Rainpia
Rainpia, located at 10194 Baltimore National Pike Ste 103, Ellicott City, MD 21042, stands as a vibrant Korean dining experience in Howard County, where late-night food options are few and far between. This trendy spot has earned its reputation among locals and visitors for its extensive menu and lively ambiance. Whether you’re seeking delicious fried chicken, savory seafood pancakes, or a late-night bite, Rainpia offers an impressive variety of Korean dishes that cater to a range of tastes.
Rainpia’s Diverse Menu
The menu at Rainpia is a feast for those craving authentic Korean cuisine with a modern twist. Among the popular choices are the Anchovy Rice Balls (3pc) that provide a delightful appetizer experience, and the Boneless Fried Chicken with Green Onions, which is a crispy, savory treat for anyone who enjoys a bit of crunch. For chicken lovers, the Fried Chicken and Yangneum Chicken are favorites, with the latter offering a flavorful, sweet-spicy glaze.
The Bulgogi with Veg is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in tender marinated beef, while the Maewoon Jokbal is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, savory pork dish. Seafood Pancake is another standout, offering a crispy texture and rich flavors from various seafood ingredients. If you're in the mood for something warm and soothing, the Honghap Tang, a flavorful clam soup, delivers a satisfying and hearty meal.
For those looking for something to wash it all down, Rainpia offers a selection of refreshing beverages, including House Regular Coffee and Iced Coffee, ideal for cooling off or completing your meal.
What Sets Rainpia Apart: Services and Experience
Rainpia isn't just known for its food but also for its exceptional customer experience. The restaurant offers a welcoming, casual atmosphere that is both trendy and accessible. The venue caters to a wide range of guests, whether you're coming in for a laid-back dinner, a late-night craving, or a lively group celebration. Here are some notable features that make Rainpia stand out:
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Convenient Services: Rainpia offers reservation options, ensuring that you can secure a table for your group, even during peak hours. With its delivery service, you can also enjoy their delicious dishes at home.
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Inclusive Dining Experience: The restaurant prides itself on offering many vegetarian-friendly options, making it an ideal spot for different dietary preferences.
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Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility ensures that all guests can comfortably enjoy their meal. Rainpia also accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency.
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Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a lively, moderate noise environment, perfect for groups looking for a fun dining experience. It’s especially popular among the college crowd and those looking for a place to relax with friends while enjoying great food.
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Family-Friendly and Pet-Friendly: Rainpia is a great choice for families with kids, as well as pet owners, as it welcomes dogs on the premises.
Moreover, the restaurant offers numerous entertainment options. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying a game of pool, or watching TV, Rainpia keeps guests engaged and entertained. For those who need to get some work done, there’s also free Wi-Fi available, making it a good choice for professionals.
Customers' Positive Experiences at Rainpia
Customer reviews highlight the quality of food and the vibrant atmosphere that Rainpia provides. Ariel E. shares that the restaurant is “lively with great food” and that the service was attentive, despite the crowd. Many visitors, like Jason M., note that Rainpia is one of the few places in the area that offers Korean food late at night. The boiled pork belly is a favorite among regulars, praised for its tenderness and flavor.
Nevin J. particularly recommends the fried chicken (noting that a moderate spice level is just perfect) and the seafood pancake, which are staples that make the restaurant a family favorite. He mentions that the fried chicken at Rainpia is the best Korean fried chicken he has ever had, adding another layer to the restaurant’s acclaim.
A Popular Destination for Late-Night Dining
One of Rainpia’s greatest appeals is its late-night hours, especially in a region where most other places close early. If you’re in Howard County and craving some authentic Korean cuisine past dinner time, Rainpia is the place to go. Its full bar, happy hour specials, and casual vibe make it the perfect destination for a late-night bite or a fun evening out with friends.
With a variety of menu options, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Rainpia continues to be a top choice for both locals and visitors in Ellicott City. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a full Korean feast, this restaurant is sure to leave you satisfied.
Reviews
Rainpia is a go-to if you're craving Korean food late at night. In Howard County, where everything else seems to close by 7 PM to accommodate families, this place is a much-needed option. The menu is solid, and I usually go for the boiled pork belly--it's tender, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the banchan. The downside? It's loud. Rainpia is clearly a hotspot for the college crowd, and they bring the energy. Expect lots of laughter, chatter, and a generally rowdy vibe. The seating setup doesn't do much to help--it's tight and awkward, so you're right in the mix whether you like it or not. Still, the late hours and reliably good food make it worth the trip. Just don't come here for a quiet night out--this is more of a lively, eat-and-enjoy kind of spot. Four stars for keeping the pork belly coming when the rest of Howard County is asleep!
This is a staple of Ellicott city and always take family here whenever they are in town. Must haves form here are the fried chicken (spicy level 2 is good high levels are really spicy just fyi) and the seafood pancake! The tteokbokki and fried rice are good as well. But the fried chicken here is the best Korean fried chicken I have ever had!
I love coming back here with big parties and just eating everything. I swear we never have enough food or table space. I feel like the waiters were like insisting we wouldn't finish our food, but then it was not enough at all.
this is a good place to hang out w friends over drinks & korean apps! I've been here twice and it's always very lively and packed. luckily both times we didn't have to wait for a table but as the night went on the place got more packed (I'd recommend getting there by 10)! the food is good. nothing really special and prices can be steep for what you order, but I think people really come here for the vibes and the atmosphere. my friends and I enjoy drinking "milkis shots" which is a 1:1:1 ratio of soju, beer, and sprite! once mixed/shaken, it has a surprisingly creamy taste. the service here is v quick and the workers seem nice. I've never interacted with them for too long but they are continuously walking around so you can order things quickly!
It is lively place with great good. I loved the tuna rice balls. It was crowded but the service was good. They checked on us. The chicken is a little pricey but worth it.