| ambiance |
100.0% positive |
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
Great food, crowded atmosphere ”
- “
Limited seating on the night I attended but great food and a pleasant atmosphere. ”
|
| dessert |
80.0% positive |
- “
We finished the meal with the one dessert option, Hawaiian Mochi in 5 flavors-- all delicious, though I specially loved the Tiramisu. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
the brussel sprouts are amazing, as were the rice cakes with pork. ”
- “
love the texture of mochi and they had some interesting flavors including cheesecake, lychee and chocolate. ”
|
| drinks |
67.85999774932861% positive |
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
Haven't been to noodle bar but, can say that Ssam is great. ”
- “
Those looking for great food in a bar-y vibe with good music should head to Ssam. ”
- “
Of beers to try, OB is never a favorite of mine, However, the "owl mascoted" Japanese beer is quite good in the white ale. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Overall, it's a great bar, restaurant place to eat at. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
I'm a big fan of the food at Momofuku and was really looking forward to Ssam bar. ”
- “
love momofuku noodle bar, and would have a hard time deciding which one I like better. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
therefore I thought ssam bar would be great as well. ”
- “
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. ”
|
| food quality |
78.5699987411499% positive |
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
juicy (although fatty) pork and the freshest, fluffiest bun you'll get anywhere. ”
- “
dont mind paying more for good food. ”
- “
Great food, crowded atmosphere ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Perfectly done pork and wonderful interior ”
- “
Those looking for great food in a bar-y vibe with good music should head to Ssam. ”
- “
But, really, there is no food so good that I cannot get from other decent elegant places without that arrogant S from momofuku. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Limited seating on the night I attended but great food and a pleasant atmosphere. ”
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
Great food - hip but casual vibe ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
the service was mediocre at best, our food came out a little at a time. ”
- “
The chawan mushi was amazingly authentic in smell and taste, it reminded me of my childhood. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
... the pork was flat, the kimchee puree was laughably unspicy, and all the other mostly cold extras made the ssam soggy. ”
- “
overall, the food was delicious, but nothing too special or outstanding. ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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! ”
- “
great food. ”
- “
they had wonderful caramelization and great bacon flavor. ”
- “
also really enjoyed the calamari salad. ”
- “
diners order with burrito man, and you pay the cashier, then try to find a table. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
The food was not even authentic and seats uncomfortable. ”
- “
We finished the meal with the one dessert option, Hawaiian Mochi in 5 flavors-- all delicious, though I specially loved the Tiramisu. ”
- “
Incredible pork buns, glistening caviar on smooth custard, tart shrimp heads-n-all, finger-lickin' ribs. ”
- “
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! ”
- “
but the food here was so good! ”
- “
would rather go to a tiny, unknown, unpretentious restaurant to enjoy great food. ”
- “
I'm a big fan of the food at Momofuku and was really looking forward to Ssam bar. ”
- “
The pork sticky-buns were good but nothing spectacular (the pork is very fatty and a bit undercooked). ”
- “
The food at momofuku is not that good anyway. ”
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
But I have to say, the rice platter is the best deal for a yummy lunch takeout. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
As for the food, the famous Momofuku pork buns were delicious, as was the fried brussel sprouts in fish sauce. ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Honestly I cannot say this was good food. ”
- “
The black beans are particularly tasty! ”
- “
the ssams at lunch are tasty, but the dinner is really where its at. ”
- “
the brussel sprouts are amazing, as were the rice cakes with pork. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
|
| menu variety |
66.66999816894531% positive |
- “
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. ”
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
very good sake and soju list is featured which goes perfectly with the diverse Asian flavors featured throughout the menu. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
the menu is weird, not very well-developed either. ”
- “
The second time, I went with a couple friends who possess quite extensive "palates ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
- “
In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant. ”
|
| 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 |
- “
Momofuku (any restaurants of that chain) = arrogant, ill-mannered, horribly rude service. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
visit many restaurants in this city and I think compared to a 3 or four star restaurant, the service is attentive and super friendly. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
The service was really good to me & my date the last time I was there and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. ”
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
This is one pretentious restaurant with cocky servers who think they are the kings and queens of the world. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant. ”
- “
the service was mediocre at best, our food came out a little at a time. ”
- “
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.) ”
- “
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 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. ”
- “
Disgusting service - how they get 4.5 stars above with over half 1 or 2 stars user reviews I DONT KNOW. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
The service has always been on the side of spacey, but recently at Momofuku Ssam the service is just plain ridiculous or non-existant. ”
- “
had a great experience with the service and don't understand these other reviews. ”
- “
our server was super nice. ”
|
| value |
61.11000061035156% positive |
- “
Great flavors worth the trip ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
Excellent but different at affordable price ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
the portions were perfect. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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). ”
- “
was eager to check out the new addition to the Momofuku lineup as I am a huge fan of the noodle house. ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
- “
The Ssam was pretty good but certainly didn't live up to the hype and was very pricey considering what it is. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
The entire experience was very satisfying and was well worth the money. ”
|
| 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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