ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in East Village
Best American in East Village
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in East Village
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in East Village
Best Korean in East Village
Master Critic Review
Thursday Kitchen
8.4
A lively Korean-fusion tapas room where the win is ordering a tight mix of crisp, saucy, and carby small plates that feel built for sharing. Expect a loud, dimly lit vibe and a menu that’s more playful than traditional—great for groups who want to try a lot without committing to a single main.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi paella, Bulgogi-style small plates, Truffle mac-and-cheese bites
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Korean-leaning tapas that rewards smart, shareable ordering.
Who should go: Groups who like trying many plates
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Kimchi paella, one meaty plate, one veggie plate
Insider tip: Order 4–5 plates for two, then stop—over-ordering backfires fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and especially tough after 6pm—plan for rideshare or subway.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish for a night-out feel.
Noise level: Loud – energetic, music-forward room where conversation is possible but raised voices are common.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weeknight dinner often 15–30 minutes or seated quickly with an early reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable vegetable-forward plates and adaptable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of plates can work with modifications; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free items, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy date than an intimate one—the lively atmosphere and shared plates help break the ice, but it’s not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—arrive early (before 6pm) or later in the evening to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—dim lighting, loud music, and a cocktail-forward vibe make it better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Playful Korean-inspired small plates, group ordering, and a nightlife-adjacent atmosphere that feels like a pregame destination.
Skip if: You want traditional Korean food, a quiet dinner, or a focused main-course experience—there are calmer, more classic options nearby.
Hours
Monday6pm - 10:15pm
Tuesday6pm - 10:15pm
Wednesday6pm - 10:15pm
Thursday6pm - 10:15pm
Friday5pm - 11:15pm
Saturday5pm - 11:15pm
Sunday5pm - 10:15pm