Retro Korean 'cabbie diner' vibes w/ authentic baekban meals & cozy ambiance. A must-try for Korean comfort food seekers.
Kisa, meaning "driver's restaurant," pays homage to Korean roadside diners with its baek ban-style meals, featuring a choice of protein with rice, soup, and banchan.
Morgan Carter reviews Kisa, a popular Korean diner on the Lower East Side, praising its authentic baekban meals and cozy atmosphere. The review highlights the generous dinner platters and affordable lunch options, making it a must-visit spot.
Kisa offers an authentic taste of retro Korean roadside diners, reminiscent of the 1980s. It serves traditional baekban meals featuring a choice of protein, rice, soup, and an array of banchan. Despite some changes in refill policies and rising prices, it remains a popular spot for its nostalgic atmosphere and hearty, flavorful Korean comfort food.
Kisa specializes in baekban, a traditional Korean home-cooked meal, featuring a choice of protein like Bulgogi or Spicy Pork, served with rice, soup, and a variety of banchan. While previously lauded for free banchan refills, this policy has changed, leading to some customer dissatisfaction. The food is described as authentic and comforting, with standout dishes including Spicy Pork and Stir-fried Squid, though some find the pricing high for the concept.
"The stir-fried squid and spicy pork are highlighted as particularly delicious dishes. The baekban meals, which include a variety of banchan, are also frequently recommended for their authentic and comforting nature."
Customers generally praise Kisa for its authentic Korean dishes and nostalgic atmosphere, though some find it to be pricey and critique changes in banchan refill policies.
Important Note
Some customers find the restaurant to be pricier than expected for its concept, and there are mixed opinions on the value and quality compared to other Korean dining options in the city. The banchan refill policy has also changed, with refills now incurring an additional charge.
"Kisa was suggested as an alternative to BBQ, offering a main course with unlimited banchan."
Neutral"This user listed Kisa as a recommended Korean restaurant."
Neutral"This user recommended Kisa, noting that while some have differing opinions, they personally enjoyed the food and experience."
Positive"Kisa, described as a Korean "cabbie diner" on Allen St, keeps matchbooks in a bowl by the door."
Positive"Kisa is mentioned as a lower-end option for Korean food in KTown."
Neutral"This user recommended Kisa."
Positive"Kisa is stated to be the most authentic Korean restaurant."
Positive"The commenter found Kisa to be passable but not a standout, suggesting it was overpriced for the quality. They recommended trying Korean food in Koreatown for a better experience."
Negative"The commenter found Kisa to be decent for a casual meal with a nice overall vibe and experience. They noted that the banchan (side dishes) was better before an price increase."
Positive"The user commented that the food at Kisa is similar to what Korean children eat in elementary school lunches and suggested that customers are being overcharged."
Negative"The user found the donkatsu at Kisa to be exceptionally delicious upon the first bite."
Positive"The user does not see the appeal of Kisa, stating that for $32, one could get a better Korean meal elsewhere or a more substantial combo meal for less at places like BCD Tofu House. The dishes are described as ordinary."
Negative"The user stopped frequenting Kisa due to the change in banchan refill policy. They noted the policy progressed from free refills to limited free refills, and eventually to a paid system."
Negative"The user described Kisa as solid but not exceptional, comparable to Korean food in Murray Hill or Fort Lee, but notable for its location outside those areas. The banchan were not outstanding and the price wasn't a great deal."
Neutral"This restaurant is considered one of the least favorite Korean spots, with the pricing seen as excessive for the quality and concept. The banchan were described as mediocre, and the practice of charging for refills was criticized."
Negative"The user finds Kisa's pricing appropriate for NYC and was satisfied on both visits, praising the service and vibe. They contrasted it with the owner's other restaurant, C is for Charlie, which they felt was overpriced."
Positive"The user believes Kisa's authenticity is one of its strongest aspects. Another user added that it felt more authentic before air conditioning was installed."
Positive"The user was disappointed with Kisa, finding the food to be not the best in flavor and overrated."
Negative"The concept of Kisa Sikdang is originally a cheap and quick dining experience. The user finds it unacceptable to have to wait and pay over $30 for such a meal."
Negative"The user commented that $32 for a meal resembling a taxi driver's casual dining option seems excessively expensive."
Negative
