New York City has seen just about every possible interpretation of the lunch bowl. But 82BOWL is bringing something considerably smokier to the equation: Korean BBQ served fast, fresh and in bowl form.
The emerging NYC food concept describes itself as “Korean BBQ, but make it a bowl,” taking the flavors of Korean barbecue and turning them into an easy-to-eat lunch built for Manhattan’s famously impatient midday crowd.
And if you’ve been hearing about 82BOWL NYC, there’s a reason. The brand recently launched as a limited-time pop-up inside Take 31 at 15 East 31st Street, giving New Yorkers in NoMad a preview of what is coming next. The current pop-up runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is scheduled to continue through the end of October.
The menu is built around Korean BBQ-inspired proteins, including Pork Galbi, Garlic Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Beef Bulgogi and Grilled Spicy Tofu. The idea is simple: smoky, charred meat and bold Korean flavors without requiring a two-hour sit-down barbecue session.
The name itself has a clever connection to Korea. “82” is the country’s international telephone calling code, giving the brand a little built-in geography lesson with every lunch. The company has been described as a Korean take on the fast-casual model popularized by brands such as Chipotle.
But the pop-up is only the beginning.
82BOWL is reportedly preparing to open a permanent Koreatown flagship in March 2027, expanding the concept beyond its NoMad test run. Current hiring materials describe the upcoming location as a Korean BBQ fast-casual restaurant designed around cooked-to-order grilled proteins and quick service.
So if you’re searching for 82BOWL NYC, Korean BBQ bowls in NYC, NoMad lunch or new Korean restaurants in New York, this is one to keep on your radar.
Because sometimes the best lunch strategy is simple:
Put Korean BBQ in a bowl and get back to work.
