Seemor

Take 31A-Worth Trying

Name: Take 31
Address: 15 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

15 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016 · Korean restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1112 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Cozy modern Korean spot with excellent pork belly and fried chicken, creative comfort dishes, lively vibes, and fair-but-not-cheap pricing; service can be rushed during peaks.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Take 31 delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—pork belly and fried chicken consistently impress—paired with attentive, quick service in a vibrant Koreatown destination. However, tight seating and cramped conditions prevent grade A territory, while occasional consistency variability in soups and secondary dishes and isolated food safety concerns temper the overall excellence. Modern Korean comfort with playful execution appeals to groups seeking shareable plates and soju slushies.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, with servers moving quickly through a compact space that stays busy even on weeknights. Diners rave about plates arriving fast and hot, noting, "The fried chicken came out crackly and juicy, and the pork belly was beautifully balanced." However, a few guests felt rushed near the end during peak hours. The cooking leans modern-Korean comfort with playful twists—think crispy corn pancake, tender braised pork belly with bright pickles, and spicy short ribs dipped in cheese fondue. Most dishes land big flavor and generous portions, though the chapaguri and some soups read simpler than others. It is a sweet-leaning, sauce-forward style that suits shareable snacking with soju slushies. Families will find friendly options: fried chicken, corn pancake, and creamy udon are easy wins, though spice and sweetness pop up often. There is no explicit kids menu, but portion sizes invite sharing; for cautious eaters, ask for milder dishes and lean on familiar comfort plates.

At a Glance

Pork belly and fried chicken are consistent hits
Complimentary tteokbokki and large portions boost value
Peak-time service can feel rushed with table time limits
Some dishes skew sweet or heavily seasoned
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

complimentary_tteokbokki
creative_korean_comfort
soju_slushies

What People Love

Juicy, ultra-crispy fried chicken
Tender pork belly balanced by bright kimchi
Fun, cozy energy
Complimentary spicy rice cakes

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive ($26+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service may rush checks during peaks; strict complete-party seating
Seasoning skews sweet/saucy; some find chapaguri underwhelming
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$45-60 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Crispy Corn Pancake to share, then split Garlic & Spicy Chicken and Braised Pork Belly; add Cod Roe Seafood Udon for variety.
Dessert: Misugaru Dalgona for a not-too-sweet finish.

Perfect For

Casual date with shareable plates
Friends night with soju slushies
Cold-weather comfort meal
Walk-in early dinner in Koreatown

Location Insights

Area: Lively Koreatown/NoMad edge with after-work crowds, late-night energy, and dense bar-restaurant mix.

Safety: Busy, well-trafficked Midtown South blocks; generally safe with bright storefronts and foot traffic.

Nearby: Near Herald Square, Penn Station corridor, hotels, offices; popular for group dining and drinks.

Murray HillMurray Hill is a vibrant neighborhood popular with young professionals due to its proximity to Midtown offices and relatively affordable housing. The dining scene features a mix of casual eateries, trendy bars, and diverse international cuisines, often catering to after-work crowds and residents seeking convenient dining options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:30–00:00 Tuesday17:30–00:00 Wednesday17:30–00:00 Thursday17:30–00:00 Friday17:00–03:00 Saturday17:00–03:00 Sunday17:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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