Yuk Jun Gui - Galbi, Fresh live eel, Makchang — Restaurant in New York

The last time I was in Korea, I sent my other Korean friend, Tony, a video of eating bbq'd fresh eel. Tony's reply was "I have been looking everywhere in the US for a place where I can get that, it's literally my favorite food and I can't find it anywhere". I guess Tony has never been to Yuk Jun Gui because this is the place that has the same bbq'd eel I got in Korea. They give everything for the perfect bite: some eel, ssamjjang, some sesame oil, any of the numerous fresh/fermented side dishes, a perilla leaf, a piece of fresh ginger, wrapped up in lettuce. Even with my love for bbq'd eel, it was truly the side dishes that stole the show for me. Every single one was prepared with such care and quality that I could tell numerous years went into honing each intricate recipe. And like any good Korean restaurant, the side dishes came generously and free of charge, refilled at your convenience. The service was unbeatable, the owner catered to our unique needs and made sure that we were happy and fed. It truly is one of the unknown gems of Korean bbq that most...

Fantastic old school Korean BBQ specializing in eel with friendly service worth making the trip out off the main street flushing area.

Pros: Fresh eel kbbq. They specialize in fresh eel and its something that you cannot get at most kbbq places. The flavor and texture is a must try. Really worth coming out just for the eel. They also grill over live charcoal which is very traditional. The food in general. They have a variety of other meats available for kbbq including some more difficult to kind such as duck, tripe, intestine, and quail. In addition to the traditional galbi and pork belly. They have stir fried and other dishes - the raw marinated crab is also made in house and seasonal. They have great set menus that include soup and soju. Side dishes (banchan). Kbbq places usually skimp out on the variety and quality of the side dishes, but this place had over 10 types of side dishes. Refills are free, like other Korean restaurants. Service. Although most of the patrons are Korean, the servers and owner speak English and will...

We drove three hours to try this small Korean BBQ spot—and it was worth every single minute. From the moment we stepped in, I felt like I was back home in Korea. The warmth of the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked food wrapped around us like a comforting embrace.

What sets this place apart is not just the cozy setting, but the quality and uniqueness of the ingredients. They had fresh, live eel and tender cuts of duck—both rare to find and expertly prepared. Every bite was rich with flavor and tradition.

The banchan and kimchi were outstanding—fresh, vibrant, and clearly made with care. Each dish felt like something my mother or grandmother might have made. That kind of sincerity in cooking is hard to come by, and it made the entire experience incredibly special.

If you're craving a true taste of Korea—something beyond the usual BBQ fare—and a feeling of coming home, this place delivers in every way. We'll gladly make the 3-hour...