Retro Korean diner w/ authentic baekban meals & cozy vibes. Avg. $32 for main + banchan. Great value!
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.
This Lower East Side Korean diner, inspired by 1980s roadside establishments, offers a hearty and affordable baekban meal. For $32, diners receive rice, soup, a choice of protein like Bulgogi or Spicy Pork, and a generous spread of banchan. The cozy ambiance, complete with personal touches, makes for an endearing dining experience that is exceptionally reasonable for NYC.
Offers authentic Korean baekban meals, including mains like Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, and Squid, served with rice, soup, and a variety of banchan. While lauded for flavor and authenticity, some diners find it pricey and have noted a shift from complimentary banchan refills.
"The stir-fried squid and spicy pork are frequently highlighted as delicious dishes. The baekban meal, which includes a choice of protein along with rice, soup, and a variety of banchan, is also a popular and well-regarded option."
Customers generally praise the authentic and delicious Korean food, particularly the banchan and main dishes, though some find it pricey and have noted changes in refill policies.
Important Note
Some diners find the restaurant to be pricey, especially given its concept of being a casual driver's restaurant. There have also been noted changes in banchan refill policies, with refills no longer being complimentary for most items.
"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"The price of $32 for a casual Korean meal is considered very high, even for NYC market rates. The user expressed surprise at how expensive the city is."
Negative"Previously, Kisa offered free refills for banchan, which was considered good value. However, this policy has changed, leading some customers to stop visiting."
Negative"Despite the price, the user found Kisa to be good value for the amount of food received, comparing it favorably to other NYC dining options. They also mentioned it was difficult to get a table there, especially for solo diners."
Positive"Kisa is described as a gimmicky Korean restaurant aimed at non-Koreans, with food considered average compared to restaurants in Queens or NJ. It's seen as capitalizing on social media trends."
Negative"The price of $32 for a dish and banchan is considered quite expensive unless the banchan was exceptionally good. The user feels that banchan are not distinct dishes and that the pricing is a significant premium."
Negative"The user really liked Kisa, describing it as having good vibes, being casual, and not unfairly priced. They also felt the restaurant did not skimp on the meat."
Positive
