Ahgassi Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue restaurant · Midtown East ·
Specializing in roasted beef intestines with flavorful sauces
Specializing in roasted beef intestines with flavorful sauces
"Ahgassi Gopchang’s first location is in LA, and it’s BTS-approved. The second is in a bright bi-level space in Koreatown, with pink flowers on the walls and gas grills on every table. It’s a fun, slightly upscale spot for KBBQ, and perfect when you need two things: fantastic galbi and the intestinal cuts known as gopchang. Unlike many of its neighbors—Gopchang Story across the street, for example—it excels at both. Get one of the combos, starting around $90 for two people. Or, if you’re going a la carte, focus on the large intestine stuffed with melty fat and juicy short rib that forms a nice crust on the griddle. Skip the cheesy corn—it gets a little congealed—but do order some tangy kimchi jjigae and a bottle of soju for the table." - Bryan Kim
"I found that Baekjeong, the Korean barbecue chain’s Manhattan outpost, has closed after nine years; owner Bobby Kwak confirmed the location has shut and while the chain has several California outposts (praised by the late critic Jonathan Gold), the New York restaurant — operated by different owners — had been considered one of Manhattan’s better Korean barbecue options." - Luke Fortney
"Known in Los Angeles as a celebrity favorite — Kim Seok-jin of BTS once called it his “number one Korean restaurant” — Ahgassi Gopchang specializes in grilled intestines and will open its first New York location on February 20. The Manhattan spot has 34 tables spread over two levels, a refurbished dining room with custom light fixtures and pastel colors, and will be open 5 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week." - Luke Fortney
"Note: As of early 2024, Baekjeong has closed but will be reopening in a new location. On a street loaded with KBBQ, Baekjeong—which started opening locations in California in 2012—stands out as the most consistently good option for tabletop grilled meats. Apparently, the rest of the city agrees, because wait times at this Koreatown restaurant can be horrendous. Either make a prepaid reservation (available for parties of six or more), or arrive early and find somewhere to hang until you’re seated. Every table is outfitted with a tubular stainless steel vent that looks like a slightly intimidating probe, and you should expect loud music and a mostly-drunk crowd. All of the meat options are fantastic, and everything else—from the pork mandoo and seafood pancake to the egg custard and cheesy corn—is just as great." - Kenny Yang
"Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is one of Koreatown’s most popular BBQ restaurants. While the meat and banchan are both very good, a meal here is a true test of patience as wait times fall in the two-hour range almost every day of the week. If you’re looking for a quintessential, rowdy BBQ atmosphere, Baekjeong's college student-filled space can’t be beat, but if you’re simply looking for great BBQ, there are other options in the area with half the wait." - Brant Cox
