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Golden Diner Chef Opens a Double Dose of Korean Flavor Near Rock Center
February 27, 2025, 1:52.47 am ET

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Photos: Cititour.com

Samuel Yoo, the culinary mastermind behind New York’s beloved Golden Diner, is leveling up big time. The chef, known for putting a creative spin on Asian American comfort food (hello, Golden Burger!), has just unleashed a massive 6,500-square-foot two-in-one restaurant concept right near Rockefeller Center.

Meet Golden HOF and NY Kimchi—two distinct but equally mouthwatering spots housed under one roof on 48th Street. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure of Korean-inspired indulgence.

Golden HOF brings the energy of a Korean hof (pub) to NYC, complete with a deep lineup of Asian beers, cocktails, and spirits. But forget stuffy presentations—this is about simple, high-quality pours that shine. Pair your drinks with anju (Korean bar snacks) like Jjajang Disco Fries—crispy spuds drenched in pork and black bean gravy—or Golden HOF’s signature crispy chicken wings, available in flavors like soy garlic and spicy gochujang. Then there’s the Golden Cheeseburger, a nod to Yoo’s diner roots, featuring a juicy beef patty slathered in mushroom gochujang aioli and sandwiched in a sesame scallion milk bun.

Downstairs, things get even more serious at NY Kimchi, a subterranean Korean American steakhouse and raw bar that flips the classic chophouse experience on its head. Sure, you’ll find steakhouse staples, but expect a twist—like LA Lamb Chops marinated in ssamjang or a 30-Day Dry Aged T-Bone finished with brown doenjang butter. Craving something from the sea? Boston Mackerel in a gochujang glaze and Blackened Ora King Salmon with jjajang marinade are just a taste of what’s in store.

For those looking to go all in, NY Kimchi offers tableside grilling with premium cuts like soy-marinated Kalbi and Skirt Steak. Or warm up with a bubbling hot pot of NY Kimchi Jjigae, a rich and spicy pork and kimchi stew that’ll make you forget the city’s brutal winters.

Bottom line? Yoo and Team Golden have done it again, dropping one of the city’s most exciting new food destinations. Whether you’re slamming soju with anju at Golden HOF or slicing into a steak at NY Kimchi, this dual concept is set to be a game-changer in Midtown. Cozy, flavorful, and refreshingly unpretentious—it’s a win all around.


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