(212) 254-3500
207 2nd Ave
(13th Street)
New York,
NY
10003
40.7315
-73.9857
Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
from Justine Goodman
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Momofuku Ssam Bar
The Editor
Erin Behan
Citysearch
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 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…
01/11/09
What?
by MK0905 at Citysearch
The hype has nothing to do with the reality of the dining experience here. If being fabulous and keeping up with "cutting edge cuisine" is your goal then this is your place. If another goal is telling everyone you know how wonderful it was to eat exotic ham all the way from Kentucky, Tennessee or Virginia, then this is also your place. If you actually want to eat some food, I wouldn't recommend it. 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. I 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. (Yes, the pigs there do play the banjo.) Is the irony of this whole endeavor evident yet? (And I don't mean the good kind of irony.)
12/27/08
Great flavors worth the trip
by marchandrews at Citysearch
As I looked through the menu and tasted the cured hamachi on top of an edamame and wasabi paste, the fried brussel sprouts in a fish sauce, the pig's head prepared like a crab cake on top of collard greens and aduzuki beans, and the pork shoulder with a ramp ranch dressing, which all went together incredibly well, I said to my wife, "how do they think of these things?" And her apt response was, "I guess that's why the chef won a James Beard award." Everything we tried had truly great flavors. We sat at the bar, and the bartender/waiter was great. Definitely take all their recommendations, including the wine and sake suggestions. And definitely have the pork bun...juicy (although fatty) pork and the freshest, fluffiest bun you'll get anywhere.
- Pros: Great flavors, unique combinations
11/14/08
AMAZING!!!! Loved every bite of my lunch. Friendly staff, prices right and I'm a foodie!!!
by SFields41 at Citysearch
AMAZING!!!! Loved every bite of my lunch. Friendly staff, prices right and I'm a foodie!!! Must try the dumplings... fluffy bites of heaven!!
- Pros: AMAZING!!!! Loved every bite of my lunch. Friendly staff, prices right and I'm a foodie!!!
- Cons: On the small side... I imagine it gets crowded at night.
The Details on Momofuku Ssam Bar
What to Drink:
The 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.
Group Dining:
A whole pork shoulder dinner ($200) can be ordered for 6-10 people up to 24 hours in advance. Doing so is the only way to get a reservation.
The Extras:
In the mood for something sweet? Check out Momofuku Milk Bar next door (enter on 13th Street), which serves a rotating assortment of decadent desserts, ice cream and flavored milk.
Know Before You Go:
The lunch ssam menu is served from 11:30am to 3:30pm daily. Although the kitchen closes at 12am on weekdays, late-night cocktails are available until 2am.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Notable Chef, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar
General Info:
Open 7 Days
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