Koreatown NYC: Where to Eat on 32nd Street
Koreatown runs along W 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, one block north of Life Hotel New York. It is open late, largely walk-in, and busiest from 7:00 PM on weekends.
Where is Koreatown, exactly?
The block of W 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, with spillover onto 31st and 33rd. From the hotel at 19 W 31st Street, it is a one to two minute walk north.
What should you order?
Korean barbecue is the draw, but the neighborhood is broader than grill tables: soft tofu stew, cold noodles, fried chicken with pickled radish, and late-night soup. Her Name is Han at 17 E 31st Street, two minutes away, serves homestyle Korean set meals and cocktails and takes reservations, which matters on a Friday.
When is it busiest?
Weeknights after 7:00 PM and all evening Friday and Saturday. Lunch is calmer. Most rooms do not take reservations, so arrive before 6:30 PM or expect a wait.
What else is nearby for dinner?
Within four minutes: Patent Pending at 49 W 27th Street, a cocktail bar in the cellar where Nikola Tesla once worked, and Oscar Wilde at 45 W 27th Street, a Victorian room with one of the city longest bars. For coffee, Stumptown in the Ace Hotel lobby at 18 W 29th Street is two minutes away.
Is it good for groups?
Yes, and better than most of Midtown. Grill rooms seat four to eight comfortably, and the shared-plate format suits larger tables. Book ahead for anything over six.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Koreatown from Life Hotel New York?
One to two minutes north. W 32nd Street sits one block from the hotel entrance at 19 W 31st Street.
Is Koreatown open late?
Yes. Many rooms serve past midnight, some until 2:00 AM or later on weekends.
Do you need reservations?
For barbecue rooms on weekend evenings, yes. Weekday lunch is usually walk-in.
Life Hotel New York, 19 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, (212) 615-9900.