Kisa

We don’t need to sell you on Kisa. There will be no QVC antics this time around. At $32 for a comprehensive homestyle set meal, this retro diner from the folks behind C as in Charlie is one of the best deals on the Lower East Side. Factor in the cool list of Korean rice wines, coin-operated coffee machine, and bottomless banchan, and it's a no-brainer.

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

A meal here hits that elusive sweet spot between fun and highly practical. For $32, you get your choice of bulgogi, spicy pork, squid, or bibimbap, accompanied by rice, soup, and a wreath of sides. The entrees are truly nothing fancy, but the various banchan go above and beyond. When you receive your metal tray lined with soy-marinated shrimp, rolled omelet, and silky mung bean jelly, your focus will shatter into a thousand little pieces.

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

Due to the snugness of the beige dining room, where rotating fans and VHS tapes call forth the spirit of the early ’90s, Kisa always has a wait. It's walk-in only, but just put your name in, then go for a stroll, or grab a drink at Superbueno across the street. After your meal, be sure to use the coffee machine near the entrance. No need to bring your own quarter. Your server will provide one, which knocks your bill down to $31.75—a steal for a filling night out in this part of town.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Kate Previte

Banchan

Every time you eat here, a different side will speak to you. Maybe it’ll be the potato jorim with big chunks of slow-cooked beef. Or maybe it’ll be the sodduk sodduk with gochujang-glazed sausages and chewy rice cakes.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Spicy Pork

Our go-to order, Kisa’s spicy pork is deeply marinated and speckled with char. Keep in mind, it is not especially spicy.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Bulgogi

The bulgogi is another worthy choice. It’s sweet, tender, and sliced into smoky ribbons.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Spicy Squid

Once again, not very spicy. We’re fans of this squid tossed with gochujang, but it is a bit one-note.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Bori Bibimbap

Looking for a vegetarian option? This is it. Not the most exciting, but it’ll get the job done (and it’s the banchan you’ll be zeroing in on anyway).

photo credit: Kate Previte

Coffee Machine

Get the black bean latte. It’s the perfect to-go dessert.