Why Come Here? Experience Korean BBQ at its best
While I can’t yet claim to be an aficionado of Korean cuisine, I do know what I like. And Hahm Ji Bach clearly stood out as the best I’ve eaten. Thanks to Eric Malson for introducing me. Eric is an authority on the Flushing area and runs a blog called Mahlzeit that focuses on traditional and affordable ethnic cuisine.
The restaurant is located on an unassuming street in Murray Hill (that’s Queens, not Manhattan). In fact, this is the only thing preventing me (and probably most people) from frequenting this place. Essentially, your options from Manhattan are the 7 train to Flushing Main St. (<30 minutes from Times Square), followed by a 10-15 minute walk or the LIRR train to Murray Hill (23 mins), which drops you off a couple blocks from the restaurant, but runs less frequently. There are also buses which may work for you, depending on your location.
Regardless of the above hassles, every Korean or meat lover needs to make the trip out here at least once. The place itself looks like a traditional Korean BBQ joint – wood walls and tables, brightly lit, Korean banners all around. Prices are not exactly cheap, but are good considering the high quality of meat used. On a weeknight, the restaurant was not crowded and we were seated right away without a reservation. Weekends can be a little more crowded, but shouldn’t be crazy.
Now onto the food. Along with the amazing barbecue, you receive at least a dozen delicious accompaniments. The waitress was kind enough to explain to me what they all are in English, although I can’t remember a lot of them now. The standouts included the multiple types of kimchi, a custardy potato salad and the tofu, a dish I’ve never really enjoyed before due to the texture but found this one to have the consistency more of quiche. As for the barbecue itself, here’s what we had:
Samgyupsal (House special Pork Belly) 
It’s hard to go wrong with a thick slab of grilled pork belly. There are an array of accompaniments here that make this a 3-star dish.
Galbi Gui (Marinated Short Ribs) 
Juicy, flavorful marinated short ribs that are taken to the next level by the spicy bean dip. Wrap it in lettuce and enjoy one of the best meals of your life.
Hahm Ji Bach
41-08 149th Place (41st Ave & Barclay)
Flushing, NY
