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Thursday Kitchen
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Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Thursday Kitchen
8.4
A lively Korean-fusion tapas room where the win is ordering a tight mix of crisp, saucy, and carby small plates that feel built for sharing. Expect a loud, dimly lit vibe and a menu that’s more playful than traditional—great for groups who want to try a lot without committing to a single main.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi paella, Bulgogi-style small plates, Truffle mac-and-cheese bites
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Korean-leaning tapas that rewards smart, shareable ordering.
Who should go: Groups who like trying many plates
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Kimchi paella, one meaty plate, one veggie plate
Insider tip: Order 4–5 plates for two, then stop—over-ordering backfires fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and especially tough after 6pm—plan for rideshare or subway.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish for a night-out feel.
Noise level: Loud – energetic, music-forward room where conversation is possible but raised voices are common.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weeknight dinner often 15–30 minutes or seated quickly with an early reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable vegetable-forward plates and adaptable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of plates can work with modifications; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free items, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy date than an intimate one—the lively atmosphere and shared plates help break the ice, but it’s not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—arrive early (before 6pm) or later in the evening to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—dim lighting, loud music, and a cocktail-forward vibe make it better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Playful Korean-inspired small plates, group ordering, and a nightlife-adjacent atmosphere that feels like a pregame destination.
Skip if: You want traditional Korean food, a quiet dinner, or a focused main-course experience—there are calmer, more classic options nearby.
Thursday Kitchen
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Korean-leaning New American small-plates room that wins on bold flavor and shareable pacing, especially when you keep the order structured. It’s a go-to for groups who want variety without sacrificing execution—one rich plate, one crispy plate, one bright plate, then stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi paella, Korean fried chicken, Bulgogi-style noodle dish
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Korean-meets-New-American small plates built for sharing.
Who should go: Groups that like trying many dishes
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for best pacing
What to order: Kimchi paella, fried chicken, one noodle plate
Insider tip: Order in waves—two plates first, then reassess.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in the East Village; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean a bit styled for nights out.
Noise level: Moderate-loud—energetic and buzzy, good for groups but not whisper-quiet conversations.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-focused small plates and noodles can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options depending on the menu, and some dishes can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free plates, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a second or third date—the lively energy and sharing format are fun but can feel busy for getting to know someone quietly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends; going early or later in the evening improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the space is tight, menu is adventurous, and the vibe skews adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Structured small-plates dining with bold Korean-leaning flavors and a fun group-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large portions, or a traditional sit-down American dinner experience.
Thursday Kitchen
8.1
A small, kitchen-forward room that eats best when you treat it like a chef’s snack flight: a rich comfort plate, a seafood/starch anchor, and one clean side. It’s built for sharing, and the menu’s strongest dishes hit when you keep the order disciplined.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak with grits, Kimchi paella, Truffle mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Share-plate cooking that feels guided by a confident kitchen.
Who should go: Friends who like ordering to share
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Steak, kimchi paella, truffle mac
Insider tip: Prioritize the steak, then fill in around it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the evenings. Rideshare or subway is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans stylish—dress like you’re going out, not running errands.
Noise level: Lively and energetic. You can talk, but expect to lean in during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused spot. Early weekday dinners usually seat quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward plates and sides can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited. A couple of dishes can be adapted, but this is not a vegan-first kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Some naturally gluten-free options exist, but cross-contact is likely—check with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you like sharing food. The tight room and small plates create easy conversation and momentum, though it’s better for confident daters than quiet, low-key first meets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Go early (around opening) or expect a wait on weekends. Walk-ins are common, but peak hours fill fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The space is tight, the menu is share-focused, and the vibe is adult and energetic—better for teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Guided share-plate dining with bold, comfort-forward flavors and a social, nightlife-adjacent energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious meal or structured individual mains—choose a calmer sit-down restaurant instead.
Thursday Kitchen
8.4
A Korean-tapas room that wins on playful dishes and a lively, low-light hang, with a small set of gluten-free options available if you plan ahead. It’s best when you order in waves—one dumpling-style starter, one richer shared plate, then something bright—so the meal stays paced instead of heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle mac & cheese, Kimchi paella, Edamame dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A buzzy Korean small-plates spot with a defined set of gluten-free options if you navigate smartly.
Who should go: Friends who like shareable plates and cocktails
When to visit: Early evening to reduce waits
What to order: Truffle mac, kimchi paella, edamame dumplings
Insider tip: Ask for the gluten-free options up front, then commit to a tight 3–4 dish plan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the East Village.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual—jeans are fine, but most people lean stylish for a night-out vibe.
Noise level: Lively and loud—great energy, but you’ll need to lean in for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates, though not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect 1–2 adaptable options at most.
Gluten-free options: Limited but doable—several naturally gluten-free dishes if you flag it early; shared kitchen means cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want high energy and shared plates—it’s flirty and fun, but better for chemistry than deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late, but peak hours almost always mean a wait—reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—tight seating, loud music, and a late-night crowd make this best for adults.
Best For
Better for: Playful Korean-inspired small plates, cocktails, and a buzzy date-night atmosphere with Instagram appeal.
Skip if: You need a quiet meal, extensive gluten-free safety, or a relaxed sit-down dinner—choose a calmer Korean or dedicated gluten-free spot instead.
Thursday Kitchen
8.1
Korean-rooted tapas with playful global twists, served in a compact, buzzing space. Expect punchy sauces, crisp textures, and a share-everything rhythm that keeps tables ordering ‘one more plate.’
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean popcorn chicken, Kimchi paella, Truffle mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Korean tapas with a standout cocktail program.
Who should go: Groups who like to share plates.
When to visit: Arrive at opening to avoid waits.
What to order: Popcorn chicken, kimchi paella, truffle mac.
Insider tip: Don’t skip the Capri Sun-style soju cocktails.
Hours
Monday6pm - 10:15pm
Tuesday6pm - 10:15pm
Wednesday6pm - 10:15pm
Thursday6pm - 10:15pm
Friday5pm - 11:15pm
Saturday5pm - 11:15pm
Sunday5pm - 10:15pm