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Hojokban
Master Critic Review
Hojokban
8.2
Hojokban translates contemporary Seoul dining to a stylish Madison Avenue space with soju-friendly plates, stews, and composed mains. It reads like a modern Korean dinner party, with dishes built for sharing alongside cocktails and rice wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sous-vide galbi-style short rib, Perilla noodle salad, Budae jjigae-inspired jeon
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seoul-born restaurant translating modern Korean drinking food and mains to NYC.
Who should go: Diners who want Korean flavors with a strong cocktail program.
When to visit: Prime-night reservations when the dining room feels like a party.
What to order: Short rib galbi plate, perilla noodles, a jeon and soju bottle.
Insider tip: Sit closer to the bar if you care more about drinks and people-watching than a quiet meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited and competitive; nearby public garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — stylish jeans work, but the room leans polished and nightlife-forward.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — energetic dining room, easy to talk but not a quiet conversation spot.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of vegetable-based small plates, noodles, and sides
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications on select dishes
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes work, but sauces often contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively, stylish, and share-friendly, which helps keep the energy flowing and avoids awkward silences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend prime time almost always requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the menu, pricing, and late-night atmosphere are better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails, social energy, and a modern Korean dinner-party vibe with shareable plates
Skip if: You want traditional BBQ, a quiet dinner, or budget-friendly Korean comfort food
Hours
Monday5pm - 11pm
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday5pm - 12am
Sunday5pm - 11pm