FORT LEE
*Dong Bang Grill: Korean; Fort Lee; 1616 Palisade Av; 23/18/$42; 201-242-4485; www.dongbanggrill.com/; Excellent steaks and other Galbi (Korean BBQ); Sushi as well; Amazing short ribs; Miso soup is tasty; Two level location with a large menu of individual items besides BBQ; Great service & it rivals NYC’s Korean town. You will always find locals & Asians there – a great sign. Nicer interior than most. 201 Mag Best Korean. Has bar.
*Gam Mee Ok: Korean; Fort Lee; 485 Main St; 22/15/$29; 201-242-1333; Noted for outstanding Kimchi; Large Galbi menu of BBQ meats; Considered to have the best Ox Tail soup in the state (Sul Long Tang); Beef short ribs and soups are super tasty. Service friend and environment welcoming. Open 24/7; Beer & wine served; Nice setting for the genre. Korean comfort food. www.yelp.com/biz/gam-mee-ok-restaurant-fort-lee
So Kong Dong: Korean; Fort Lee; 130 Main St; 24/14/$34; 201-242-0026; Just incredibly tasty beef ribs; Endless varieties of tofu soup; Lunch and dinner served daily; They specialize in Tofu Stew and soups; In addition, the Dumplings are delicious; The Ribs are the stand-out, however. Not a big menu…. Prepare for soup and ribs if you come here. BYO www.yelp.com/biz/so-kong-dong-fort-lee
PALISADES PARK
So Moon Nan Jip: Korean; Palisades Park; 238 Broad St; 22/13/$33; 201-944-3998; First of all- enter by the entrance with the Korean lettering (hard to find); Seafood Pancake is notoriously good; Kalbi – Korean BBQ is outstanding and so flavorful; Need two orders for them to let you cook it ($25 a pop); Service is fast and excellent; The place is very popular and authentic; New York Koreans flock here even. Sushi on menu. Excellent Kimchi. Serve beer and wine only. https://www.yelp.com/biz/so-moon-nan-jip-palisades-park
PARAMUS
Seoul Galbi: Korean; Paramus; 123 Paramus Road; 23/17/$36; 201-843-8885; http://www.seoulgalbi.com/; Korean BBQ in northern Bergen county so you don’t have to drive to Fort Lee or 36th Street in Manhattan. Daily for lunch or dinner. Full combo meals for 2-3 for $60 with apps. Huge a la carte menu with affordable pricing $12-$18. Features a full bar. Fun for groups. Stews and soups are outstanding.
RIDGEWOOD
Mekong Grill: Vietnamese; Ridgewood; 24 Chestnut St; 22/16/$28; 201-445-0011; Authentic southern Vietnamese that will win you over; Delicious Pho soups and other noodle soups – over a dozen to choose from; Endless appetizers and larger entrée choices; Comfortable, contemporary space; Lunch and dinner served but closed Mondays. Family run. BYO; 201 Mag Top 3 Viet. Sticky Rice entrée. Lunch would be best.
TENAFLY
*Simply Vietnamese: Vietnamese; Tenafly; 1 Highwood Av; 26/15/$32; 201-568-7770; Master chef Khanh “KT” Tran of Mo Pho fame has done it again with this Tenafly masterpiece; Creative, unique and most important delicious takes on Vietnamese dishes; The Pho soup, Curry Coconut shrimp, Chicken dumplings, Chili Garlic Shrimp, and Vietnamese spring rolls stand out; Just a delightful change of pace; The portions of the Pho soups are huge; Authentic as it comes. BYO. Huge menu. http://simplyvietnamese.info/
WESTWOOD
Kimchi Smoke BBQ: Korean; Westwood; 301 Center Av; 25/17/$40; 201-497-6333; www.kimchismoke.com/; Kimchi, brisket, Korean Ribs and unreal comfort food are the draw here; Do not come here expecting traditional Korean cuisine; It is a BBQ restaurant with Korean influence; BBQ Chicken, Mac N Cheese and crazy good sandwiches. Do not expect to lose weight here. Wildly good reviews.