When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Antoya Korean BBQ
Why Antoya Korean BBQ is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Antoya Korean BBQ stands out as one of New York City’s premier destinations for modern Korean barbecue, making it an ideal spot to meet friends for an exceptional dining experience. Located in the heart of Koreatown, Antoya combines traditional Korean barbecue recipes passed down through generations with a modern twist, including some fusion elements inspired by Italian cuisine. This blend of authenticity and innovation ensures a unique culinary adventure that appeals to both Korean food enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, creating a welcoming atmosphere suitable for casual gatherings or special occasions. Known for using only the highest quality ingredients, Antoya emphasizes an authentic, memorable experience with attentive service. Guests can enjoy beautifully presented dishes along with a well-curated drinks and happy hour menu. The lively and upscale ambiance, complemented by sophisticated presentation and flavors, makes it a wonderful place to relax, share great food, and enjoy good company.
Here's what people think of Antoya Korean BBQ
As of recent, Antoya Korean BBQ holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2353 reviews.
Customer reviews for Antoya Korean BBQ are generally positive, highlighting the restaurant’s quality and service. Many diners praise the excellent ambiance and attentive staff who provide assistance throughout the grilling process, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable meal experience. The freshness and flavor of the meats, which include both beef and pork options, receive frequent commendations. Reviewers also appreciate the continuously replenished sauces and the creative drinks menu, which features visually appealing cocktails with lights. Reservation convenience and quick service during busy times are often mentioned positively as well. On the downside, some reviewers find the restaurant to be on the pricier side, noting that portion sizes for some dishes may feel small relative to the cost. A few guests also mentioned that while the food quality is good, it did not exceed expectations to justify the higher prices. Despite these critiques, the overall impression reflects that Antoya offers a well-executed, upscale Korean BBQ experience with a sophisticated atmosphere. The mix of authentic recipes with modern innovation, combined with strong customer service, secures Antoya a favorable reputation among both locals and visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Juan Marte
Amazing experience at Antoya Korean BBQ! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the entire staff. The service was excellent, super friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The meat selection was top-notch, and I tried one of their beers which was really good, even better during their happy hour (Sunday to Thursday, 4–6 PM). They accidentally forgot one of the plates we ordered, but quickly brought it out after 10 minutes and comped it as a kind gesture, really appreciated that level of service. It was my birthday, and the waitress surprised me with some celebratory shots and took the time to explain everything on the table thoroughly. I’ll definitely be coming back with more friends. Highly recommend!
Isabella Perez (Bella)
This restaurant is amazing! The ambiance is great, and they have a wonderful ventilation system, so you won’t leave smelling like meat. The staff cook the meat for you, although you can also cook it yourself. The side dishes are AYCE, so they will continue to refill them for you. The food was fantastic. My only complaint is I wish they offered a platter that has a mix of beef and pork rather than having to choose all beef or all pork. Staff were kind and attentive. There are many options for Korean bbq in this area, but I highly recommend coming here. We left feeling very impressed and satisfied, and the price wasn’t bad at all given the amount and quality of food you receive.
A
Actually great! To start off, the server gave us a free drink because we engaged in conversation with them and told them we came all the way from floptropica. I will say that was so kind of them! The food was good, the cold green tea noodles were good and refereshing to have alongside the pork adn the lettuce. The black sesame tofu thing was also so good and i will definitely remake it at my abode.
Maddy A
The food decent but it’s fairly expensive - for the price of this meal you could do all you can eat at Let’s Meat and have a better selection of meats. The table was a bit far apart which made it hard to talk. And they kept forgetting the mandu we ordered. The signature marinated galbi was definitely the best meat. Both appetizers we had were somewhat cold/not great
Elzeria Salim
I had such a great experience at Antoya BBQ in Koreatown! The food was absolutely delicious — everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly grilled. The atmosphere felt cozy but still modern, which made it a fun place to enjoy a meal with friends. What really stood out to me was the service — our server was super helpful, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. They explained the menu well and even helped us cook some of the meats. I highly recommend Antoya if you’re looking for high-quality Korean BBQ and a welcoming dining experience!
How to reach Antoya Korean BBQ
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Why Antoya Korean BBQ may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Antoya Korean BBQ with your friends? Antoya Korean BBQ in New York City stands out as a perfect destination to gather your friends because it blends authentic Korean flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and attentive service into one memorable experience. The restaurant, highly rated with a 4.4 score across more than 2300 reviews, offers a unique environment that encourages socializing and shared enjoyment. The spacious setting includes an inviting outdoor floral setup on 32nd Street that almost feels like a private garden party, making it great for groups looking to celebrate or simply catch up over delicious food. Inside, the multi-floor layout with comfortable booths ensures that large groups can be comfortably accommodated without feeling cramped. The appeal to groups is amplified by the interactive nature of Korean BBQ itself—cooking your own marinated meats at the table encourages conversation and teamwork, turning the meal into an event rather than just dinner. Drinks with vibrant presentations and premium Korean BBQ cuts that are both flavorful and authentic complete the cheerful and lively vibe that Antoya cultivates for group gatherings. This makes it an ideal place to rally your friends for a warm, engaging, and satisfying Korean dining experience.
What activities does Antoya Korean BBQ offer for groups? Antoya is centered around the interactive Korean BBQ experience, where diners grill their own choice of premium meats such as fatty pork jowl and prime rib eye right at their table. This hands-on dining style serves as the main activity and is perfect for groups since it encourages collaboration and shared enjoyment. Beyond grilling, guests can delight in a curated selection of side dishes (banchan), traditional stews like soondubu jjigae filled with seafood, and complementary rice bowls which add variety to the meal. Another group-friendly feature is the cocktail menu, where drinks are presented with playful light effects, making the bar experience just as social and stylish as the meal itself. The restaurant’s spacious and well-designed outdoor seating area, adorned with flowers and greenery, offers a scenic backdrop for evening gatherings or special celebrations, thus enhancing the ambiance for any meetup. Moreover, the service staff at Antoya are known to be attentive and helpful, frequently refilling sauces and assisting with the grill to ensure everyone in your party can enjoy the food without hassle. This emphasis on quality service and interactive dining makes Antoya more than a restaurant — it’s a dynamic social venue tailored for group connection and fun.
Why is Antoya Korean BBQ perfect for a group meetup? Several factors make Antoya an excellent choice for group meetups. First, the restaurant accommodates large groups comfortably with its multi-floor seating arrangement and spacious booths, offering privacy and room to converse without overcrowding. Unlike many Korean BBQ places, Antoya’s focus on quality over quantity means that the marinated beef and pork are flavorful and satisfying, providing a premium experience that groups will remember. The food’s authenticity and attention to tradition ensure that guests can enjoy true Korean flavors without leaving NYC. Pricing also plays a part — Antoya offers affordable options under $50 per person, striking a balance between quality and cost, which is important for group budgets. Additionally, the staff’s eagerness to assist with everything from pacing the grilling to replenishing essential sauces creates a stress-free atmosphere where the group can focus entirely on enjoying each other’s company rather than logistics. The combination of a lively yet comfortable atmosphere with superb food, exceptional service, and thoughtful touches like creative cocktails and an enchanting outdoor space culminates in an experience tailor-made for groups wanting to bond meaningfully over dinner.
What food highlights make Antoya Korean BBQ worth visiting? Antoya Korean BBQ prides itself on its authentic and expertly prepared meats that form the lauded centerpieces of the dining experience. The restaurant is known for its marinated cuts of beef and pork that deliver bold Korean flavors — from the succulent pork jowl with its perfect fat ratio to the richly flavored prime rib eye. These dishes invite communal grilling, where groups can share, sample, and customize their meat to their liking. Beyond the barbecue, the menu features staples of Korean cuisine such as yukgaejang, a spicy beef soup praised as possibly the best outside of Korea, and soondubu jjigae, a silky tofu stew with seafood additions for an extra flavor punch. While non-meat options are more limited, the rice bowls and stews provide satisfying complements to the meat-centric meal, catering to varying tastes within any group. Antoya’s culinary philosophy centers on high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, which shine through in the uncompromising flavors and textures, reinforcing the restaurant's reputation as a Bib Gourmand destination recognized for value and excellence.
What kind of service and atmosphere can groups expect at Antoya? Guests at Antoya enjoy fast, friendly, and attentive service that greatly enhances the group dining experience. Waitstaff frequently check in to assist with grilling, ensuring meats are cooked perfectly without you needing to worry. They are also proactive about keeping sauces and side dishes replenished, allowing diners to relax and socialize uninterrupted. This high level of service, combined with genuine warmth, helps create a welcoming environment especially conducive to groups celebrating or simply sharing a relaxed meal. The ambiance inside is comfortable and casual, with multiple floors and booths providing ample privacy and seating flexibility for groups of various sizes. Outside, the garden-like patio is a standout feature, designed with floral décor and greenery that transforms the space into a charming gathering spot, ideal for hosting special occasions or enjoying a more scenic meal. Whether you choose to be inside immersed in the bustling energy or outside in the elegant, almost ethereal courtyard, Antoya provides a setting that balances liveliness and intimacy perfectly for groups.
How accessible and convenient is Antoya for Korean BBQ gatherings? Antoya’s location in Midtown Manhattan at 37 W 32nd St places it in the heart of New York’s Koreatown, making it easily accessible by public transit and car for locals and visitors alike. Its central location also means that post-meal activities such as exploring the neighborhood or continuing the evening at nearby bars are possible, adding to the outing’s appeal. Reservations are encouraged and seem to be managed efficiently, preventing long wait times even when the restaurant is busy, which is especially important for large groups eager to start their meal promptly. The restaurant operates late hours, accommodating those who prefer evening or late-night gatherings. Additionally, the affordability and quality balance at Antoya means group organizers can plan memorable meetups without breaking the bank, while still offering an upscale dining environment. With its convenient Midtown location, thoughtful seating arrangements, and attentive service, Antoya is a practical and attractive choice for launching and enjoying group Korean BBQ events.
In summary, Antoya Korean BBQ is a standout venue for anyone looking to host a lively, flavorful, and interactive group dining experience. Its authentic cuisine, engaging tabletop grilling, attentive service, and beautiful dining spaces cater perfectly to friends or family wanting to connect over unforgettable meals in New York City. The restaurant’s commitment to tradition and quality balanced with an inclusive and accommodating atmosphere makes it an exceptional choice for meetups that celebrate friendship and great food. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a special occasion, Antoya offers an inviting setting where group dining becomes a shared event filled with warmth, flavor, and fun.