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Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar
8.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Late Night Legends
Don's Bogam pairs classic Korean barbecue with a deep wine list in a split-level dining room just off Fifth Avenue. Regulars lean on it for dependable galbi, tableside grilling, and late-night Koreatown energy without losing the option for a more structured, sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime marinated galbi short ribs, Haemul pajeon seafood pancake, Stone pot bibimbap with beef
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running Koreatown BBQ that blends serious grilling with a real wine program.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic galbi, grilling theater, and bottles.
When to visit: Evenings, especially weekends, for full Koreatown energy.
What to order: Marinated galbi, seafood pancake, sizzling stone pot bibimbap.
Insider tip: Reserve upstairs tables for more space and easier conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce after 6pm; nearby garages and paid lots are the most reliable option for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for dinner and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — you can talk at the table, but expect classic Koreatown energy.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime time.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait during off-peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — banchan, seafood pancake, bibimbap, and tofu-based dishes are available.
Vegan options: Very limited — relies mostly on vegetable banchan and rice-based dishes; confirm sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial — grilled meats and plain rice are safe, but marinades and sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like interactive dining — the grill-at-the-table format breaks the ice, but peak hours can be noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a real wait on weekends after 7pm; arriving earlier or later at night improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids who like grilled meats; high heat and late-night energy make it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: More structured sit-down Korean BBQ with a real wine list compared to most casual grill joints in Koreatown.
Skip if: If you want ultra-trendy interiors, all-you-can-eat BBQ, or a quiet, romantic dining room — other spots cater better to those moods.
Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar
8.7
Opened in 2006, Dons Bogam is a MICHELIN-recognized Korean BBQ and wine bar where marinated short ribs (galbi) and other grilled meats are cooked over tabletop grills in a polished Koreatown dining room. It’s the most fully realized rib experience in 10016, pairing carefully trimmed beef short ribs with an extensive wine list, strong ventilation, and attentive table service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (marinated beef short ribs) grilled tableside, Maeun galbi spicy short ribs, Cabernet three-layer pork BBQ
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: MICHELIN-listed Korean BBQ with standout galbi and an unusually deep wine program.
Who should go: Korean BBQ fans seeking upscale tabletop grilling and wine.
When to visit: Evenings for shared grills and bottles without lunchtime crowds.
What to order: Galbi short ribs, maeun galbi, cabernet three-layer pork.
Insider tip: Reserve a grill table and let the staff handle most of the cooking to keep the short ribs perfectly charred without overcooking.