Retro Korean diner w/ authentic baekban meals & cozy vibes. Must-try smoky bulgogi & spicy pork w/ diverse banchan.
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.
Step into KISA, a charming Korean diner that transports you back to the 1980s with its nostalgic ambiance and authentic 'gisa sikdang' (driver's restaurant) concept. This spot on the Lower East Side is celebrated for its hearty baekban-style meals, featuring a choice of delicious proteins like smoky bulgogi and spicy pork, served with an array of flavorful banchan, rice, and soup. It’s a place where comfort food meets cultural immersion, offering a genuine taste of traditional Korean cuisine.
KISA offers an authentic Korean dining experience, focusing on baekban-style set meals that include a protein choice (like Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Stir-fried Squid, or Bibimbap), rice, soup, and a rotating selection of banchan. Dishes like the smoky bulgogi and spicy pork are frequently highlighted, alongside unique banchan such as a standout tofu dish and tender dakbokkeumtang. While many appreciate the homestyle cooking and value, some reviews mention that prices have increased and banchan refills are no longer complimentary, leading to some criticism.
"Highly recommended dishes include the smoky Bulgogi, spicy pork, and stir-fried squid. The diverse and flavorful banchan (side dishes) are also a major draw, with specific praise for a tofu dish and the dakbokkeumtang."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Kisa, praising its authentic Korean flavors, cozy atmosphere, and reasonable prices for NYC. However, some find it can be pricey, and there are mixed opinions on the banchan refill policy.
Important Note
Some diners find the prices, especially for banchan refills, to be on the higher side given the restaurant's concept as a casual driver's diner. There's also a note that it might not be the best option for those seeking traditional Korean stews or LA galbi.
"Kisa has been on the user's list for a long time, indicating interest."
Neutral"Kisa has been on the user's list for a long time, indicating interest."
Neutral"Kisa is mentioned as an option for lunch, but it is only open for lunch on Wednesdays through Sundays."
Neutral"Kisa is mentioned as an option for lunch, but it is only open for lunch on Wednesdays through Sundays."
Neutral"This user mentions that Kisa is owned by the same people as Thursday Kitchen and offers traditional Korean food."
Neutral"This user mentions Kisa as the sister restaurant to another establishment, stating it is very good but more traditional Korean."
Neutral"This commenter intended to try Kisa on their upcoming NYC trip."
Neutral"The author gave the Spicy Pork Platter an 11/10, defending the restaurant against perceived 'hate' and highlighting its deliciousness and generous portion size for the price."
Positive"The commenter points out that Kisa, while good, does not specifically serve LA galbi or stews."
Neutral"Kisa is listed as a good Korean restaurant option in the East Village or Lower East Side."
Positive"User listed Kisa as a recommended restaurant in the Lower East Side."
Neutral"User recommended Kisa as a potential option for dinner."
Neutral"This restaurant was recommended as a place to get food near Mercury Lounge."
Neutral"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
