COTE Korean Steakhouse

Getting a table at COTE Korean Steakhouse is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. This Michelin-starred gem in Flatiron releases reservations exactly 29 days in advance at 10AM ET, and within minutes, they're gone. But don't worry—with the right strategy, you can score that coveted table for New York's most celebrated Korean steakhouse.

The Restaurant

COTE isn't just another Korean BBQ spot. It's the brainchild of Simon Kim, who set out to create something entirely new: a "Korean Steakhouse" that marries the interactive fun of Korean barbecue with the elegance of a classic American steakhouse. The result? A Michelin star and James Beard Award nomination that speaks volumes.

Kim, who previously worked in fashion and hospitality, opened COTE in 2017 with a clear vision: premium USDA Prime beef, smokeless grills, and an atmosphere that's both convivial and upscale. The restaurant occupies a sleek space on West 22nd Street, where marble tabletops house built-in grills and servers expertly navigate the art of Korean barbecue service.

This isn't your typical strip-mall Korean BBQ experience. COTE commands serious prices (expect $200+ per person) for serious quality. The dry-aged beef program, 1200+ label wine list, and craft cocktail program position it firmly in special occasion territory. Think anniversary dinner or closing-the-deal celebration rather than casual Tuesday night.

The space itself strikes a balance between industrial chic and Korean warmth, with exposed brick, leather banquettes, and those signature smokeless grills that keep the dining room from feeling like a barbecue pit. It's intimate enough for a date but energetic enough for a group celebration.

What to Order

COTE's menu revolves around premium cuts of beef, but the banchan (Korean side dishes) and unique preparations set it apart. The Butcher's Feast ($155 per person) is the signature experience, featuring four different cuts of dry-aged beef including the prized dry-aged ribeye. Each cut is pre-sliced and arrives with specific cooking instructions from your server.

The Steak Omakase ($185 per person) takes things up a notch with even more premium cuts. Don't skip the kimchi—COTE's house-made version is fermented in-house and pairs perfectly with the rich beef. The Korean corn with gochujang mayo and cotija cheese has become an Instagram favorite for good reason.

For drinks, the soju-based cocktails are expertly crafted, and the wine list includes both traditional pairings and unexpected bottles that complement Korean flavors. The aged ribeye with doenjang glaze remains the crown jewel of the menu—it's what food critics rave about and what keeps regulars coming back.

The Drop Time

Here's what you need to know: COTE releases reservations exactly 29 days in advance at 10:00:00 AM Eastern Time on Resy. Not 10:01, not 9:59. The system is precise, and so must you be.

Tables for 2-3 people are limited and only available during the first or last seating times. Most tables accommodate parties of 4+, which means if you're dining solo or as a couple, your window is even smaller. The restaurant reserves tables for 90 minutes (parties of 2-3) or 2 hours (parties of 4-6).

What the Internet Says

The reservation game at COTE is no joke, according to NYC diners who've mastered the system. On Reddit's r/FoodNYC, one user shared: "I set three alarms for 9:58 AM and had multiple devices ready. Even then, I only got a 5:30 PM slot for a Tuesday in February."

Another Redditor noted: "COTE's 10 AM drop is BRUTAL. I've found that if you're flexible with dates, checking for cancellations on weeknight evenings around 5-6 PM sometimes works. People bail on expensive dinners when work gets crazy."

Twitter user @NYCEatsDaily observed: "Pro tip for COTE: they occasionally release same-day cancellations around 2-3 PM. Follow their socials and turn on notifications."

A frequent diner on Chowhound mentioned: "I've noticed COTE sometimes has better availability for larger parties (6+) since they handle those through their events team rather than Resy. Worth calling directly if you have a group."

Pro Tips

• Time it perfectly: Be logged into Resy with your payment info saved. Start refreshing at 9:59:50 AM ET.

• Have backup dates: Don't fixate on Saturday night. Tuesday through Thursday often have better availability.

• Check the cancellation window: COTE charges $50 per person for cancellations within 24 hours, so last-minute openings do appear.

• Consider Undercote: Can't get a COTE table? Their downstairs speakeasy serves some of the same dishes in a more casual setting.

• Call for parties of 2-3: Sometimes they can accommodate smaller parties even when Resy shows nothing available.

• Monitor social media: COTE occasionally announces special releases or events on Instagram.

• Be flexible with time: That 5:15 PM or 10:30 PM slot might be your only shot.

Or Let Mise Handle It

If the 10 AM battle royal isn't your style, there's a smarter way. Mise monitors COTE's reservation system 24/7, tracking cancellations and new releases so you don't have to. While others are setting phone alarms and frantically refreshing Resy, Mise users get automatic notifications when their preferred dates become available.

The reservation game at NYC's hottest restaurants shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Let Mise handle the heavy lifting while you focus on what really matters—deciding whether to order the Butcher's Feast or go all-out with the Steak Omakase.