Insa

- 328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Insa: A Must-Visit for Authentic Korean BBQ and Lively Social Dining in Brooklyn, NY

## Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a vibrant and truly authentic Korean dining experience, **Insa** in Brooklyn stands out as a premier destination. More than just a restaurant, Insa is a celebrated **Korean barbecue restaurant** and a dynamic social hub located in the heart of the Gowanus neighborhood. This establishment masterfully blends the rich traditions of Korean cuisine with a cool, trendy Brooklyn atmosphere, offering an unforgettable experience for both seasoned fans of Korean food and newcomers alike.

Insa is proudly recognized as both **Asian-owned** and **women-owned**, reflecting a commitment to diversity and passion in its operations. The core of the experience revolves around traditional Korean cooking, particularly the interactive and communal joy of Korean BBQ. Diners gather around large, shared tables equipped with built-in grills, creating a fun, engaging, and highly social way to enjoy dishes like the signature **Galbi** ($50.00) and **Samgyupsal (Pork Belly)** ($35.00).

While BBQ is a major draw, the menu is extensive and thoughtful, encompassing everything from satisfying **Small plates** and traditional **Anju** (Korean snacks) to hearty **Soups & Stews** (Jjigae) and delicious **Rice & Noodles** dishes. The restaurant has earned popularity as a perfect spot for **Dinner**, with a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that is highly appealing to **Groups** and **Family-friendly** gatherings. Critically acclaimed for its **Great beer selection** and **Great cocktails**, Insa provides a complete, upscale yet approachable, Korean culinary journey right here in New York City.

## Location and Accessibility

Insa boasts a prime location in **Gowanus, Brooklyn**, a neighborhood known for its creative energy and excellent dining scene. The exact address is: **328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA**. Its positioning ensures it is easily reachable for residents across Brooklyn and those coming from Manhattan or Queens.

A significant highlight of Insa is its commitment to **accessibility**, making it a welcoming venue for all New Yorkers. The establishment features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable experience for patrons with mobility needs. While the restaurant is described as being quite large, with many shared tables, this spaciousness contributes to the comfortable dining environment.

The neighborhood is generally transit-friendly, and the specific location is conveniently situated near local transport links. For those driving, street parking is available in the vicinity. The atmosphere is generally **casual**, yet **trendy**, and the space is intentionally welcoming, identifying as both **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, solidifying its status as an inclusive community gathering spot in New York.

## Services Offered

Insa provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer flexibility and enhance the communal dining experience, catering to various customer needs in the busy New York environment:

• **Dine-in Table Service:** Full-service dining, including the unique experience of Korean BBQ at tables with built-in grills, complemented by an excellent **Bar onsite**.
• **Dinner Reservations:** **Reservations are accepted** and often **recommended** given the restaurant's popularity, especially for dinner and large groups.
• **Takeout:** Convenient ordering for those who prefer to enjoy Insa's food at home.
• **Delivery:** Brings the authentic Korean experience directly to your door anywhere in the service area.
• **Outdoor Seating:** Provides an opportunity to dine and enjoy the fresh air during pleasant weather.
• **Onsite Services:** The venue is known to be available for special events and parties, including the memorable combination of food and **karaoke** for celebration events.
• **Bar Service:** Features a dedicated bar area with a focus on a **Great beer selection**, **Cocktails**, **Hard liquor**, and **Wine**, including traditional Korean beverages like **Soju** and **Makgeolli**.
• **Dessert:** A dedicated menu block for sweet endings, including **Vanilla Gelato**, **Mochi Cake**, and the unique **K Town Gelato** and **Corn Sorbet**.

## Features / Highlights

Insa's unique combination of high-quality cuisine, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent services defines its appeal to the New York crowd:

• **Authentic Korean BBQ Experience:** Specializing in classic Korean grill dishes like **Galbi** ($50.00) and **Samgyupsal** ($35.00), cooked right at the table.
• **Extensive Beverage Program:** Features a **Great beer selection**, a long list of inventive **Cocktails** (e.g., Channel Orange, Sleepy Shin, Joomak Punch), a variety of Korean **Sool** (Soju, Makgeolli, Chungju), and curated **Wine** options.
• **Accommodation for Dietary Preferences:** Offers numerous **Vegan options** (like Yachae Mandu, Dwenjang Jjigae) and **Vegetarian options**, plus dishes tagged as **Healthy options** and options that are **Organic**.
• **Korean Comfort Food Staples:** The menu includes traditional favorites like **Insa Fried Chicken** ($24.00), **Kimchi Jeon** (Pancakes), **Tteokbokki** (Spicy Rice Cakes), and **Bulgogi** ($30.00).
• **Lively Social Atmosphere:** The **Casual**, **Cozy**, and **Trendy** setting, combined with the layout of large, shared tables, promotes a communal and celebratory dining environment. This atmosphere is complemented by the availability of **karaoke** facilities for events.
• **Late-Night Food:** Provides satisfying meals and small plates well into the evening hours.
• **Exceptional Hospitality & Inclusivity:** Identified as **Women-owned** and committed to being **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

## Contact Information

To make a reservation for dinner or inquire about hosting a celebration, use the following contact details:

• **Address:** 328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• **Phone:** (718) 855-2620

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Insa for your next dining outing in New York is a decision to embrace an authentic, high-energy, and communally focused Korean experience that few establishments can match. For the New York local, Insa offers a distinct blend of culinary excellence and a lively social setting, making it much more than just a meal.

The primary draw is, without a doubt, the **Korean BBQ**. The availability of built-in grills at large, shared tables encourages a fun, interactive dining style. Diners can experience high-quality cuts like the **Galbi** and **Samgyupsal**, cooked to perfection right in front of them, which provides a truly fresh and memorable taste that sets it apart from non-grill-at-table options. This communal setup is ideal for **Groups** and for celebrating special occasions, as evidenced by the positive review of a wedding celebration held there.

Beyond the grill, Insa stands out for the sheer **diversity and quality of its menu**. While the core is comfort food, the menu is intelligently crafted to include numerous **Vegan** and **Vegetarian options**, such as the **Yachae Mandu** ($15.00) and **Dwenjang Jjigae** ($15.00). This inclusivity ensures that everyone in a group, regardless of dietary needs, can find a flavorful and satisfying meal. The attention to detail extends to their popular items like the **Insa Fried Chicken** ($24.00), which one customer noted was "perfectly crispy and juicy."

Finally, Insa elevates the dining experience through its focus on atmosphere and beverages. The restaurant’s status as a local favorite is boosted by its reputation for **Great cocktails** and a sophisticated **Sool** (Korean alcohol) and **Wine** list. Cocktails like the **Sleepy Shin** ($16.00) or sharing a **Large Format Cocktail Bowl** ($45.00) add a level of sophistication and fun rarely found in traditional BBQ joints. Coupled with the inviting, **LGBTQ+ friendly** atmosphere, and the option of private **karaoke** for parties, Insa becomes a complete package: a place where exceptional, authentic Korean food meets a vibrant, inclusive, and highly enjoyable Brooklyn night out. It’s an ideal choice when you need a dining spot that guarantees great food, drinks, and a memorable time.

Insa

328 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA