Retro Yeongdeungpo izakaya, beef tataki with beer: Nani Byeolgwan

Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch

183 Munnae-ro, 1st floor, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea / Daily 18:00–02:00, last order 01:00 / Closed every Sunday / Reservations available, groups welcome, no parking

'Nani Byeolgwan' Hello, we are Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch, a social-drinking izakaya near Yeongdeungpo Times Square. Wondering if you could drink alone or with everyone in a pretty space — not the same old drinking spot with the same people, but a space where everyone can enjoy together — Nani Byeolgwan is a distinctive Yeongdeungpo bar perfect for unique dates or solo drinking. At Nani Byeolgwan, every dish is made in-house, blending traditional Japanese sensibilities into the food. Great taste, plus snacks made by a chef with 15 years of cooking experience :) Come to Nani Byeolgwan, a snack spot where the chef piles up mountains of food made fresh from scratch :)

Today's post is a bar review :) I wanted to enjoy some good snacks over drinks with my coworkers after work, so we ended up at 'Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch.' I wanted to go somewhere with a nicer atmosphere than an ordinary bar, and this place is known for its atmospheric interior and unique menu, so I was looking forward to it~! It's near Times Square so it's easy to get to, making it the perfect after-work gathering spot! I wanted to share it with you all, so here's my honest review :)

Where is Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch? Across from Times Square

Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch sits right across from Yeongdeungpo Times Square, so it was really easy to find :) It's within walking distance from Yeongdeungpo Station too, and it's a standalone two-story building that's visible even from a distance, so first-timers should have no trouble finding it. It's also a great spot for a second stop after a date or shopping trip at Times Square~!

Retro enlightenment-era interior and the mood at Nani Byeolgwan

The moment I stepped inside, the distinctive atmosphere that evokes Korea's enlightenment era really struck me!! The deep wood-tone interior felt like a scene straight out of a movie. The props and lighting blend together so well that it's a great spot for a date or a hangout with friends :) The air conditioning was running nice and cool, so we got to drink comfortably despite the hot weather~

QR code menu at Nani Byeolgwan: what we ordered and what it cost

Nani Byeolgwan's menu :) Instead of a regular paper menu, you check the menu through a QR code stuck on the wall!! Scanning the QR code with your phone camera opens a web page menu, making it easy to browse.

• Beef tataki (₩29,000)
• Sinramyeon risotto (₩18,000)
• Cucumber muchim (₩8,000)
• Beer

We were curious so we ordered a variety, and to cut to the chase, everything was satisfying :)

🍺 Beer with dinner

A cold beer after work is always the best!! It was kept nicely chilled so it went down smoothly, and the pairing with the food was great, so it kept flowing :) Maybe because we were drinking in such a nice space, it tasted even better than usual.

🥩 Beef tataki, 29,000 won

The beef tataki we ordered looked incredibly appetizing from the moment it arrived :) It's only lightly seared on the outside, keeping the meat's flavor intact, and the tender texture really stood out~! The more I chewed, the more savory the meat flavor came through, and pairing it with the accompanying sauce brought out even more umami. It was excellent as a beer snack too — I really recommend ordering this one!! ★★★★★

🍜 Sinramyeon risotto, 18,000 won

The standout dish of the day was, without question, the sinramyeon risotto (spicy instant ramyeon risotto) :) I had no idea what to expect at first, but one bite in and I understood why it's a popular menu item. The creamy, savory sauce gave it a Tuumba-pasta-like feel, and with rice mixed in too, it was really filling~! The crispy sinramyeon cup crumbled on top was the highlight — breaking it up and mixing it in added great texture. If you visit Nani Byeolgwan, I personally recommend trying this one — so good

🥒 Cucumber muchim (seasoned cucumber salad), 8,000 won

The cucumber muchim (seasoned cucumber salad) reminded me of the smashed cucumber dish you get at Chinese restaurants :) The crisp texture was there, and the tangy-sweet, savory seasoning blended together nicely, cleansing the palate. It kept my chopsticks coming back for more between other dishes~!

💬 Why Nani Byeolgwan works for after-work drinks

• Atmospheric izakaya vibe near Times Square
• Distinctive interior with an enlightenment-era feel
• A variety of unique signature dishes
• A space that works for dates, group gatherings, and solo drinking alike

It's a place where you can enjoy great snacks and drinks in a wonderful atmosphere, so I recommend visiting Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch!