COTE Korean Steakhouse (New York)

Overview

Cote NYC isn’t a typical BBQ joint – it’s a steakhouse with Korean flair. Each table features a gold-rimmed Shinpo charcoal grill, delivering American/Wagyu beef steaks grilled tableside (by staff or yourself) with flawless timing. The sleek, dark room is smoke-free, with only the red glow of the aging cabinet. Flaunting its Michelin star, the restaurant offers attentive service, an extensive wine list, and creative cocktails. The vibe leans more “steakhouse date night” than “karaoke dive.” If your wallet allows, you’ll eat like royalty; if not, be prepared for sticker shock.

Address: 16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Website: https://cote.nyc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotekoreansteakhouse/

Hours:
Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sun: Closed

Average Cost per Person: Approximately $100–$150, depending on meat selections and drinks.

Parking: Valet parking available; limited street parking.

Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.

Atmosphere: Sleek, upscale, with a moody, modern vibe and subtle Korean accents.

Perfect For: Special occasions, date nights, group dinners, and beef enthusiasts looking for a luxurious Korean BBQ experience.

Meat Quality – Cuts & Sourcing

It’s all about the beef at Cote. The menu is packed with top-tier steaks boasting incredible marbling, including dry-aged USDA Prime cuts, American Wagyu, and even Japanese A5 Wagyu from Kagoshima and Miyazaki. The “Feast of Seven Steaks” ($225/pp) showcases USDA Prime filet, ribeye, lamb chops, American wagyu, and A5 ribeye, all of which taste rich and tender, with butter-smooth fat. They finish it off with a custom salt blend for extra flavor. The meat is indulgently marbled, justifying the price with each bite.

Highlights: The 45-day dry-aged ribeye has a rich, funky crust, while the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu ribeye melts in your mouth. The COTE Galbi is sweet and well-marinated. Every steak arrives perfectly medium-rare, thanks to expert grill management.

Meat Quality: 9/10 – it’s the showstopper, with steakhouse cuts taking center stage over Korean BBQ sides.

Banchan & Sides

Cote elevates banchan to chef-driven accoutrements, not just freebies. You’ll get kimchi, pickled veggies, lettuce and perilla leaves for wraps, a tangy scallion salad, and a savory egg soufflé. There’s also buttery beef-bone consommé and rich stews – unexpected for a steakhouse. Everything is fresh and well-prepared, but portions are modest – one curated round per group, with refills available on request. These banchan complement the steaks without stealing the spotlight.

Banchan: 8/10 – varied and high-quality, but not endless. Fancy Korean BBQ sides.

Grill Setup & Ventilation

Cote’s tables feature custom Shinpo charcoal grills, the smokeless, downdraft kind used in upscale Korean BBQ spots. This means you cook over real charcoal without the smoke, so you’ll leave as un-smoky as you arrived. The sleek interior design hides vents, maintaining a moody atmosphere. You can grill your steak yourself, but typically the staff handles it, ensuring perfect doneness. The grills heat evenly, and the vents work flawlessly – you’ll leave smelling like lightly toasted bread, not BBQ.

Grill Experience: Nearly perfect – high-tech BBQ with no smoke, just the burn of your credit card.

Service

Cote’s service is polished and professional. The staff expertly guide you through the steak options, suggest pairings, and manage the table like a fine-dining pro. Fine Dining Lovers credits Cote’s Michelin star partly to its "attentive service." Servers prime your grill, plate the steaks, and refill your water or lettuce without asking. While generally friendly, things can feel a bit rushed on busy nights due to high demand.

If we nitpick: the formality leans more “chandelier” than “karaoke mic.” There’s no charcoal comedy show here, just crisp uniforms and sharp timing. Whether you want to grill yourself or let the staff handle it, service is consistently top-notch. Service: 8–9/10 – they elevate your meal without missing a beat.

Drinks

In NYC, booze is just as important as the beef. Wine lovers will rejoice with an extensive list, featuring bottles from magnums and fancy champagnes by the glass. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with creative options like ginger-Hwayo soju sours and inventive highballs. There’s also a curated selection of premium Korean soju (Hwayo) and rare sakes. Beer takes a backseat, with a few Korean and craft options but no drafts.

Drinks at Cote are on the pricier side, with $20 cocktails and even kalbi-juice draining your wallet. Still, the selection is top-notch: great wines, trendy soju and sake, and creative cocktails. Drinks: 8/10 – not an afterthought, but certainly not the focus.

Ambiance & Vibe

Cote’s vibe is pure NYC loft – dark wood tables, muted lighting, and artful neon (like the glowing butchery case) create a dramatic atmosphere. The design is sleek, with slate-grey walls and brass accents, making it feel like a grown-up lounge where the food steals the show. The meat-aging fridge in the corner reminds you this is serious beef territory.

The crowd skews young professionals on date nights or celebratory dinners, with a polished dress code and phones snapping photos of the beef. The atmosphere is lively but controlled, with soft lounge music or K-pop covers in the background. It’s perfect for a bachelorette night, a business lunch, or even a Sunday family outing. In short, it’s a blend of Flatiron chic and Korean BBQ.

Price & Value

Cote is definitely in the "special occasion" price range. The 'Feast of Seven Steaks' costs $225 per person, with à la carte cuts ranging from $30–$95. A slice of Japanese A5 ribeye can hit $40/oz. A full meal with apps, sides, cocktails, and wine easily exceeds $100 per person – per whiskey shot. The value lies in the quality and experience: you won’t find such premium beef for less in NYC.

Is it worth it? If you're after Michelin-star flair and top-tier beef, yes – just be prepared for a hefty bill. For the average wallet, it's more "moderately okay" (think 6/10). You're paying high-end prices for quality beef and service, but the novelty tax is real. Compared to AYCE spots, it's a financial commitment; compared to midtown steakhouses, it's premium pricing.

Special Features & Extras

Cote has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. It’s the first Korean BBQ joint with a Michelin star, proudly displayed in the branding. There’s also a Wine Club, an upstairs speakeasy (Millim), and a basement bar (Undercote) for post-grill cocktails. Signature touches include the custom COTE salt blend on every table and upscale dishes like steak tartare with caviar or goat-cheese bibimbap. And of course, you’ll learn Korean BBQ etiquette, like building the perfect lettuce wrap or dipping sauce. It's a chef’s playground, not a casual BBQ spot, and it shows.

Summary Verdict

Cote is perfect for small groups and couples with hearty appetites and hefty wallets. Tables fit 2–6 people, but larger groups can opt for private cabanas or communal seating (book ahead). It’s ideal for birthdays, date nights, or impressing clients, but not the place for late-night parties or quick solo lunches. Vegetarians, beware – this is a meat lover’s paradise.

Cote takes Korean BBQ up a notch with top-tier cuts, dramatic tableside grilling, and impeccable service. While the banchan and sides are tasty, they’re not endless. The sleek, upscale vibe makes it a luxurious experience, but it’s pricey – expect to part with a chunk of change. Still, if you're splurging on beef in NYC, Cote is hard to beat (just don’t forget your wallet).