Do Hwa

55 Carmine St., New York (Greenwich Village)  

Do Hwa is a trailblazer. It’s not only one of the first upscale places to appear on tourist-trampled Carmine Street, but also a pioneer in reimagining bibimbap and kimchi as urbane fare worthy of a sophisticated backdrop and serious cocktails. Still going strong after nearly a decade, it’s now an established favorite of both downtown artist types and hip European visitors (not tourists). Drop in any night of the week and the tables will likely be populated by scruffily chic musicians barbecuing short ribs and downing beers, or an impossibly handsome French couple, just off the plane from Paris, their three gorgeously dressed, jet-lagged kids in tow, sharing plates of the scrumptious seafood pancakes called heymul pajun. The mood is languid, the drinks strong, the spices fiery. There are Korean classics on the menu, of course, like the variety of bibimbap, and grilled meats and seafood—all accompanied by that magical assortment of vegetable side dishes known as banchan. But be sure to leave room for Do Hwa’s more imaginatively spun creations, such as the new-to-the-menu kimchi and shrimp dumplings, and the dak teegim—crispy chicken drizzled with jalapeño sauce. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them, but they’ll be happy.

menu musts

Mul mandu (boiled kimchi and shrimp dumplings)
Tuna sashimi salad with avocado and ginger dressing
Suun dubu (tofu stew with clams, squid, shrimp and kimchi)
Seng kalbi (boneless beef short ribs with dipping sauces)
view full menu here

sweet seats

The dining room is spacious, so you won’t feel crowded anywhere. But if you enjoy barbecuing your own meats, be sure to specify a grill table when making reservations.

chew on this

While a cold draft beer might seem the best pairing with kimchi and grilled meats, you’d be unwise to ignore the boldly whimsical cocktails here. Some regulars drop in just for the agave pepper margarita (jalapeño-infused tequila with pineapple juice and agave syrup, rimmed with kimchi chile salt), and the signature ginger kamikaze (lemon-infused vodka with pressed roasted ginger syrup and lime juice). For something with a kinkier name but milder kick, try the School Girl cocktail (champagne with passion fruit puree).

hours

lunch: Tue–Fri 11:30 AM–4 PM
dinner: Mon 4 PM–10 PM; Tue–Thu 4 PM–11 PM;
Fri 4 PM–12 midnight; Sat 3 PM–12 midnight; Sun 3 PM–10 PM

price range

$14 (noodles with kimchi and beef) to $29 (beef short ribs)