Sam Sunny Introduce
In a city with a seemingly endless number of dining options, finding a restaurant that feels both authentic and innovative can be a delightful discovery. Sam Sunny, a Korean restaurant nestled in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, is one such find. It has quickly become a go-to spot for those craving classic Korean comfort food with a sophisticated, modern flair. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both trendy and cozy, making it a perfect destination for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special outing with friends and family. This article will guide you through what makes Sam Sunny a standout in New York City’s vibrant culinary scene, from its unique menu to its friendly and welcoming service.
Sam Sunny’s philosophy is to elevate traditional Korean dishes without sacrificing their authentic soul. The menu is a testament to this, offering a range of fan favorites from perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken to hearty hotpots and stir-fried meats. Diners consistently praise the kitchen's ability to create dishes that feel like home-cooked meals but are presented with an artistic touch and a depth of flavor that sets them apart. This isn't just about food; it's about an experience that is deeply satisfying on both a cultural and a culinary level. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the generous portions to the meticulous preparation. It’s a place where you can feel confident that you’re getting a high-quality meal for a reasonable price, a rare combination in New York City.
What truly sets Sam Sunny apart, as noted by numerous satisfied customers, is the level of hospitality. The servers are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and gracious, creating an environment where every diner feels valued. The owner is also often praised for their warm energy and for making a genuine connection with guests. This personal touch, combined with the delicious food and cool atmosphere, turns a simple meal into a memorable event. Whether you’re a Korean food connoisseur or a newcomer to the cuisine, Sam Sunny offers a welcoming and delicious entry point into the world of Korean dining.
Sam Sunny is conveniently located at 517 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016. This prime spot in Kips Bay makes it easily accessible for a wide range of people, from local residents and students to those working in the nearby offices or exploring the area. The restaurant is within walking distance of several bus lines and is a relatively short distance from the 6 subway line at 28th Street, as well as the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and W trains at the Grand Central-42nd Street station, making it a practical choice for anyone coming from different parts of the city.
For those driving to the restaurant, parking can be a concern in this bustling Manhattan neighborhood, but Sam Sunny’s location offers several options. Both free and paid street parking are available in the vicinity, though it may take some time to find a spot. Additionally, there are paid parking garages nearby, providing a reliable alternative for a stress-free arrival. The restaurant is also designed to be as accessible as possible. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring that all guests, regardless of mobility, can dine comfortably. This thoughtful approach to location and accessibility makes Sam Sunny an inclusive and convenient choice for any group.
The location on 2nd Avenue adds to the neighborhood feel of the restaurant, providing a comfortable and slightly more relaxed setting compared to the more hectic parts of Midtown. It's a place where you can take a moment to unwind and enjoy a fantastic meal without feeling overwhelmed by the city's usual rush. This combination of an easy-to-reach location and a peaceful, cozy interior makes Sam Sunny a true urban sanctuary.
Sam Sunny offers a variety of service options to cater to a diverse clientele and their needs.
- Delivery: Enjoy the authentic flavors of Sam Sunny from the comfort of your own home with their reliable delivery service.
- Takeout: For those on the go, the restaurant offers takeout, allowing you to quickly grab your favorite dishes.
- Dine-in: The primary service, where guests can fully immerse themselves in the cozy and trendy atmosphere while receiving attentive table service.
- Counter service: For a quicker option, guests can also order directly at the counter.
- Accepts Reservations: While walk-ins are often welcome, especially on quieter nights, the restaurant recommends making reservations for dinner, particularly on busier evenings, to ensure you get a table.
- Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, catering to a wide range of schedules.
This blend of service options showcases Sam Sunny’s commitment to providing a flexible and convenient dining experience for everyone.
Sam Sunny is full of highlights and features that contribute to its popularity.
- Great Cocktails and Drinks: The bar offers a wide range of options, from traditional Korean soju and beer to creative signature cocktails like the "Sam Sunny Sour" and "Chilled Chilli."
- Fast Service: The staff is known for being efficient and providing fast service, ensuring a quick and enjoyable meal even during peak hours.
- Unlimited Banchan: A major highlight praised by customers is the unlimited and delicious banchan (side dishes), which are a staple of Korean dining. The pickled radish, kimchi, and fresh salads are all highly recommended.
- Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior is described as stylish, modern, and clean, creating a pleasant and inviting dining environment.
- Family-Friendly: With high chairs available and a menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes, Sam Sunny is a great option for families with children.
- Good for Groups and Solo Dining: The space is accommodating for both larger groups and individuals looking for a comfortable solo dining experience.
- Bar Onsite: For those who want to grab a drink and a small plate, the on-site bar provides a great option.
- Accepts Various Payments: The restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making the checkout process convenient.
These features collectively make Sam Sunny a well-rounded and appealing choice for any food lover.
For those ready to experience Sam Sunny’s unique take on Korean cuisine, here is the essential contact information.
Address: 517 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
Phone: (212) 837-1044
When deciding where to dine in New York, Sam Sunny is a worthy choice for a variety of reasons. The food itself is exceptional and offers a creative twist on classic dishes. The Galbi Mandu, a steamed beef short rib dumpling, and the Kimchi Shrimp Scallop Pancake are consistently praised as delicious starters. For the main course, the Spicy Chicken 'Galbi' with melted cheese is a popular and satisfying choice. The Kimchi Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu is another crowd-pleaser, described by one reviewer as "exactly what you expected" and "dressed up in the best ways." The portion sizes are generous, and the quality is consistently high.
Beyond the main dishes, the hotpots and noodle soups are perfect for a cozy, comforting meal, with the Korean Army Stew and Spicy Beef Noodle Soup offering a flavorful and filling experience. The diverse menu of both classic and modern dishes means there’s something for everyone, whether you're craving a taste of home or a new culinary adventure. The diverse drink menu, featuring everything from traditional soju to unique cocktails, further enhances the dining experience. Ultimately, Sam Sunny is worth choosing for its perfect balance of high-quality, authentic food, a cozy yet trendy atmosphere, and a level of hospitality that makes every single guest feel like they're a part of the family. It is a genuine neighborhood gem in Kips Bay that consistently delivers a great meal and a warm welcome.
Sam Sunny Menu
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
- Delicate on Me $17.00
vodka, korean pear puree, pear liquor
- Sam Sunny Sour $18.00
gin, egg whites, fresh calamansi, aromatic bitters
- Green Tea Frap' $18.00
vanilla vodka, ceremonial-grade matcha, almond milk, cinnamon powder
- Smoked Remedy $18.00
mezcal, campari, amaro averna, smoked hickory
- Chilled Chilli $19.00
jalapeño-infused gin, green chartreuse, egg white
- Cheesecake in Oak $19.00
cheesecake fat-washed rye whiskey, amaro nonino, campari
- Barbados Dreamin' $18.00
coconut rum, oat milk, lime
- Declare (Time for the Season) $18.00
tequila, condensed milk syrup, cachaça, aperol, yuzu, peychard bittters
- Treasure Island $19.00
soju, blueberry amaro, sac sac korean orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut cream
STARTERS
- Galbi Mandu $12.00
steamed beef dumpling (crushed pine nuts)
- Korean Fried Chicken $15.00
chicken tenders dressed in soy garlic & spicy sauce (grated parmesan)
- Tteokbokki (Calamari & Shishito) $19.00
rice cake, shrimp, melted mozzarella cheese in gochujang stew
- Katsu Sando $12.00
breaded chicken, sliced cabbage, white bread
- Egg Souffle $10.00
egg with savory broth steamed in iron pot
- Galbi Skewers $14.00
hanger steak and green onions (grated parmesan)
- Kimchi Shrimp Scallop Pancake $16.00
korean style pancake
- Kielbasa Sausage $19.00
shishito peppers, truffle wedge potato, sliced cabbage
MEAT
- ‘Bulgogi’ Beef $25.00
marinated sliced beef with scallion on a sizzling plate
- Spicy Pork ‘Bulgogi’ $26.00
spiced marinated pork with scallion on a sizzling plate
- ‘Samgyupsal’ Pork Belly $27.00
charcoal thick cut pork belly, sauteed kimchi, and steamed tofu
- Jang-Jorim $26.00
braised shredded beef, shishito, truffle wedge potato, sliced cabbage (grated parmesan cheese)
- Tomahawk ‘Galbi’ $43.00
tenderized juicy whole short rib, shishito, truffle wedge potato, sliced cabbage (grated parmesan cheese)
- Spicy Chicken ‘Galbi’ $25.00
spicy marinated chicken with melted cheese & corn on stone bowl
HOTPOT
- Odeng & Mussel Tang $25.00
fish cake, mussels, scallion, enoki mushroom, udon noodle
- Korean Army Stew $28.00
pork, bacon, spam, king oyster mushroom, kimchi, bean sprout, american cheese, ramen noodle
- Seafood Tofu Hotpot $30.00
soft tofu, shrimp, crab, squid, mussels, king oyster mushroom, enoki muchroom, been sprout, scallion, udon noodle
- Beef and Mushroom Hotpot $30.00
sliced beef, assorted mushroom, korean cabbage, crushed tofu, broad cut noodle
RICE
- Kimchi Fried Rice w/ Chicken Katsu $28.00
fried rice with kimchi, chives, breaded chicken and egg
- Seafood Fried Rice w/ Chicken Katsu $29.00
egg fried rice with shrimp, scallop, breaded chicken and melted mozzarella cheese
- Uni Bibimbap - 26 $26.00
uni, zucchini, carrot, radish, cabbage, bean sprout, fried egg with gochujang
- Seafood Rice Pot $26.00
uni, shrimp, roasted seaweed puree, scallion
- Truffle Mushroom Rice Pot $25.00
shimeji, king oyster, enoki, oyster mushrooms, scallion, truffle oil
- Gamasot Bap $5.00
made to order individualized traditional heavy pot rice
NOODLE
- Spicy Beef Noodle Soup (육계장 칼국수) $24.00
spicy bone beef broth with shredded beef
- Spicy Curry Chicken Noodle $23.00
grilled chicken, korean cabbage, carrots, bean spout, zucchini, onion, scallion, glass noodles stir fried in yellow curry
- Cold Kimchi Noodles Soup (김치 말이 국수) $16.00
sweet and sour kimchi broth, topped with chopped kimchi, sliced egg crepes
- Kimchi Buckwheat Noodle (비빔 김치 막국수) $15.00
topped with juicy kimchi, sliced egg crepes, sesame oil
SOJU
- Hallasan 21
- Jinro is Back
- 'Saero' Zero Sugar Soju
- Flavored Soju
Grape, Peach, Apple, Grapefruit, Yuju
PREMIUM SOJU
- Hwayo 41
- The Night of Seoul 서울의 밤
- Pungjeongsagye 풍정사계
- Yangchon Chunju 양촌청주
- Won Mae 원매
Beer
- Terra Korean Lager
- Kloud Premium Pilsner
- Stella Artois
- Allagash White
- Hazy IPA
- Montauk Wave Chaser IPA
Sam Sunny Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Sam Sunny Photos










Sam Sunny Location
Sam Sunny Reviews
chicken katsugalbibartomahawkspicy beef noodle soupkimchi fried rice with chickenegg souffledumplingsskewersbraised beef
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Love this place. Great classic Korean dishes, done well, with frills. Love the unlimited banchan and the servers were great about refilling. Usually not a packed place but on busier nights the atmosphere is great. Everything we ordered was great - the galbi mandu and kimchi shrimp pancake were great starters. The spicy chicken galbi was exactly what you expected and same with the kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu. Kinda feels like home cooking but dressed up in the best ways. Portion sizes were great, quality was good, servers were do friendly, and drinks menu was diverse. Would recommend!
August 20 · MichelleSo good! Very cool atmosphere. They dropped some pickled radish and kimchi on the table which was nice. They gave us salads too and the dressing was delicious, whatever it was. We had the kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu, beef skewers, and fried chicken. All very tasty. I was full but I couldn’t stop eating. The owner is a ball of gracious energy. Music was nice. Definitely a goto spot in Kip’s Bay.
March 23 · Mark McDonaldSolid quality food with better ingredients than most Korean restaurants. Even the rice was delicious! The mushroom rice was a bit too sweet. Highly recommend. The kimchi and radish banchan were wonderful pairing with the dishes we ordered and very fresh.
May 20 · Mandy KuoSam Sunny has been one of my favourite restaurants in NYC since I first discovered it a few years ago, and it's really heartening to see that the quality and price point has not changed very much since then! They can get busy at times (esp peak hours), but reservations are generally easy to come by.Even before you order anything, the side dishes are already worth a mention. The side salad they give is one of the best starters I've had -- the lettuce is always fresh and I adore the slightly-spicy dressing they add to it.My favourite dishes here are the bulgogi soup and the samgyupsal. The bulgogi soup is full of delicious slices of beef (so flavourful and tender), tofu, mushrooms, and glass noodles, and the broth itself is so rich and pairs with the white rice really well. The samgyupsal is always grilled perfectly -- just the right amount of char for how juicy and tender it is. The sautéed kimchi is a particular highlight - I love the hint of caramelisation that balanced the natural sour flavour of kimchi.I've also tried the spicy beef noodle soup here (yummy, if not a bit too salty for my taste) and kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu (both parts were decent but not a standout). Once I ordered the Jeju tangerine tea here, which was remarkably good -- refreshing balance to the spicy/salty dishes without being too sweet.The service is always so warm (and the bartender is very friendly, perhaps too extroverted for my taste hahaha), and the dark ambience makes eating here feel so cosy.Love this place and will be back very soon!
June 23 · Matthew HoThe food was absolutely delicious, especially the perfectly grilled Tomahawk and flavorful korean dishes. The banchan (side dishes) were fresh and plentiful, adding great variety to the meal. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made excellent recommendations. The cozy atmosphere and traditional decor created an authentic dining experience. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for anyone craving genuine Korean cuisine.
August 12 · K Yo
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