Boston is finally getting its Korean beef bowl!

🥘 BELL86: Brookline’s Upscale Korean Spot—Nail the Kalbi Jjim, Skip the Rest I’ve chased kalbi jjim (Korean braised short ribs) across North America—from Atlanta’s Jang Su Jang to LA’s Sun Nong Dan. As a Boston student starved for great versions, this new spot finally delivered a bowl good enough to “sleep soundly after.” BELL86 leans into “refined modern Korean”—think sleek decor, tapas-style small plates, and service tailored to American diners. Their banchan (side dishes) are solid (the kimchi is excellent), but charging for refills? A letdown. 🌟 The Must-Order Bell86 Signature Kalbi Jjim: 🍲 5/5, no question. The short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, braised in a sauce that balances fruit sweetness (pear? apple?) with deep meaty richness. A server cuts them tableside, sparing you the awkwardness of gnawing bones on a date. Douse rice in the leftover sauce—heaven in a bowl. This alone makes BELL86 worth a visit. 😊 The Decent Yun Ja Yook (Spicy Grilled Pork Belly): 🥓 A creative twist on classic spicy pork belly. The meat is tender (almost char siu-like), glazed with teriyaki, and served with scallions + gochujang. Fatty but not greasy—fresh and flavorful, if not traditional. 😐 The “Meh” Bell86 Special Spicy Pork Feet: 🐖 De-boned spicy trotters. The seasoning felt off, and without bones, it lost that satisfying “chew” trotters are known for. Skip unless you’re a diehard. ❌ The Misses Mung Bean Pancake: 🥞 Nothing like the crispy kimchi pancake I imagined. Soft, soggy, and lacking crunch. Kimbap: 🌯 Mini rice rolls, served complimentary as an appetizer. Bland and tiny—no need to order extra. ✨ The Verdict Kalbi Jjim: 5/5. Worth every penny. Everything Else: 3/5. Inconsistent, with hits and misses. Vibe: Polished and date-friendly, but traditionalists might miss the chaotic warmth of old-school Korean joints. Budget Score: 3.5/5. ~$40+ per person (worth it for the ribs, but other dishes inflate the bill). BELL86 isn’t a “one-stop” Korean spot, but that kalbi jjim? It’s the best I’ve had in Boston. Go for the ribs, and keep expectations low for the rest. 📍 BELL86 308 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 #BostonKorean #BrooklineEats #KalbiJjimLovers