Retro Korean cabbie diner experience w/ authentic baekban meals. Cozy, nostalgic, & surprisingly affordable.
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 a nostalgic journey back to 1980s Korean roadside diners, serving authentic baekban meals that include a protein of choice, rice, soup, and a generous spread of banchan. While banchan refills now incur a charge, the portions are ample, and the overall experience is highly praised for its cozy atmosphere and reasonable pricing in NYC. It's recognized for its unique concept and has been featured on Time Out's best new restaurants list and as a James Beard Award semifinalist.
Kisa serves traditional Korean baekban, offering a set meal that includes rice, soup, and a variety of banchan (side dishes) alongside a chosen main protein like Bulgogi or Spicy Pork. While praised for authenticity and flavor, some diners find the pricing steep, especially with the introduction of charges for banchan refills. Dishes like Spicy Pork and Stir-fried Squid are frequently highlighted, though opinions on the overall value and authenticity vary.
"The Bulgogi and Spicy Pork are frequently recommended main dishes. The banchan (side dishes) are also a highlight, though opinions vary on their value and quality. Stir-fried Squid and Donkatsu have also received positive mentions."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Kisa, often praising its authentic Korean dishes, cozy atmosphere, and good value. However, some express concerns about the pricing and changes in banchan refill policies.
Important Note
Some diners find the restaurant to be pricey, especially after changes to the banchan refill policy. There can also be a wait for a table.
"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"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
