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8282
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
8282
8.5
8282 is a compact Lower East Side spot where high-energy K-pop, creative Korean small plates, and strong drinks make it feel like a buzzy dinner party every night. The kitchen riffs on classic flavors with dishes like cheesy tteokbokki and galbi that still read as deeply Korean, even when the presentation leans playful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheesy tteokbokki with burrata, Boneless Korean fried chicken, LA Iberico pork galbi
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Playful, shareable Korean plates with serious cooking in a lively, compact room.
Who should go: Dates and small groups chasing fun, creative Korean flavors
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full energy and short-bar waits
What to order: Cheesy tteokbokki, boneless K.F.C., LA Iberico pork galbi
Insider tip: Snag bar seats if you want the quickest way in and the best view of the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on weekend evenings; plan for garages on Delancey or Essex if driving.
Dress code: Casual but polished; most guests lean trendy streetwear or smart casual for night-out energy.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with upbeat music; conversation is possible but expect a high-energy backdrop.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners typically see limited or no wait before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of veg-friendly dishes like cheese tteokbokki and vegetable-forward plates, though not a large section.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of modifiable dishes but the menu skews dairy- and meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some rice-based dishes work, but many sauces contain soy or wheat; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something lively and fun rather than quiet and intimate; the playful plates and upbeat room help break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — arriving early or opting for bar seating greatly improves your chances. Peak hours can push waits over an hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space is tight, the energy is high, and the menu leans spicy and boozy. Better for teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: A louder, more social Korean dinner with creative twists and strong drinks — perfect when you want energy and shareable plates.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional Korean comfort dishes, a quiet meal, or extensive dietary accommodations.
8282
8.5
8282 is a modern Korean restaurant where playful, shareable dishes and strong cocktails anchor a packed, music-forward dining room. The menu swings from tuna tartare and grilled octopus to fried chicken and Iberico pork galbi, encouraging tables to mix and match flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tartare with crispy rice, Iberico pork galbi, Korean fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Korean small plates that balance fun, richness and technical polish in a loud, high-energy room.
Who should go: Groups that want Korean flavors, cocktails and a scene.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for maximum buzz; early slots for a bit more breathing room.
What to order: Build the table around tuna tartare, fried chicken and Iberico pork galbi.
Insider tip: Reserve with a larger group and plan to share everything; the menu is built for passing plates around.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clinton and surrounding LES blocks is limited and competitive after 6pm; no valet. Plan for rideshare or nearby paid garages on Essex or Delancey.
Dress code: Smart casual with a downtown edge; jeans and sneakers are fine but most groups skew stylish.
Noise level: Loud — the music-forward room and packed tables mean raised voices are common during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of 3+. Bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the restaurant is dinner-focused; early weeknights generally see minimal wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — a handful of veg-friendly small plates and sides, but many signatures involve seafood or meat.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be adapted but it’s not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes (e.g., certain proteins), but sauces and fry items often contain gluten; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy — the room is loud, lively, and better for couples who enjoy buzzy, social settings rather than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Small parties may snag bar seats or early walk-in tables; larger groups should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the late-night energy, loud volume, and cocktail-heavy crowd skew more adult; teens may be fine, but younger kids won’t have a great fit.
Best For
Better for: Lively group dinners, Korean-inspired shareables, and a party-like vibe with strong cocktails that outshine quieter, more traditional Korean spots.
Skip if: You want a calm meal, need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or prefer classic Korean dishes over modern, fusion-leaning small plates.
8282
8.3
8282 is a Bib Gourmand–recognized modern Korean restaurant where playful small plates and shareable mains can be stitched into a multi-course, chef-driven meal. In the lively Lower East Side dining room, counter and table seats alike become a kind of casual chef’s table as dishes arrive in a steady, thoughtful rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Perilla Oil Pasta with seaweed and sesame, Boneless K.F.C. soy-garlic fried chicken, L.A. Iberico Pork GALBI with broccolini
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand modern Korean spot where small plates, shared mains, and a few seats near the action create a flexible, chef-guided feast.
Who should go: Groups and couples who like bold Korean flavors and energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full buzz; earlier weeknights for shorter waits.
What to order: Perilla Oil Pasta, boneless K.F.C., L.A. Iberico Pork GALBI.
Insider tip: Order a mix of anju and shared plates, then ask your server to pace them like an informal tasting menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Clinton Street and surrounding blocks, especially after 6pm; rely on nearby paid garages on Delancey or Essex if you’re driving.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish LES-night-out, but jeans and a nice top fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak dinner hours; conversation is doable at tables but tighter at the bar.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not served; early weekday dinners (5–6:30pm) typically have little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—several vegetable-forward plates that can round out a meal.
Vegan options: Limited; a few items can be adapted, but the menu skews heavily toward seafood and meat.
Gluten-free options: A handful of dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can point out modifications, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—high energy, stylish, and shareable dishes create an easy rhythm, though it may be too loud for those wanting a quiet, intimate early-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early; walk-ins are common, but weekend prime times usually require a wait. Bar seats are your best shot short notice.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the space is compact, loud, and geared toward adults enjoying drinks and shared plates. Older teens comfortable with bold flavors may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group dinners, inventive Korean small plates, and a flexible, build-your-own tasting experience without the formality of a traditional chef’s counter.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan/gluten-free options, or prefer spacious dining rooms with more personal space.
8282
8.3
8282 is a modern Korean spot recognized by the Michelin Guide where playful small plates and strong cocktails anchor a loud, tightly packed dining room. Diners typically share a series of dishes that move from raw seafood to fried chicken to richer meats, effectively turning the meal into a Korean-inflected tasting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean fried chicken with house sauces, 8282 steak with mashed sweet potatoes and pine nut pesto, L.A. Iberico pork galbi with braised kimchi
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand–recognized Korean small plates and cocktails in a high-energy room where sharing multiple courses feels like a casual tasting.
Who should go: Groups who want bold Korean flavors, strong drinks, and a scene.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full buzz; earlier weeknights for shorter waits.
What to order: Start with fried chicken, then share steak, Iberico pork galbi, and a vegetable or seafood special.
Insider tip: Book ahead for larger groups and plan to linger; dishes arrive staggered to encourage a multi-course experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clinton and Rivington is limited and competitive after 6pm; no valet or dedicated lot. Expect to circle or use a nearby paid garage on Essex.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy; jeans are fine but most diners dress fashion-forward for the lively scene.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with bar energy and tightly packed tables; expect to raise your voice. Early weeknights are moderately noisy but manageable.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only, but early weekday seatings typically have little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of vegetarian-friendly dishes (e.g., vegetable plates, some small snacks), but the menu skews meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes incorporate animal products; vegans will need to ask for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes, including raw seafood and some proteins; cross-contact is possible, so alert the staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy date than an intimate one. The loud room and shareable plates make it playful, but conversation can be challenging during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a long wait on weekends. Walk-ins are more feasible early on weeknights or if you’re willing to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to noise, crowding, and spicy flavors. Teens comfortable with adventurous Korean dishes may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: A lively, high-energy Korean small-plates experience with strong cocktails and shareable dishes that work exceptionally well for groups and night-out vibes.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan options, or prefer a more traditional tasting menu structure with coursed pacing.