Little Dokebi is a charming Korean restaurant in Brooklyn that offers a modern and approachable twist on traditional Korean cuisine. This restaurant combines authentic Korean flavors with a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. The name “Little Dokebi” suggests fun and playfulness, reflecting a cozy and welcoming dining experience.
This guide will help you discover everything you need about this fantastic Korean restaurant from its menu to its atmosphere.
What to Expect at Little Dokebi
The Name “Little Dokebi”:
Little Dokebi, located in Brooklyn, New York, is owned by Chul Kim and was established around late 2013. Little Dokebi aims to offer delicious and accessible classic dishes and potentially some modern interpretations in a casual and welcoming setting, as suggested by its “cute neighborhood Korean spot” reputation.
In Korean folklore, a “Dokebi” is a mischievous, goblin-like creature known for its playful nature. The addition of “Little” hints at a casual, intimate setting, perfect for enjoying a fun and relaxed meal with friends or family.
Ambiance and Decor:
Step into a modern and inviting ambiance at Little Dokebi. The minimalist design with subtle Korean design elements creates a cozy, yet vibrant atmosphere. It is a great space for both casual dinners and special occasions, offering a comfortable spot to experience Korean cuisine.
Service and Hospitality:
Expect friendly and attentive service at Little Dokebi. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to guide you through the dishes, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Whether you are new to Korean food or a seasoned fan, you will feel welcomed and taken care of.
Exploring the Menu at Little Dokebi:
Must-Try Korean Classics:
Little Dokebi offers a range of Korean classics that showcase the diverse and rich flavors of Korean cuisine. Here are some dishes to look out for:
- Bibimbap: This is a classic Korean mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg. It is the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Bulgogi: Marinated grilled beef, often served with rice or wrapped in lettuce. This tender, flavorful dish is a favorite for many.
- Kimchi Jjigae: A spicy and savory kimchi stew, made with pork or tofu. It is a comforting dish perfect for any season.
Little Dokebi Menu With Prices
| Item (English/Korean) | Description | Price | Add-ons |
| Tteokbokki (떡볶이) | Traditional Korean rice cakes and vegetables stir-fried in hot chili sauce | $11 | +$2 for odeng (fishcakes) |
| Gun Mandu (군 만두) | Fried handmade Korean dumplings with wasabi soy dipping sauce (pork or veggie) | $9 | – |
| Jjin Mandu (찐만두) | (5) Steamed handmade Korean dumplings (pork or veggie) | $9 | – |
| Pajeon (파전) | Scallion and veggie pancake with soy dipping sauce | $10 | +$1 for kimchee
+$3 for haemul (seafood) |
| Edamame (완두콩) | Steamed baby soybeans with sea salt | $8 | – |
| Tuna Sashimi & Avocado (참치 회) | Sliced sushi-grade tuna, avocado, watercress with wasabi soy sauce | $15 | – |
| Seaweed Salad (해초 샐러드) | Japanese chukka with sesame vinaigrette | $11 | – |
| Romaine & Watercress Salad | Tossed in sesame soy vinaigrette | $7 | – |
| Miso Soup (된장국) | With scallions | $6 | – |
| Oi Naeng Guk (오이 냉국) | Iced tangy cucumber soup with peppers, cilantro, and chili flakes | $7 | – |
| Rice & Banchan (반찬) | Dokebi rice, seaweed chips, kimchee assortment | $12 | – |
Tacos & Burritos (타코/부리토)
Base Items
| Item | Description | Base Price |
| Taco | Corn tortilla with bean sprouts, lettuce, and radish | $5 |
| Burrito | Flour tortilla with bean sprouts, lettuce, radish, jasmine rice, and vegan three-bean chili | $11 |
| Tofu and mushroom options are vegan |
Protein Add-ons (+$2 each)
| Protein Option | Description |
| Kalbi | Marinated choice Angus beef short rib |
| Spicy Pork | Berkshire pork shoulder in spicy BBQ marinade |
| Pork Belly | Soy-braised Berkshire pork belly |
| Spicy Chicken | Organic chicken breast in spicy BBQ marinade |
| Fish | Lightly battered, pan-fried whiting |
| Spicy Tofu | Seasoned all-natural tofu in spicy BBQ marinade |
| Spicy Mushroom | Button and oyster mushrooms in spicy BBQ marinade |
Korean Fried Chicken (K.F.C. 닭 튀김)
Served with pickled white mu radish. Double-fried for maximum flavor (please allow extra time)
| Flavor | Description | 8-10 pc Price | 16 pc Price |
| Soy Ginger | Original marinade with fresh ginger and sweet soy flavor | $16 | $13 |
| Dokebi Spicy | Perfect balance of sweet soy ginger and Dokebi spice | $16 | $13 |
| Extra Dokebi Spicy | Our hottest wings | $16 | $13 |
| Spicy Buffalo | Classic American-style with homemade bleu cheese and carrots | $18 | $14 |
| Extra Spicy Buffalo | Spicier version of our Buffalo wings | $18 | $14 |
Entrées
Complimentary banchan served with all entrées
Bibimbap (비빔밥)
All bibimbap bowls include: Traditional Korean rice bowl with sautéed vegetables, fried egg, and gochujang (sweet & spicy chili paste). +$2 for hot stone Dolsut bowl (dine-in only).
| Protein Option | Price | Special Notes |
| Beef | $18 | – |
| Chicken | $18 | – |
| Pork | $18 | – |
| Tofu | $18 | Vegan option |
| Mushroom | $18 | Vegan option |
| Spicy Seafood | $22 | Extra gochujang available upon request |
| Tuna Sashimi | $22 | Egg available upon request |
Rice & Noodle Dishes
| Item (Korean/English) | Description | Base Price | Add-ons |
| Kimchee Bokkeum Bap (김치 볶음밥) | Stir-fried rice with kimchi and vegetables | $17 | +$3 for chicken/pork/tofu/egg |
| Nakji Bokkeum (낙지 볶음) | Stir-fried octopus with vegetables and udon noodles | $28 | Served with Dokebi rice |
| Shrimp Bokkeum (새우 볶음) | Stir-fried jumbo tiger shrimp with udon noodles | $28 | Served with Dokebi rice |
Stews (Chigae) & Soups
| Item | Description | Base Price | Add-ons |
| Soondubu Chigae | Spicy silken tofu stew | $16 | +$2 for seafood (clams, mussels, shrimp, squid) |
| Denjang Chigae | Spicy bean-paste stew with vegetables | $15 | +$2 for beef |
| Kimchee Chigae | Spicy kimchi stew | $16 | +$2 for pork belly |
| Kalbitang (갈비탕) | Beef short rib soup | $24 | Can be made spicy |
| Yookgaejang (육개장) | Spicy beef brisket soup | $22 | – |
| Ttuckmandoo Guk | Beef soup with dumplings and rice cakes | $18 | – |
Korean BBQ
All BBQ orders include: banchan (side dishes), lettuce wraps, dipping sauces, and Dokebi rice.
BBQ Meat Options
| Item (English/Korean) | Description | Price |
| Steak Cubes (스테이크) | Choice Angus ribeye and mixed vegetables in EVOO, served with ssamjang and fresh wasabi sauce | $34 |
| Kalbi (갈비) | Marinated choice Angus short rib (off-the-bone) with mixed vegetables and ssamjang | $32 |
| Spicy Pork Shoulder (돼지 어깨 살) | Thinly sliced Berkshire pork in spicy BBQ marinade with ssamjang | $30 |
| Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) | Unmarinated pork belly with roasted garlic, Korean peppers, ssamjang, and sesame oil | $32 |
| Chicken (치킨) | Marinated organic chicken breast with mixed vegetables and ssamjang | $28 |
| Shrimp (새우) | Marinated jumbo black tiger shrimp with mixed vegetables and wasabi sauce | $32 |
Sides
Rice & Accompaniments
| Item | Description | Price |
| White Rice | Steamed white rice | $3 |
| Dokebi Rice | White and black rice with black beans | $3.50 |
| Fried Egg | Sunny-side-up egg | $3 |
| Bleu Cheese & Carrots | With homemade bleu cheese dressing | $3 |
| Seaweed Chips | Crispy seasoned seaweed | $2.50 |
| Side Avocado | Fresh sliced avocado | $3 |
Banchan (Side Dishes)
| Item | Price |
| Soy pickled jalapeños | $2 |
| Soy pickled onions | $2 |
| Napa cabbage kimchi | $2 |
| Radish kimchi | $2 |
| Pickled white radish | $2 |
| Kirby cucumber kimchi | $2 |
16oz Kimchi Jars
| Item | Price |
| Napa cabbage | $12 |
| Vegan napa cabbage | $12 |
| Mu radish | $12 |
| Kirby cucumber | $12 |
Korean Spirits & Sake
Bottled Korean Spirits
| Item (English/Korean) | Description | Size | Price |
| Soju (소주) | Distilled rice liquor (vodka-like), smooth and clean | 375ml | $20 |
| Maesilju (매실주) | Chilled plum wine | 375ml | $25 |
| Bokbunjaju (복분자주) | Chilled black raspberry wine | 375ml | $22 |
| Makgeolli (막걸리) | Milky, slightly effervescent rice wine | 750ml | $24 |
Premium Japanese Sake (사키)
| Sake Brand | Description | Size | Price |
| Kurosawa “Black River” | Dry junmai with salted apple, coconut water, and umami notes | 300ml | $30 |
| Harushika “Spring Deer” | Extra dry junmai with floral and citrus notes | 720ml | $60 |
| Hitorimusume “Only Daughter” | Unfiltered dry nigori with coconut, tangerine, and apple flavors | 300ml | $30 |
| 720ml | $34 | ||
| Meibo Yowano Tsuki “Midnight Moon” | Light junmai-ginjo with vanilla and melon notes | 500ml | $55 |
| Homare Yuzushu | Tart and sweet yuzu citrus-infused junmai | 720ml | $60 |
| Ikezo Peach Sparkling Jelly Sake | Peach-flavored with jelly texture and slight fizz | 180ml can | $10 |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Sodas & Sparkling Waters
| Category | Options | Size | Price |
| Mexican Coke | Original formula | 355ml bottle | $4 |
| Canned Sodas | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Club Soda | 330ml can | $2.50 |
| Dona Spice Sodas | Turmeric Honeybush, Juniper Lime, Pink Peppercorn Lemon | 330ml can | $4.50 |
| Regatta Ginger Beer | Premium ginger beer | 330ml bottle | $4 |
| Flat Water | Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino | 1L bottle | $8 |
Coffee & Tea
| Category | Options | Size | Price |
| Oslo Cold Brew | House cold brew coffee | 16oz | $5 |
| Loose Leaf Tea | Assam, Sencha Green, Chamomile, Peppermint, Jasmine | Cup | $4.50 |
These dishes are not only delicious but also offer a true taste of traditional Korean food.
Quick Guide About Little Dokebi
| Category | Details |
| Name | Little Dokebi |
| Rating | (4.4/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 398 reviews |
| Price Range | $10–20 per person |
| Cuisine | Korean |
| Overview | Korean bibimbap restaurant with a full bar built from salvaged materials. |
| Services | Dine-in✅, Takeaway✅,Delivery✅ |
| Address | 85 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States |
| Hours | 12–11 pm |
| Phone Number | +1 718-349-1383 |
| Order | Place an order |
| Website | For the updated menu and prices, visit the official website here. |
| Google Plus Code | P3F5+73 Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | ✅ |
Location and Getting There:
Little Dokebi is conveniently located at 85 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The restaurant is easy to access by public transportation, with nearby landmarks such as 77 Drigger Ave to guide you. If you are driving, parking options are available nearby.
Location on Map:
Google Review Summary:
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 398 reviews
i) Talia Karasinski: 4.9/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) (04-01-2025)
Dine-in | Dinner | $20–30
I had a fantastic dinner at Little Dokebi! We sat at the bar, and Bobby, the bartender, was super friendly and gave great recommendations. We started with the watercress salad, which was fresh and flavorful, followed by the fish cake appetizer (absolutely delicious), and ended with the spicy wings. The appetizer portions were more than enough to share. The atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a casual dinner with friends really comfortable and inviting!
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
ii) Maria C: 3.2/5 (⭐⭐⭐) (12-20-2024)
We tried the banchan with rice, pajeon, and Korean fried chicken. The banchan and rice were decent, though the kimchi was a bit too crispy and lacked the typical fermentation depth and flavor. The rest of the banchan was alright. The pajeon was smaller than expected, but it had good flavor; it could have used a bit more crispness. The Korean fried chicken was a letdown. Nowhere on the menu did it mention that the chicken would be wings, and I was expecting larger pieces.
The Dokebi Spicy flavor was a bit too intense while it had a red pepper indicator, the heat overpowered the sweetness, making it hard to enjoy the chicken. If we had tried more traditional dishes, maybe the experience would have been better.
Food: 2/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
Planning Your Visit:
A. Reservations:
To ensure you get a table, especially during peak hours, it is a good idea to make a reservation. Check ahead on the restaurant’s website or call to reserve your spot.
B. Hours of Operation:
Little Dokebi typically operates during lunch and dinner hours. Be sure to check the restaurant’s hours before planning your visit, especially for holidays or special events.
C. Takeout and Delivery:
For those who prefer dining at home, Little Dokebi may offer takeout and delivery options. Enjoy your favorite dishes in the comfort of your own home.
Connect With Little Dokebi:
Stay updated on new menu items, events, or promotions by following Little Dokebi on social media or visiting their website for contact information.
Conclusion:
Little Dokebi offers a wonderful experience for those looking to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine. From the classic Bibimbap to flavorful Bulgogi, this restaurant brings the best of Korean food to Brooklyn, NY. With its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and mouthwatering dishes, Little Dokebi is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Be sure to check out their menu or social media for the latest updates, and plan your visit today to indulge in these delicious Korean flavors!
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