TLDR
Authentic 1980s Korean 'taxi driver' diner in the LES. Famous for hearty set meals, generous banchan spreads, and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.
Instagram Posts References
The author returned to Kisa for the first time in three years and observed that while the side dishes have changed somewhat, they are still very good. The restaurant was also noted for serving hearty portion sizes, suggesting a generous and satisfying meal.
The author visited Kisa in Manhattan, a restaurant that operates on the "taxi driver restaurant" concept, which they first encountered in the movie Parasite. They were impressed by the generous portion sizes, particularly the spicy pork combo, which was described as super flavorful and delicious. The banchan, especially the beef tartare, was a highlight. They were fortunate to have a minimal wait and found the service to be surprisingly accommodating and amazing. The author highly recommends Kisa, stating it's definitely worth the wait.
Kisa is a Korean restaurant in the Lower East Side that simplifies the dining experience by offering only four set meals: Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Stir-fried Squid, and Bibimbap. Each set is priced at $36 and comes with a wide variety of banchan, soup, and rice. The reviewer highlighted the smoky flavor of both the stir-fried pork and bulgogi, noting they were surprisingly not too sweet. The banchan selection was praised for its uniqueness, with particular emphasis on a tofu dish with an excellent sauce and dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken) for its tenderness. The meal provides a diverse range of flavors and textures, characteristic of Korean cuisine, and also includes a complimentary and highly recommended black bean latte.
This restaurant is noted as the one the speaker visits most frequently, indicating it's a reliable and favored spot for Korean food in the Lower East Side.
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.
Details
Inspired by 1980s roadside diners for taxi drivers, this Lower East Side destination offers a nostalgic and highly authentic baekban-style experience [1], [2]. Guests can enjoy hearty set meals featuring protein choices like bulgogi or spicy pork, accompanied by a varied spread of seasonal banchan [3], [4]. While the restaurant is widely celebrated for its atmosphere and value, recent shifts in their banchan refill policy have generated mixed feedback among diners [5], [6].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Korean baekban, offering set meals with options such as soy-marinated bulgogi, charred spicy pork, and bibimbap [4], [7]. While the spicy pork and bulgogi are frequently highlighted for their smoky, well-balanced flavors [7], [8], diners also praise items like the tender spicy braised chicken and the unique banchan selection [7], [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KISA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In
"Described as a very reasonable place that offers a cool experience."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Impress My Celebrity Chef Friend With A
"The commenter thought it was decent but not the best Korean food in Manhattan, and criticized the removal of free banchan refills."
NeutralFrom post: Help Me Impress My Celebrity Chef Friend With A
"Described as a fun and casual experience to eat banchan with friends."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Jeyuk Deopbap Spicy Pork Over Rice In
"Suggested as a sit-down dining option for those looking for jeyuk bokkum or spicy pork dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Restaurants Under 100 In Manhattan
"Recommended as a place to look into."
Positive