ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Flushing
Best BBQ in Flushing
Best Late Night Restaurants in Flushing
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Flushing
Master Critic Review
Ssam Tong BBQ
8.0
A small, family-run KBBQ room with solid marination and a straightforward, no-show approach to grilling. Expect a tighter space and simpler setup, but strong pork-and-kalbi payoff and a dependable steamed-egg side that rounds out the spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork belly (samgyeopsal), LA kalbi, Steamed egg (gyeran-jjim)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Family-run KBBQ with strong pork cuts and friendly pacing.
Who should go: KBBQ fans who prioritize meat
When to visit: Earlier dinner to dodge tight seating
What to order: Pork belly, LA kalbi, steamed egg
Insider tip: Add steamed egg and one pancake-like side to balance the meat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Expect some circling or a short walk from side streets.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans and a top are fine. Wear something you don’t mind smelling lightly of grill.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but not chaotic; you can hold a table conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—steamed egg, pancakes, and banchan can form a light meal, but no vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited—some banchan may work, but not a reliable choice for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Mostly meat-based dishes work, but marinades and banchan may contain soy sauce; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, casual date than an intimate one—the tight space and table grilling make it more about shared food than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or early evenings, but groups of four or more should expect a short wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Okay for older kids who enjoy grilled meats; the space is tight and less ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward, meat-focused KBBQ with dependable pork belly and kalbi in a low-frills, neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a spacious dining room, extensive banchan spreads, or a more polished, celebratory KBBQ experience.