HaeUnDae Galbi

Not so happy experience. Went to celebrate a birthday and all we did was wait, wait, wait… Very limited waiters, drinks were never filled, placed an order to go and the order was never actually placed. Had to get up multiple times to ask host for attention at our table. good food, but wouldn’t recommend to friends.

I am so confused… I tried to eat here, back in May, and there was an eviction notice on the door and the restaurant was closed. I cried a little bit, but moved on.
Then I saw that it was reviewed in early July, so I got excited and attempted to go again. Again, nothing. A closed down restaurant, which used to be Shilla. Am I missing the secret door? I need bibimbap now!

Delicious and homey. One of Austin’s greatest for authentic, tasty Korean food. Tons of banchan (sides), fresh kimchi, and delicious Korean BBQ. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the sundubu chigae (soft tofu kimchi stew) or the nangmyeun (cold vermicelli noodle soup with a refreshing sweet vinegar broth and sliced meats, daikons, and hardboiled egg).
I prefer the food at HaeUnDae to Korea House, Chosun Galbi, and most other Korean mainstays in Austin. Let’s put it this way — if my Korean parents were to visit Austin, I’d bring them here. The food is delicious and the service is great. In true Korean motherly style, one of the servers once brought me extra rice to take home with my leftovers «because I looked hungry and I needed to eat to keep up my energy»! (Attn Korea House and other establishments who charge $ 2 for an extra scoop of rice — this is how it’s done)!
And yes, this restaurant used to be called Shilla. Same food, different name.

So I’m so happy we decided to try HaeUnDae Galbi (formerly Shilla). The big sign for Shilla is still up over the restaurant but banner signs say HaeUnDae Galbi. They are undergoing a name change.
First they offer several combo dinners, including BBQ/​fish dishes with soup OR Korean cold noodles. I was stoked! Second, they have the anchovy side dish. YAY! Third, our beef ribs (we ordered the expensive marinated one, not the LA galbi) were plentiful and delicious AND it came with a surprise extra soup AND steamed egg side dish. Fourth, they serve barley tea! We also ordered the mackerel combo with soon tofu soup… yummy…and the bibimmyun… refreshing, spicy, and filling!
I will definitely be back. Everything tasted great and our server was super sweet. PS, don’t be scared to push the service button on the wall if you need anything… that’s why it’s there. We went early but as we were leaving, the tables were filling up with mostly Korean patrons.
Is it the best Korean food in Austin? I haven’t tried enough dishes to say, but our meal tonight was delicious. Korea House is our default go to Korean joint, but this place is closer to where we live, and food and service was way better. It passed my super picky self and I can’t wait to take my super picky Korean mom when she visits.