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Ziggle Tofu & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ziggle Tofu & Grill
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
A tofu-stew-first Korean spot that’s built for fast comfort: sundubu bubbling, banchan refills, and a menu that stays focused on dependable staples. It’s at its best as a quick sit-down for stew-and-rice satisfaction rather than a long multi-round feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi soft tofu stew (kimchi sundubu), Seafood soft tofu stew (haemul sundubu), Lunch special set (stew + rice + banchan)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Sundubu-focused comfort with reliable banchan and quick turnaround.
Who should go: Stew-and-rice comfort seekers
When to visit: Lunch for the best value sets
What to order: Kimchi sundubu, seafood sundubu, lunch set
Insider tip: Go on weekdays for lunch specials and faster seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby are manageable mid-day but tighten after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sweaters are the norm; business-casual fits right in at lunch.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, especially during lunch hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable sundubu and tofu-forward dishes can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with customization, but broths may contain anchovy or seafood unless confirmed.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based meals work best; confirm sauces and banchan with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet than a romantic first date—comfortable, quick, and not distracting, but more practical than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch and early dinner. Peak weekend evenings may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy mild stews and rice; the menu is simple, but there are no special kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, dependable sundubu meals with steady banchan refills and efficient pacing—ideal for solo diners and business lunches.
Skip if: You want a long, social Korean BBQ meal or a wide menu of shareable plates—other spots are better for lingering group dinners.
Ziggle Tofu & Grill
8.0
A Korean comfort-food workhorse that stays open deep into the night, built around bubbling soondubu, hearty stews, and grill plates that land best with rice and banchan. It’s practical, filling, and reliable when you want warmth more than ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), Galbi (marinated short ribs), Kimchi stew
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Late-night Korean stews with real heat-and-comfort payoff.
Who should go: Friends splitting stew-and-grill comfort plates.
When to visit: After 11pm for low-wait seating.
What to order: Soondubu, galbi, kimchi stew.
Insider tip: Order one stew per person and share one grill plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive late; paid municipal lots and small private garages are the most reliable fallback.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans and hoodies are common; come dressed for comfort, not a scene.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud—easy for group conversation, less ideal for hushed one-on-one talks.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak late-night hours; faster turnover after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Not a lunch-driven spot—early evening is usually a short or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some tofu-forward stews and banchan can work, but the menu is meat-leaning.
Vegan options: Very limited—requires careful ordering and confirmation due to anchovy/seafood bases.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based meals help, but many marinades and stews use soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a romantic first impression—great if you bond over comfort food, less so if you want quiet ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Aim for after 11pm or post-midnight for the smoothest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Works for older kids who like soups, rice, and mild stews; not optimized for toddlers or stroller-heavy visits.
Best For
Better for: Late-night warmth, filling portions, and dependable Korean stew-and-rice comfort when other kitchens have slowed down.
Skip if: You want refined plating, a quiet date-night mood, or a menu with broad vegetarian or vegan coverage.
Ziggle Tofu & Grill
8.4
A Murray Hill Korean comfort stop that works especially well as a post-work reset: bubbling tofu stews, sizzling plates, and a drinks-friendly vibe that makes it easy to settle in for discounted rounds. The kitchen’s strongest lane is hot, savory, and shareable—order one stew, one grill item, and keep the table tight so everything stays at peak temperature.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soon tofu stew, Korean fried chicken, Spicy pork (grilled)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Korean comfort classics that pair naturally with happy-hour-style drinking.
Who should go: After-work groups craving Korean plus drinks
When to visit: Weekday early evening for the best pacing
What to order: Soon tofu stew, Korean fried chicken, spicy pork
Insider tip: Order one stew + one grill item first—add later if still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Plan to circle or use nearby paid municipal lots a few blocks away.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but groups often look a notch more polished after work.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour—conversation is easy at first, louder as tables fill.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple soon tofu stew variations and veggie-focused sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with tofu stews if ordered without egg or seafood, but confirm before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-light options, but sauces and marinades often contain soy—cross-check with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual first dates or second dates—warm food, shared plates, and a relaxed vibe help break the ice, but it’s more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays if you arrive early; after 6:30pm or with a larger group, expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy mild Korean flavors, but the happy-hour energy and sizzling dishes skew more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Happy-hour Korean comfort with drinks—stronger stew-and-grill balance and a more social vibe than quieter tofu houses nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional Korean meal or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.