0 Followers
Hahm Ji Bach
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hahm Ji Bach
8.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Hahm Ji Bach is a landmark Korean BBQ house in Murray Hill known for charcoal-grilled galbi, a huge spread of banchan, and 24-hour service. Recognized in the Michelin Guide and running for more than two decades, it’s where many diners treat Korean barbecue as a full-night event with soups, stews, and grilled meats on heavy rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
LA galbi + mul naengmyeon combo, Hahmji seolleongtang (ox bone soup), Haemul pajeon (seafood scallion pancake)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A longtime, Michelin-recognized Korean BBQ institution with nonstop hours and massive banchan spreads.
Who should go: Korean BBQ fans who want a full, long-form feast
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or late-night post-dinner cravings
What to order: LA galbi combo, seolleongtang, seafood pajeon
Insider tip: Ask for cold noodles after BBQ to finish with a classic mul naengmyeon refresh.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Boulevard and nearby side streets is possible but tight during peak dinner hours; some paid garage options exist within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; expect charcoal grills, so dress in layers if you’re sensitive to smoky rooms.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner and late-night hours, with lively tables and grill noise; conversations are doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with immediate seating except on holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; a few banchan, tofu stews, and vegetable sides are available but the menu is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited; most items contain fish sauce or animal-based broths.
Gluten-free options: Possible with caution; some marinades include soy sauce—ask staff to guide you toward plain cuts and gf-friendly stews.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy and shared grilling; the room is lively and smoky, making it better for fun, interactive dates than intimate ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially late at night, but expect significant waits during prime dinner hours or come with a partially seated party.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle grill tables and noise; younger children may find the heat and bustle overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean BBQ sessions, large-group celebrations, and classic charcoal-grilled galbi with extensive banchan variety.
Skip if: You want a quiet, smoke-free setting, refined plating, or a menu with strong vegetarian or vegan options.
Hahm Ji Bach
8.4
Hahm Ji Bach is a long-running Korean BBQ specialist where LA galbi, braised spicy pork ribs, and tabletop grilling anchor big family-style meals. Locals rely on it for banchan-heavy spreads and rib-focused combos that feel like classic Flushing Korean comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
LA Galbi & Doenjang Jigae, Maeun Dwaji Galbi Jjim (Braised Spicy Pork Ribs), Hahmji Bapsang with Grilled Lateral Short Ribs
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Flushing Korean BBQ with galbi and braised ribs at the center.
Who should go: Families and groups craving rib-heavy Korean comfort spreads.
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for easier parking and shorter waits.
What to order: LA Galbi & Doenjang Jigae, Maeun Dwaji Galbi Jjim, Hahmji Bapsang.
Insider tip: Ask for extra banchan refills before the grill gets crowded with ribs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but tight after 6pm; nearby residential blocks open up slightly after 8pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to neat-casual; families and groups dress comfortably knowing grilling can get smoky.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but expect lively table chatter and sizzling grills.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few banchan, tofu stew, and vegetable sides, but most mains center on meat.
Vegan options: Very limited — only select banchan and plain rice qualify, not enough for a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled meats and stews can be GF if marinades are avoided; notify staff to guide you through safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want an energetic, interactive meal — grilling together can be fun but the noise and smoke aren’t ideal for quieter first-date conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights. Weekends fill quickly, so smaller parties have the best luck walking in before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families frequent it. Kids who enjoy Korean flavors and shared plates will do well, though tabletop grills require supervision.
Best For
Better for: Rib-heavy Korean BBQ spreads with generous banchan and well-seasoned galbi in a classic Flushing-style setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, smoke-free meal, extensive vegetarian options, or premium Wagyu-style cuts found at higher-end Korean BBQ spots.