Guide to 32nd Street (Koreatown, NYC)

32nd Street between 5th Ave and Broadway, more commonly known as Koreatown, can be an overwhelming experience for the uninitiated. Upon first glance, 32nd Street appears to be a densely-packed boulevard of indecipherable neon signs and indistinguishable BBQ restaurants.



Amidst the chaotic swarm of tourists, korean businessmen and incredibly well-coifed teens (all with the latest and greatest cell phones glued to their ears) are some quiet eateries where one can escape the madness and eat an inexpensive, hearty meal. these are the places to avoid. also try to avoid places where one can find rows of doe-eyed, blond white folks who talk loudly of broadway shows and horse-drawn carriage rides in central park. i have nothing against out-of-towners (and/or doe-eyed blond white folks), but a general rule of thumb is to pass on any restaurant that can be found in a Tourist Guide. Of course, one or two of the following restaurants might be listed in Tourist Guides. Such is the folly of the NY restaurant scene: Unknown, loyal following, Zagat, overcrowded, shut down by health inspectors. Moving on...


Kang Suh
It's late. You were at the bar and after ten rounds of drinks, you got a craving for food. In NY, one can walk 2 blocks in any direction and stumble into a Greek diner. Sure, criss-cut fries and a cup of coffee might sate your hunger, but tonight, you need something... different. Hop in a cab and go straight to Kang Suh (1250 B'way @ 32nd St (212) 564-6845). During the day, the restaurant is packed wall-to-wall with the lunchtime crowd; a sea of suits and ties. The food is good and dependable, not unlike the service (who can also seem a bit gruff; this is normal). At night, Kang Suh is littered with tired bar and club-goers, all seeking out some quality comfort food. Although you won't be able to cook your own bbq during the late shift, the chef-cooked bulgogi is a safe bet.


Kunjip
Kunjip 9 West 32nd St. (212) 216-9487 offers great lunch deals for under $10. The Bibimbap is the best on 32rd St, and is a solid lunch choice. Most importantly, the Kimchi is plentiful and amazing. Great service and very attentive considering the restaurant is always packed.


Won Jo
The uneasy look of skepticism. The non-committal answers. Is it the fear of the unknown or a bad past experience? It is your job to care for a first-timer. Ease into it; assure that "it will all be ok." To make the first time a wonderful, memorable experience, slide into Won Jo 23 W 32nd St (212) 695-5815. Order a few rounds of beer while waiting for the grill to get hot. The beef here is top-notch, and Yang Gui (a personal favorite) is on the menu.


Gam Mee Ok
It happens. You've gorged yourself on Korean BBQ for five days straight and you need a break. Look no further than Gam Mee Ok 43 W. 32nd St (212) 695-4113. The oxtail soup is really, really good. In fact, all of the soups are amazing. Gam Mee Ok offers light dining in a cozy environment. Order some tea and soak up the atmosphere before your meal arrives (the service can be slow).



Koryod@ng Bakery 31
W 32nd St (212) 967-9661 offers a large assortment of top-quality breads and pastries. The decor is very hotel lobby-chic, which is no surprise considering the neighborhood and clientele. For a more intimate setting, stop into Cafe Muse, next door to Gam Mee Ok. Although the baked goods are not as tasty and fresh as Koryod@ng, you won't feel as though you're waiting for the next shuttle bus to JFK. Personally, my first pick is Koryod@ng, but then again, I wouldn't mind boarding the next shuttle bus to JFK.


The Mandoo Bar
2 W. 32nd St. (212) 279-3075 is a fantastic dumpling restaurant. Skip Chinatown and go here for light, succulent dumplings that literally melt in your mouth. As you can see in the photo above, the dumplings are made on premises and are fresh.


Woorijip
Roughly translated as "Our House," Woorijip 12 W
32nd St is a Korean-style convenience store with a great buffet and hot and cold packaged food. If you're on a tight budget but want some quality food, go for the Chap Chae. At around three dollars, it can't be beat. Woorijip is open 24-hours and is perfect for a quick early-morning food fix.