Eunpyeong beef rib grill: raw vs marinated at Golmokjip

Having lived in Eunpyeong-gu, I have tried several barbecue restaurants around Yeonsinnae, but Golmokjip Galbisal Yeonsinnae Main Branch (골목집갈비살 연신내본점) is one I have returned to more than five times. I remember it for its tender beef rib meat and comfortable atmosphere. This time, I had a full platter of beef rib meat plus a half platter of marinated beef rib meat.

How far is it from Yeonsinnae Station, and where can I park?

The restaurant is on the first floor at 12-9 Yeonseo-ro 27-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea, about a four-minute walk from Yeonsinnae Station. If visiting by car, you can use nearby private parking lots. Groups and reservations are also possible, so I thought it could work for a family gathering or a meal with several people.

What is the atmosphere like?

Once inside, the warm retro interior catches your eye. Even the water bottles suit the setting, and old songs played in the background had me humming while grilling the meat.

What do full and half platters cost?

I checked the menu and ordered through the table ordering system. Both beef rib meat and LA-style flower ribs were available in half as well as full platters, which made it easy to divide the amount between dishes. These are the prices I noted at the time of my visit.

• Beef rib meat: full platter 500g ₩65,900; half platter 300g ₩39,800
• Freshly marinated beef rib meat: full platter 500g ₩65,900; half platter 300g ₩39,800
• LA-style flower ribs: full platter 600g ₩82,900; half platter 400g ₩54,900
• Freshly marinated LA-style flower ribs: ₩54,900
• Prime fresh beef rib meat: ₩19,900
• Special pork neck 150g: ₩14,900
• Minari Korean beef yukhoe (seasoned raw beef) 150g: ₩16,900
• Golmok doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew): ₩5,900

What side dishes come with the meat?

Once seated, ssam vegetables, pickled onions, and several sauces were set out in turn. There were plenty of side dishes and seasonings to pair with the meat, so it was easy to eat according to my taste.

A large doenjang-jjigae was also served on the house that day. Its broth tasted deep and went well with the meat.

How were the texture and charcoal aroma of the fresh beef ribs?

I started with a full platter of beef rib meat. It was 500g for ₩65,900, and I could taste the tender texture that is one reason I return here.

I heard that the owner ages and trims the meat personally. I liked its texture and savory flavor, as well as the way it was grilled over charcoal on a disposable grill plate.

The charcoal-grilled beef rib meat was tender and carried a clear charcoal aroma. It suited me well because I like that charcoal scent in fresh meat.

How did the marinated beef ribs differ from the fresh ribs?

Next, I ordered a half platter of marinated beef rib meat. It was 300g for ₩39,800, and it came cut into bite-size pieces, making it convenient to eat right after grilling.

Although it was a half platter, the portion felt quite generous to me. It also came with peppers and king oyster mushrooms for grilling, as the full platter had. Comparing the two, I noticed the fresh ribs' tender texture and charcoal aroma first.

The marinated ribs had a pronounced beef aroma rather than an overpowering marinade. Since the seasoning did not mask the taste of the meat, they were good to alternate with the fresh ribs.

For my taste, the fresh ribs' tenderness and charcoal aroma, and the marinated ribs' beef aroma, each left a different impression. A half platter is also a good way to try both together.

Why have I returned several times?

For me, the tender beef rib meat, charcoal aroma, and warm atmosphere are why I keep coming back. I also felt it would be fine for a meal with family or for having barbecue with friends who live in another area.