Korean bbq near Lincoln Square

I have limited experience with Korean food, but want to expand my horizons. Have heard good things about Cho Sun Ok on Lincoln and Berteau as well as Chicago Kalbi on Lawrence. Any preferences between these two or others?

it's a bit further than the two you mention, but i'm a fan of San Soo Gab San.

I think the 24 hour place on lawrence is still closed, however there are a bunch of great korean spots on lincoln (slightly north of lawrence) (beginning around lincoln and ainslie I think?) Typical family style all-you can eat buffet at Garden Buffet, and lots of other smaller spots mostly located right around foster & lincoln-

While I do not profess to be an expert regarding matters Korean, I prefer the Chicago Kalbi House. They use live charcoal instead of a gas fired cooker. As I recall, the panchan was good and varied at both places. San Soo Gap San also uses live charcoal, has an excellent panchan and is less costly than the Chicago Kalbi House, which is one of the pricier Korean restaurants around. That being said, I really enjoyed the beef heart at Chicago Kalbi House, and the ventilation was better. Don't wear your good clothes to San Soo Gap San.

San Soo Gab San isn't that much further than Chicago Kalbi from Lincoln Square. There's a ton of info on SSGS in its GNR thread. It's a very good choice.

There are an extraordinary number of Korean options on the north side. My personal favorite for Korean is Kang Nam Galbi. For a combination of good panchan, very good live-coal galbi and bulgogki, great dolsot bi bim bap, and great value for your money (you wont leave hungry) Kang Nam is hard to beat.

Best,
Michael

eatchicago wrote:My personal favorite for Korean is Kang Nam Galbi.

Michael,

I'm a fan of Kang Nam Galbi and am of the opinion they have the best Dolsot Bimbop in Chicago, I also like their Korean BBQ. San Soo Gap San has quite good BBQ as well and terrific soups, both have a very good selection of panchan.

My overall favorite, and I was just there on Sunday, is Hae Woon Dae, terrific live coal Korean BBQ, nice selection of panchan, good soups and their steamed egg appetizer is one of my favorites, in fact I'm now wondering why it's not on my Top Ten list. Hae Woon Dae offers a tremendous value for groups of 6 or more in the form of the set dinner. On Sunday 6 people shared the diner for 5, with the addition of steamed eggs, and the total bill with tax was $115, before tip. While we did finish all the BBQ meats we did not quite finish the included chapchae, vegetable pancake or seafood soup.

Hae Woon Dae Seamed Eggs


Enjoy,
Gary

Hai Woon Dae
6240 N. California
Chicago, IL 60659
773-764-8018

willowstreet wrote:I have limited experience with Korean food, but want to expand my horizons. Have heard good things about Cho Sun Ok on Lincoln and Berteau as well as Chicago Kalbi on Lawrence. Any preferences between these two or others?

Willow,

Specifically in reference to your question, Cho Sun Ok and Chicago Kalbi are quite different. Chicago Kalbi specializes in Korean style grilled meat over charcoal and, while Cho Sun Ok offers kalbi and bulgogi it is either cooked in the kitchen or on large stone 'pans' over propane at the table. They have a wide variety of buckwheat noodle dishes as well as other prepared dishes as well. .

The best feature of Cho Son Ok is after one has consumed the meat from the stone pan the remaining panchan (kimchee etc) is put into the pan along with rice and cooked. The rice crisps up nicely and is a real treat.

My suggestion, as you have limited experience with Korean food, if the choice is only between Cho Sun Ok and Chicago Kalbi, go with Chicago Kalbi. Your party will find grilling meat over charcoal surprisingly familiar, while still expanding their culinary horizons.

Enjoy,
Gary

The most important difference between Chicago Kalbi and all other Korean BBQ restaurants in Chicago is that Chicago Kalbi actually serves Japanese-Korean food, which is really a separate style entirely. The owners of Chicago Kalbi are Koreans from Japan, and their food reflects that heritage.

Although subtle, the differences are significant. The spicing and character of the dishes at Chicago Kalbi tends to be somewhat more gentle than at a pure Korean spot. This is reflected in almost all the dishes, from the sweeter and less garlicky Bul Gogi and kalbi to the Kim Chee , which is milder ans less assertive than anywhere else. The quality of the meats used also tends to be higher here than at the typical Korean spot (there are exceptions here).

This is still Korean food, to be sure, but with a definite Japanese twist. You can see this reflected in the setting as well a s the food with signed celebrity photos on the wall featuring Japanese sports and film stars (almost) exclusively and in the Asian Clientele, almost all Japanese. In fact the very pleasant woman proprietor is quite proud of the unique character of her restaurant, and tells me that this brand of Korean-Japanese cuisine is quite popular in Japan where such restaurants actually go by a different name (which escapes me right now). She freely admits that she doesn't like straight up Korean places herself, and that most Koreans who come to Chicago Kalbi don't find it to be what they expect.

I really like this restaurant , and often head there for family dinners with guests, but should point out that I have been there with others who have expressed a preference for the rougher and more vivid style of pure Korean restaurants like Cho Sun OK.

I'll add that Cho Sun Ok is known primarily for their cha dol baegi (unmarinated, thinly sliced beef brisket), whereas the other spots mentioned in this thread specialize in kalbi.

As another option, you might want to try Woo Chon, which is on par with Hae Woon Dae and Kang Nam.

Although it's an apples and oranges comparison, I think that Cho Sun Ok does cha dol baegi better than the other bbq spots do kalbi.

A friend I trust recently pronounced a new bbq place in Schaumburg the best kalbi in the Chicago area (sorry, I don't remember the name). I'm having lunch there on Saturday and will report back.

EDIT: I agree with Kuhdo. Chicago Kalbi's aesthetic and culinary sensibilities definitely have a Japanese twist, which reflect the heritage of the owners. Unlike Kudho, however, I don't believe this sensibility translates well into Korean bbq (with the exception of a Kobe beef korean bbq joint that rocked my world in Tokyo).

DY: I actually like both styles, but understand your point entirely, and am sure most Koreans would agree with you (which is why you almost never find them at Chicago Kalbi).

By the way, I've been to a fantastic Korean BBQ spot in Schaumburg , it's in a strip mall on Golf road near the aquarium shop I frequent and quite near my office. It's got a pink neon sign. I can't recall the name (not sure it had an English name).I bet this is where you're headed. You gonna like it I bet. Please post after your visit.

Kuhdo wrote:The most important difference between Chicago Kalbi and all other Korean BBQ restaurants in Chicago is that Chicago Kalbi actually serves Japanese-Korean food, which is really a separate style entirely. The owners of Chicago Kalbi are Koreans from Japan, and their food reflects that heritage.

Small clarification: the husband-chef-owner is Japanese. His wife-partner-owner Chiyo is a Korean raised in Japan. By Asian, especially Japanese, standards this is a mixed race marriage.

The first time I went to Chicago Kalbi was on a slow night. Chiyo spent most of the evening chatting with us and explaining her business. They characterize what they offer as "Japanese-style Korean BBQ," which is why there is a strong Japanese clientelle.

Interestingly Chicago Kalbi serves Galgun (oyster pancake), which is a dish of Taiwanese origins. I believe Tony C tried it and advised it is close, though not precisely as one would have it in Taiwan.

It was this same evening we learned of Matsumoto, when we innocently inquired where did Chiyo and her husband go for Japanese food. Sometimes simple questions can be very revealing.

Regards,

C2: You're absolutely correct. My mistake.

kuhdo wrote:C2: You're absolutely correct. My mistake.

No big deal, I find Chiyo and her husband to be a very interesting couple.

Regards,

I agree, and would add that to the list of reasons I keep going back.

Re: Cho Sun Ok

Having visited recently, I feel compelled to tell you that I found the panchan served to be the absolute worst (i.e. bland/boring) I have ever had in this town. It was no great shakes before, IMO, but this was truly terrible stuff. Everyone at the table remarked about it in fact, and we noticed that it went largely untouched at the other tables occupied that night, too.

E.M.

Footnote: I am no fan of the "braised meat" (i.e. stone pan) style of BBQ served here, but it is very popular with many Koreans and non-Koreans alike. For me, there is only one dish that I have ever really enjoyed, and I will continue to return for it: Yeolmu Naeng Myeon, or "buckwheat noodles in cold beef broth." It was once recommended to me by the kindly owner after noticing that I seemed a bit, um, dented, and, boy, I'll tell you, it straightened my frame right out. To this day, I get cravings for the stuff, with or without the hangover.

Erik M. wrote:Re: Cho Sun Ok

I am no fan of the "braised meat" (i.e. stone pan) style of BBQ served here, but it is very popular with many Koreans and non-Koreans alike. For me, there is only one dish that I have ever really enjoyed, and I will continue to return for it: Yeolmu Naeng Myeon, or "buckwheat noodles in cold beef broth." It was once recommended to me by the kindly owner after noticing that I seemed a bit, um, dented, and, boy, I'll tell you, it straightened my frame right out. To this day, I get cravings for the stuff, with or without the hangover.

I agree that the naeng myeon is really good at Cho Sun Ok. It's one of the best in the city. I've never been all that in to the stone-pan bbq at Cho Sun Ok either so I happily will take the naeng myeon!

For the record - I really like San Soo Gab San for kalbi best. It's close to my house and I like the casually greasy atmosphere...it's comfortable.

Okay - I'm a Korean novice - and have had my eye on trying Chicago Kalbi, Cho Sun OK, and San Soo Gap San for some time. I can't get my wife to go, so I'll be rolling solo - and am unsure if grilling a ton of meats would be the best thing for me to do alone. So based off some of the restaurants mentioned above, which have a menu that would be the most diner-eating-alone-friendly?

rmtraut wrote:Okay - I'm a Korean novice - and have had my eye on trying Chicago Kalbi, Cho Sun OK, and San Soo Gap San for some time. I can't get my wife to go, so I'll be rolling solo - and am unsure if grilling a ton of meats would be the best thing for me to do alone. So based off some of the restaurants mentioned above, which have a menu that would be the most diner-eating-alone-friendly?

Most of the Korean BBQ places require a minimum of 2 people to order the BBQ meats.

rmtraut,

Do you really need to dine solo? Why not pick a place, date and time, then post it on the Events board. If only one person comes, then you can already try more food and split the bill.

I just came back from the Evanston Lunch, we were talking about how to learn about Korean food. I commented I have had more people volunteer to explain to me various aspects at the food court at H-Mart. Octarine confirmed having had the same experience.

For a while I used to take a Korean cookbook picture book from the library. It was another step in learning about Korean food. I now own the book since I found it on the withdrawn pile at the library. My luck is someone else's misfortune because it really helped decipher some dishes. I just count my lucky stars I found it when I did.

LTH is an internet community which prides itself in meeting in the real world, too.

Regards,

stevez wrote:

rmtraut wrote:Okay - I'm a Korean novice - and have had my eye on trying Chicago Kalbi, Cho Sun OK, and San Soo Gap San for some time. I can't get my wife to go, so I'll be rolling solo - and am unsure if grilling a ton of meats would be the best thing for me to do alone. So based off some of the restaurants mentioned above, which have a menu that would be the most diner-eating-alone-friendly?

Most of the Korean BBQ places require a minimum of 2 people to order the BBQ meats.

Most also will prepare individual dishes in the kitchen for a solo diner or groups. Not the same experience, but it's available.

Lincoln Restaurant is a good place for novices to break in and/or eat alone

Erik M. wrote:Footnote: I am no fan of the "braised meat" (i.e. stone pan) style of BBQ served here, but it is very popular with many Koreans and non-Koreans alike.

+1. I don't get the obsession with chadol baegi. They eat it at home. Once a week. Then they go drop $30 to eat it at Cho Sun Ok. I know a Korean newly-wed couple that only eats @ Cho Sun Ok, and finishes with Lighthouse/Any other beer-bang.

Right now, I'm a bigger fan of KBBQ in the NW burbs. Willow Tree, Pusan Restaurant, New Seoul, Don Don, etc.

stevez wrote:

TonyC wrote:The most important difference between Chicago Kalbi and all other Korean BBQ restaurants in Chicago is: I'd eat at any Korean restaurants, but not Chicago Kalbi. Just because Japan pilfered from every Asian country during WWII, doesn't mean I have to support the results culinary imperialism. (uht-oh! I hope that wasn't political).

That's a bit like saying that you won't drive an Audi because we once fought the Germans. (A sentment that came up just today in another context).

I'm not saying that I feel the same way about similar Japanese-ish restaurants, but I do understand where that kind of sentiment comes from. Asians (not from Japan, mind you) who remember the war -- or keep it in memory -- are not as forgiving with the colonialism/imperialism of days gone by. Without pushing this thread too far in the political direction, however, I just want to acknowledge that this apparently affects more potential Asian diners than TonyC here, especially Koreans who don't appreciate this type of fusion (culinary or otherwise) for whatever reason. Just a reminder that choice of restaurant can be affected as much by culture and longstanding historical and familial grudges as by taste. (Don't wanna put words in your mouth, TonyC!)

Er, buy American?

--Dan

TonyC wrote:+1. I don't get the obsession with chadol baegi. They eat it at home. Once a week. Then they go drop $30 to eat it at Cho Sun Ok. I know a Korean newly-wed couple that only eats @ Cho Sun Ok, and finishes with Lighthouse/Any other beer-bang.

By "they" do you mean Koreans?

I chalk up Cho Sun Ok's popularity to the fact that it's one of the few decent Korean restaurants in Chicago.

rmtraut wrote:So based off some of the restaurants mentioned above, which have a menu that would be the most diner-eating-alone-friendly?

As a solo diner one Monday evening, I had a nice dinner of dolsot bibimbop with complimentary seafood pancake and beef-cabbage soup at Woo Chon (also on Lincoln). This was accompanied by a selection of rather mild panchan. Though the room is set up for larger groups, that evening I was not the only solo diner, and I found the service quite warm and attentive. A bonus was the (I assume Korean) period drama of warlords and palace intrigue playing on TV. (Did I just write that? I normally hate restaurants with TV). But in this case, dining alone, I found the program interesting as I could follow the plot through the English subtitles onscreen.

Woo Chon
5744 N. California
(just N. of Lincoln behind grocery)

stevez wrote:That's a bit like saying that you won't drive an Audi because we once fought the Germans.

close. but not quite. and i drive a saab - sweden was mostly neutral during WW2. then again, i do have a honda s2000. The Honda engineers improved the car (a german product), not the kalbi so I'm ok there. If above logic prevails, we wouldn't drive cars because Benz invented the gas powered 4 wheeled beasts.

The whole point is Cho Sun Oak isn't any "good" compared to other Chicago Korean restaurants. Hence, I'm confused why Koreans themselves frequent the joint. The food is absolutely blah. service is relatively horrendous. the room depressing, locale inconvenient. It's one of those mysteries...

Folks,

Let's keep our comments directed toward matters culinary please.

Gary for the moderators.

TonyC wrote:The whole point is Cho Sun Oak isn't any "good" compared to other Chicago Korean restaurants. Hence, I'm confused why Koreans themselves frequent the joint. The food is absolutely blah. service is relatively horrendous. the room depressing, locale inconvenient. It's one of those mysteries...

Why the confusion? Although you may not enjoy cha dol baegi, others (and especially Koreans) most definitely do. And Cho Sun Ok does a pretty good job doing what they do, unlike the Chicago korean bbq spots, which range from mediocre to godawful. Thus Cho Sun Ok's popularity with Koreans.

No mystery. No obsession that "they" may have with cha dol baegi.

If you are new to Korean food, but don't mind spending a little extra, I recommend The Garden:

Garden Buffet Restaurant
5347 N Lincoln Ave (at Balmoral)
Chicago, IL 60625

It' a buffet and has live charcoal grills in each table. The buffet is huge, many kinds of kim chee, several soups and noodles, many meats/fish/poultry to grill, some already prepared hot dishes. As a buffet, it's a great place to figure out what you like, and what you don't. The tables are big, and the communal grilling, plus the buffet, make it a great place for a group of family and friends to hang out for a leisurely meal. They serve Korean beer, and I imagine you could BYO wine too (I think I have seen that).

Their marinated short ribs grilled at the table are my favorite beef dish of any cuisine. They regularly have mackerel for grilling, a favorite of my wife's (and mine). They also have a great cellophane noodles concoction that I can't get enough of. Not everything is great (the sushi compares unfavorably to grocery store sushi). The staff are very friendly and eager to help, and over time they have translated more of the dish descriptions into English.

Garden was my real intro to Korean food (having eaten it unsucessfully a few times in California). I was brought by a young Korean-American colleague who was a 6 foot plus med student and loved the all you can eat aspect. This was 10 years ago now, and I still go regularly. It's a very kid-friendly place, too, which may be an attraction or detraction, depending on the particulars.

TonyC wrote:i drive a saab - sweden was mostly neutral during WW2. then again, i do have a honda s2000. The Honda engineers improved the car (a german product), not the kalbi so I'm ok there.

A bit OT, but being a car geek, I felt compelled to clarify. Saab has been owned by GM for some years now, although the cars are built in Sweden. And I've never heard anything about Honda S2000's being a German product. JMHO.

I'm not a fan of blow-your-head-off spicy hot, so it's been with some trepidation and handholding by other LTH members that I decided to take the leap and explore Korean food.

At Cathy's suggestion, I headed out to H-Mart, where, indeed, the woman at the snack counter was lovely and helpful - but instead of jumping in and asking for something really Korean, I got sidetracked by the beautiful battered vegetables and ordered those along with some gim-bahp to try for Sparky's lunchbox. They were excellent: julienned sweet potato, green beans and onions? lumped together and lightly battered. The gim-bahp (Korean sushi) was excellent, also - the only problem is it never made it home.

Last night, I was too exhausted to cook, and decided to explore a new buffet (with a 6-year-old, sometimes instant food is crucial) We settled on the Korean Garden - and we had the best experience I've ever had at a buffet, bar none. (yes, I know - but it was really, really good!) After we were seated, we were greeted by a lovely server/cook/guide - and I explained my lack of experience with things Korean and fear of going overboard with the spicy. She immediately took a plate over to the buffet herself, whisked up a plate of panchan, took us on a tour, showing us what went with what and how, and deftly began grilling the short ribs and pork belly on our table's inset charcoal grill. As the 'spouse put it, she was more of a Korean food ambassador than a waitress.

And we ate...first beef ribs and pork belly...then marinated beef and mackerel...then shrimp...then marinated chicken...then some other kind of pork - each wrapped in lovely red leaf lettuce with daikon and spring onions and some kind of soybean paste. It was delicious. Later on, I asked her to help me navigate the 6 different kinds of kimchi on the salad side of the buffet, which she graciously did, telling me that all the kimchi was fresh and that it helps fight cancer. I tried two kinds - one with fresh napa, and one that looked a bit like asparagus, but might have been escarole. Yes, it was hot - small bites! but it was also bright, crunchy and a little sweet; doable for me as a condiment, but definitely at the top of my register.

I somehow survived, and moved on to the two desserts, which were warm punch served in metal bowls. One was very similar to horchata, and even had bits of rice floating in it, and the other was very like mulled cider- except it had been made with persimmons. In between bites, Sparky played with the other children (there were many) at the turtle/coi pond.

So, thank you once again LTHers for opening up another corner of the world for us...