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Gahwa
Master Critic Review
Gahwa
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Gahwa is a bone-soup specialist just off Union Street where seolleongtang, kimchi, and bossam anchor an otherwise modest, no-frills room. Locals treat it as a dependable place for slow-simmered broths and everyday Korean plates rather than a flashy barbecue destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seolleongtang (ox bone soup), Bossam (boiled pork with kimchi), Dolsot bibimbap
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: An old-school Korean soup house known for deeply milky seolleongtang and classic banchan.
Who should go: Din ers craving restorative soups and homestyle Korean plates
When to visit: Cool evenings or low-key lunches when you want comfort
What to order: Seolleongtang, bossam platter, dolsot bibimbap
Insider tip: Taste the broth first, then season gradually with salt and scallions like regulars do.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street can be tight during peak meal hours, but metered spots a block or two away are usually attainable. No valet or dedicated lot available.
Dress code: Casual and comfort-focused; come as you are. Most diners arrive in everyday wear, from hoodies to relaxed work attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room is calm enough for easy conversation, especially outside of weekend meal rushes.
Weekend wait: Usually a short wait of 10–20 minutes, with faster turnover than BBQ-focused spots nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options, mainly vegetable-focused bibimbap or simple sides like kimchi-free banchan and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Very limited. Broth-based dishes rely heavily on beef stock, so vegans will find only a small number of side dishes suitable.
Gluten-free options: Some soups and rice-based dishes can work for gluten-avoiding diners, but cross-contact is likely. Best to confirm ingredients when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for relaxed, comfort-oriented meals than big romantic gestures. If you want a low-pressure, cozy environment with simple, hearty food, it works—but it’s not a high-design or candlelit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Gahwa doesn’t rely on reservations, and walk-ins are the norm. Even at peak times, waits are modest compared to surrounding BBQ houses.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu includes mild soups, rice dishes, and shareable plates that work well for families. High chairs may be limited, but the staff is accustomed to families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Deeply comforting Korean soups, straightforward homestyle plates, and quick, unfussy meals—ideal when you want warmth and simplicity instead of a BBQ production.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium Korean BBQ, trendy ambiance, or an upscale evening out; in those cases, choose one of Murray Hill’s larger BBQ houses or higher-design restaurants nearby.