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Gupji
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Gupji
8.1
A stylish Korean-leaning grill spot with izakaya energy—dim lights, shareable plates, and a menu that plays well for dates or small groups. The best meals balance one rich grilled main with a lighter “reset” dish to keep flavors clean and paced.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled pork belly, Chilean sea bass, Gupji salad
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A modern Korean grill vibe built for share-plates and small celebrations.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups chasing a stylish meal.
When to visit: Early evening to keep the room comfortable.
What to order: Grilled pork belly, Chilean sea bass, Gupji salad.
Insider tip: Go 1 grill main + 2 small plates—don’t over-stack proteins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Murray Hill; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 6:30pm. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a place where a nicer top or jacket fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but the room has a noticeable buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several shareable vegetable plates and salads work well, though the menu is protein-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free grilled items available; sauces may contain gluten, so ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished energy, and shareable plates make it feel intentional without being stiff, which helps conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early evenings and weekdays are workable, but weekend dinners are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—the vibe skews adult and stylish, and there’s no kid-focused menu or space.
Best For
Better for: Stylish Korean-leaning grill nights with izakaya pacing—stronger atmosphere and date energy than traditional BBQ rooms.
Skip if: You want all-you-can-eat BBQ, a quiet family dinner, or a budget-focused meal—classic Korean BBQ spots will suit those needs better.
Gupji
8.2
A small, cozy Korean izakaya-leaning spot that plays best as a late-night “share plates + drinks” move rather than a formal dinner. The kitchen’s strength is in seafood-forward bites and grilled items that reward a tight order and slow pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan-fried oysters, Grilled pork belly, Chilean sea bass bento
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Korean izakaya plates in a cozy room.
Who should go: Couples or friends who like slow, shareable bites.
When to visit: Late evening for the calmest, coziest pacing.
What to order: Fried oysters, grilled pork belly, sea bass bento.
Insider tip: Bookend the meal: one fried item first, one grilled fish last.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; competitive after 7pm. Metered spots nearby, but expect circling late night. Rideshare is easier.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but the room rewards a polished look.
Noise level: Low to moderate—intimate enough to hold a real conversation, even on busy nights.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable-forward small plates, but not a full vegetarian lineup.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to ask server for off-menu accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled seafood and meat dishes can work, but sauces often contain gluten; confirm per dish.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something cozy and low-pressure. The share-plate format encourages conversation, and the subdued lighting keeps it intimate rather than loud or chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s a gamble on weekends. Going later (after 9:30–10pm) improves your odds; reservations are strongly recommended for prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The menu, pacing, and late-night energy are geared toward adults; better suited for couples and small groups of grown diners.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and seafood-driven than typical late-night Korean bars—stronger for date nights and slow, deliberate ordering.
Skip if: You want a loud group scene, big-format BBQ, or lots of vegetarian-friendly options—other Murray Hill late-night spots handle those better.
Gupji
8.3
A Murray Hill Korean seafood-and-drinks destination built for sharing: big seafood-forward plates and a lively room that reads as a natural happy-hour anchor for groups. It’s best when you treat it like a split-the-table menu—choose one signature seafood centerpiece, then round it out with 1–2 supporting dishes so the meal doesn’t sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy seafood stew, Grilled mackerel, Seafood pancake
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Korean comfort that’s built for drink-and-share nights.
Who should go: Groups who want seafood plus drinks
When to visit: Weekday evenings before prime dinner rush
What to order: Spicy seafood stew, seafood pancake, grilled mackerel
Insider tip: Pick one seafood “main” and two sides—avoid over-ordering early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and gets difficult after 6pm. Metered spots nearby, expect a few laps during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished—clean sneakers or dress shoes fit better than overly casual wear.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour—easy for group conversation, but not ideal for quiet, intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short seating delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable sides and pancakes can work, but the menu is seafood-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with modifications, but not a strong fit.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free seafood dishes, but sauces and marinades often contain soy; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a second or group date than a first—lively energy and shared plates are fun, but the noise and pacing can feel busy for one-on-one conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays if you arrive early, but weekends and group tables are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented. Kids are welcome, but the menu, noise level, and drinking-focused vibe skew toward adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Korean seafood dishes, group sharing, and happy-hour-style drinking in a high-energy room.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, strong vegetarian options, or an intimate, low-key dining experience.
Gupji
7.9
A bar-forward Korean grill-and-seafood room that functions like a date-night “small plates + grill” steakhouse alternative—cozier, quieter, and better for lingering over drinks. Order one grill centerpiece and two shareables so the meal feels intentional rather than scattered. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled pork belly, Chilean sea bass bento, Pan-fried oysters
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A cozy grill-and-drinks date spot with strong shareable plates.
Who should go: Couples who want a quieter steak-adjacent night
When to visit: Later evening for the best bar energy
What to order: Pork belly, sea bass bento, oysters
Insider tip: Pick one grill main, then two small plates—don’t turn it into a buffet.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find after 6pm. Valet parking is not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but aim for a slightly dressy look for a date night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but there's a lively atmosphere during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are vegetarian options, though the focus is on seafood and grilled meats.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan-friendly dishes available, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen can accommodate with separate prep areas upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a great spot for a first date—cozy, quieter, and ideal for relaxed conversation. The focus on shareable plates creates a laid-back, low-pressure atmosphere, perfect for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends. It's recommended to book ahead to avoid longer wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? This is not the most kid-friendly spot, as it’s more suited for a date-night or adults gathering. The menu is more geared toward adult tastes, and the ambiance may not be ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: GUPJI is better for a quieter, more intimate dining experience with a focus on grill-and-drinks. It’s perfect for couples seeking a low-key date with an emphasis on quality small plates and drinks over a full meal.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a high-energy, family-friendly environment or a large variety of hearty entrees, other Korean BBQ spots with louder, faster-paced atmospheres might be a better choice.