When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Sam Sunny
Why Sam Sunny is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sam Sunny is a modern Korean restaurant located on 2nd Avenue in New York City, known for its stylish ambiance and flavorful dishes that make it an ideal spot to meet up with friends. With its sleek and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant offers a great setting that combines contemporary décor with a cozy vibe. Guests appreciate the variety of Korean-inspired dishes such as Korean fried chicken, steak rice bowls, cold kimchi noodle soup, and kimchi fried rice, which are perfect for sharing among friends. While the portions may be on the smaller side, the quality and taste of the food are generally well-received, making it a culinary gem for those seeking authentic Korean flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant also garners praise for having no wait times even on busy evenings for small parties, which adds to its appeal as a convenient and welcoming destination for casual dining and socializing. The ambiance scores particularly high, reflecting the thoughtful design and comfortable environment that enhances the dining experience. Whether celebrating a night out or catching up over delicious meals, Sam Sunny offers a memorable and stylish setting in the bustling heart of the city.
Here's what people think of Sam Sunny
As of recent, Sam Sunny holds a 4.7-star rating based on 456 reviews.
Reviews of Sam Sunny reveal an overall positive consensus from diners, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 across 456 reviews. Many guests commend the ambiance of the restaurant, highlighting its stylish and modern interior that contributes to an enjoyable dining atmosphere. Positive reviews frequently mention standout dishes like the Korean fried chicken, steak rice bowls, and cold kimchi noodle soup, applauding the authentic flavors and satisfying taste profiles. Several customers also note the attentive and friendly service, enhancing the overall experience. However, some negative feedback is centered around the portion sizes, which some diners find too small to be filling, and a perceived reduction in complimentary side offerings such as banchan, limiting variety. A few reviewees mention that the value for money could be better, particularly when ordering multiple dishes to share. Despite these critiques, the consistent quality of the food and the vibrant ambiance keep the restaurant popular among locals and visitors alike. In conclusion, reviews suggest that Sam Sunny is a well-regarded Korean restaurant where guests can enjoy flavorful cuisine in a chic environment, with minor considerations about portion sizes and value.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Michelle
Love this place. Great classic Korean dishes, done well, with frills. Love the unlimited banchan and the servers were great about refilling. Usually not a packed place but on busier nights the atmosphere is great. Everything we ordered was great - the galbi mandu and kimchi shrimp pancake were great starters. The spicy chicken galbi was exactly what you expected and same with the kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu. Kinda feels like home cooking but dressed up in the best ways. Portion sizes were great, quality was good, servers were do friendly, and drinks menu was diverse. Would recommend!
Mark McDonald
So good! Very cool atmosphere. They dropped some pickled radish and kimchi on the table which was nice. They gave us salads too and the dressing was delicious, whatever it was. We had the kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu, beef skewers, and fried chicken. All very tasty. I was full but I couldn’t stop eating. The owner is a ball of gracious energy. Music was nice. Definitely a goto spot in Kip’s Bay.
Mandy Kuo
Solid quality food with better ingredients than most Korean restaurants. Even the rice was delicious! The mushroom rice was a bit too sweet. Highly recommend. The kimchi and radish banchan were wonderful pairing with the dishes we ordered and very fresh.
Matthew Ho
Sam Sunny has been one of my favourite restaurants in NYC since I first discovered it a few years ago, and it's really heartening to see that the quality and price point has not changed very much since then! They can get busy at times (esp peak hours), but reservations are generally easy to come by. Even before you order anything, the side dishes are already worth a mention. The side salad they give is one of the best starters I've had -- the lettuce is always fresh and I adore the slightly-spicy dressing they add to it. My favourite dishes here are the bulgogi soup and the samgyupsal. The bulgogi soup is full of delicious slices of beef (so flavourful and tender), tofu, mushrooms, and glass noodles, and the broth itself is so rich and pairs with the white rice really well. The samgyupsal is always grilled perfectly -- just the right amount of char for how juicy and tender it is. The sautéed kimchi is a particular highlight - I love the hint of caramelisation that balanced the natural sour flavour of kimchi. I've also tried the spicy beef noodle soup here (yummy, if not a bit too salty for my taste) and kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu (both parts were decent but not a standout). Once I ordered the Jeju tangerine tea here, which was remarkably good -- refreshing balance to the spicy/salty dishes without being too sweet. The service is always so warm (and the bartender is very friendly, perhaps too extroverted for my taste hahaha), and the dark ambience makes eating here feel so cosy. Love this place and will be back very soon!
K Yo
The food was absolutely delicious, especially the perfectly grilled Tomahawk and flavorful korean dishes. The banchan (side dishes) were fresh and plentiful, adding great variety to the meal. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made excellent recommendations. The cozy atmosphere and traditional decor created an authentic dining experience. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for anyone craving genuine Korean cuisine.
How to reach Sam Sunny
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Why Sam Sunny may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sam Sunny with your friends?
If you’re looking for an ideal spot to gather with friends or family, Sam Sunny offers compelling reasons to make it your meet-up destination. This intimate Korean restaurant nestled in Manhattan’s Kips Bay neighborhood combines a cozy, vibrant ambiance with exceptional food and attentive service, creating an atmosphere ripe for socializing and shared experiences. With a stellar 4.7 rating from over 450 reviews, customers frequently praise the friendly staff who smoothly accommodate large groups, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. The venue’s modern yet warm décor, including cozy black booths and soft lighting, adds an inviting touch that encourages relaxation and prolonged conversations. The restaurant’s focus on elevated Korean cuisine means your group can explore a diverse array of dishes together, delighting in flavors that spark excitement and discovery. Plus, with a well-curated cocktail menu featuring creative drinks like the Pyongyang Mule and soju specials, there’s something enjoyable for every adult palate. Whether you’re catching up after work, celebrating a special occasion, or just seeking a lively yet comfortable space to connect, Sam Sunny stands out as a fantastic place to rally with your friends.
What group-friendly activities and dining experiences await at Sam Sunny?
Sam Sunny excels as a gathering spot because it caters superbly to group dynamics and shared dining pleasures. The restaurant’s layout includes a large table at the back specifically conducive to parties, allowing everyone to sit together and interact easily without feeling cramped. This makes it ideal for meetups ranging from intimate friend circles to family gatherings or even casual work get-togethers. The attentive staff further enhances the experience by efficiently managing group orders and checking in regularly, ensuring smooth service and spontaneous requests are met promptly. One standout aspect is their food sharing culture — many dishes like Korean fried chicken, spicy chicken galbi, and samgyupsal pork belly are crafted to be shared, sparking conversation and mutual enjoyment. The menu is thoughtfully designed to offer variety, with choices including cold kimchi noodle soup, mushroom rice bowls, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), seafood soup, and cheesy galbi chicken that have all been highly recommended by patrons. Beyond food, the drink selection supports the group vibe with vibrant cocktails and classic Korean spirits like soju, which can be great for toasting and bonding. Overall, Sam Sunny fosters a communal dining experience that encourages connection through both cuisine and ambiance.
Why is the ambiance at Sam Sunny perfect for group meetups?
The ambiance is a crucial element when selecting a venue for group gatherings, and Sam Sunny delivers a setting that is both stylish and comfortable, promoting lively interactions without overpowering noise or distractions. The interior design refresh is marked by exposed white brick walls and chic black booths that create a trendy yet inviting environment. The lighting is deliberately softened to provide warmth and intimacy — perfect for deep conversations and relaxed dining. The restaurant balances its vibe to suit different moods: energetic and buzzing during peak hours yet cozy enough for more laid-back outings. A highlight for groups is the smart bar space where friends can mingle over cocktails before or after meals, transforming the visit into a multi-dimensional experience. The well-thought-out audio setup, including quality speakers, adds just the right background music to enhance moods without making the space feel overwhelming. Overall, the ambience at Sam Sunny is crafted to make every group feel at home, encouraging both laughter and meaningful exchanges.
What kind of food can your group enjoy together at Sam Sunny?
Sampling the menu at Sam Sunny is a flavorful journey through modern Korean cuisine, with each dish engineered for sharing and sparking joy in communal eating. The Korean fried chicken is a crowd favorite, crispy and well-seasoned, making it a perfect appetizer or center dish. Spicy chicken galbi, which combines tender chicken with a bold, flavorful sauce, offers a taste explosion that pleases many palates. The samgyupsal pork belly served with sautéed kimchi and steamed tofu is a highlight that embodies Korean grilling traditions elevated with a modern twist. For noodle lovers, the cold kimchi noodle soup and various beef ramen options provide refreshing and hearty choices. Patrons also rave about the mushroom rice bowl and the seafood medley (“The Fish Market”) featuring squid, scallops, shrimp, and homemade gochujang, bringing a rich layer of flavors and textures. Other must-tries include galbi mandu (Korean beef dumplings), japchae, and kimchi pork soup. The menu’s diversity ensures that even larger groups with varied tastes can find multiple satisfying options to share and explore together.
How does the drink selection at Sam Sunny enhance the group experience?
Drinks at Sam Sunny are thoughtfully curated to complement the dining experience and encourage conviviality among groups. Beyond the typical cocktail fare, the restaurant offers unique Korean-inspired drinks with a creative edge. The Pyongyang mule, a sophisticated take on the Moscow mule, combines bright, zesty flavors that appeal to both cocktail enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. There is also a strong emphasis on soju, a traditional Korean spirit, which offers a smooth, slightly sweet profile and is perfect for sharing rounds during celebrations or casual catch-ups. Happy hour specials provide an added incentive for groups to enjoy a lively and economical night out. The bar’s stylish setup encourages casual conversation and mixing, turning the drink experience into a social event itself. Whether you prefer classic cocktails, innovative concoctions, or traditional Korean spirits, Sam Sunny’s drink selection helps enhance the vibe and keeps the group energized and engaged.
What makes the service at Sam Sunny ideal for group gatherings?
Service quality is a defining factor for any group meetup, and at Sam Sunny, attentive, friendly, and efficient service is a standout feature that guests consistently commend. Staff members are well-trained to handle large parties, adeptly managing multiple orders without fuss and ensuring that food and drinks arrive timely. Their proactive approach means they frequently check on guests, respond quickly to requests, and make newcomers feel welcomed with ease. This level of hospitality lessens stress during group visits by smoothing coordination, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the company and the food. Reviews note that the team’s kindness and professionalism add a warmth to the experience that is often missing from busier urban restaurants. Whether celebrating a special event or just catching up, the reliable service at Sam Sunny contributes significantly to an enjoyable and hassle-free group outing.
How accessible and convenient is Sam Sunny for group meetups?
Located at 517 Second Avenue in New York’s Kips Bay neighborhood, Sam Sunny is easily reachable by public transit and well worth the trip for groups looking to explore Korean cuisine in a stylish setting. Its Manhattan location makes it accessible to locals and visitors alike, situated near bustling streets with multiple subway stops and bus lines nearby. The area is known for being lively yet not overwhelmingly crowded, striking the right balance for groups wanting an urban vibe without the chaos of major tourist hubs. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties, and Sam Sunny’s accommodating nature means they handle bookings and seating arrangements smoothly. The restaurant’s moderate size creates an intimate atmosphere while still comfortably hosting groups, avoiding the pitfalls of overly small spaces. For those looking to combine dining with other social plans, the Kips Bay location is convenient to nearby bars, parks, and entertainment, making Sam Sunny a versatile anchor point for a memorable group outing.
Why is Sam Sunny a highly rated Korean restaurant worth revisiting?
Sam Sunny's impressive 4.7 rating from close to 500 reviews underscores its consistent delivery of quality on multiple fronts—food, atmosphere, and service. Guests frequently highlight the restaurant’s ability to retain authenticity while innovating with modern twists on classic Korean dishes. The careful balance of flavor and presentation makes each visit enjoyable and often surprising. Many reviewers mention repeat visits due to the warm environment and dependable excellence, signaling that it’s more than a one-time novelty spot. Whether you’re a Korean cuisine connoisseur or trying it for the first time as a group, Sam Sunny remains a standout option in NYC’s competitive dining scene. Its reliability in providing a great night out with friends or family ensures it continues to be a beloved destination. With such glowing reviews and a place designed thoughtfully for groups, it’s clear why many choose to return and recommend Sam Sunny.
This detailed overview presents Sam Sunny as a premier choice for group meetups, offering an inviting atmosphere, delicious shareable food, creative drinks, attentive service, and convenient location. Hosting your next gathering here promises a vibrant, tasty, and memorable experience your friends and family will appreciate.