Seemor
Chubby Skewers | Authentic Chinese BBQC+Mixed Bag
252 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
· Barbecue restaurant, Chinese restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (1122 reviews)
Reservations
Interactive, late-night Chinese skewer spot with big vibes and tiny skewers—fun if you like DIY grilling, but expect crowds, low seating, smoke, and a bill that adds up.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Chubby Skewers delivers an entertaining DIY grilling concept with solid food quality in its core skewer offerings, but operational challenges limit its appeal. Uncomfortable low seating and crowded layout combined with inconsistent freshness and service speed create friction in the core dining experience. Best suited for social, novelty-seeking diners willing to overlook physical discomfort for the interactive experience.
Restaurant Summary
A neon-bright Midtown hangout where you choose skewers from glass fridges and grill them yourself, Chubby Skewers brings a street-food feel with low stools and loud beats. Expect crowds, clubby energy, and quick staff check-ins more than full service. "We grabbed what looked good and let the rotating grill do its thing" sums up the interactive setup. The cooking leans classic Chinese skewer flavors with cumin and chili powders rather than high-wire technique, so it feels traditional with premium touches (wagyu, scallops) more than avant-garde. Great for social nibbling—lamb skewers, wings, and wagyu rice get frequent nods—though portions are tiny and bills creep up fast. This is an experience-first spot where music, motion, and self-seasoning carry the vibe. Families can make it work thanks to simple, familiar items like chicken skewers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and rice, but know the seats are very low and the room can be smoky. No dedicated kids menu is noted; smoke, tight aisles, and hot metal skewers mean younger kids need supervision.
At a Glance
- Fun DIY grilling concept with lively late-night energy
- Broad skewer selection including lamb, wings, mushrooms, and premium wagyu options
- Very low seating and tight layout can be uncomfortable
- Small portions make costs add up quickly
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- DIY skewer grilling
- Late-night Midtown hangout
- Membership $1 skewers
What People Love
- The thrill of picking skewers from the fridges
- Cumin-forward seasoning and DIY control
- Friendly staff energy during busy nights
- Late-night seating with upbeat music
Points of Concern
- Low stools and cramped upstairs seating are uncomfortable for many diners; consider downstairs if available
- Smoke, hot metal skewers, and grill burns reported; handle carefully
- Billing quirks: seasoning fees, auto tip, and skewer miscounts reported—check your bill
- Some report marinade sweetness and inconsistent kitchen dishes; stick to core skewers
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$38-$52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with 12-18 skewers per person plus one shared carb
- Prioritize lamb, wings, mushrooms; treat wagyu as premium add-on
- Watch for double-skewer pricing on larger items
Perfect For
- Post-night-out snack with friends
- Interactive group dinners where cooking is part of the fun
- Casual date night with drinks and shared skewers
- Skewer fans seeking late-night options in Midtown
Location Insights
Area: Midtown West garment district: busy, office-heavy by day, bar and late-night traffic near Penn/Herald Square.
Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with heavy foot traffic; occasional rowdy late-night scenes reported.
Nearby: Near Penn Station, Herald Square, Times Square spillover; many bars, quick eats, and casual restaurants.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse population. The area is lively, with a strong nightlife presence and a community feel despite its proximity to the busy Midtown core.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–01:00
Tuesday12:00–01:00
Wednesday12:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–01:00
Friday12:00–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–02:00
Available: Reservations
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