The question of the night: If you cook your own food at a Michelin-starred Korean BBQ like COTE NYC, does that make you a Michelin chef? Luckily, at COTE, you don’t have to worry about that—they handle most of the grilling for you. Minus the occasional stolen piece from a friend who insists on eating it while it’s still mooing.
This was my first time at COTE, but definitely not my last. We went with the Butcher’s Feast, their signature prix fixe at $78. It doesn’t sound like much on paper, but trust me—it’s a lot. You get four cuts of meat and a lineup of classic Korean sides (vegetables, stews, rice, the works).
The Meat Lineup
- USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye – juicy, rich, perfectly balanced.
- American Wagyu secret “COTE” steak – their signature cut, packed with flavor.
- USDA Prime hanger steak – tender, lean, full of character.
- Marinated short rib galbi – the only cut cooked fully through, but insanely delicious.
Each cut had its own personality. The ribeye was my standout, while the galbi—with its marinade—was the table’s favorite.
Appetizers & Extras
We also grabbed a few starters: Korean bacon with mustard (pork belly, really, but close enough—fatty and perfect), a simple salad, and exactly three shrimp. Yep, three. Don’t ask—it worked out.
But the wild card was the “digestif” our server surprised us with when one friend complained about being too full. Instead of tequila shots, he brought over a gin-absinthe-lime mix. Sounds questionable, right? But it was shockingly refreshing, cut through the heaviness, and perked everyone up.
The Experience
COTE isn’t just about the food—it’s the hospitality. The staff kept the vibe fun, light, and interactive. And unlike most Korean BBQ spots, you don’t leave smelling like smoke. Their ventilation game is strong—seriously, it’s witchcraft.
Final Thoughts
For $120 per person (food + drinks), it was an insane value for the quality, the Michelin pedigree, and the overall experience. The only catch? You really can’t go solo here. The Butcher’s Feast is designed for groups, which also makes reservations tougher to snag. Thankfully, my friend jumped on an alert, and it was one of the best decisions she’s made.
Bottom line: COTE NYC absolutely deserves its Michelin star. It’s not just dinner, it’s a night out, and it’s firmly on my Top 10 Steakhouses list.
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going.