04.15.2022 |
From three Michelin-starred Alinea to local-loved deep dish joints, there is a dining experience in the Windy City to satisfy any cuisine craving.
But when you’re looking to enjoy some crispy-seared pork belly cooked at the table, dredged through salty sesame oil, and wrapped in lettuce leaves for the perfect bite, then nothing but authentic Korean barbecue will do. Luckily, Chicago, Illinois has plenty of local spots serving up sizzling meat with perfectly-balanced banchan (small side dishes like kimchi, spicy radish, or sesame-boiled bean sprouts). Here is our list of the best restaurants serving up Korean BBQ in the Chicago area.
San Soo Gab San
You can’t talk about Korean BBQ in the Chicago area without mentioning San Soo Gab San. This Chicago, Illinois institution holds the distinction of being the only Korean BBQ restaurant in the Windy City to be recognized with a Michelin BIB Gourmand award. After almost 30 years in the business, San Soo Gab San continues to deliver thinly-sliced beef and pork belly, along with spicy rice cakes and stir-fried noodles that add a little extra flavor to your meal.
GOGI
You’ll have to venture to an unassuming strip mall to find GOGI and their lineup of grilled meats and side dishes that you can cook over burning charcoal right at your table. But this authentic Korean barbecue spot is worth the trip. Though you can get your meal cooked by the kitchen, we recommend going all-in by grilling your meats to your taste.
Mr. Kimchi
This all you can eat Korean BBQ joint in Mount Prospect features seasoned and marinated pork, chicken, and beef options with seafood samplings (like octopus, shrimp, and squid) also on the menu. Delight the veggie lovers at your table with steamed egg casserole, silky tofu stew, corn cheese, and golden-fried dumplings, all served up as part of Mr. Kimchi’s all you can eat deal.
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Depending on when you go, you might have to wait in line to get a table at Cho Sun Ok Restaurant, a place in Lincoln Square specializing in homestyle Korean fare. But the wait will be worth it. Order the house specialty, chadol-gui, to get tender beef brisket cooked table-side, pair it with rice cakes swimming in mild beef broth (duk guk), then finish your meal off with some crispy kimchi fried rice made with your leftover banchan.
Perilla
For an American take on traditional Korean fare, Perilla is here to deliver short ribs, wagyu beef cuts, and pork belly seared on the grill. But if you look beyond the BBQ, you’ll find salty-spicy kimchi fried rice, Korean fried chicken served with perilla ranch, and spicy octopus made sweet with golden raisins.
If you try these top spots for the best Korean barbecue in Chicago and are still left hungry for more, check out our picks for the best gyros in the Chicago loop or the best teppanyaki in Chicago.
