Jae Park and Brian Kim, co-owners of DOMODOMO are launching their third Jersey City dining concept right in the heart of Journal Square on Friday, June 20th. The new eatery will offer a modern twist on Korean-American cuisine, featuring a bustling cafe vibe. Located at 532 Summit at the base of the 25-floor Journal Square Urby tower, BRBQ will bring wood-fired flavors to one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
The DOMODOMO team expanded from their successful Manhattan restaurant, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, to open DOMODOMO Jersey City at 200 Green Street, near Exchange Place, in 2019. The duo followed that with ONDO on the waterfront at 3 2nd Street. BRBQ, first announced in 2024, fully establishes them as major players in Jersey City’s booming food scene.
Highlights from Chef Brian Kim’s menu include signature dishes like Double Side Cut – LA Galbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs) and Mochi Pancakes. The full menu will be revealed on opening day, but the dishes will emphasize smoky, wood-fired cooking bursting with Asian-American flavors. The interior vibe is stylish, modern, and laid back with wood accents paired with neon-inspired artwork. The team offers this description on Instagram, “Brunch & dinner with a touch of fire and bold Asian influence.” When the weather permits, patrons can sit outside and enjoy the bustle of Journal Square.
“At Urby, we see this area as a key opportunity to spark community engagement,” said David Barry, Founder and CEO of Urby. “BRBQ captures that spirit perfectly. With Jae and Brian’s vision and impressive legacy in Jersey City, it will be a dynamic, street-accessible restaurant that brings real energy to Journal Square and becomes a lively gathering spot for both residents and the surrounding neighborhood.”
BRBQ’s location on the ground floor of Journal Square Urby is adjacent to the building’s lobby. The partnership with Urby underscores a commitment to creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and build community. Urby includes 317 new apartments as well as several social spaces and a remarkable 25-story mural.
“We’re thrilled to bring BRBQ to Journal Square and to partner with Urby to further expand our brand in Jersey City,” said Chef Brian Kim, co-founder of DOMODOMO. “We can’t wait to share our passion for creative, Korean-American cuisine with this incredible community and are excited to be part of this vibrant, innovative development.”
BRBQ opens Friday, June 20th. Regular hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM for lunch, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for happy hour, and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for dinner. Fridays through Sundays, the restaurant will be open from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner.
