Douglaston, Queens, is on New York City’s outskirts, near the Long Island border–a trek if you’re coming from the city and don’t have a car. But if you don’t mind a trip, would happily swap hype and vibes for big portions and high-quality; if you truly love KBBQ, Sung Book Dong is, pound-for-pound some of the best value you’re gonna find across the five boroughs.
SBD is a clean, well-lighted place and what more do you need? Locals eat here–bring their Korean-born parents and grandparents here for a taste of home, their kids for a fun glimpse at their culinary heritage. That said, Long Island bros may make a cameo. Douglaston is still New York City, so anyone and everyone is liable to walk through the door and rub elbows.
But you’re here to eat. And you’d better come hungry because the portions here are generous and the food is absolutely delicious. Meat-wise, marinated galbi is cut thick, each bite tender but satisfyingly chewy and edged with perfect caramelization. And the pork belly comes in slabs thick enough to sizzle in their own rendered fat. The banchan is one of the best in the city, period–a long procession of tasty bites whose star is, undoubtedly, the soy marinated crab.
Though we know its intent, labeling any place beyond the city lights a “hidden gem” or “off the beaten path” can be patronizing; hidden from whom? On whose path? If you’re heading to Sung Book Dong, you’re either a local who knows exactly how good you’ve got it or KBBQ lover who knows exactly where the path to satisfaction leads. If you take convenience out of the equation, on the matrix of price X quality X quantity of food, it’s hard to beat Sung Book Dong.
Vibe: Built‑in grills and dangling hoods, mostly bare walls, a plant here and there. The view out the window is low-slung Northern Boulevard. The space between tables can be measured in microns. Weekends, this place fills to the brim and when it does, the buzz rises considerably.
The food: Truly delicious, big portions. The banchan could be a satisfying meal in itself.
The drink: Bare bones. A few beers, some soju, Korean wine, and sodas.
Time Out Tip: There is an unwritten minimum order. If it’s busy and you’re not ordering enough per ass-in-seat, you’re unintentionally throwing things out of whack, which is tough on the hardworking staff. That’s not to say the servers aren’t nice or welcoming–they’ll take care of you with all the hospitality you could want. Just keep in mind that this place is best reserved for a group or a couple very hungry individuals.