A new dining option has opened in Koreatown, adding to the neighborhood’s growing roster of Korean restaurants. Musaek, a subterranean cocktail and seafood bar, is part of a three-venue complex that also includes the beef barbecue restaurant Howoo and the tofu-focused DubuHaus. Located below street level, Musaek centers its menu on Korean seafood, presenting a curated selection that highlights regional sourcing across South Korea.

The menu at Musaek features a detailed map that identifies the origins of various seafood items. Among these are soy-marinated shrimp sourced from specific coastal regions known for their quality. The establishment pairs its seafood offerings with a cocktail program designed to complement the flavors of the dishes, aiming for a balance between traditional Korean elements and contemporary bar culture.

Musaek’s approach reflects a growing interest in Korean seafood cuisine in New York City, which has often been overshadowed by more common Korean barbecue and noodle spots. The bar’s underground setting emphasizes a more intimate and focused dining experience, distinct from the bustle of the street-level restaurants above.

The complex’s combination of beef barbecue, tofu specialties, and seafood cocktails under one roof provides a varied culinary experience for visitors to Koreatown. Musaek’s opening adds a new dimension to the neighborhood’s dining scene, particularly for those seeking seafood prepared with a Korean sensibility.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.

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