TLDR
Playful Korean-fusion tapas with shareable small plates and iconic light-up drinks. An East Village staple for those seeking a fun, high-energy dining vibe.
Instagram Posts References
The author finally tried Thursday Kitchen after living in the city for three years, noting it was one of the first restaurants they wanted to visit. They arrived at 5 PM and were seated immediately. The meal included edamame dumplings, popcorn chicken, steak, truffle mac and cheese, and light-up drinks. The steak was the favorite dish, praised for its perfect cooking and complementary sides. Edamame dumplings and popcorn chicken tied for second place, while the truffle mac and cheese was least favorite due to being excessively cheesy. The non-alcoholic yuzu drink was highlighted as a good option. The restaurant received ratings of 8.5/10 for flavor, 8/10 for aesthetic, 7.5/10 for service, and 8/10 for price, with the author confirming it was worth the cost due to the generous portion sizes.
Details
A fun and playful destination in the East Village, this spot offers a unique Korean twist on traditional tapas and small, sharable plates [17]. Known for its lively atmosphere that is particularly well-suited for groups [4], it offers great value and generous portion sizes that often surprise diners [5], [1]. The menu features standout items like steak and edamame dumplings, accompanied by creative light-up drinks [9], [18], [1].
Food Overview
The cuisine centers on creative Korean-fusion small plates that encourage sharing [17]. The steak is frequently highlighted as a high-quality dish [9], while the edamame dumplings and popcorn chicken are consistent fan favorites [18]. Some diners have found the truffle mac and cheese to be overly cheesy, making it a less popular choice for some palates [18].
Highlights / Recommended
"The steak is highly praised for its quality and preparation [9], [18]. The edamame dumplings are also a popular, highly recommended appetizer [18]."
Customer Sentiment
Patrons generally praise the restaurant for its fun, energetic atmosphere and good value, though some note it can feel quite cramped [4], [5]. While most visitors have a positive experience, others have pointed out the lack of certain standard cocktail options, like espresso martinis [4].
Caveats
The dining space is described as cramped, which may impact comfort for some guests [4]. Additionally, those seeking specific cocktails, such as espresso martinis, will find they are not available on the menu [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THURSDAY KITCEHN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Restaurants Under 100 In Manhattan
"Included in a list of recommended restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Give Me Your Best Cold Noodle Dishes In Downtown
"The naengmyeon there is a solid choice."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter recommended the edamame dumpling appetizer at Thursday Kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: Tapas Barsharable Bite Restaurant Reccomendations
"Thursday Kitchen was recommended as a place offering a Korean twist on tapas, known for its sharable plates."
PositiveFrom post: 3rd Month Wedding Anniversary Lunchearly Dinner
"This user suggested Thursday Kitchen as a potential spot for Asian fusion with small plates, allowing for a variety of dishes to be tried."
NeutralFrom post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village
"The original poster has visited Thursday Kitchen before and found it to be a good recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village
"Thursday Kitchen was recommended for its delicious small plates."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants Like C As In Charlie
"This user recommends Thursday Kitchen and notes that the same owners also have Kisa and are opening a new buffet concept."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants Like C As In Charlie
"This user recommends Thursday Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants Like C As In Charlie
"This user suggests Thursday Kitchen along with Ariari and Mokyo."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Go With Parents That Isnt Fussy Hyped
"Thursday Kitchen was suggested as a fun and more challenging option for guests."
PositiveFrom post: What Is A Great Steak In Nyc Not At A Steakhouse
"Thursday Kitchen is suggested as a place with a good steak."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"This comment indicates that Thursday Kitchen is likely where the user is taking the teens."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Thursday Kitchen is described as a fun and playful Korean spot in the East Village."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Thursday Kitchen appears to be a great option for the intended diners."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Thursday Kitchen is considered very well-priced, but the portions might be closer to those for two people rather than larger groups. The location mentioned was outside of the preferred LES/East Village area."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For The Perfect Birthday Dinner Spot
"Thursday Kitchen is noted as having a great vibe for a group of 5, although it is cramped and does not serve espresso martinis, which were a requirement for the birthday dinner."
NeutralFrom post: Need A Rec For Saturday Dinner Les Looking For
"User recommended Thursday Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Any Restaurants Similar To Jeju Noodle Bar Or
"This restaurant was recommended as a similar option for Asian fusion food and vibes in NYC."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user recommends Thursday Kitchen."
Positive