Momofuku Ssam Bar
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 254-3500
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 13th Street
Editorial Review for Momofuku Ssam Bar – by Erin Behan
The Scene
The restaurant cloaks itself in mahogany-colored wood, a minimal look that brings focus to the gleaming cafeteria-style counter and tables. The lunch crowd is quick moving, but the dinner menu draws a succession of fanatical in-the-know foodies and East Villagers looking for an exceptional meal.
The Food
The name "ssam" alludes to Korean food that's wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce, and the short day menu keeps it simple with choice of burrito, rice bowl and steamed buns. It's night, however, that sizzles: Raw seafood can't be beat, whether it's impeccably fresh oysters or thinly sliced hamachi sided with a heavenly horseradish edamame puree. Random menu sections include small dishes such as Chef David Chang's to-die-for pork belly buns, a locally sourced section with a mouth-tingling preparation of Brussels sprouts in a mint and fish sauce , and offal--if you like it, you'll love it here. There are also stews and a group labeled "etc" that includes a melt-in-your-mouth pan-roasted skate.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe lunch ssam menu is served from 11am to 6pm and dinner service runs from 6pm to 2am.
What to DrinkThe Hitachino White Ale, a Belgium-style ale from Japan, seems made for the cuisine; its taste ranges from fruity to spicy and is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor sour.
The ExtrasCheck out David Chang and Joaquin Baca's original spot, Momofuku.
Group DiningA whole pork butt dinner ($200) can be ordered for 6-8 people up to 24 hours in advance.
User Reviews for Momofuku Ssam Bar
06/02/2008 Posted by huskyduck
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. The hamachi appetizer was ultra fresh and silky and melted in my mouth. The chawan mushi was amazingly authentic in smell and taste, it reminded me of my childhood. The spicy pork sausage with rice cake was asian comfort food at it's best. A very good sake and soju list is featured which goes perfectly with the diverse Asian flavors featured throughout the menu. I have read some knocks on the service at Ssam bar but my experience was nothing but spectacular. I sat at the bar and it seemed as though I had a team of servers, not just one, I was never left waiting. The music is loud but I found this energizing and it also goes with the owner's personality I think.
Pros: Chawan Mushi, Spicy Pork Sausage, Hamachi appetizer
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
05/13/2008 Posted by Jennifer550
This restaurant is not vegetarian-friendly. I went on a Saturday night (after waiting 1.5 hours), and although the online menu had a few vegetarian options, when I finally sat down and looked at the menu there were no vegetarian options, except for bread and butter. I ordered the bread and butter and paid $10 for it. Obviously, I left hungry. In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant." I actually found that to be a little insulting and it was clear that I was not welcome there. To top it off, the employees were very snotty, with an attitude that I should be thankful for being in their restaurant. This place is overrated....I would rather go to a tiny, unknown, unpretentious restaurant to enjoy great food.
Pros: Nice atmosphere
Cons: snotty waitstaff, no vegetarian options
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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