The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in NYC to Visit During the 2025

The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in NYC to Visit During the 2025 Holiday Markets

Published on April 11, 2025

Exploring NYC’s holiday markets in 2025 and craving a warm, sizzling meal to cap off your shopping spree? The Union Square Holiday Market (November 20 to December 24, 2025), Bryant Park Winter Village (October 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026), and Columbus Circle Holiday Market are festive hotspots, drawing millions of locals and tourists to shop for artisanal gifts and sip hot cocoa. But nothing beats the cozy, interactive experience of Korean BBQ after a chilly day of holiday market hopping. We’ve rounded up the best Korean BBQ in NYC near these iconic markets, offering mouthwatering grilled meats, generous banchan, and a warm atmosphere to refuel your holiday spirit. From Koreatown gems to spots near Union Square, these restaurants are perfect for groups, families, or solo diners looking to warm up with a feast. Check out our NYC Best Korean BBQ Restaurants Near Me Directory for even more options. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Korean BBQ near NYC holiday markets 2025!

Why Korean BBQ Is Perfect for the NYC Holiday Market Season

NYC’s holiday markets are a magical tradition, with over 150 vendors at Union Square and ice skating at Bryant Park drawing crowds from late October through early January. After browsing handmade crafts and sipping mulled wine, the sizzling grills and warm ambiance of Korean BBQ offer the perfect way to unwind. Korean BBQ is a communal dining experience, where you grill fresh meats like bulgogi and pork belly at your table, paired with banchan (side dishes) like kimchi and steamed egg. It’s festive, interactive, and ideal for sharing with friends or family after a day at the markets. These Korean BBQ near NYC holiday markets 2025 spots are conveniently located near the action, ensuring you can feast without straying far from the holiday magic.

Best Korean BBQ Restaurants Near NYC Holiday Markets

Here’s a curated list of the best Korean BBQ in NYC near the 2025 holiday markets, focusing on spots in Manhattan’s Koreatown and nearby areas like Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle.

1. Jongro BBQ – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 22 W 32nd St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001

Just a 10-minute walk from the Union Square Holiday Market, Jongro BBQ is a Koreatown staple that captures the spirit of Seoul with its retro decor and sizzling grills. This South Korean chain offers a beef platter with ribeye, skirt steak, and marinated short ribs for around $40, perfect for sharing after a day of shopping. The generous banchan, including kimchi and clay pot-cooked egg, make it a festive feast. After your meal, catch a comedy show nearby with the NYC Comedy Clubs Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Close to Union Square, group-friendly, and a lively atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: It’s on the second floor of an office building—look for the elevator!

2. Antoya BBQ – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 37 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Also a short walk from Union Square, Antoya BBQ (formerly Samwon Garden) offers an upscale Korean BBQ experience with a Bib Gourmand designation. Their marinated galbi and Wagyu beef, starting at $40 per platter, are grilled tableside by skilled servers, making it a luxurious post-market treat. The elegant three-story space is perfect for a holiday date night. After dining, explore vegan options nearby with the NYC Vegan Restaurants Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: High-quality meats and a chic vibe near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Pair your meal with soju for a true Korean experience.

3. Let’s Meat – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 307 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016

A 12-minute walk from Union Square, Let’s Meat is NYC’s first all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, offering a $43 classic meal set with brisket, ribeye, and pork belly. It’s a festive spot for groups, with a 100-minute dining window to feast after shopping for holiday gifts. The lively atmosphere and spinning rainbow lights add to the holiday cheer. After your meal, grab a coffee nearby with the NYC Coffee Shops & Cafes Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: All-you-can-eat value and a fun vibe near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Arrive hungry to make the most of the AYCE deal!

4. Gaonnuri – Midtown (Near Bryant Park Winter Village)

Location: 1250 Broadway, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10001

Just a 5-minute walk from the Bryant Park Winter Village, Gaonnuri offers a penthouse Korean BBQ experience with panoramic views of Manhattan. Their wide range of meats, including beef, pork, and shrimp, starts at $35 per platter, making it a festive spot to dine after ice skating or shopping at the market’s 170+ stalls. The upscale ambiance is perfect for a holiday celebration. After dining, explore Korean BBQ options with the NYC Best Korean BBQ Restaurants Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Stunning views and proximity to Bryant Park.
• Pro Tip: Make a reservation to secure a window seat for the best views.

5. Baekjeong – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016

A 10-minute walk from Union Square, Baekjeong (meaning “butcher” in Korean) is a Koreatown favorite known for its high-quality meats. Their beef and pork combo, starting at $38, includes brisket, pork belly, and marinated short ribs, served with a parade of banchan. The rustic, folksy vibe makes it a cozy spot to warm up after the market. After your meal, explore free activities with the NYC Free & Cheap Events Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: High-quality meats and a warm, inviting atmosphere near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Try their cheesy corn—it’s a holiday crowd-pleaser!

6. New Wonjo – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 23 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Another Koreatown gem near Union Square, New Wonjo claims to be the oldest Korean BBQ in the area, offering a dry-aged ribeye and marinated galbi combo for around $40. Open from 10 AM to 5 AM, it’s a great spot for a late-night feast after evening market visits. The traditional vibe and generous banchan make it a holiday favorite. After dining, play a game of pickleball to burn off the calories with the NYC Pickleball Courts Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Late-night hours and a classic KBBQ experience near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Order the kimchi jjigae to warm up on a chilly night.

7. LOVE Korean BBQ – Koreatown (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 319 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016

A 12-minute walk from Union Square, LOVE Korean BBQ offers a modern take on KBBQ with premium meats like ribeye and pork belly, starting at $35 per platter. The bold, contemporary setting and live DJs create a festive atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings. Their delightful cocktails add to the celebratory vibe. After your meal, explore outdoor dining options with the NYC Outdoor Dining Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Festive atmosphere with live music near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Try their large-format punch bowls for a group toast!

8. Cote Korean Steakhouse – Flatiron (Near Union Square Holiday Market)

Location: 16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

A 15-minute walk from Union Square, Cote Korean Steakhouse is a Michelin-starred gem blending Korean BBQ with a classic steakhouse experience. Their Butcher’s Feast, priced at $74 per person, includes four premium cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef, perfect for a holiday splurge. The upscale vibe makes it ideal for a special market day. After dining, grab a slice nearby with the NYC Pizza Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Luxurious dining experience near Union Square.
• Pro Tip: Book ahead—it’s a popular spot during the holiday season.

9. Hyun – Midtown (Near Bryant Park Winter Village)

Location: 10 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016

A 7-minute walk from Bryant Park, Hyun offers a luxurious Korean BBQ experience with a focus on Japanese A5 Wagyu, starting at $50 per platter. The meats are grilled tableside by attentive servers, and the sleek, intimate ambiance is perfect for a holiday date night after shopping at the Winter Village. After your meal, unwind at a rooftop bar with the NYC Rooftop Bars and Happy Hours Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: High-end Wagyu and proximity to Bryant Park.
• Pro Tip: Try their omakase for a full Wagyu experience.

10. Insa – Gowanus (Near Columbus Circle Holiday Market)

Location: 328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

A 20-minute subway ride from the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Insa in Gowanus offers a modern take on Korean BBQ with standout dishes like marinated yangnyeom galbi, starting at $35 per platter. The complimentary banchan, including daikon kimchi and steamed egg custard, add to the festive spread. The former warehouse space doubles as a karaoke bar, making it a fun holiday outing. After dining, relax at a nearby spa with the NYC Spa Clubs Near Me Directory.

• Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Markets: Modern KBBQ with karaoke near Columbus Circle.
• Pro Tip: Book a karaoke room for a post-dinner holiday singalong!

Explore More Korean BBQ with Our Directory

Looking for more best Korean BBQ in NYC? Our NYC Best Korean BBQ Restaurants Near Me Directory is your go-to resource for finding top KBBQ spots across the city. Whether you’re near a holiday market or exploring another neighborhood, this directory has you covered.

Tips for Enjoying Korean BBQ During the NYC Holiday Markets

Here’s how to make the most of your KBBQ experience during the 2025 holiday market season:

• Visit Early: Holiday markets get crowded, especially on weekends—hit the markets early and dine at spots like Jongro BBQ or Let’s Meat before the dinner rush.
• Share with a Group: Korean BBQ is best enjoyed family-style—bring friends or family to share platters and banchan for a festive meal.
• Stay Prepared: Use the NYC Emergency Services & Healthcare Directory to ensure you’re ready for a full day of holiday market hopping.

Final Thoughts: Share Your Holiday Market KBBQ Experience

The 2025 NYC holiday markets are the perfect backdrop for a festive Korean BBQ feast. From Jongro BBQ’s lively Koreatown vibe to Gaonnuri’s sky-high views near Bryant Park, these Korean BBQ near NYC holiday markets 2025 spots will warm your heart and soul after a day of shopping. Whether you’re savoring Wagyu at Hyun or singing karaoke at Insa, these restaurants offer the best Korean BBQ in NYC for your holiday adventures. Share your holiday market KBBQ experience on social media, tag your friends, and let us know your favorite spot! Use our directories to plan your holiday season—whether it’s more dining, a rooftop drink, or a relaxing spa visit, NYC has it all.

Where’s your go-to Korean BBQ spot during the holiday markets? Drop your recommendations in the comments below, and follow us on Twitter/X for more NYC event guides!