Don’s Bogam is located just to the other side of Fifth Ave, opposite all the flashing neon. The décore and lighting here make it perfect for casual client dinners, or for group dinners with friends. The best part is the grills are designed so that the smoke goes up the mini exhausts (very chic), and this way you won’t leave the place smelling like bbq as you would at the rough and tumble 24/7 Korean BBQ joints in K-town. Not only that, they use charcoal, so the flavors are all fantastic.
Menu is familiar but beautifully presented. We started with cold tofu salad (amazing), bbq prawns (butterflied and charred up nicely), and followed with traditional kalbi/ bulgogi/ bibimbap. Everything was very tasty, and they actually subtly cook everything for you while you’re laughing it up and guzzling down wine. No one is obligated to man the grill and leave hungry. Having them take care of most of the cooking ensures that everything is cooked to perfection. Which basically means that you don’t have to worry about that one annoying guy at your table taking control, resulting in steamed and overcooked kalbi.
We loved this casual yet stylish spot. It was a nice departure from all the chain Korean bbq’s with the happy hour specials plastered all over the walls. Highly recommend.
Don’s Bogam
17 East 32nd Street (near Madison Avenue)
New York, N.Y. 10016
T. 212 683 2200
www.donsbogam.com