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Kimganae
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kimganae
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Kimganae is a busy Korean bunsik shop specializing in kimbap, tteokbokki, and rice bowls served from morning through late evening. It’s designed for quick, affordable meals with trays of triangle kimbap, casual counter ordering, and a menu that works as well for solo snacks as it does for low-key group grazing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature samgak kimbap, Tteokbokki, Kimbap and donburi combo
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A Korean bunsik counter devoted to everyday kimbap, rice bowls, and snackable plates at low prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners craving fast Korean comfort food
When to visit: Anytime you need a quick, under-$15 Korean meal
What to order: Samgak kimbap, tteokbokki, kimbap plus donburi set
Insider tip: Pair triangle kimbap with tteokbokki so you can dip bites into the spicy sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 37th Avenue and nearby blocks is limited, especially evenings; expect to circle during peak hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — this is a counter-service bunsik shop where streetwear and everyday attire fit perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate during rushes with steady ordering noise, but generally easy enough for solo diners or casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on foot traffic; turnover is fast due to counter-service format.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, often under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent options, including veggie kimbap, rice bowls, and sides; broths and sauces may contain anchovy or fish stock.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable kimbap or rice bowls can be customized, but many bases include egg or fish-derived seasoning.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — many dishes use soy sauce, gochujang, or wheat-based noodles; diners with strict needs should ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something ultra-casual — it’s fast, affordable, and functional, but not a setting for ambiance-driven dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t taken. Seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick due to the counter-service format.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with school-age kids; flavors are approachable and the space is casual, though seating is limited and not ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive Korean comfort foods like kimbap and tteokbokki served all day; ideal for solo eaters and grab-and-go cravings.
Skip if: You want a fuller Korean BBQ or stew-house experience, table service, or a more relaxed, linger-friendly setting.
Kimganae
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Kimganae is a Korean snack-house style restaurant where kimbap, tteokbokki, and pork cutlets come out fast and filling. It’s a strong fit for casual business lunches with colleagues who want real food, low prices, and no-frills service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimganae pork cutlet with rice, Rose or cream tteokbokki, Bulgogi or katsu kimbap
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Korean comfort dishes served quickly at prices that make regular lunch visits realistic.
Who should go: Co-workers comfortable with tight seating and hearty Korean plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunchtime before the after-school and evening rush.
What to order: Pork cutlet set, a tteokbokki dish, and a kimbap roll to share.
Insider tip: Portions are large, so sharing a couple of mains and sides keeps lunch efficient and budget-friendly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is possible but tight during lunch hours; nearby municipal garages along 38th Ave and 138th St offer the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual. Office attire is fine, but many guests come in everyday clothes — no need to dress up for a quick Korean lunch.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are doable, but the room gets lively during peak school and commuter hours.
Weekend wait: Varies — expect 10–20 minutes during peak early-evening rush, especially when takeout orders surge.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the line can briefly form right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian-friendly items like vegetable kimbap and certain noodle or rice dishes are available; customization helps.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes use fish cake, egg, or meat; vegan diners should confirm ingredients before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal for strict gluten-free needs due to soy sauce, breaded cutlets, and shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and low-stakes; the vibe is fast, bright, and functional rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast enough that you rarely wait more than a few minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids who like Korean comfort food; limited space and hot dishes make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Korean comfort dishes at prices suited for frequent lunches — ideal when you want real food without the time or formality of a sit-down restaurant.
Skip if: You want a quiet meeting environment, premium ingredients, or a more polished setting suited for clients.