Hot new joint in Poblacion West 32 aims to bring NYC's Korea-Town to Makati

A lot has changed in Makati's hippest bloc Poblacion since the onset of the pandemic. Many Poblacion favorites have succumbed to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, yes, but new concepts have started to open, ensuring the streets of Poblacion are more alive than ever.

One of the few new concepts in Makati's most interesting neighborhood is West 32, a Korean-American fusion restaurant located in the bustling area of Kalayaan Ave.

There is no signage outside the restaurant. The owners wanted it to be something of a speakeasy, with guests to learn about it from their friend's recommendation. 

The Poblacion joint takes its name and inspiration from New York City's Korea-Town also dubbed as "West 32." Brooklyn Industries' CEO Jeff Oh and Notorious Concepts' CEO James Thomas, the two driving forces behind West 32, aim to bring the well-loved Korean haven of the West to the Philippines.

Jeff and James both grew up in Brooklyn. They have long been best friends who describe West 32 street as the strip where they felt most at home with their Korean heritage in New York.

Living the majority of their lives as immigrants in America and finding themselves in the same circumstance when they came to the Philippines, the two wanted to build a place where anyone who visits would feel at home. Hence, West 32 was born.

"That's why I wanted to make a place called West 32, not just for me but for anybody that is slightly out of place. This is a place where you can come and be comfortable. Have good food, have good conversation. It's nice but not intimidating. It's friendly and comforting but of high quality," Jeff told GMA News Online during West 32's press night.

When you first enter West 32, a well-lit bar area with a finely curated alcohol selection — think Maker's Mark, Patron, Bailey's, Campari, and a Korean favorite Jinro Soju — will call your attention. 

On the right side of the 100 sqm. restaurant, three booths can each accommodate four people, while the eight tables on the left side can each accommodate two people. Overall, W32 is fit for an intimate crowd of 35 people, give or take.

This edgy space's interior design showcases the Korean and American aesthetics. When you look at the walls, it attributes an urban New York feel with an unpolished tile work matched with bar accents, a pattern of a traditional Korean palace. The Korean music blasting through the restaurant's speakers sets the tone of an ultimate Korean-American dining experience.

Staying true to the Urban New York feel, another fascinating piece of furniture to highlight that matches the vision of West 32 is the rough yet polished tables. The twist? It has an accent of greens, looking like pieces of broken Soju bottles as an ode to Korea's most iconic alcoholic drink. To say that this writer is impressed with the well-thought little details is an understatement!

At first look, West 32 boasts a wide variety of modern and traditional Korean selections. But if you're not well-versed with Korean food terms on the physical menu, fret not! The digital menu found on West 32's official Instagram page has photos to guide you.

Like in every Korean restaurant, West 32 serves a free Banchan consisting of four side dishes: Kimchi, Market Namul, Poached Tamago, and GamJa Jorim. And yes, these side dishes are refillable!

And given their generous serving size, all the food items on the menu are suitable for sharing. If you're dining by your lonesome, West 32 has options for single servings.

Check out some of our recommendations below:

West 32, Tuesdays to Sundays, 5pm to 1am Send a message to West 32 on Instagram to book a table.

— LA, GMA News