Itaewon Pocha: Korean Street Food, Soju, and Late-Night Vibes in the Heart of NYC
Experience authentic Korean street food, crispy fried chicken, and soju at Itaewon Pocha in NYC. Owner Andy Song brings Itaewon’s party vibe to Koreatown!
There’s a certain energy when you step into Itaewon Pocha. The lights are low, the music is loud, and there’s a buzz that makes you feel like you’re out with friends before you’ve even found your seat. Plates of crispy Korean fried chicken and steaming bowls of tteokbokki are carried past tables packed with people raising glasses of soju. It’s no accident. This is exactly what owner Andy Song set out to create when he opened Itaewon Pocha in 2017—an electric Korean dining bar experience, right in the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown.
Before opening his own spot, Andy spent nearly a decade working in New York’s bar and restaurant scene. But something changed after a trip back to Korea. “I visited Itaewon after being away for a long time,” Andy recalls. “I loved the vibe there—everyone hanging out, eating, drinking, partying together. I wanted to bring that feeling back to New York.”
He did just that. From the start, Andy envisioned a space where anyone could come and enjoy an authentic Korean night out. “In New York, you usually have to choose between places with good drinks and places with good food,” he says. “I wanted to do both—and make it fun.” The result? A packed house most nights, where customers come for the food but stay for the party.
The Food That Keeps People Coming Back
It’s no surprise that Itaewon Pocha’s menu is stacked with Korean street food favorites. The Korean fried chicken is hands-down the most popular dish. Double-fried until shatteringly crisp and coated in sauce (or left plain for purists), it’s the kind of thing you order “for the table” but end up keeping for yourself. Andy’s a big fan, too. “I’m a big chicken guy,” he said. “It’s my favorite thing on the menu.”
Then there’s the tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes simmered in a fiery red pepper sauce, and the kimchi pajeon, a crispy, savory pancake that pairs perfectly with a round (or two) of soju. Many of these dishes were inspired by Andy’s time working in Korean fried chicken franchises, and he’s brought that expertise to every plate served here. “I wanted the food to be authentic,” Andy says, “but also something that fits the vibe of New York.”
A Party You Can Taste and Hear
The atmosphere at Itaewon Pocha is as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. K-pop pumps through the speakers, and groups of friends gather over pitchers of flavored soju. “A lot of customers who’ve visited Korea tell me this place reminds them of their trip,” Andy shares. “That’s the biggest compliment.”
And while Itaewon Pocha might feel like a constant party, running the place wasn’t always easy. The pandemic forced Andy to close for nearly a year. “We struggled for the first two years,” he admits. “At one point, I almost gave up.” But he didn’t. Instead, Andy doubled down on creating something special. “You need to know what you’re doing,” he says. “This isn’t easy work. You have to believe in it and never give up.”
What’s Next for Itaewon Pocha?
For now, Andy is focused on making sure Itaewon Pocha continues to deliver the best experience possible to its loyal customers. With visitors traveling from other states just to eat and drink at the restaurant, there’s plenty to keep him busy. Expansion? Maybe one day. “Right now,” he says, “I’m focused on this spot.”