Ssam Korean Bistro

- 170 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Ssam Korean Bistro is a dynamic culinary destination in Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers an authentic and diverse taste of Korean cuisine right on Smith Street. More than just a traditional Korean restaurant, Ssam is a modern bistro that successfully blends classic, comforting dishes with a trendy, engaging atmosphere. For those seeking bold flavors, hearty meals, and a full spectrum of dining experiences—from a quick bite at lunch to a celebratory dinner—this establishment offers a compelling choice in the competitive New York City food landscape.

The philosophy at Ssam Korean Bistro centers on high-quality ingredients and a dedication to both the traditional and modern aspects of Korean cooking. Their menu is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that whether you are craving the deep, savory warmth of a Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) or the satisfying crunch of their highly-rated Korean Fried Chicken, your palate will be well-catered for. The venue proudly identifies as Asian-owned, a detail that speaks to its commitment to the authenticity of the cuisine it serves.

Patrons of Ssam Korean Bistro are invited into a space that is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy—an ideal setting for various occasions. Whether you are coming in for a solo dinner after work, meeting a group of friends, or looking for a date-night spot, the ambient setting enhances the culinary journey. The restaurant is popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, highlighting its versatility. Furthermore, with a full bar onsite offering a range of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and even specialty Coffee, Ssam ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that lasts long into the evening, complete with Late-night food options.

The menu's depth—from sizzling Hot Stone Bibimbap options like the Bulgogi Dolsot to substantial Grill BBQ platters such as Prime Galbi—guarantees that every visit can be a new culinary exploration. Ssam Korean Bistro has become a staple for Brooklyn residents, not just for its food but also for its efficient operation, including Fast service and a commitment to easy access for Takeout and Delivery orders across the borough. It is a genuine piece of Brooklyn's diverse food culture, providing a vibrant and flavorful experience to all who step through its doors.

Location and Accessibility

Ssam Korean Bistro is perfectly positioned at 170 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This location places it in the highly desirable and accessible Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn. Smith Street is a major thoroughfare known for its mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making Ssam a central and easily locatable spot for both neighborhood regulars and visitors to the borough.

The restaurant is accessible via various forms of public transportation, which is crucial for New York City patrons. While specific subway lines are not provided in the primary data, its location in a well-trafficked Brooklyn area implies excellent connectivity to nearby transit hubs. For those arriving by car, the common challenge of city parking is mitigated by the availability of Paid street parking in the vicinity, allowing drivers a feasible option for their visit.

Ssam Korean Bistro is committed to providing an inclusive dining experience. The venue features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry for all guests. Once inside, the establishment also offers Wheelchair accessible seating, demonstrating an effort to accommodate patrons with diverse mobility needs, which is a significant consideration for any local business in New York. The welcoming atmosphere starts with its ease of access and prime location in one of Brooklyn's most charming neighborhoods.

Services Offered

• Full Dining Options: The restaurant offers dine-in Table service for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Takeout and Delivery: Provides comprehensive Takeout and Delivery services, including a No-contact delivery option, catering to the busy lifestyle of New Yorkers.
• Extensive Beverage Program: Features a Bar onsite with a full range of Offerings including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, Wine, and specialty Coffee.
• Menu Variety: Serves an extensive Korean menu that includes Tapas (small plates), various Soups and Stews, Rice and Noodle dishes, Hot Stone Bibimbap, and Grill BBQ, alongside options for Comfort food and Healthy options.
• Dietary Considerations: Offers numerous Vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Special Menu Times: Features Lunch Specials for a quick, value-driven midday meal, and offers Late-night food for those out late.
• Event Planning: Accepts Reservations for groups and special occasions, and the cozy atmosphere is also described as Good for kids.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic and Diverse Menu: The extensive menu is a major highlight, ranging from popular items like the Kimchi Jjigae and Ddukbokki to specialty Grill BBQ plates and several types of Hot Stone Bibimbap, such as the Salmon Avocado Dolsot and Gochujang Porkbelly Dolsot.
• Korean Fried Chicken Excellence: The Boneless Chicken and various WIngs preparations are highly praised by customers, with one reviewer noting the Boneless Chicken with soy garlic flavor is "well marinated and nice and crispy" and "truly yummy."
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The restaurant is characterized by its Casual, Cozy, and Trendy atmosphere, creating an inviting setting that is popular for both Solo dining and Groups.
• Operational Efficiency: Noted for its Fast service, ensuring a good experience even when the restaurant gets busy after 7 PM, as noted in customer feedback.
• Full Bar Service: The Bar onsite offers a great selection of specialty drinks, including CHARM SOJU ($12.00) and Cocktails, alongside standard beer and wine options, making it a great destination for Happy hour drinks.
• Accessibility: Features Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, demonstrating a commitment to serving all community members.
• Asian-Owned Business: The business identifies as Asian-owned, which may appeal to patrons looking to support diverse ownership in the local community.

Contact Information

Address: 170 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (347) 992-8889

What is Worth Choosing Ssam Korean Bistro

For New Yorkers seeking an outstanding Korean dining experience in Brooklyn, Ssam Korean Bistro is a highly compelling choice that provides immense value through its culinary excellence, vibrant atmosphere, and convenient services. The core reason to choose Ssam is the sheer breadth and quality of its menu, which masterfully delivers both authentic Korean Comfort food and exciting modern twists.

Firstly, the menu is a true showcase of Korean gastronomy. Whether you are in the mood for a light starter like the Kimchi Fries ($12.95) or Bulgogi Nacho ($17.95), or a substantial main course, Ssam has a deeply satisfying option. The Hot Stone Bibimbap section is a particular highlight, offering sizzling rice bowls such as Galbi Dolsot ($22.95) and the Spicy Squid Dolsot ($19.95), which provide a dynamic, textural meal. For group dining, the Grill BBQ options, like the Prime Galbi ($30.95) and the Tofu Kimch BOSSAM ($26.95), are perfect for sharing and creating a communal dining experience. This wide variety ensures that Ssam is worth visiting repeatedly.

Secondly, Ssam Korean Bistro excels in its operational convenience. New York is a city that values efficiency, and Ssam delivers with Fast service and multiple options for Takeout and Delivery, including No-contact delivery. The business hours, which extend to 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends, plus the option for Late-night food, make it an extremely reliable spot for both early dinners and late-evening cravings. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility, with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, makes the venue welcoming to all members of the community.

Finally, the atmosphere contributes significantly to the overall appeal. Described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, it is an inviting space that appeals to a diverse crowd, including Groups, solo diners, and even families (Good for kids). The presence of a Bar onsite with great Cocktails, Beer, and the traditional Korean spirit, CHARM SOJU, provides the perfect pairing for the intensely flavorful cuisine. While customer feedback occasionally notes minor service issues with online orders or dish seasoning, the overall consensus points to a rewarding experience, driven by delicious, well-executed food—particularly the standout Korean Fried Chicken—in a lively Brooklyn setting. For an authentic and versatile Korean dining experience in Boerum Hill, Ssam Korean Bistro stands out as a must-try destination.

Ssam Korean Bistro

170 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA