Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi

- 162-23 Depot Rd, Flushing, NY 11358

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi is a celebrated Korean barbecue spot that has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for New Yorkers craving authentic and high-quality grilled meats. Located in the heart of Flushing, Queens, this restaurant has garnered high praise, including a prestigious mention in the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand award, recognizing its "good quality, good value cooking." This distinction immediately sets it apart in the vibrant NYC culinary scene.

The restaurant's name, which translates roughly to 'Tong Sam Gyup Grill,' signals its specialty in a particular cut of pork belly, an absolute favorite among Korean BBQ aficionados. Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi is a low-key spot with a casual and cozy, yet trendy, atmosphere that forgoes unnecessary frills to concentrate entirely on delivering regional Korean specialties. The dining experience is interactive, often featuring attentive table service where staff can help prepare the food right on the grill embedded in your table. It is proudly identified as an Asian-owned and women-owned business, welcoming a diverse crowd that includes college students, families, groups, tourists, and is notably LGBTQ+ friendly and a self-identified transgender safespace. Whether you are seeking a quick lunch, a group dinner, or late-night comfort food, this spot provides great food, great vibes, and reasonable prices.

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi is ideally situated at 162-23 Depot Rd, Flushing, NY 11358, placing it in a prime and highly convenient area for both local residents and visitors traveling from across New York City. The location is characterized by exceptional walkability, boasting a Walk Score of 96 out of 100, earning it the designation of a "Walker's Paradise," meaning you can comfortably reach the establishment on foot from the surrounding neighborhood.

The restaurant's accessibility via public transportation is excellent, evidenced by a Transit Score of 72 out of 100. Most notably, it is an extremely short walk—about two minutes—from the Broadway Station of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), on the Port Washington Branch, making it a quick and direct commute from Midtown Manhattan's Penn Station. Additionally, major MTA bus routes, including the Q12, stop just a minute's walk away at both Crocheron Av & 162 St and Northern Bl & Station Rd. The Flushing-Main Street subway and LIRR hub is also only a short drive away.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all New Yorkers and offers key accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

While the area offers street parking, it is typical New York City parking, which may be paid and can be somewhat challenging to secure during peak hours. Patrons utilizing public transit or ride-sharing services will find access particularly seamless.

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi provides a comprehensive suite of services, accommodating a range of preferences from a quick midday meal to a group outing late in the evening.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the full Korean BBQ experience with table grills and attentive table service.
• Takeout: Convenient options for customers who wish to enjoy their comfort food at home.
• Table Service: Full service provided by a great, attentive wait staff, noted for being generous with portions.
• Accepts Reservations: Planning is made easy, allowing guests to secure a table in advance, which is advisable given the restaurant's popularity.
• Dining Options: Open for Lunch, Dinner, and offers Late-night food, a valuable amenity in the neighborhood.
• Alcohol Service: Offers a selection of Beer and other Alcohol options.
• Amenities: Provides comfortable seating, a Restroom, Wi-Fi, and is equipped with a Gender-neutral restroom.
• Payments: Accepts all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Children's Amenities: Provides High chairs and is generally Good for kids, though a note of caution is given regarding the hot table grills for young children.

The restaurant distinguishes itself in the highly competitive NYC Korean food market through several key features:

• Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition: Officially recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for providing "good quality, good value cooking," underscoring its excellence and affordability.
• Authentic Pork-Centric BBQ: Specializes in various pork cuts, with the Pork Sam Gyup (pork belly) being a highly recommended staple that keeps customers returning for years.
• Unique Fried Rice Service: Offers a memorable culinary spectacle where the Fried Rice On Grill is prepared "hibachi style" directly in front of diners at their table, turning a simple side dish into an engaging experience.
• Exceptional Cold Noodles: The Ice Bowl Nang Myen (cold noodles) is hailed as "bomb" and served in a unique, aesthetically pleasing "freshly carved ice bowl," offering a refreshing contrast to the hot grilled meats.
• Inclusive and Friendly Atmosphere: The casual, cozy, and trendy spot has made efforts to be a safe and welcoming space, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, appealing to a diverse New York crowd.
• Fast and Attentive Service: The service is consistently praised, with customers highlighting the wait staff as "great," "attentive," and "generous with portions," contributing to a positive and efficient dining experience.
• Late-Night Dining Option: Its late closing hours make it an excellent choice for those seeking quality Korean comfort food late in the evening.

New York residents can connect with Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi using the following details:

Address: 162-23 Depot Rd, Flushing, NY 11358, USA

Phone: (718) 359-4583

Mobile Phone: +1 718-359-4583

Operating Hours (Open 7 Days a Week, hours may vary slightly, please check the most common ranges):

• Monday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• Tuesday - Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Often open until 12:00 AM)

For any New Yorker making the trip to this acclaimed Flushing establishment, focusing on the restaurant's core specialties is highly recommended. The essential order is the Pork Sam Gyup ($27.99), the signature pork belly BBQ that is the heart of the menu and a perennial favorite among long-time patrons. If you enjoy other pork cuts, the Pork Neck ($25.99) and the unique Pork Skin ($12.99) are also great choices for a full grilling experience.

To complement the rich, smoky grilled meats, the Ice Bowl Nang Myen ($14.99) is an absolute must-try. This cold noodle dish is celebrated by customers for being "bomb" and providing a refreshing, perfectly chilled palate cleanser, served dramatically in its carved ice bowl. For a full, immersive dining experience, conclude your barbecue with the Fried Rice On Grill ($4.99), where the server expertly prepares the rice tableside, transforming it into a personalized 'hibachi-style' grand finale. Finally, for those looking for a comforting non-barbecue dish, the Soft Tofu Stew ($10.99) is an excellent, unpretentious choice that offers great flavor and value.

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi

162-23 Depot Rd, Flushing, NY 11358, USA