LOVE Korean BBQ (New York)

Overview

LOVE Korean BBQ isn’t just another K-Town grill spot – it’s an experience. Opened on Valentine’s Day 2020, it’s flashy, ambitious, and built to impress. With glowing neon signage, live DJs on weekends, and a multi-floor layout including a basement bar and private upstairs dining, it fuses Korean BBQ tradition with Manhattan nightlife energy.

Despite the Instagram-worthy decor, LOVE backs it up with quality meats, polished service, and a fun, festive dining experience. Think of it as KBBQ’s cool, dressed-up cousin that knows how to throw a party and still serve up legit galbi.

• Address: 319 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016

• Website: lovekoreanbbq.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylovebbq

• Hours: Open daily; late nights on weekends (till 2am Fri–Sat)

• Reservations: Strongly recommended

• Price Range: $$$–$$$$

• Ambiance: Trendy, high-energy, nightlife-inspired

• Ideal For: Birthdays, group dinners, date nights, KBBQ lovers with a taste for flair

Food Quality & Highlights

The star of the show is the meat – expertly sourced, generously portioned, and grilled tableside. Combo sets like the Signature Meat Platter or the Wagyu Set range from $109–$269 and come loaded with premium cuts (short rib, ribeye, pork belly, brisket), plus banchan, veggies, stews, and the signature steamed egg – a customer favorite for its fluffy, custardy texture.

Other highlights include:

• Japchae – Glass noodles stir-fried with beef and veggies, flavorful and slightly smoky

• Truffle Egg Soufflé – Rich, creamy, and surprisingly luxurious

• Kimchi Fried Rice – Bold, tangy, with crispy rice edges

• Seafood Pancake – Crisp on the outside, packed with squid and shrimp inside

• Bulgogi Fries – A fusion twist that gets consistent praise

LOVE also offers an AYCE (All-You-Can-Eat) option for around $100/person, which includes access to premium meats like wagyu – rare at this quality level. It’s a splurge, but if you’re with a hungry group or want to try everything, it’s a worthy upgrade.

The banchan are a strong supporting cast: fresh, varied, and refilled without asking. Expect classics like kimchi and pickled daikon alongside seasonal sides.

Service

Most diners walk away impressed with the service. Staff are attentive, fast, and knowledgeable, often taking the lead on grilling or explaining the menu to first-timers. Many reviews highlight how the team maintains high energy and friendliness even when the place is packed – which is often.

Large parties are well accommodated, and special occasions (like birthdays) are handled with extra flair – neon signs, music cues, and all. That said, during peak hours, the energy can sometimes outpace precision; a few reviewers noted delayed drink refills or having to flag servers. Still, the vast majority describe a positive, professional experience.

Ambiance & Vibe

LOVE leans hard into its nightlife identity. The decor is sleek and modern – wooden tables with built-in grills, black tile walls, and neon hearts, K-pop art, and LED lighting everywhere. Each floor has its own vibe: the main floor is bustling, the basement has bar/lounge seating, and the top floor can be reserved for private events or large parties.

On weekends, DJs spin K-pop and hip-hop, lights pulse, and the place buzzes with energy. It’s loud – in a good way. Perfect for a night out or an unconventional date, but definitely not a quiet, intimate spot. The crowd is a mix of young locals, groups celebrating birthdays, tourists, and Korean BBQ lovers looking for a lively experience.

LOVE even became a local sensation during COVID by turning its outdoor setup into a full-on party with heated tents, lights, and DJs, drawing attention from Eater NY and beyond.

Pricing & Value

LOVE is on the higher end for Korean BBQ in NYC. But considering the quality of meat, portion sizes, and entertainment factor, many diners feel the value is there.

Typical breakdown:

• Combo sets: $109–$269 (feeds 2–4 people)

• À la carte meats: $30–$50 per plate

• Cocktails: $15–$18 (crafted in collaboration with mixologist Sother Teague)

• Soju bottles: ~$30

• AYCE: $100 per person

Happy hour deals (like 2-for-1 beers) pop up on weekdays but don’t apply to food. Most dinners for two run $160–$250 depending on drinks and ordering style. For birthdays or big nights out, guests often describe it as “pricey but worth it.”

Wait Times & Seating

Reservations are your friend here. The restaurant takes bookings online and honors them reliably. Without one, expect 30–60+ minute waits on weekends. The upside? You can chill at the downstairs bar while you wait, and the multi-level space means faster turnover.

Large parties are welcome – the top floor has a private dining area perfect for groups, with space for ~20 and a semi-secluded setup. A 20% gratuity is automatically added for parties of 5 or more.

If you're walking in, aim for early dinner (before 6pm) or late-night (after 9:30pm) to reduce wait time.

Ownership & Concept

LOVE is owned by a hospitality team with deep roots in K-Town dining. While they’ve kept a low personal profile, their vision is clear: build a KBBQ spot that merges upscale food, stylish decor, and nightlife energy. They partnered with bar expert Sother Teague to elevate the drink menu and leaned into event-style dining with DJs, themed nights, and full-service grilling.

Their launch was almost derailed by the pandemic, but their pivot to heated outdoor dining with music and lights turned heads and helped define their brand. LOVE isn’t a copycat – it created its own lane.

Final Verdict

LOVE Korean BBQ is one of the most dynamic KBBQ spots in NYC. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a show. The food is excellent, the service reliable, and the ambiance unmatched for those craving something social and stylish.

It’s not cheap, and it’s definitely not quiet – but if you want a night that combines Korean flavors, premium cuts, craft drinks, and good vibes, this one’s hard to beat.

Best For:
✅ Celebrations
✅ Group dinners
✅ Trendy date nights
✅ Visitors new to KBBQ
❌ Quiet, low-key meals
❌ Budget dining