Day 87 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in Maryland, and I’m pulling up to one of my OG spots. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a longtime Rainpia fan. I used to come here ALL the time when I was younger because it was such a fun hangout, and visiting again for day 87 genuinely brought back so many good memories, lol.
Rainpia’s on the Korean Way section of Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, and if you’ve never been here at night, you’re missing out. It’s a proper Korean pub with padak (Korean-style scallion fried chicken), budae jjigae (army stew), and soju cocktails that hit differently than most spots in HoCo.
The Spicy Padak was $25.82, the army stew with ramen upcharge was $27.79 total, and I left SO happy. If you’re looking for one of the best late-night Korean food experiences in Ellicott City, Rainpia’s been earning it for years and it’s still a must on my list of must-try Korean restaurants in Maryland.
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What Makes Rainpia Unique?
Rainpia’s known for their padak, but it’s really a full Korean pub at heart. The concept’s centered around sharing dishes with friends, washing everything down with soju cocktails or beer towers, and settling in for the evening.
They’re open until 1am on weeknights and 2am on Friday and Saturday, which makes them one of the rare spots in Ellicott City where the night actually doesn’t have to end early. One thing to note before you go: they offer a cash discount at the register. All the prices in this post are the card prices. Free parking lot’s right on site, and they take reservations by phone if you want to lock in a table for a group.
What Is Padak?
Padak (pa + dak) literally means “scallion chicken” in Korean. It’s a style of Korean fried chicken covered in thinly sliced green onions tossed in a sweet and tangy soy-based dressing. The scallions soften slightly from the chicken’s heat and soak up the sauce, adding a fresh, sharp contrast to the crispy double-fried chicken underneath. It’s different from your standard Korean fried chicken because the scallion topping is really the star of the dish.
What to Order at Rainpia
Here’s everything I got on this visit, with my honest take on each:
Spicy Padak ($25.82)
This is the signature, and you gotta get the spicy bone-in version. I’ll be real with you guys: I’ve tried the boneless before and it’s not my fave, but the bone-in’s consistently great. The chicken’s double-fried crispy, the scallion topping’s on point, and the heat’s real, so consider yourself warned if you’re spice-sensitive.
This is the reason most people come to Rainpia, and the portion’s generous enough to share as part of a spread. The bone-in is the move, every time. Rainpia earns its spot in my guide to the best Korean fried chicken in the DMV with this dish alone.
Budae Jjigae / Army Stew ($24.79 + $3 for ramen noodles)
Budae jjigae (army stew) is a Korean-American fusion stew born after the Korean War, when surplus U.S. military provisions like Spam and hot dogs got combined with Korean staples like kimchi, gochujang, and instant noodles in a spicy broth. The name “budae” means military base in Korean. Rainpia’s version is solid: hearty, spicy, comforting, perfect for sharing. Get the $3 ramen noodle upcharge, it’s 100% worth it. This is the dish I used to love coming here for when I was younger, and it still holds up.
Screw Bar Soju Cocktail ($10.34)
Super tasty, perfect for summer. The cocktail menu at Rainpia is built around Korean popsicle flavors: Screw Bar, Jaws Bar, and Melon Bar are all options. It’s a really fun concept and way more interesting than a standard beer-and-soju setup. The Jaws Bar is tasty too if you want to mix it up. At $10.34, it’s a solid deal.
Beyond those three, the menu at Rainpia is extensive. Highlights include Corn Cheese (a fan favorite), rice balls in multiple varieties like bulgogi, tuna, and kimchi, Kimchi Pancake, Seafood Pancake, Bossam (boiled pork belly), galbi ribs, Korean chicken wings, and chicken gizzards. If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly options, the Potato Pancake and Fried Dumplings (stuffed with veggies and tofu) are both listed as veggie-friendly.
Day 87 and Still One of My Favorites
There’s something about coming back to a place you used to love as a younger person and finding it’s still just as good. Rainpia’s that spot for me. I used to come here for the fried chicken and yogurt soju, lol, and now I’m bringing it to you guys as part of my 100 Asian Restaurants in Maryland series. Day 87 was a really good one, and I’m really glad it held up. Also, I can’t believe we’re almost in the 90s!
The Vibe and Experience
Rainpia’s a Korean pub through and through, and the vibe’s especially great in the evenings when the place really comes alive. It’s perfect for groups and a solid hangout spot. The atmosphere’s more lively than a sit-down restaurant, so come ready to share everything and settle in for a while. The late-night hours are genuinely useful, not many spots in Ellicott City let you eat and drink until 2am on a weekend.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 10194 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
- Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 5pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 2am, Sunday 4pm to midnight (closed Monday)
- Cash discount available at the register (all prices in this post are card prices)
- Free on-site parking lot
- Reservations by phone: (410) 418-8992
- Website: rainpiaellicottcity.com
- Vegetarian options: Potato Pancake, Fried Dumplings (stuffed with veggies and tofu)
- Evening and late-night only: they open at 4 or 5pm depending on the day
Is Rainpia Worth the Hype?
Rainpia’s been on my list of must-visit Ellicott City restaurants for years, and day 87 confirmed it’s still right where it belongs. If you’re looking for a late-night Korean food experience in the DMV, this is one of the best options around. The padak’s the thing to come for, but the army stew and soju cocktails make it a full evening. Bring a group, order a bunch, and enjoy the vibe.
Have you guys been to Rainpia before?! I want to know your go-to order and whether you prefer bone-in or boneless for the padak. Drop a comment below, Nomsters, and tag someone you’d bring for a late-night Korean food run!