Jin Ju - great for a group

Although referenced in a couple of other threads, I've decided that, after a particularly pleasant experience over the weekend, Jin Ju deserves its own thread.

Although there's little I dislike more than organizing meals for large groups of people, organize I did a farewell dinner for my Korean officemate at Jin Ju (his recommendation). Like many of us, I tend to prefer gritty, "authentic" ethnic restaurants over stylish ones, so I went in without much in the way of expectations.

I called Jin Ju two weeks ahead of time with a reservation for a party of 20, unsure if they would even be able to handle it, but it was no problem. (Although Jin Ju appears to be just a small, dark storefront, there's actually quite a bit of space further back.) I got an e-mail the next day from someone in charge of handling private parties with a suggested fixed-price sampler menu at the rate of $23/person. As the date approached, my reservation dropped down to 10 people, and they were able to accommodate this change without problem.

We were served four appetizers: a scallion pancake, fried pieces of whitefish, some really tasty fried kimchi dumplings, and kimbap (Korean maki rolls). For entrees, we had their excellent bi bim bap (really fresh, thinly sliced vegetables set this apart), chicken and beef versions of bulgogi (which, I was happy to find out, were sufficiently different---the chicken was more like a spicy stir-fried kung pao type of preparation), and beef chap chae (clear vermicelli noodles with beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and various fresh vegetables). Everything was very attractive, light and less oily than I'm used to, and servings were ample.

With several bottles of plum wine and included gratuity, the check came out to a very reasonable $40/person. We had one dedicated waiter who was assisted by several others who did a great job of keeping things moving without making us feel rushed (even though the majority of our party arrived well past the reservation time). While the food was quite good and the space attractive and modern without being too precious, I really have to hand it to Jin Ju for making a group meal go as smoothly as it did. The cuisine isn't as adventurous as some of us might normally go for, but it's still quite good, and there's nothing that should put any conservative diners off from it.

Jin Ju
5203 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
773-334-6377

http://www.jinjuchicago.com/

Being an Andersonville local I do like Jin Ju as well and willing to contribute to the thread. I agree on the food side, it is not as traditional (nor is there tabletop cooking) like a San Soo Gob San which is not to far away (just a mile or so west on Balmoral and Western.) But Jin Ju is a solid 'Americanized' Korean place that has a nice atmosphere and good drinks.

While I haven't tried any large dinners, they have always been good with service (even when the place is jumping) so it isn't a stretch that they would handle a large group well.

ndgbucktown wrote:and there's nothing that should put any conservative diners off from it.

NDG,

My one overpriced SojuTini laden Americanized Korean meal at Jin Ju multiple years ago was more than enough for me. Though your post gives reason to return should I wish to appease a mixed palate crowd with Korean-Lite.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gary,

Nice way to put it. I've always thought of Jin Ju as Korean on training wheels.

Being Korean myself, obviously this place is not authentic Korean per say, but I appreciate it for what it is... A fancier, dimly lit americanized Korean establishment that presents the food with style and creativity. The chicken wing app was great and the dol sot bi bim bap was as good as any authentic Korean place. Also, you get friendly service which is obviously a plus for those of you who have experienced the cold server treatment from other Korean establishments (don't take it personally, they are like that to Koreans as well, haha) and the place is much more hip and trendy if you're into that for large groups, friends, and for a date. There aren't very many Korean establishments that actually have a nice interior space that's not a hole in the wall where you feel you can just relax and enjoy the meal, other than the pricier (and must less of a value overall) Woo Lae Ok up in rolling meadows. I'm glad Jin Ju exists and think that most people will enjoy it for what it is if they give it a whirl. I've yet to have a bad meal there or one where I felt wasn't worth the $.

G Wiv wrote:
My one overpriced SojuTini laden Americanized Korean meal at Jin Ju multiple years ago was more than enough for me. Though your post gives reason to return should I wish to appease a mixed palate crowd with Korean-Lite.

Enjoy,
Gary

mixed palate crowd - I love it! For me, the locale and atmosphere make up for the Komerican food - but it is just preference. It is a great place to walk to on a Friday night. Whenever we go to SSGS it is hard to get park, and I don't particularly like to drive anyway.

BTW - Heather says hi - she sat next to you at Sun Wah NY

Has Jin Ju closed? I drove by it today and it looked like the windows were papered over. I would posted this on the Openings and Closings thread BUT....

Can't swear to it, but as I pass it from time to time (I live in the 'hood), it always looks that way. They simply choose to have the windows papers over and I usually have the same reaction you did, first take. Then I remember. In any event, that's what it is normally like. I'd really hate to think otherwise.

Had my first ever meal here and I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

Shared the dolsot bibimbap, kimbap, haemul pajeon, samgupsyal w brussel sprouts and mul mandu. They were all executed well and I especially liked the homemade mandu.

Not a place I'd go out of my to try again, but I'd happily return! And lots of kudos for helping make Korean cuisine much more approachable for all these years