The Kunjip
Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square, New York City
Restaurant in New York City, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Casual
Why go
The Kunjip is a practical Koreatown pick when location, flexibility, and late hours matter more than polish. Use it for a casual Midtown meal, solo stop, small group, or takeout near 32nd Street; choose Jongro BBQ or Won Jo for a barbecue-focused night, and Joo Ok for a higher-spend Korean meal.
About The Kunjip
The Kunjip is a New York City venue with casual dress and broad daily hours, including late-night time windows. Use it when those basics fit your plan, and confirm current details directly with the venue before making a time-sensitive trip.
Use it for a casual New York City visit, not an over-specified plan
The Kunjip makes the clearest sense for visitors who want a casual option in New York City and are planning around hours rather than a formal dress code. Hours list 12–1 AM and 9 AM–12 AM Monday through Friday, and 12–6 AM and 9 AM–12 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
Where it fits against other choices
If you are comparing options, you can also look at Jongro BBQ and Won Jo. For a different kind of plan, Joo Ok may also be worth comparing before you decide.
For someone who has been once, the right next move is not to over-plan it from assumptions. Use the New York City location, casual dress, and late daily hours as the basis for deciding whether The Kunjip fits the occasion.
Quick reference: New York City venue, casual dress code, broad daily hours, and especially useful when timing matters more than specifics.
Planning details
- Location
- 32 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
- Website
- kunjip.nyc
- Phone
- (212) 564-8238
The take
The Take
The Vibe
The Kunjip reads like a classic neighborhood Korean restaurant that leans into tradition rather than trend. It operates in the established grammar of Korean communal dining: tableside grills, an array of banchan, and menus designed for sharing. The editorial tone emphasizes reliability and format fidelity — this is the sort of place customers return to because it consistently does what it promises. Service is practical and production-oriented, with servers who manage the grill and the timing of plates, reinforcing a convivial, no-frills environment that foregrounds the food and the ritual of shared eating.
Best For
This spot is best for groups and casual neighborhood gatherings that prioritize shared plates and interactive dining. The layout and menu encourage passing dishes, grilling together and tasting many small plates, so it suits friends, families and workgroups who want a social, participatory meal. Its position on a busy Koreatown block also makes it a natural late-night option for people seeking reliable, familiar Korean comfort food after a night out. Expect a bustling, community-minded atmosphere rather than a quiet, formal meal.
Ordering Tips
Order with sharing in mind: bring a group and plan to pass plates. Let the tableside-grill server take charge of the cook — the staff times galbi, manages samgyeopsal turns and tends the coals — so you get properly grilled meat without fuss. Don’t skip the signature items: galbi, seafood pancake and tofu soup are representative options and pair well with the complimentary banchan. Because the menu is organized for communal eating, prioritize a mix of grilled proteins and hearty stews to balance the table.
Venue details
Ambiance
Busy and vibrant with a homey, welcoming feel across two floors, standard Korean restaurant decor, and city views from the upstairs for people-watching.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Sourcing
View
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- galbi
- seafood pancake
- tofu soup
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 32 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Planning details
Location
Also consider
If you cannot get in
Try Jongro BBQ or Won Jo if the group wants Korean barbecue nearby. For a more formal Korean dinner, move to Joo Ok and expect a different price tier.
Restaurant context
How The Kunjip compares in Koreatown and Midtown
The Kunjip is the easier, more casual choice when the plan is flexible and the group wants a central 32nd Street meal without building the night around a tasting-menu budget. Joo Ok is the clear splurge comparison: higher spend, more contemporary Korean positioning, and a better fit for diners who want the meal to feel planned rather than spontaneous.
For Korean barbecue, Jongro BBQ and Won Jo are better matches if the grill is the reason for going. The Kunjip is stronger as a general Koreatown fallback, especially for smaller groups or late timing, while those peers make more sense when the meal needs a specific BBQ format and a louder group setting.
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar and Allora Fifth Ave are cross-neighborhood alternatives rather than cuisine substitutes. Pick them when the brief is drinks, date-night pacing, or a non-Korean Midtown meal; stay with The Kunjip when convenience and Koreatown energy are the point.
Explore New York City
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full The Kunjip guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare The Kunjip
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Price | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kunjip | New York City | , | , | No published awards |
| Jongro BBQ | New York City | Korean BBQ | , | 2026 OAD Casual in North America Recommended2025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #6042024 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #7292023 OAD Casual in North America Recommended |
| Joo Ok | New York City | $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary | $$$$ | 2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #552026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America2025 Michelin 1 Star2025 Michelin 2 Stars2024 Michelin 1 Star |
| Won Jo | New York City | Korean BBQ | , | No published awards |
| Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar | New York City | , | , | No published awards |
| Allora Fifth Ave | New York City | , | , | No published awards |
How The Kunjip New York City compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kunjip good for solo dining?
It may work for a casual visit in New York City, but confirm current service details directly with the venue if seating format matters to your plan.
What should I wear to The Kunjip?
Keep it casual. The dress code for The Kunjip is casual, so everyday city wear is the right call.
Is lunch or dinner better at The Kunjip?
Hours list 12–1 AM and 9 AM–12 AM Monday through Friday, and 12–6 AM and 9 AM–12 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Choose the timing that fits your schedule, and confirm current hours directly with the venue before you go.
What are alternatives to The Kunjip?
Other options to compare include Jongro BBQ, Won Jo, Joo Ok, Allora Fifth Ave, and Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. Pick based on the kind of outing you want and confirm each venue's current details before booking or visiting.
Is The Kunjip good for a special occasion?
The dress code is casual, so it is best framed as a casual option unless you personally want a low-key occasion. For more specific occasion planning, confirm details such as reservations, menu, and service format directly with the venue.
