Koreatown (K-Town) is NYC's best late-night food destination and one of Manhattan's most vibrant dining neighborhoods. Packed into a few blocks around 32nd Street, you'll find Korean BBQ, tofu houses, fried chicken spots, karaoke rooms, and more—many open until the early morning hours.
đź“Ť Where is Koreatown?
Main area: 32nd Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway
Extends to: 31st-35th Streets, from 5th to 6th Ave
Nearest subway: 34th St-Herald Square (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W), 33rd St (6)
Best time: Dinner through late night. Many spots open until 2-4am.
Korean BBQ
The main attraction. Grill your own meat at the table with endless side dishes.
Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong
Celebrity chef-owned. Premium meats, excellent service, always packed. Worth the wait.
Jongro BBQ
Classic K-BBQ with great pork belly. The 24-hour option makes it a late-night hero.
Gaonnuri
On the 39th floor with Empire State Building views. Special occasion Korean BBQ.
COTE Korean Steakhouse
Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse. Not in K-Town but nearby. The ultimate splurge.
Stews, Soups & Comfort Food
BCD Tofu House
Sizzling soon tofu (soft tofu stew) is the signature. Perfect hangover cure at 4am.
Gammeeok
Famous for milky ox bone soup. Simple, soul-warming, available anytime.
Cho Dang Gol
Homemade tofu dishes. More refined than BCD, great for a proper dinner.
Fried Chicken & Casual
Bonchon
The chain that brought Korean fried chicken to the masses. Crispy, addictive.
Turntable
Korean fried chicken and vinyl records. Cool vibe, great wings.
Wonjo
No-frills late-night BBQ. The staff doesn't mess around. Serious meat, serious hours.
What to Try
K-Town Tips
- No reservations needed: Most K-Town spots don't take reservations. Just show up.
- Look up: Many restaurants are on upper floors. Check building directories.
- Cash preferred: Some spots are cash only or give cash discounts.
- Karaoke after: Many BBQ restaurants have karaoke rooms upstairs.
- Late-night is the vibe: K-Town comes alive after 10pm. Peak hours are 11pm-2am.
- Groups welcome: Korean BBQ is designed for groups. The more, the better.