| ambiance |
100.0% positive |
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
Great food, crowded atmosphere ”
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
Limited seating on the night I attended but great food and a pleasant atmosphere. ”
|
| dessert |
80.0% positive |
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
love the texture of mochi and they had some interesting flavors including cheesecake, lychee and chocolate. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
the brussel sprouts are amazing, as were the rice cakes with pork. ”
- “
We finished the meal with the one dessert option, Hawaiian Mochi in 5 flavors-- all delicious, though I specially loved the Tiramisu. ”
|
| drinks |
67.85999774932861% positive |
- “
I'm a big fan of the food at Momofuku and was really looking forward to Ssam bar. ”
- “
Those looking for great food in a bar-y vibe with good music should head to Ssam. ”
- “
love momofuku noodle bar, and would have a hard time deciding which one I like better. ”
- “
therefore I thought ssam bar would be great as well. ”
- “
Of beers to try, OB is never a favorite of mine, However, the "owl mascoted" Japanese beer is quite good in the white ale. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
Yes, it is NY and food is expensive, but if I pay over $20 for a bowl with five noodles and a Lilliputian chunk of beef brisket, it better be as good as the ham I might get at a roadside bar-b-que in Tennessee or Kentucky. ”
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
the hostesses at both the noodle bar and saam bar were rude -- they talked and acted like they get so much business that they don't care if they treat you as human. ”
- “
Haven't been to noodle bar but, can say that Ssam is great. ”
- “
Overall, it's a great bar, restaurant place to eat at. ”
|
| food quality |
78.5699987411499% positive |
- “
Come if you want to check the great flavors and rethink how Asian food can be enjoyed - but you can get something else heartier and cheaper. ”
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
I'm a big fan of the food at Momofuku and was really looking forward to Ssam bar. ”
- “
Great food, crowded atmosphere ”
- “
also really enjoyed the calamari salad. ”
- “
they had wonderful caramelization and great bacon flavor. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
Those looking for great food in a bar-y vibe with good music should head to Ssam. ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
but the food here was so good! ”
- “
would rather go to a tiny, unknown, unpretentious restaurant to enjoy great food. ”
- “
The food at momofuku is not that good anyway. ”
- “
For those of you going back to SSAM BAR after the first visit, it's a shame you haven't been able to indulge in the REAL tasty korean ssams. ”
- “
the brussel sprouts are amazing, as were the rice cakes with pork. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
dont mind paying more for good food. ”
- “
But I have to say, the rice platter is the best deal for a yummy lunch takeout. ”
- “
As for the food, the famous Momofuku pork buns were delicious, as was the fried brussel sprouts in fish sauce. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
Incredible pork buns, glistening caviar on smooth custard, tart shrimp heads-n-all, finger-lickin' ribs. ”
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
have eaten ham and steamed buns and "oh, so exotic" beef brisket in my life, and nothing here was so out of the ordinary that it warranted the miniature servings for ridiculous prices. ”
- “
juicy (although fatty) pork and the freshest, fluffiest bun you'll get anywhere. ”
- “
Before this place was reviewed by the NY times, I had already been there acouple times and still the quality of the food is incredible. ”
- “
Limited seating on the night I attended but great food and a pleasant atmosphere. ”
- “
Having good food that caters to everyone, having vegetarian meals at the restaurant (not just the online menu), and having a wait-staff that treats its customers with respect. ”
- “
great food. ”
- “
the momofuku ssam is a nice lunch as well with berkshire pork, edamame, kimchee, etc. super tasty. ”
- “
great food, very different from everything else you'll find! ”
- “
the service was mediocre at best, our food came out a little at a time. ”
- “
Great food - hip but casual vibe ”
- “
The food was not even authentic and seats uncomfortable. ”
- “
Starting with the very uncomfortable seating, then moving to the over-salted ham, then having the waitress dismiss your opinion of the salt level, and finally having being topped off by the entree of bronzini which was literally a half of a small fish. ”
- “
overall, the food was delicious, but nothing too special or outstanding. ”
- “
... the pork was flat, the kimchee puree was laughably unspicy, and all the other mostly cold extras made the ssam soggy. ”
- “
It was delectably tiny and okay but nothing to rival the authentic ones in Chinatown which is bigger, tastes more rich but less the price. ”
- “
Since I waited an hour and a half, and was with five other people, I decided to stay, but could only order bread and butter. ”
- “
But, really, there is no food so good that I cannot get from other decent elegant places without that arrogant S from momofuku. ”
- “
the ssams at lunch are tasty, but the dinner is really where its at. ”
- “
Yes, it is NY and food is expensive, but if I pay over $20 for a bowl with five noodles and a Lilliputian chunk of beef brisket, it better be as good as the ham I might get at a roadside bar-b-que in Tennessee or Kentucky. ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
The steak Ssam is excellent although the kitchen recommends it as medium rare (I had to get it cooked a little more) I had it done medium. ”
- “
The chawan mushi was amazingly authentic in smell and taste, it reminded me of my childhood. ”
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
Perfectly done pork and wonderful interior ”
- “
diners order with burrito man, and you pay the cashier, then try to find a table. ”
- “
The pork sticky-buns were good but nothing spectacular (the pork is very fatty and a bit undercooked). ”
- “
The black beans are particularly tasty! ”
- “
Honestly I cannot say this was good food. ”
- “
Perhaps others can overlook the actual quality of the food at the expense of being at a "hip and trendy" East Village fusion spot (just look at the clientele during the evenings), but c'mon, the ssams themselves aren't very good. ”
- “
Besides: you can observe the chef from any seat and my-oh-my who would not like to enjoy food that has been prepared by that hottie! ”
- “
We finished the meal with the one dessert option, Hawaiian Mochi in 5 flavors-- all delicious, though I specially loved the Tiramisu. ”
|
| menu variety |
66.66999816894531% positive |
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
very good sake and soju list is featured which goes perfectly with the diverse Asian flavors featured throughout the menu. ”
- “
The menu is utterly confusing, the place was filthy and the "laissez faire" attitude of the inappropriately attired wait staff was just too cool for me. ”
- “
In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant. ”
- “
Having good food that caters to everyone, having vegetarian meals at the restaurant (not just the online menu), and having a wait-staff that treats its customers with respect. ”
- “
the menu is weird, not very well-developed either. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
The second time, I went with a couple friends who possess quite extensive "palates ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
|
| overall |
100.0% positive |
- “
Overall, it's a great bar, restaurant place to eat at. ”
- “
Momofuku seems to have bet all its cards on trendiness and regrettably they appear not to care at all about those vital factors that are decisive when it comes to turning an "eatery" into a "great restaurant" where patrons can't wait to return. ”
|
| return potential |
50.0% positive |
- “
I've experienced bad service, but the service at Momofuku was SO HORRIBLE that I would never ever go back to any of his restaurants. ”
- “
Momofuku seems to have bet all its cards on trendiness and regrettably they appear not to care at all about those vital factors that are decisive when it comes to turning an "eatery" into a "great restaurant" where patrons can't wait to return. ”
|
| service |
43.480000495910645% positive |
- “
our server was super nice. ”
- “
Since I waited an hour and a half, and was with five other people, I decided to stay, but could only order bread and butter. ”
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant. ”
- “
The service has always been on the side of spacey, but recently at Momofuku Ssam the service is just plain ridiculous or non-existant. ”
- “
Having good food that caters to everyone, having vegetarian meals at the restaurant (not just the online menu), and having a wait-staff that treats its customers with respect. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
Momofuku (any restaurants of that chain) = arrogant, ill-mannered, horribly rude service. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
The service was really good to me & my date the last time I was there and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. ”
- “
Then, the relentlessly rude wait-staff will hound you incessantly for your order, so they can churn you through the place as quickly as possible. ”
- “
The menu is utterly confusing, the place was filthy and the "laissez faire" attitude of the inappropriately attired wait staff was just too cool for me. ”
- “
visit many restaurants in this city and I think compared to a 3 or four star restaurant, the service is attentive and super friendly. ”
- “
This is one pretentious restaurant with cocky servers who think they are the kings and queens of the world. ”
- “
the service was mediocre at best, our food came out a little at a time. ”
- “
Disgusting service - how they get 4.5 stars above with over half 1 or 2 stars user reviews I DONT KNOW. ”
- “
the hostesses at both the noodle bar and saam bar were rude -- they talked and acted like they get so much business that they don't care if they treat you as human. ”
- “
On top of this, the staff was not friendly and seemed rather uptight, even for a so-called "trendy" restaurant (and we all know there are a dime a dozen self-proclaimed "trendy" restaurants in NYC.) ”
- “
I've experienced bad service, but the service at Momofuku was SO HORRIBLE that I would never ever go back to any of his restaurants. ”
- “
Starting with the very uncomfortable seating, then moving to the over-salted ham, then having the waitress dismiss your opinion of the salt level, and finally having being topped off by the entree of bronzini which was literally a half of a small fish. ”
- “
had a great experience with the service and don't understand these other reviews. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
|
| value |
61.11000061035156% positive |
- “
By comparison, if you go to Ethos in NYC, you'll get a full grilled bronzini for the same price (I know, it's not Asian Fusion, but we're talking bang-for-the-buck here). ”
- “
Excellent but different at affordable price ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
- “
was eager to check out the new addition to the Momofuku lineup as I am a huge fan of the noodle house. ”
- “
The entire experience was very satisfying and was well worth the money. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
The Ssam was pretty good but certainly didn't live up to the hype and was very pricey considering what it is. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
Yes, it is NY and food is expensive, but if I pay over $20 for a bowl with five noodles and a Lilliputian chunk of beef brisket, it better be as good as the ham I might get at a roadside bar-b-que in Tennessee or Kentucky. ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
have eaten ham and steamed buns and "oh, so exotic" beef brisket in my life, and nothing here was so out of the ordinary that it warranted the miniature servings for ridiculous prices. ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
the portions were perfect. ”
- “
Great flavors worth the trip ”
- “
It was delectably tiny and okay but nothing to rival the authentic ones in Chinatown which is bigger, tastes more rich but less the price. ”
|
| wait time |
100.0% positive |
- “
[There should be line breaks here but citysearch make each posting a big blob of text!] Note: Because of the standard limitation applied to the length of reviews on citysearch, I can't write and extended review. Dear citysearch team if you are reading thi ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
|
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