Cho Dang Gol

This has long been my favorite Korean restaurant in the city. Really hearty, wonderful "peasant" food which we all know is more healthy for you. If you want super fresh homemade tofu, this is the place to go. You do not come here for BBQ; if you want that experience, go to a Korean restaurant where this is their specialty. The BBQ is ok, but it is grilled in the kitchen and you don't get the full wonderful experience you would get at a true BBQ place. The real gourmand will know that Cho Dang Gol is a place where you order the tofu stews and dishes.

My favorite is the first dish on the entree list. It consists of a sampling of 3 of their entrees. A spicy vegetable, pork, tofu stew; a tofu type of porridge, and a curdled type of tofu. If you're not a fan of tofu, 2 of them may be bland tasting for you. However, I find them all fantastic (especially the "porridge" one), and it's especially nice on a cold day. To tell the truth, I haven't had many of the other dishes because I feel this is a great representation of the different ways tofu can be served.

Remember, you will receive many little side dishes with an entree order, so don't order many appetizers. If any, I would recommend one of the "panjun" or pancakes (with scallion, seafood, etc.). Warning, they are generally very large and filling. You could easily order one as a main dish.

By the way, if you smell something stinky (not usually the case), it's a fermented tofu dish; not the restaurant. And if you're daring, order it! :)

Pros: Fantastic food, great tofu, authentic atmosphere
Cons: Prices are a bit high, but normal for such restaurants in Manhattan. And the food is worth it! Some might feel rushed if you linger too long, but if it's not busy, not a concern.

Although I heard that Cho Dang Gol was very delcious from many people, I was a little bit skeptical. But...after i ate the food, especially the soon doo boo chigae, i believe it. The food is excelellent. I would definitely go back. The waitstaff was also very helpful and friendly.

Pros: excellent food, excellent service, comfortable atmospher
Cons: no breakfast, crowded

my kind of Korean comfort food. This is one of my favorite Korean places. Love the tofu and kongbiji here. I am pretty surprised that Kun Jib restaurant is not in the city search list - which is my other favorite and where all the Koreans go to nowadays. I usally come to Chodanggol when Kunjip gets too crowded for comfort. This is one restaurant I can relax and enjoy the meal. love the old Korean instruments setting

Pros: good food, ambience
Cons: slow service

I ate there several times. The kimchi is excellent. The menu is very limited for a single diner as most of the menu is dedicated to dishes for two. The service was attentive and the prices were average.

Pros: kimchi, service
Cons: limited menu

went to this place, instead of the usual standby around the corner, based on review I read here which touted the "homemade tofu" that came with the abundant comlpimentary appetizers. We wree told they were "out of tofu tonight, unless you pay for it" and were served deep fried zucchini and onions instead. We then ordered the sirloin BBQ and chicken BBQ. The beef was acceptable, but the chicken was disgusting -- fatty, grizzle dark meat. It was not edible. The came by 1/2 hour later and when she saw that the chicken was not touched, she simply asked "Are you done with this?" and took it away. No inquiry as to why it was not eaten - she probably knew why. Some concise advice - don't go here. There are many other place that are far superior, including 36 Bar & BBQ, Kang Suh or Yakiniku JuJu.