When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Don Don Korean BBQ
Why Don Don Korean BBQ is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Don Don Korean BBQ, founded by Chef Shim, offers an exceptional Korean BBQ experience centered around specialty dry-aged pork cuts served in a casual yet stylish Korean street restaurant setting. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this restaurant is distinguished by its unique offering of meticulously dry-aged pork varieties including bone-in pork loin, belly, collar, jowl, and rib, which guests grill themselves at their tables for an interactive dining experience. The vibrant atmosphere reflects authentic Korean culinary culture with retro vibes and traditional beverages like soju, makgeolli, and somac enhancing the meal. Guests can enjoy an array of housemade banchan (small side dishes) such as peak daikon and onion kimchi that complement the rich flavors of the BBQ. Beyond pork, Don Don also serves excellent classics like jeon (scallion pancake), gyeran jjim (steamed egg soufflé), and jjigae (stew) featuring ingredients like kimchi, tofu, and mushrooms, creating a well-rounded Korean feast. The restaurant's welcoming environment and attentive service make it an ideal place for friends and loved ones to gather, savoring both the food and lively ambiance together. Desserts such as black sesame ice cream topped with injeolmi powder provide a delightful finish to the meal. Overall, Don Don Korean BBQ combines quality, authenticity, and conviviality, making it a standout destination for Korean BBQ enthusiasts in New York City.
Here's what people think of Don Don Korean BBQ
As of recent, Don Don Korean BBQ holds a 4.5-star rating based on 275 reviews.
User reviews for Don Don Korean BBQ consistently highlight the high quality and unique appeal of the dry-aged pork BBQ, praising the interactive grilling experience and the authentic Korean flavors delivered. Positive reviews frequently mention the diverse selection of pork cuts, the superb tenderness and flavor resulting from in-house dry-aging, and the complimentary housemade banchan that enhance the meal. The attentive, knowledgeable staff who assist with grilling and provide exceptional customer service further elevate the dining experience. Dishes like the kimchi fried rice and gyeran jjim receive particular acclaim for their taste and quality. The lively, casual atmosphere coupled with traditional Korean décor and beverages contributes positively to the overall ambiance, making it a great spot for social gatherings. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the restaurant's bustling noise level, which can make conversation challenging, and the need for diners to be mindful of cooking times to prevent overcooking their meats. A few reviewers note that peak dining hours can feel a bit rushed despite the unhurried service approach. Pricing is considered reasonable considering the quality, though some may find it a bit on the higher side relative to casual BBQ spots. In conclusion, Don Don Korean BBQ garners strong praise for its authentic, flavorful offerings and engaging dining style, with minor critiques mainly about noise and pacing. It remains a highly recommended venue for Korean BBQ lovers seeking a memorable and delicious meal in NYC.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emmanuel Ramos
Don Don Korean BBQ, conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, truly stands out as a must-visit destination for Korean barbecue enthusiasts. From the moment you step in, the experience is defined by exceptional service and outstanding culinary delights. What truly sets Don Don apart is its remarkable staff, particularly our server, whose patience and dedication to quality service were simply outstanding. Their attentiveness ensured a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, making us feel well-cared for throughout our meal. The star of the show, of course, is the Korean BBQ meat. The quality is superb, with the aged meat being a particular highlight—tender, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Adding to the generous offerings, we were delighted to receive complimentary white rice, a thoughtful touch that complemented the rich flavors of the barbecue. To cap off a long work week, the soju hit just the right spot, providing a refreshing and satisfying accompaniment to our feast. Beyond the delicious food and excellent service, Don Don Korean BBQ also impresses with its reasonable pricing and highly convenient location, making it easily accessible for anyone in the city. Don Don Korean BBQ offers an exceptional dining experience that combines top-tier service, high-quality aged meats, and a welcoming atmosphere, all at a reasonable price. It's an ideal spot for a satisfying Korean BBQ meal in Manhattan.
James Oh
My friend told me about this place and of course in true James fashion I was skeptical. Generally Korean restaurants in Manhattan are not authentic (too many "fusion" concepts or just simply tender to the tourist market). However, this place was great! No frills, just meat and sides. Loved it and will be back.
blazine lopolito
I came here twice with some friends and we had an absolute blast here!! The food was impeccable, service was 10/10 (to our waitress if you see this let me know your name because you were the best). They make homemade soju, we ordered the passionfruit flavor, and it was out of this world!! Everything was so delicious and I can’t wait to come back 😋😋. Kimchi fried rice I think is to die for!! Especially with some pork belly on top, my mouth is watering just thinking about it 🙂↕️. One of the most authentic, true experience for being in Korea you can find within New York! If you want more shots from this restaurant and more check out my page @blaze_eatsnyc !!
Jason Lu
Came here for my best friend’s birthday. We got the chef’s feast and we really loved it. Best corn cheese I’ve had in any KBBQ spot (in NYC, Fort Lee, LA, and Seoul). The pork was truly phenomenal and the portions were absolutely huge. We had a lot to take home that night. Lauren was our server and the service here was remarkable. I’ve been to multiple Michelin stars and the attentiveness here was seriously on par; she truly went above and beyond to make sure me and my friend were comfortable (it was hot in the restaurant but that was bc of the recent heat wave). Anyway, I’ll definitely be back here. It’s the best kbbq in the city regarding taste and bang for buck *also my other friend went here the other day and he got the regular tasting menu and he really loved it too! So it seems like you can’t go wrong either way
Uyen Nguyen
My favorite cuts are pork collar, followed by pork jowl. The dry age was a bit too tough imo. The pork belly pieces are cut a bit too thick. Corn cheese is good. You get 2 soups (kim chi and beef) and w noodles (both cold, one dry and one with soup). I wish they serve the noodles earlier so we can enjoy it with the meat. This butcher's set is a bit too much for 4 people imo.
How to reach Don Don Korean BBQ
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Why Don Don Korean BBQ may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Don Don Korean BBQ with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Don Don Korean BBQ in New York City offers a uniquely joyful dining experience centered around shared food, interactive cooking, and vibrant atmosphere. This popular spot combines the irresistible sizzle and aroma of premium dry-aged pork grilling right at your table with a lively setting filled with ’90s K-pop beats. The social, hands-on nature of Korean BBQ makes it perfect for groups—everyone can participate in cooking and savoring the various cuts together, encouraging conversation and camaraderie. The restaurant’s expert staff also takes the lead with grilling the meat to perfection, easing any pressure and allowing you to focus on relaxing and chatting. With rave reviews praising its affordability compared to other high-end Korean BBQs, generous portions, and a welcoming, bustling ambiance, Don Don makes a compelling case for meeting up with friends or family here. It’s not just a meal, but a shared experience that bonds people through great flavors and the satisfying ritual of cooking and eating together.
What kind of activities and dining options make Don Don ideal for group meetups?
Don Don offers more than just eating out; it creates an interactive dining event. The core activity is grilling at the tabletop, where groups can watch and participate as their dry-aged pork cuts—such as bone-in loin, belly, collar, and crispy jowl—sizzle right before their eyes. This live cooking element promotes teamwork and shared enjoyment as everyone gathers around the grill. The staff is attentive and skilled, guiding the group on the best way to cook and savor each cut, which makes it stress-free, especially for newcomers to Korean BBQ.
Besides the main pork offerings, the meal includes unlimited banchan (small side dishes like kimchi and pickled vegetables), which serve as excellent palate enhancers and conversation starters. You can also add on delicious Korean staples like gyeran jjim (steamed egg souffle) and jjigae (hearty stews), which provide comforting variety and are great for sharing family-style. Rounding out the meal, items like kimchi fried rice—loaded with flavorful ingredients such as Spam—add a familiar yet exciting twist to the experience that appeals to all ages.
The restaurant’s narrow, bustling space pulses with energy, elevated by a soundtrack of highly caffeinated ’90s K-pop hits that keep the mood upbeat and fun, making it feel more like a lively gathering spot than a formal dining room. This combination of immersive cooking, communal dishes, and vibrant ambiance fosters connection and makes Don Don a prime venue for socializing with groups.
How does Don Don’s menu cater to diverse tastes in a group setting?
Don Don’s exclusive focus on dry-aged pork cuts sets it apart, offering a curated yet diverse range of flavors and textures suited to a variety of palates. Whether your group prefers lean and hearty or rich and crispy, the menu covers all bases with cuts including the tender bone-in loin, fatty belly, flavorful jowl, and more. Each piece is dry-aged onsite, enhancing tenderness and deepening flavor, creating an upscale experience without hefty pricing.
Groups can select à la carte options or opt for the $80 butcher’s special, which includes all five premium cuts, making it simple to share a broad tasting without decision fatigue. This sharing menu style encourages sampling, discussion, and discovery among friends or family.
Beyond pork, Don Don provides housemade banchan that are refreshing and varied, including peak-season daikon and onion kimchi, introducing elements of crunch, spice, and acidity that balance the rich grilled meats. The gyeran jjim offers a light, fluffy counterpoint to the robust barbecue, while the jjigae stews bring warmth and depth, perfect for the cooler months or as a communal dish to split.
This thoughtful menu design ensures that everyone at your table finds something delicious and satisfying, while also promoting a shared culinary adventure.
What makes the atmosphere and service at Don Don conducive to memorable group experiences?
Don Don’s lively, bustling ambiance contributes significantly to its popularity among groups. The narrow space is busy but well-organized, with long tables equipped with built-in grills encouraging close seating and interaction. While the space can be a bit loud, the high-energy environment filled with crackling grills and ’90s K-pop acts as an energizing backdrop that complements rather than detracts from socializing.
The sense of immediacy created by watching your food cook right in front of you adds excitement and anticipation, sparking lively conversation and collaboration among diners. The casual yet carefully designed setting manages to feel comfortable enough for relaxed hangouts yet special enough for celebrations or meaningful reunions.
Customer reviews frequently praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff who expertly manage the grilling process, explaining cuts and cooking times, which helps keep the experience smooth and enjoyable, particularly for groups unfamiliar with Korean BBQ customs. This attentive service lets guests focus on enjoying each other’s company without worrying about overcooking the meat.
Together, the energetic music, communal seating, captivating cooking ritual, and personalized staff care foster a warm, engaging environment perfect for making memories with friends or family.
Why is Don Don a great option for families and kids?
Families who want to enjoy Korean BBQ together will find Don Don to be accommodating and fun for all ages. According to reviews, even children as young as nine enjoyed the experience, finding an engaging atmosphere and delicious food without feeling overwhelmed. The communal style of dining—and having staff help with grilling—makes it easy for families who may not be accustomed to cooking at the table to relax and have fun.
The menu offers dishes that appeal broadly: from savory grilled pork with crispy textures that kids often enjoy, to milder side dishes and comforting egg souffle that provide gentle flavors and pleasing textures. The use of familiar ingredients like Spam in kimchi fried rice can further entice younger eaters.
Additionally, the staff’s friendly and attentive nature creates a welcoming environment for families, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met and that the meal moves at a comfortable pace. The interactive element of cooking and eating together also serves as a great bonding activity that children and adults can share, making Don Don more than just a meal but a memorable group outing.
How does Don Don’s location and accessibility enhance its appeal for meetups?
Situated conveniently near Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, Don Don benefits from a prime, easily accessible location suitable for locals and visitors alike. The area is well connected by public transportation, with multiple subway lines and bus routes nearby, making it simple for groups coming from different parts of the city to converge without hassle.
Being in a vibrant neighborhood with many other attractions nearby also allows groups to extend their outings before or after dining—whether catching a show, exploring nearby shops, or enjoying a stroll in Bryant Park. This makes Don Don a strategic choice not just for the meal but for a whole day or evening of social activity.
Moreover, the proximity to major commercial and entertainment hubs means that Don Don can easily fit into a range of plans, whether casual friend meetups after work, celebratory dinners, or family gatherings during a day in the city. Its central location paired with an engaging dining concept makes it a standout option for anyone looking to host a memorable group event in New York.
What additional experiences can guests expect when dining at Don Don?
Beyond the food and atmosphere, guests at Don Don can anticipate a warm, authentic sense of Korean hospitality infused with modern culinary expertise. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Sungchul Shim, known for his Michelin-starred ventures, which assures a level of quality and care in every dish served.
The dry-aged pork is a signature experience—a chef-driven innovation that elevates Korean BBQ with enhanced tenderness and flavor complexity, offering guests something special beyond standard barbecue fare. The combination of traditional Korean banchan and contemporary touches—like the refined jeon pancake and anchovy dashi-enhanced egg souffle—creates a multi-dimensional culinary journey.
The lively soundtrack and vibrant decor reflect a celebration of Korean culture and nostalgia, further enriching the overall vibe for guests. Whether it’s an energetic soundtrack that gets the group moving or perfectly balanced dishes stimulating the palate, Don Don crafts an immersive experience that goes well beyond food, making your meetup a memorable event that resonates long after the last bite.