When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Barn Joo Union Square
Why Barn Joo Union Square is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Barn Joo Union Square is a lively Korean gastropub located right by Union Square West in New York City, known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative take on Korean cuisine. The restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Korean dishes and modern flavors through an array of small plates and Korean tapas that emphasize farm-to-table, high-quality ingredients. The menu features standout favorites like bibimbap with charred rice and spicy gochujang, as well as flavorful beef bulgogi, spicy wings, and duck tacos, making it an ideal spot for sharing with friends. The venue's two-level layout provides diverse experiences, with casual bar seating and share plates on the ground floor, and a more interactive Korean BBQ experience with table-side grilling upstairs, perfect for larger groups. Barn Joo also boasts an energetic environment with a DJ or live music and a bustling happy hour daily from 4pm to 7pm, where discounted draft beers, wines, and cocktails fuel the social scene. Barn Joo's blend of excellent food, drinks, and lively atmosphere makes it a fantastic place to gather with friends for lunch, dinner, or late-night fun.
Here's what people think of Barn Joo Union Square
As of recent, Barn Joo Union Square holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1932 reviews.
Reviewers of Barn Joo Union Square consistently praise the restaurant for its flavorful Korean dishes, energetic vibe, and attentive service. Positive reviews highlight the delicious variety of menu options, such as the bibimbap with perfectly charred rice, the tender and tasty beef bulgogi, and the sizable, well-spiced wings. The restaurant's lively atmosphere with music and a vibrant crowd is appreciated as a great setting for socializing, especially during happy hour when drinks and food are offered at a discount. Many reviewers also commend the friendly and efficient staff and the quality of ingredients used. Negative reviews tend to focus on the high demand leading to wait times, particularly during peak hours, and some find the noise level a bit overwhelming for those seeking a quieter dining experience. A few also note that prices can be on the higher side compared to other Korean spots, though still reasonable for the location and quality. In conclusion, Barn Joo Union Square is widely regarded as a standout Korean restaurant in NYC that effectively combines excellent food, a dynamic atmosphere, and good service, making it a favored destination for groups and friends looking for an engaging dining outing.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melanie Morgridge
Amazing time with a group of eight friends! The food is so shareable and loved the experience. The servers were extremely attentive and helpful, everything was very prompt even on a Saturday evening. The vibe and music were great. Highly recommend!
Leeat Massuda
My friend and I came for dinner. I highly recommend making a reservation. You get to spin a wheel and win a free item. We got incredible pickled vegetables. Our waitress, May, was so friendly, attentive, and patient. She let us know that if we post our photos, we get a free shot. I already posted my delicious watermelon cocktail on instagram so we got shots of their house soju. We got the truffle fries and fried tofu. Beautiful presentation. I loved the caramelized kimchi. We both got the bibimbap, which remains steaming hot while I'm typing this review like 25 minutes ago. It comes with delicious kimchi on the side. I always wait for my rice to get super crispy at the bottom. We had a great time and will absolutely be back :)
R M
Right around Union Square, is a local hangout place that has an assorted menu for food happy hour, which is an extended version of regular happy hour. These prices are amazing because you can get oysters! Yay! For all my oyster fans, this will make you happy. The oysters are fresh and cheaper than most places. I think it was $1 per oyster. Shrimp cocktail was $10. I think we ordered some sushi rolls as well which were good as well. Everything was pretty tasty. Nothing “stood out” in terms of taste. But we throughly enjoyed our meal. I feel like this is the perfect place to come after work with a friend if you’re hungry but you don’t want to go broke finding food in New York. And it’s good. The food came out pretty quickly as well. And the service staff were very attentive and nice. Would recommend and would definitely return.
Shawn G
The food, cocktails and service were excellent. We opted for the regular menu and the chose spicy chicken wings and fried shrimp tempura for our appetizers. We each got a main consisting of short ribs, fisherman soup, and fried pork belly. All amazing. The cocktails were delicious and we even got a complementary shot of soju. The servers were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was comfortable and not overly loud. This was a late lunch atmosphere, and it was perfect for conversation. Definitely will go back next time I’m in the city
Penelope Hmu
Ever since I first came to Barn Joo on a date with my ex, I’ve been in love with the ramen, not the man! Deep down, I completely fell for the rich, comforting bowl of beef ramen. Honestly, it made me feel like I didn’t need anything else in life… just that perfect ramen. Who needs a boyfriend when you have that? What made the experience even more special was our server and host, May Thant. She took such thoughtful care of us, anticipating what we needed and making everything feel so warm and personal. It wasn’t just a meal, it felt like being genuinely cared for. Every time I visit the Union Square location, I find myself drawn back to that same cozy feeling. I always leave happy and full both in heart and belly. The hospitality, the warm welcome, the little touches… I never regret coming back to Barn Joo. It’s my little happy place.
How to reach Barn Joo Union Square
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Why Barn Joo Union Square may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Barn Joo Union Square with your friends?
Barn Joo Union Square stands out as an ideal spot to gather with friends due to its vibrant atmosphere, culturally rich menu, and accommodating social setting. As a Korean gastropub situated in the bustling Union Square area of New York City, it offers an energized, clubby vibe that naturally lends itself to lively group meetups. Whether you're looking to unwind after work or celebrate a special occasion, Barn Joo’s combination of flavorful Korean and Korean-American dishes alongside thoughtfully curated drinks sets the stage for communal enjoyment. The restaurant’s layout encourages sharing and social interaction with its second-floor Korean BBQ tables perfect for groups craving a hands-on dining experience, while the ground-floor bar and booths invite more casual mingling around soju bottles and small plates. The welcoming service and upbeat music, often complemented by live DJs or bands during busy hours, further enhance the social experience, making it a fun and memorable destination. With a respectable rating of 4.4 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews, Barn Joo has proven its consistent appeal as a meeting point that balances energy, great food, and a friendly atmosphere ideal for any gathering of friends or family.
What activities and dining experiences make Barn Joo Union Square perfect for group meetups?
Barn Joo offers a variety of activities geared toward groups looking to share an engaging culinary experience. The centerpiece is the Korean BBQ setup on the second floor, where friends can gather around sizzling grills to cook and savor an array of marinated meats, including bulgogi beef that is known for its tender, flavorful profile. This interactive form of dining not only fills the table with delicious aromas but also encourages communal participation, making the meal itself a bonding activity. Besides the hands-on BBQ, the restaurant excels in "tapass-style" share plates, designed for communal enjoyment, featuring inventive dishes that fuse traditional Korean ingredients with Western culinary techniques. Popular items include bibimbap with spicy gochujang and nicely charred rice, bulgogi beef tacos, and playful plates like Tteok + Cheese, which blends rice cakes with a variety of cheeses and truffle essence, creating a delightful cultural mashup. Happy Hour, known as “grumpy hour” at Barn Joo, is another draw, running from late morning into the afternoon with deals such as $7 French Rosé, which makes daytime gatherings or early meetups more affordable and enjoyable. Additionally, the lively bar scene with a knowledgeable bar team crafting specialty cocktails and pouring soju encourages social drinking and upbeat conversations, perfect for groups wanting to mix food with fun.
How does Barn Joo Union Square’s atmosphere enhance social gatherings?
The vibe at Barn Joo is integral to why groups feel at home here. The restaurant’s interior boasts a rustic, yet modern ambiance combining cozy wood elements with eclectic, clubby touches that reflect both Korean heritage and contemporary New York style. This relaxed but vibrant atmosphere is amplified by the presence of music—often DJs or live bands—which energize the space especially during evenings and weekends, encouraging guests to unwind and linger over their meals. The noise level and musical backdrop work well for groups looking for a space that feels dynamic without being overly loud or chaotic, allowing for easy conversation alongside the entertainment. The seating layout of the restaurant supports a variety of group sizes, with spacious tables for BBQ and comfortable booths or bar seating for smaller clusters of friends. Efficient and warm service adds to the welcoming feeling, with staff known for their friendliness and attentiveness, enhancing the sense of hospitality that makes guests want to return. The restaurant’s location near the subway entrance also means easy access for group members arriving from different parts of the city, simplifying logistics for larger gatherings.
What kind of food and drink options does Barn Joo Union Square offer for groups?
Barn Joo’s menu is thoughtfully designed for sharing and sampling, which is ideal for groups that want to experience a range of flavors together. The food offerings celebrate Korean cuisine with a modern twist, from traditional dishes like bibimbap and silky tofu to creative innovations such as bulgogi beef tacos and cheesy rice cake dishes. Their Korean BBQ selections include various cuts of marinated and grilled meats served with appropriate sides that balance the flavors and textures, catering to diverse palates within a group. In addition to their solid food lineup, Barn Joo’s drinks menu is expansive and well-curated to complement the meal. Popular choices include bottles of soju, a Korean rice liquor perfect for toasting and sharing, alongside craft cocktails and a diverse wine list that includes specials like the grumpy hour French Rosé. The bar staff at Barn Joo are regarded for their expertise and friendliness, adept at suggesting pairings or custom cocktails to suit group preferences. These drink options, combined with the shareable food plates, make Barn Joo a destination where groups can comfortably eat, drink, and enjoy the communal spirit.
Why is Barn Joo Union Square convenient and welcoming for group events?
Barn Joo’s strategic location in Union Square not only offers easy subway access but is also nestled in a lively neighborhood full of additional activities, making it a great starting or ending point for group outings. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating options accommodates different group preferences and seasonal considerations. The restaurant is known for its accommodating approach to reservations and group service, sometimes adding small fun perks such as spin-the-wheel giveaways that can enhance the group experience with surprises like free drinks. The staff’s dedication to high-quality service and attentive management ensures that even larger parties receive personalized care, making guests feel valued and comfortable. Furthermore, Barn Joo’s design and menu accommodate mixed groups including families, friends, and coworkers, with an ambiance that balances excitement with a sense of intimacy. The combination of great food, festive drinks, accessibility, and excellent service all contribute to making Barn Joo a go-to venue for any group looking to create shared memories in a lively, yet inviting setting.
What makes Barn Joo Union Square’s dining and social experience unique compared to other Korean restaurants?
Barn Joo uniquely blends traditional Korean culinary techniques with American gastropub culture to create a hybrid dining experience that appeals broadly. Unlike many Korean restaurants that focus exclusively on either authentic dishes or trendy fusion, Barn Joo strikes a balance by maintaining deep respect for Korean flavors while experimenting with plating styles and ingredient combinations adapted for New York’s cosmopolitan clientele. This is evident in their varied menu that includes both classic items like bibimbap and innovative dishes such as Korean taco melds and cheese-topped rice cakes. The gastropub atmosphere with DJs, cocktails, and an upscale, rustic interior distinguishes Barn Joo from more casual or purely traditional Korean eateries. Their emphasis on shareable, tapas-style dishes paired with superb service and a dynamic social scene also sets them apart, making the experience more interactive and communal. This melding of cultural culinary practices with social dining makes Barn Joo a standout choice for groups seeking both quality and an entertaining environment.
How can Barn Joo Union Square accommodate different group sizes and occasions?
Barn Joo’s flexible seating arrangements and menu options allow it to accommodate a wide range of group sizes and types of occasions, from casual get-togethers and after-work drinks to celebratory dinners with family or coworkers. The second-floor Korean BBQ tables can seat medium to large groups who want an engaging, communal cooking experience at the heart of their meal. For smaller groups or those wanting a less hands-on meal, the bar and booth seating on the ground floor offer comfortable and casual spots where friends can share bottles of soju, cocktails, and small plates. The restaurant’s atmosphere scales well from lively gatherings with music and spirited conversation to more intimate dinners where groups can enjoy focused quality time. Additionally, Barn Joo’s attentive service staff can manage the specific needs of groups, coordinate timings for shared dishes, and tailor the experience with special requests or dietary accommodations. As a result, the venue is versatile enough to host a variety of social occasions while maintaining a consistent level of excitement and warmth.
What do customer reviews say about the experience at Barn Joo Union Square?
Customers consistently praise Barn Joo Union Square for its exceptional service, lively atmosphere, and delicious food options. Many reviews highlight the efficient and friendly staff, often noting how management prioritizes guest experience, creating a welcoming environment that keeps patrons returning. The Korean BBQ and shareable plates receive particular acclaim for their flavor and presentation, with the bibimbap and bulgogi dishes cited as standout favorites. Some guests appreciate the creative twist on traditional Korean fare, enjoying the fusion elements like the beef tacos and cheese-topped sides. While a few reviews mention occasional slower meal pacing during busy times, most agree that the overall experience is worth it due to the quality of food, drinks, and ambiance. Customers also enjoy the happy hour offerings and the fun elements like free beer spins with reservations. This positive feedback, supported by a strong rating of 4.4 stars from over 1,900 reviews, validates Barn Joo as a dependable and enjoyable place to host group gatherings, providing a vibrant backdrop for social connection and culinary exploration.