Gentle Perch

If you happen to be in the area, definitely check this place out.

I would go for their Korean fried chicken BBQ sandwich. It's your traditional fried chicken sandwich with a Korean twist. The coleslaw and mix of savory and sweet sauces makes this a popular option to try. On paper, it doesn't seem too appetizing, but the blend of flavors work really well.

A must try!

You should really like barbeque if you plan to visit Gentle Perch and would benefit most from ordering one of their BBQ platters, which seem to receive the most praise here. There's a long menu of other items they bill "Korean Southern BBQ" corn ribs, eggplant fries, sandwiches that utilize Korean flavors, and a long list of more classic Southern sides like baked beans, mac n cheese, and coleslaw.

If you're like me and you glide over all the meat items, there's actually a fair amount of vegetarian things you can order, like the tofu salad, bibim bowl, and eggplant BBQ sandwich. My tofu bibim bowl was a bit sad, coming in a small paper bowl filled with glass noodles, purple cabbage, and tofu. It didn't come with the fried egg that is signature to bibimbap and that was listed on the menu, which would've added a little more heft to this meager bowl. The kimchi baked beans were a nice little fusion side that I enjoyed overall, but didn't leave me with any sort of impression and not the greatest excitement to return again.

To me this felt a bit like a cafeteria meal, which is in keeping with a category of food in Korea called "school food" but lacking in a lot of the elements and ingredients that make school food satisfying.

Take out review:
Good Korean option in Greenpoint, so glad this place fills the void of solid Korean spots in the area. Wanted to eat indoors but decided to order to-go when I realized that only 1 employee seemed to be working both indoor and outdoor tables PLUS the take out counter, then I figured after walking 20 minutes here there was no turning back. Korean fried chicken sandwich was good but very heavy even with coleslaw to lighten it up. Very tasty but probably should have saved half for later. Brioche bun was fresh but very large and dense, plus the sweet glaze/honey-like sauce took it over the top for me. Black sesame shake was not worth $9, definitely save your money for a makgeolli or cocktail instead. Seems the cocktails here are decent, worth dining indoors for hopefully at a busier time when more staff are present.

I saw an Instagram post for a collab with one of my favorite hard seltzers. Close by to home, I had to come check it out! Glad I had the opportunity to try Gentle Perch as a sit down. Last year as I was passing by, I saw it's grand opening and checked out their take home LA Galbi Kit. Comparing this to the sit down, the sit down meal was infinitely better.

We ordered two BBQ Platters - chicken and brisket, kimchi beans (delicious!!), mac and cheese, and the galbi burger.

My fave out of everything was the chicken since you can really taste the Korean BBQ flavors. Both platters came with buns, lettuce, cucumbers, and saucy paste. Galbi burger was sweet for those who can't handle spicy. I would totally add kimchi to this if I can.

Lots of cocktails and soju was involved this evening. Great vibe, lights, and music!

I was going to be in the area and I looked up where I could go and this place caught my eye and I'm glad it did!

TLDR: 5/5 Fast service, cool vibes, and tastier food.

I got here later than I wanted too so when I tell you I scarfed down this meal, I scarfed down this meal. Mostly because it was so good.

Food: 5/5
KBBQ Chicken Sandwich
It was sweet and savory at the same time. Not hot at all either. The chicken was juicy and crispy despite the amount of tangy sauce covering it. The coleslaw was a perfect addition to it which made it not too heavy overall!

I got the meal which came with house fries which were so well seasoned and crispy. That hit the spot. I was curious if the fries came with a sauce. It didn't really but she gave me the plum sauce and some sriracha mayo. But let me circle back to say damn that plum sauce, whatever it was it the spot. sheesh if you can get that with fries all the time I would.

Green Plum Tea: 5/5
This was fire. It was like an adult tropical Capri Sun. Just something cool and mellow and not overly sweet for what I needed.

Service: 5/5
Ash was such a dream and super nice and helpful! Thank you so much.

Vibes: 5/5
There was some pop-up shop in and outside the restaurant which made it even cooler. The vibe is really nice though for a casual spot with friends and the music was great.

COVID:
There is outdoor seating but you can still dine inside!

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Definitely coming back!

Came here for a happy hour with work colleagues and had a great time! They have great deals on food and drinks and it kept our table of 6 there from 5-8 PM since we were having such a great time! Happy Hour is 4:30-7:30 PM everyday with $6 small korean fried chicken poppers, $8 beer and shot, $5 glass of wine and BOGO Soju by the bottle ($14 per bottle).

They have soooo much on their menu it's actually amazing, I didn't think I'd find a place like this in East Williamsburg but it's got everything a typical K-Town bar would have for half the price. The vibes are good, their selection of beers range from Five Boroughs Brewing Co. to Makku rice beer; their creations range from shave ice coladas to hot tea/coffee and everything in between. I can't wait to come back and try more of their food and their korean fried chicken sandwich and bibim bowl with japchae!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I ordered the eggplant bbq sandwich. Sweet, tangy, a bit of crisp from the battered eggplant, buttery from the bun and it all just comes together in each bite. I ordered the Kimchi Fried Rice. My only qualm with it is the oil but the flavor profile of the rice with the Kimchi and the crunch of Kimchi, just yum. I think so far this is the best thing I've had on my trip to NY.

I reallyyyyyy wanted to like this place, but unfortunately I was a little bit let down. I figured I had to try the korean southern bbq platter and I love pork belly so i went with that. The plating was definitely a southern style plating on a metal tray butttttt man the pork belly was on the thinner side and kinda tough, not soft and tender as I was hoping. The side of mac and cheese was good tho lol

Restaurant Week To Go review -

Wow A+++! I got the pork belly option and I would definitely recommend that. It comes with an option of eggplant fries or chicken poppers, and a side of slaw. The chicken poppers and slaw were a generous portion. The entrees also came with vegetable leaves and soft buns! And everything had a sauce specific to it.

Myself and 3 friends ordered the pork belly as mentioned, the ribs, chicken, and fish - again all great portions. Personally I like the fish, second to the pork belly.

The restaurant itself is super appealing and the person behind the counter was so accommodating! Offered us as well as other customers picking up hot tea since it was so cold that day. Would definitely come back to try a sandwich or the bulgogi.

Was here for the event that gentle perch had with maku and noona's icecream for Korean Thanksgiving and loved the vibe of the restaurant. There was a lot of food and I left stuffed! Would be open to try this restaurant on a regular day.