Korean BBQ in Euljiro 3-ga, beating the wait at opening: Eulji Baektan

I'd heard so many times that there's a bone grill place in Euljiro you have to try at least once. Every time I went, the wait was so long that I gave up, but this time I made up my mind to try an open run (arriving right at opening). Even though I came right at opening time, people were already lined up, which made me think, yep, popular places really are different. Once I ate there, I understood right away why so many people wait.

Eulji Baektan waits: can you get in right away with an open run?

Eulji Baektan (을지백탄뼈구이) is a bone grill restaurant in Euljiro 3-ga so popular that a line has already formed by opening time. Thanks to the open run I got in without waiting this time, but when I went inside, the tables were almost full.

Today's place is Eulji Baektan. The address is 110-2 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul (1st floor), and the hours are 11:00–24:00 on weekdays and 15:00–02:00 on weekends. It's about a 2-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station, so it's really easy to get to. I thought it would also be great for an evening drinking session or a group get-together.

Usually I've ended up going home without eating because of the wait, but this time the open run got me in with no waiting. Even so, the tables were nearly full already, so I felt the popularity all over again. A Euljiro favorite like this doesn't get the name for nothing.

How does the Eulji Baektan kitchen grill the food?

At Eulji Baektan, the staff grill the bones and scallions directly over charcoal. The first thing that caught my eye as soon as I walked in was the kitchen.

The staff were carefully grilling the bones and scallions over charcoal, and the smoky aroma filled the whole restaurant. Seeing them grill each order one by one made me trust the place even more. Thinking about the special sauce going onto charcoal-scented bone grill, my excitement was at its peak before the food even came out.

How did the medium bone grill at spice level 2 taste?

I ordered the medium bone grill for ₩45,000 (spice level 2) and kimchi noodles (kimchi malli guksu) for ₩9,500. From the very first bite I was impressed by how well the sauce and charcoal flavor came together.

• Bone grill, medium: ₩45,000 (level 2 spice)
• Kimchi noodles: ₩9,500

The moment I took my first bite, I let out an exclamation. I totally get why people line up. The sauce, spicy yet sweet with an explosive savory depth, soaked perfectly into the meat, and with the charcoal aroma on top it was truly addictive. The meat was in great condition too, so even people trying Euljiro bone grill for the first time can enjoy it without any worry.

How spicy is spice level 2 at Eulji Baektan?

Spice level 2 at Eulji Baektan was about as hot as Shin Ramyun. It's not overly harsh but keeps you reaching for more, so it's the level I'd most recommend to people who like spicy food.

There was just one thought running through my head as I ate.

How on earth do they make this sauce?

The balance of spicy, sweet and savory was just perfect. It's not a sauce that's merely hot; the more I ate, the more I kept reaching for it, and I thought it would be great mixed into rice or used as a dip for other ingredients. "Secret of secrets" is exactly the phrase for this sauce.

What do the grilled scallions served alongside taste like?

The bone grill at Eulji Baektan comes with charcoal-grilled scallions. Personally, these grilled scallions were what surprised me most.

Grilled thoroughly over charcoal, their sweetness really came out, and eaten together with the sauce it was an absolute best combo. The richness of the meat meets the sweetness of the scallions, so it's not greasy at all and you just keep eating. You get a much fuller flavor than eating the meat alone.

Do you have to order the kimchi noodles?

The kimchi noodles (₩9,500) at Eulji Baektan are something I'd recommend ordering with the spicy bone grill. If I'd stopped at just the bone grill, I really think I'd have regretted it.

The cold broth plus the tang of properly ripened kimchi made a perfect match for the spicy bone grill. It cleans up your mouth and makes you want to go back to the bone grill again. I'd have really regretted not ordering it.

Is it a good Euljiro spot for company dinners and group gatherings?

The staff at Eulji Baektan were friendly and the food came out fast, so it seemed like a place that would satisfy for a Euljiro company dinner or a get-together with friends. Above all, I could feel the care put into every dish.

It reminded me again that the reason for the wait is, in the end, the taste. Having eaten here myself, I fully understand why so many people recommend it as a Euljiro favorite.

Would I go back? Overall verdict

My open-run visit to Eulji Baektan: 100% going back, 5 out of 5. The charcoal-scented bone grill, the addictive special sauce, the sweetly grilled scallions and the cold kimchi noodles, not a single weak item.

Next time I'd like to come with friends and try more of the menu. Even if the wait is long, it's well worth waiting for, and if you're looking for a Euljiro favorite, I can recommend it with confidence. Especially if you haven't tried bone grill yet, I'd suggest making this your first time. I'm sure it'll be a flavor you keep coming back to.

My standard is clear. If I go to Euljiro with my family, would I take my picky family here?... Here, absolutely, no question!! Value for money, satisfaction, taste, service and cleanliness were all great. I think it's an Euljiro 3-ga restaurant I can recommend to family.