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New Wonjo Restaurant
ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Chelsea-Hudson Yards
Best BBQ in Chelsea-Hudson Yards
Master Critic Review
New Wonjo Restaurant
8.2
A veteran Korean BBQ house in Koreatown with a reputation for no-frills grilling and strong soups. The draw is classic marinated meats cooked at the table, backed by reliably good banchan and cold noodles. It’s old-school in the best way: efficient, loud, and focused on flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (marinated short rib), Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Naengmyeon
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic table-grill BBQ with decades of Koreatown history.
Who should go: BBQ loyalists and big parties.
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Galbi, pork belly, naengmyeon.
Insider tip: Finish with cold noodles after the last grill round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, especially in the evenings. Valet parking available for $15.
Dress code: Casual - Jeans and a T-shirt are fine, but avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: High - Expect loud chatter and sizzling sounds from the grills, making conversation challenging.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though it can get busy during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - A few options like kimchi, pancakes, and banchan, though the focus is on meat.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mainly vegetable-based dishes, but not a vegan-centric menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - Gluten-free options available, but cross-contamination is possible due to the shared grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a fun, interactive experience, but the noise and shared grill setup may not be ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends. A reservation is recommended for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - The atmosphere is casual and welcoming to families. Kids can enjoy grilling at the table with supervision.
Best For
Better for: New Wonjo excels at classic Korean BBQ with a focus on strong, flavorful soups and no-frills grilling, perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and large groups.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quieter, more refined dining experience or strictly vegetarian/vegan options, there are better alternatives.