NYC Restaurants

Bangia is one of my favorite restaurants in K-Town. It kind of has the feel of walking into a dungeon with thick brick wall, sliding steel doors from the 1920s and a golden naked mannequin leading the way with a sign above that reads “when nothing goes right, turn left.” It’s quirky and fun with a bar up front and dining room, that fills up quickly, in the rear. The food is equally as exciting. Strat with some Bulgogi Rice Ball, plump and delicious, filled with marinated bulgogi beef. The rice balls also come with spam or veggies. There’s a seafood pancake the size of a small pizza that’s perfect for sharing (and drinking). Soju is the drink of choice as well as some crafty cocktails. You also can’t go wrong with the spicy pork belly or crispy fried dumplings. Think of Bangia as the Uncle Boon’s of Korean cuisine.

- Thomas Rafael