Authentic Korean 'cabbie diner' experience w/ hearty, affordable baekban sets & diverse banchan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
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, a Korean restaurant on the Lower East Side, offers a unique dining experience inspired by 1980s Korean roadside diners. It provides homestyle Korean cuisine, with a focus on baekban-style set meals that include a choice of protein, rice, soup, and a generous variety of banchan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere and reasonable pricing for New York City, making it a popular spot for an authentic and satisfying Korean meal [3, 4, 5].
Kisa specializes in Korean baekban, offering set meals with a choice of protein like Bulgogi and Spicy Pork, served with rice, soup, and a variety of banchan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. While some praise the authentic flavors and unique banchan selections [3, 5], others feel the food is mediocre and the pricing is excessive, especially considering the change from free banchan refills to a paid system [2, 6, 7]. The donkatsu and black bean latte have also been noted positively [3, 8].
"Highly recommended dishes include the Spicy Pork Platter, praised for its deliciousness and generous portion size [1], and the Bulgogi, noted for its smoky sweetness [1]. The banchan selection, particularly a tofu dish with excellent sauce, and the tender Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Braised Chicken) are also highlights [1]."
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising the authentic flavors, generous portions, and good value [1, 3, 5], while others find it overhyped and overpriced, especially with recent changes to banchan refill policies [2, 6, 7].
Important Note
Recent changes in policy have led to charges for banchan refills, which was previously a point of value for some customers [6, 7]. Some users feel the restaurant is overhyped and that the pricing is excessive for the quality, especially compared to other Korean dining options in NYC [2, 7].
"This user provided information from another discussion, stating that the banchan at Kisa are generally the same but can be substituted upon request."
Positive"This user expressed gratitude to bk1insf for confirming the menu details at Kisa, stating it cleared up their questions."
Positive"This user was curious about the banchan (side dishes) at Kisa, specifically if they differ when ordering a non-meat main compared to a meat main."
Neutral"This user thanked bk1insf for verifying the information about Kisa's menu."
Positive"This user, who lives near Kisa, confirmed that the full dinner menu is available during lunch hours and that there are three additional weekday lunch specials."
Positive"This user understood that Kisa's regular lunch and dinner menus are the same and thus non-pork options are available. They also noted that limited-time specials are offered only during lunch. They also recommended Tofu Tofu as an alternative Korean lunch spot in the LES/Chinatown area."
Neutral"This commenter noted that Kisa, a restaurant known for its banchan, has become stingy, with no more free refills and limits on certain items."
Negative"This user mentioned the black bean latte at Kisa."
Positive"The commenter missed Kisa's cheaper lunch menu and found the full set menu to be unremarkable."
Negative"The commenter found Kisa to be average and questioned its inclusion on the list."
Negative"The commenter found Kisa to be solid but not worth a special trip or difficult reservation, and heard they charge extra for banchan refills."
Neutral"The commenter found Kisa to be unreasonably expensive for what they perceived as simple food that mimics casual Korean dining."
Negative"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
Neutral"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
