Koreatown, full at all hours.
Is named Koreatown, or K-Town , at 32nd, 33rd and 34th streets between Fifth Avenue and Broadway . two small apples they seem smaller even because the longest avenue in all of Manhattan crosses threateningly and the height of the buildings in that area of the island (next to the Empire State Building) it is almost humiliating and why the number of people and garbage bags that can accumulate in your very narrow sidewalks invades your vital comfort. This is so . And it feels the second that you turn on broadway to enter the main artery, Calle 32 o Korean Way . You have to know, because probably knowing it, take it better and then you will be able to discover one of the most peculiar corners of this increasingly homogenized island.
Koreatown is, pulling the cliché, another universe inside Manhattan (and that @northkorea probably doesn't like it). Like Chinatown, but in miniature and less explored (and exploited) by tourists. The Korean population of New York does not live in Koreatown, because there are no houses , but this full of Koreans from all over the city at all hours , and from neighboring states. To Koreatown is going to four things we wrote with K from Kool and K-Town: Komer, Kafé (and desserts), Karaoke + Cocktail, and Kompras.
here are some hints of places to go , but the first one is general: due to the limited space they have in the city, K-Town grows up , most locals, bars and restaurants they are on second, third and fifth floors. Do not be afraid to enter a portal and go up in the elevator or up the stairs, you can take very pleasant surprises.
WHAT TO EAT. AND WHERE
Koreatown is for Korean barbecue, tofu, kimchi, and fried chicken.
The typical Korean barbecue.
Kang Ho Dong BBQ: It's the last of the Korean barbecue restaurants open in the area , and the first to open in NYC is popular chain in South Korea . The C waiting waves in the night they say they are epics , because it's a favorite hangout for Koreans, Korean food addicts, the city's celebrity chefs (like Momofuku's David Chang) and other stars (like Channing Tatum ). The best is go at noon and if you have a Spanish hour meal, perfect, it will be empty. Once inside, you simply have to be advised by their friendly waiters . The veal is their forte, that they will cook for you in front of you, once egg and cheese with corn that surround the barbecue of each table have been made. And the best: all those side appetizers for the free meat.
**Miss Korea BBQ**: this one It's already a classic in Koreatown , one of the most popular sites, always full of korean youth , for his value for money. Because yes, Korean barbecue restaurants are not very cheap, it is normal between 30 and 50$ per person.
Ogokbap steamed in kabocha (come on, we'll have to try them).
** Woorijip NYC ** : is like a korean deli, a much cheaper option to eat in the area , and still, very rich and more varied. meat, noodles, rice , and as much kimchi as you like. To take away or to eat on the premises.
BCD Tofu House : other K-Town classic but only for tofu lovers as its name already indicates. It is also one of the places open 24 hours in the area , something important for Koreans. And it is also known as one of the most generous in the appetizers they give out for free.
Turntable Retro & Bar Restaurant : korean style fried chicken . delicious and also one cheap option especially at mealtime. At night, this second-floor restaurant becomes almost the Korean version of the typical Yankee dive bar: mugs of beer with colored lights (by the liter) and spicy chicken wings.
The cool version of Korean fried chicken.
COFFEE AND DESSERTS
If you didn't know, you'll find out as you pass through Koreatown: Koreans have a true devotion to everything European. And in particular, passion for french . That's why they love p bakeries and cafeterias that imitate the Parisian ones , but with his own touch. They are a real spectacle for the senses , by shapes and colors of cakes and tarts ; and above all for its flavors. Three recommendations: the Tous les jours and Paris Baguette chains are like Starbucks in South Korea, but with much more variety of pastries: since milk buns to something that you will look like a swiss but it's filled with red bean paste green tea cupcakes , and now in summer, giant bowls of ice cream and fruit . The variety of coffees and teas is impressive too. And the video clips that they put on the big screens of Tous les jours will hypnotize you.
A roll of green tea gypsy.
And then there's Grace Street, because hipsters have also arrived here: It's worth it just to try hot ho-duks . The cronut would already like it.
KARAOKE + COCKTAIL
Karaoke is a very serious thing here. Nothing to come to Koreatown to **'make a Madrid Mostenses' **, at the end of the night, at the peak of drunkenness. People come here to sing, in private rooms with your friends or on stage together.
But he is very serious. The proof? Radio Star or Stage Karaoke.
And for just a few drinks: Mui , where the fancy Koreans of the city go and Vu NYC , a very hidden rooftop at the foot of the Empire State.
SHOPPING
Two basic purchases in Koreatown: **food (plus food)** and beauty products in tiny shops , like The Face Shop or in its version of the American pharmacies, where you can find everything , including all books and k-pop music , other local products, if you speak Korean or want to learn or have a soft spot for their versions of the One Direction :
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