The Holidays in Midtown
What this foodstroll is
Our favorite things to do, see, and eat in Midtown during the Holidays.
Why this foodstroll works
Midtown Manhattan is the most iconic place in the world during the Holidays. Between Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue’s decorations, and ice skating in Central Park, you could visit nearly all the filming locations of Home Alone 2 in a single afternoon. Normally, when we think of cultural food adventure in NYC, Midtown isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But luckily there is one exception. The two blocks of 32nd Street between Madison and 6th Avenue are the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown. It’s a great place to visit on your next NYC holiday adventure.
Strolling
The southern section of Central Park is a great place to begin your stroll. If ice skating is in your plans, The Wollman Rink near the southern border of the Park is a lot less crowded than Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. In terms of views, each has its own claim to fame, and Wollman Rink’s are magnificent.
The Plaza Hotel (1907), named for its location on Grand Army Plaza on the Southeast corner of Central Park, is one of NYC’s most recognizable structures. Finished in 1907 and designed in the French Renaissance “château” style, it has long been a residence for the rich and famous. The Pulitzer Fountain outside is always beautifully decorated for the holidays.
St Patrick’s Cathedral (1878) is a prominent symbol of the Catholic Church in the United States, and center of the Archdiocese of New York. Construction took over twenty years from 1858 until its completion, with delays caused by the American Civil War. It is considered a pinnacle of Gothic Revival architecture, and is the largest Catholic Church structure of this style in the Country.
We like to window shop, not actually shop down 5th Ave, and try convincing our kids to not go into every store. We always let them wander through FAO Schwarz and walk on the Tom Hanks piano though.
Rockefeller Center was built in the 1930s, and is home to Radio City Music Hall, NBC’s headquarters, The Today Show, NBC Studios, the Nintendo New York Store, and FAO Schwarz. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is world famous and a special place to visit during the holidays.
Street vendors cluster on 6th Avenue around Radio City Music Hall, so if any of your kids can’t make it the extra few blocks to Koreatown, a pretzel will buy you more time. Across the street is Lilholts Pooley Pool, which is always ornamented for the Holidays.
Although not on 5th Ave, Grand Central Terminal is very worthy of a Midtown detour. The Beaux-Arts masterpiece was completed in 1913, and has survived several attempts at destruction over the years (a fate its rival Penn Station was unable to avoid). Obviously, it is now protected at the City and Federal level, and is ranked amongst the most beloved building in the United States.
Speaking of Beaux-Arts masterpieces, the New York Public Library Main Branch, finished in 1911, is regarded by some as NYC’s finest overall structure. A long and distinguished list of movies and TVs shows have been filmed here, including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Ghostbusters. The library shares the block with Bryant Park, which like Rockefeller Center, also has a huge tree and ice rink during the Holidays.
Food Spots
Korean BBQ in Ktown in general is a bit pricier than the neighborhoods we typically write about, so just be sure to arrive in the “giving spirit”. And few authentic ethnic experiences are as family or group friendly as Korean BBQ.
1. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong NYC
There are almost a dozen BBQ spots in Ktown, and you’ll have a fun meal at all of them. Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is the busiest, and after dark you might mistake it for a nightclub rather than a restaurant. Your initial setup of Banchan are unlimited.
Every Korean BBQ place will tell you they’re known for their Galbi, and it is Baekjeong’s signature cut. But in a surprise win, the Pork Jowl (Hanjeongsal) is our favorite thing on the grill.
Baekjong is a little pricier than other spots in Ktown, but all their combos come with a choice of Soybean Paste or Kimchi Stew. The Kimchi Stew alone justifies the cost.
Korean BBQ is always family friendly. Meat comes pre sliced into bite sized pieces, our kids love Banchan like steamed eggs and fish cake, and the meal itself is visually appealing to everyone.
2. New Wonjo
For a quieter but equally delicious experience, New Wonjo offers a wide range of classic Korean fare. Galbi is the measuring stick for all Korean BBQ, and if you order it, pay the extra $4 for their Premium grade. They also prepare a huge selection of Korean stews and Bi Bim Bap.
Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal), is an economical cut you’ll find on every single Korean BBQ menu, and it’s our favorite indication of a Korean restaurant’s character.
Putting BBQ in lettuce wraps along with various Korean condiments and sticky rice is a traditional way to eat. Watching kids make their own wraps is also entertaining.
In another upset win, the Doiji Gal Bi (marinated pork rib) is our single favorite cut at New Wonjo. All BBQ comes with unlimited Banchan, and our kids love the Fish Cake and Dried Squid.
Food Gallery 32 is a Pan-Asian food court right on 32nd Street, and if you’re on a budget, or simply don’t want to spend time at a sit down BBQ restaurant, it’s the perfect option.
There’s something for everyone, from Japanese Tonkatsu Ramen, to Korean Fried Chicken, to Bubble Tea. It’s usually busy, but finding a table is not hard.
4. H Mart
H Mart was originally a Korean supermarket, but now it’s a national Asian chain. You’ll find not just Kimchee, but all things pickled in the refrigerated section.
The meat department offers pre sliced cuts, like short rib (Galbisal), brisket (Chadolbagi), and pork belly (Samgyeopsal), perfect for your next home cooked Korean BBQ.
We’ve been to several H Marts around the city, and the one in Ktown carries the most Korean products. If you’re one to notice the subtle differences between instant ramens, you’ll appreciate this place.
If you’ve ever taken a Korean Air flight and wondered what they hand out instead of pretzels, it’s all this stuff. They skipped an entire generation of junk food over there and went straight to the XXTRA Flamin' Hot.
Transportation
Nearly every subway in NYC passes through Midtown Manhattan, with 34th St, 42nd St, 47th St, and 59th St being major transit hubs. It all depends on whether you start your Foodstroll around Central Park, Rockefeller Center, or Ktown.
There is a NYC Ferry terminal on 34th St, and it’s our favorite way to get to/from Koreatown when we have the time. The Astoria, East River, and Soundview routes all stop there. Schedules are here.