Black Emperor Bar

"My final pop-up was at Black Emperor Bar in the East Village, where my food really took off — especially the kimchi mayo burger and honey butter tots. One article from Gothamist did it. I blew up. Who knew a Korean immigrant chef would be known for burgers? I was so happy though. I was making food that I really loved and people were happy eating it. It was no-fuss, flavorful, interesting food with a Korean touch. The daily drinking continued with friends who wanted to celebrate the pop-up. I worked six 14-hour days a week, had an inconsistent eating schedule, and didn’t exercise. My healthier lifestyle again deteriorated." - Jae Lee

"Formerly home to one of the best burgers in NYC, neighborhood spot Black Emperor Bar has closed for now. It’s last day of service was August 31 due to fallout from the pandemic." - Eater Staff

"Black Emperor is a Japanese-themed bar on 2nd Ave with exceptional cocktails and very little natural light. It’s a casual neighborhood spot, and it’s a great place to drink a beer or some Japanese whiskey while you catch up with a friend. If you get hungry, various pop-ups take turns serving food here, and you can expect things like truffle fries and double-patty burgers with kimchi mayo (although that particular pop-up is now a stand-alone spot called Nowon)." - Bryan Kim

"The joint is called Black Emperor Bar. The style of food is bar food. And much of that bar food is quite good. Lee serves both styles. The double, made from American wagyu, is good, but skippable; it lacks the crusty, beefy bliss of a proper Shack Shack specimen. The dry-aged patty, however, manages to distance itself from the larger pack. It’s not as compelling as the majestic DB Burger, whose foie gras and truffle stuffing hints at the stunning charcuterie of Lyon, but it manages to brush at luxury burger greatness with its own fine personality. [...] Even in a city overrun with burgers, this one stands out." - Ryan Sutton

"A new restaurant and bar called Black Emperor is moving into 197 Second Ave., between 12th and 13th streets. Members of the Three Kings Restaurant Group was originally behind the “Asian fusion” restaurant; the group dissolved early this year." - Carla Vianna