KISA- The Newest Korean Restaurant Taking Over NYC

The people behind C as in Charlie just opened up their newest spot in Lower East Side. Kisa (translating to taxi driver in Korean) pays homage to korean diners that emerged in the ‘80s, specifically those that catered to taxi drivers! The interior was built to bring a sense of nostalgia from that time, with details like family photos on the walls, the wooden furniture and small rotating fans (because using the AC was expensive when I was growing up). This restaurant reminded me of the restaurants my aunts used to take me, where we’d enjoy the best homemade foods always served with fresh banchan and piping hot rice (& where the elders always complimented at how well i ate for my age).

They only have 4 protein menu items and it all comes with the same banchans + rice & soup. The food was pretty good but basic — I truly enjoyed it but it wasn’t any different for me than eating at home (since mom’s cooking is always the best). Would I go back? No. But would I recommend people to try just for the experience? If you have the time & money, why not! Although the price is definitely not what’d you spend in Korea (these are definitely catered to NYC prices), the experience was truly original and transported you to another time. At the end of your meal, they give you quarters so you can use their retro coffee machine on your way out (get the black bean latte—so good!!)