Williamsburg welcomes new Korean restaurant Mahji to the hood

Greetings!

New Williamsburg restaurant Mahji, 617 Grand Street, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 22.

The new Korean eatery specializes in fried chicken and more.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business my entire life,” said first-time restaurant owner Rich Min, who studied the culinary arts when in Korea. “I was thinking this was a perfect moment to open this restaurant and share my knowledge and provide great food for New Yorkers, especially Williamsburg.”

Although Mahji is the new kid on the block, reception has already been positive. “I love this location and all the neighbors have been very friendly,” Min said. “Grand Street is a very up-and-coming area and the heart of East Williamsburg, which is booming. I am really thankful that I have this location. Business has been pretty good. Most of the guests who have been here have become repeat guests and come back with other people.”

Along with the chicken, the menu contains authentic Korean food, with a little bit of fusion. “We’ve received a lot of phenomenal compliments with the kimchi quesadilla,” Min said.

Min also added that the thin-sliced rib eye beef marinated with Korean flavors is becoming a fan favorite, along with the restaurant’s rice ball offerings. It also offers alcohol specials on certain days.

For Min, who moved to New York in 2002 and worked in several restaurant and hotel positions, the opening of Mahji is a dream come true. “About seven years ago, I wanted to open a restaurant but it didn’t happen,” he recalled. “And then last year my wife encouraged me to open a restaurant. I started looking for space and found the location in Williamsburg where I live as well.”

Mahji is open Monday to Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.