-BBQ restaurants, even if it means taking a risk. Given my recent experience with subpar service and food quality, I am...

I went yesterday Sunday, October 19th 2025 around 5 p.m with my sister after hearing great things about this place. I normally go to Cote which is my favorite Korean barbecue spot in the city but this was highly recommended so I wanted to check it out.

When we arrived the hostess at the front was extremely rude unwelcoming and honestly made us feel like we didn’t belong there. I am born and raised in New York City and dine out often and it’s the first time I have ever experienced that kind of energy walking into a restaurant of this caliber. We almost left but I had promised my sister great Korean barbecue so we stayed.

The gas lines weren’t working that evening so they couldn’t grill at the table which actually worked out for us since we didn’t have to smell like smoke afterward. Once we were seated the experience completely turned around. Our server Hazel was absolutely wonderful one of the most light filled kind and attentive people I have ever met in hospitality. The rest of the staff during service was also excellent.

The Wagyu short rib was phenomenal we ordered it twice and the marinated short rib the potato pancake and especially the beet salad were all outstanding. The flavor presentation and quality of the meat their Wagyu is a cross between Angus and A1 Wagyu were all top tier.

Part of why I go to Cote so often is because they make me feel like family every single time I walk in. Here I felt like I was trespassing and unwanted and that first impression really hurt because I came with genuine excitement to try one of the best Korean barbecue spots in the city.

Later on a second hostess came in while we were eating and she was very sweet and welcoming. When we were leaving she smiled warmly and strongly thanked us which really helped end things on a more positive note. Unfortunately as we were walking out the first hostess gave us a mean look and bad energy again which I just don’t understand especially from a restaurant that serves food and hospitality at this level.

Still I want to be fair because once we sat down Hazel and the rest of the service team made it one of the best dining experiences I have had in New York. I would definitely give this place another try if management addresses the attitude of the hostess who was there at 5 p.m. because first impressions matter especially at a restaurant...

Me and my friend went to Yoon to celebrate our anniversary. It was a wonderful time! I’ve been to Yoon before and it was so nice to dine here again. The food is always spectacular and the staff are amazing. My personal favorite menu item is the Prime Package. The meat and side selections are superb and the value is totally there. We also ordered some potatoes which were delicious and came with the most flavorful sauce. For drinks I had the Matcha my Seoul and my friend had a beer; and yes we did have 2 rounds haha. They have the option of tap, still, or sparkling water. I personally prefer still so we got Acqua Panna. But if you want sparkling they will bring you S.Pellegrino. The entire meal is prepared for you by the staff which I prefer as I do not like to cook the meat by myself like at some other establishments. This makes for a very immersive experience where the staff are constantly interacting with you but in a way that almost seems effortless. This is due in part to the fact that every thing is cooked in increments and you are able to have the privacy of the dining experience as well in between cooking times. May I also add that all of the staff walk around with tide pens in their little pockets on their aprons and it has to be one of the cutest and most mindful things I’ve ever seen for a restaurant wait staff. I literally dropped kimchi on my cream sweater and my server handed me a tide pen to clean it up. My shirt looked as if nothing was on it after she saved me from my red stained kimchi mess haha. Lastly, as a surprise, they brought out a very delicious dessert with a candle in it to celebrate our anniversary. I believe the dessert consisted of shaved ice with a cinnamon syrup and some tasty garnishes. It was very sweet of them. I will be going back again and again. Some of the pictures are from my first dining here back in June and then the most recent visit was so good I only got one picture! Ultimately I highly recommend going to Yoon whenever you are in NYC this restaurant is right in the heart of the city and belongs on...