| ambiance |
100.0% positive |
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
Limited seating on the night I attended but great food and a pleasant atmosphere. ”
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
Great food, crowded 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. ”
- “
love the texture of mochi and they had some interesting flavors including cheesecake, lychee and chocolate. ”
- “
the brussel sprouts are amazing, as were the rice cakes with pork. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
|
| drinks |
67.85999774932861% positive |
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
Haven't been to noodle bar but, can say that Ssam is great. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
The ambience is definitely a huge improvement although I'm not in favor of bar stools. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
love momofuku noodle bar, and would have a hard time deciding which one I like better. ”
- “
Of beers to try, OB is never a favorite of mine, However, the "owl mascoted" Japanese beer is quite good in the white ale. ”
- “
therefore I thought ssam bar would be great as well. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
Overall, it's a great bar, restaurant place to eat at. ”
|
| food quality |
78.5699987411499% positive |
- “
great food, very different from everything else you'll find! ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
Perfectly done pork and wonderful interior ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
Great food, crowded atmosphere ”
- “
Honestly I cannot say this was good food. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
But I have to say, the rice platter is the best deal for a yummy lunch takeout. ”
- “
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 service was mediocre at best, our food came out a little at a time. ”
- “
diners order with burrito man, and you pay the cashier, then try to find a table. ”
- “
I'm having drinks and overpriced pork buns, which taste like the 39 cents it took to make. ”
- “
But, really, there is no food so good that I cannot get from other decent elegant places without that arrogant S from momofuku. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
great food. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Those looking for great food in a bar-y vibe with good music should head to Ssam. ”
- “
The food was not even authentic and seats uncomfortable. ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
dont mind paying more for good food. ”
- “
would rather go to a tiny, unknown, unpretentious restaurant to enjoy great food. ”
- “
also really enjoyed the calamari salad. ”
- “
The black beans are particularly tasty! ”
- “
overall, the food was delicious, but nothing too special or outstanding. ”
- “
The food at momofuku is not that good anyway. ”
- “
The pork sticky-buns were good but nothing spectacular (the pork is very fatty and a bit undercooked). ”
- “
... the pork was flat, the kimchee puree was laughably unspicy, and all the other mostly cold extras made the ssam soggy. ”
- “
This restaurant has a minimalist ambiance, but don't let that fool you - the exotic & inventive dishes are delicious here. ”
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
The chawan mushi was amazingly authentic in smell and taste, it reminded me of my childhood. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Great food - hip but casual vibe ”
- “
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. ”
- “
the momofuku ssam is a nice lunch as well with berkshire pork, edamame, kimchee, etc. super tasty. ”
- “
they had wonderful caramelization and great bacon flavor. ”
- “
The food has always been fresh and very innovative, and both have a fun ambience great for dates or small groups. ”
- “
juicy (although fatty) pork and the freshest, fluffiest bun you'll get anywhere. ”
- “
Incredible pork buns, glistening caviar on smooth custard, tart shrimp heads-n-all, finger-lickin' ribs. ”
- “
I'm a big fan of the food at Momofuku and was really looking forward to Ssam bar. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
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! ”
- “
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. ”
- “
but the food here was so good! ”
- “
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. ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
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 ssams at lunch are tasty, but the dinner is really where its at. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
As for the food, the famous Momofuku pork buns were delicious, as was the fried brussel sprouts in fish sauce. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
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. ”
|
| menu variety |
66.66999816894531% positive |
- “
the menu is weird, not very well-developed either. ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
- “
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 second time, I went with a couple friends who possess quite extensive "palates ”
- “
more drink options would have been nice. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
The modest menu would be fine if the food was good, however the pork was too salty and everything else was blah. ”
- “
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 |
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
|
| service |
43.480000495910645% positive |
- “
had a great experience with the service and don't understand these other reviews. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
In addition, the back of the menu says "absolutely NO substitutions" and "This is not a vegetarian friendly restaurant. ”
- “
The server insisted we order the rice cakes. ”
- “
visit many restaurants in this city and I think compared to a 3 or four star restaurant, the service is attentive and super friendly. ”
- “
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 service was really good to me & my date the last time I was there and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
our server was super nice. ”
- “
understand that famous restaurants with great food tend to have grumpy servers. ”
- “
Disgusting service - how they get 4.5 stars above with over half 1 or 2 stars user reviews I DONT KNOW. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
wont be so resentful if my food is bad but service excellent. ”
- “
no desserts, take out food, rude. ”
- “
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.) ”
- “
Momofuku (any restaurants of that chain) = arrogant, ill-mannered, horribly rude service. ”
|
| value |
61.11000061035156% positive |
- “
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. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Great flavors worth the trip ”
- “
The dark interior was indeed fabulous but spare to keep you focused on the food - but the price to pay can be much. ”
- “
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). ”
- “
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. ”
- “
Ssam Bar is pricey but it is very clear from each dish I sampled that they use the highest quality ingredients available. ”
- “
popular/crowded. Food was okay, overpriced, drinks are expensive (hitachino was 10?) ”
- “
Further, the menu is overpriced, esoteric, and over-rated. ”
- “
the portions were perfect. ”
- “
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. ”
- “
like the food, but it ain't worth enduring that. ”
- “
The Ssam was pretty good but certainly didn't live up to the hype and was very pricey considering what it is. ”
- “
Excellent but different at affordable price ”
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
The entire experience was very satisfying and was well worth the money. ”
- “
was eager to check out the new addition to the Momofuku lineup as I am a huge fan of the noodle house. ”
|
| wait time |
100.0% positive |
- “
Service is quick and the food is great with portions made for sharing. ”
- “
[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 ”
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