Open-kitchen counter at a Yeongdeungpo izakaya: spicy nabe, Nani

My friend took a half-day off work today, so we decided to spend some rare time together in Yeongdeungpo. After shopping and looking around Times Square, we were trying to figure out what to eat for dinner when I remembered an izakaya I'd stumbled into once before — the food and the vibe had both been great — so we went back.

Since I'd had such a good experience the first time, I went in with high expectations again, and once again both the food and the atmosphere delivered. Here's my honest review of Nani Byeolgwan (나니별관) Yeongdeungpo Branch!

Where is Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch, and when is it open?

Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch is on the 1st floor of 183 Munnae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Come out of Exit 3 of Yeongdeungpo Times Square and it's right across the crosswalk!

Open Mon–Sat 18:00–02:00 (closed every Sunday), last order at 01:00.

The exterior has a cute, detailed decor that makes you feel like you've stepped into a tiny izakaya tucked in a back alley in Japan. The Japanese vibe hits you right from the entrance!

Inside Nani Byeolgwan: 1F bar counter and 2F private room

Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch has an open kitchen and bar table on the 1st floor, and a spacious hall plus separate private rooms on the 2nd floor. Walking in, the open kitchen and bar table looked like a great spot for solo drinking or a date. Being able to watch the cooking in progress made me trust the place more, and everything felt clean and well-kept overall.

The overall interior struck me as clean yet cozy. The soft lighting added a nice emotional touch, making it a good spot for drinks and chatting with friends, and just as good for a date with a partner.

This time I checked out the 2nd floor for the first time. It was noticeably more spacious and comfortable than the 1st floor. There's a private room tucked in the back that's perfect for a quiet meal or conversation. It would also work well for group gatherings or a company dinner.

Nani Byeolgwan menu, QR ordering and the complimentary starter

At Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch you pick your menu via QR code and order it yourself.

While we waited for our order, a starter side dish came out first — crunchy cabbage tossed generously in a soy-based sauce, perfect for waking up the appetite. Salty with plenty of savory depth, it was a nice light nibble before the real food arrived.

Spicy Nagasaki seafood nabe, 28,000 won, with udon noodles added

The Nagasaki seafood nabe at Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch is ₩28,000, and you can choose between spicy and mild. Since we both love spicy food, we went with the spicy Nagasaki! The broth was hot and tangy in a satisfying way — anyone who likes spicy food will love it. For those who can't handle spice, there's a mild version too, so you can pick based on your taste.

Packed with seafood and bean sprouts, the texture was great, and a subtle smoky char made it even more delicious. After enjoying the broth for a while, you can add udon noodles, so we were full and satisfied right to the end. If you like noodles, I really recommend adding them!

Chicken skewers at Nani Byeolgwan, 15,000 won

The chicken skewers at Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch are ₩15,000. They came out generously brushed with sweet teriyaki sauce and grilled with a nice smoky char.

Taking a bite, the chicken chunks were big and had a great texture, and the meat itself was tender and juicy — it got tastier the more I chewed. The sweet teriyaki sauce paired beautifully with the light smoky flavor, and the skewer disappeared in no time.

Pork belly scallion skewers at Nani Byeolgwan, 15,000 won

The pork belly scallion skewers are also ₩15,000. My friend really loves skewers, so we ordered these too.

At first I worried the pork belly might be greasy, but the generous scallions inside added a fragrant note that cut through any heaviness completely. The savory richness of the pork belly and the crunchy texture of the scallions worked really well together, making it an easy, satisfying dish.

Why Nani Byeolgwan works for a drink after Times Square shopping

If you're looking for a bar with a good atmosphere in Yeongdeungpo, or a place for a casual drink after shopping at Times Square, this is one I'd genuinely recommend.

For anyone looking for a Yeongdeungpo izakaya with great skewers and a variety of side dishes, or a Yeongdeungpo yakitori spot where everything is grilled with care, this place will satisfy. Thanks to the soft lighting, it worked well both for a get-together with friends and as a date spot in Yeongdeungpo. If you're after an izakaya in Yeongdeungpo that nails both atmosphere and taste, I'd suggest giving it a visit.