The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Koreatown
Are you looking for umami in the tteokbokki, dumplings, fried rice, and the best of Korean cuisine in Chicago? These restaurants offer the ultimate taste of Korea. In fact, most of them are located in an area that is informally called Koreatown because you will find anything that involves the Korean culture, from fabrics to spices and more. Drop by any of them to taste authentic spice, food, and drink.
1. Durebak
801 Civic Center Dr, Apt N, Niles, IL 60714-3245
(847) 470-8825
Durebak is a small restaurant located inside the Super H Mart that also offers a wide array of Korean dishes. The food is authentic and is reasonably priced, so you take your entire family for a day out. It is also a great spot to replenish or treat yourself when you are out on a shopping spree. You are going to enjoy the beef bibimpap. It is served in a “get full’ portion at a great price. The tables are separated properly for social distancing so you can sit if you want to sit with some friends.
2. Chu Ga Dek Snacks
8901 N Milwaukee Ave ASSI International Plaza, Niles, IL 60714
(847) 583-0188
There are foods that have become popular over time due to the popularity of Korean Dramas. Foods like these, including sushi, gimbap, tteokbokki, pajeon, soondae, have become a staple of Korean orders, especially to those who are just discovering more about the culture. Chu Ga Dek Snacks focuses on preparing these snacks authentically for everyone. If you have been binging on a K-Drama and the food looks enticing, this is the one eatery to call for an order of the same. Don’t worry if you cannot pronounce the name properly; they got you.
3. Crisp
2940 N Broadway Ave Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-7610
Sweet and sour chicken wings are a staple in Korean cuisine, and there is no better place to get a variety of wings than at Crisp. I mean, it is in the name. Crispy, honied, spicy, and any variation you want of chicken wings you want will be served up. If it’s your first time there, ask for the buffalo wings that are usually served with some homemade kimchi on the side. The portions are great to kill a craving and handle the hunger pangs. If you like some extra spice, they provide some extra spicy sauce to light up the occasion. Crisp are only operating on take take-away basis at the moment, so you can order in from their website or one of the many apps.
4. HanBat
2723 W Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-8640
Korean barbeque has never tasted better. Hanbat has made a name for itself as one of the best places to enjoy Korean BBQ and some tasty sul lung tang. The food is so well spiced and prepared, a taste it almost transports you to ancient Korea where the soup was popular during harvests. After a long cooking process, the bone marrow slides off the core of the bone and provides a rich biting as you enjoy the soup. You can also go for their cold noodles or tofu stew which taste just as brilliant.
They also have some in-house kimchi made with a recipe they should probably patent because it is unlike any kimchi you have ever tasted. To make service better, the waitress chops it up for you on-site. Order in from them by calling or through their website.
5. Lai Lai Chinese
8901 N Milwaukee Ave Assi Plz Niles, IL 60714
(847) 965-3232
Lai Lai Chinese is one of the best places to score a blend of Chinese and Korean cuisine. If you are a fan of the Asian palette, you can a great taste of two of them from the same plate at this restaurant. One great example is the jajangmyeon or the Peking noodle that is served with the classic black bean sauce that makes it an authentic Korean dish on one side and the seafood noodle with Chinese flavors. Taste the best of both worlds in one serving in a restaurant dedicating to serving the taste of the east. You can order from their website, their phone call number, or from the food apps available.
6. Soju BBQ
36 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
(312) 877-5206
Traditional Korean barbeque meets a modern twist at Soju BBQ. The food is authentically Korean with a focus on the barbeque cuts. The chefs select high-quality meats to ensure the seasoning, the cooking method, and the result is a taste journey that will revolutionize the taste of the meat you taste from there henceforth. To bring in the Korean twist, they serve up sides of authentic kimchi and some skewers that are very popular in the Korean street food scene. The sauces range from the normal spice to fire, breathing hot based on how much heat you cannot handle.
7. San Soo Gab San
5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
This is definitely one of the most popular restaurants in the Korean food scene. They have an intense array of foods on the menu like samgyeopsal, jajamyeong, bulgogi, pajeon, and the eve popular Korean chicken are just the tip of the iceberg. The restaurant has won an award for the Best Korean Dining Choice in 2019 thanks to their dedication to bringing the taste of Korea to Chicago. The food is spectacular, and the food is the service is even better. You can also enjoy some soju and other drinks as well. They are open for selective seating, but you can order in through their website or by calling in.
8. Del Seoul
2568 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
Del Seoul is a family owned restaurant and is the place to go for a unique spin on Korean food. They are a great spot to get some Korean BBQ tacos and Bibimbap with vegan and pescatarian options. If you are in the area of Park West, stop by and try their most popular dish, the sesame-chili shrimp taco. Their inspired street food, Kimchi fries are also bussin’, made with sautéed kimchi, onions and pork belly, scallions, melted cheddar and jack and sour cream. Place an order through their website and enjoy!
9. What A Dumpling
801 Civic Center Dr, Niles, IL 60714
(847) 583-2938
If the name does not make you want to order in dumplings, I don’t know what will. This food stand is everything dumplings and more. If your heart beats for dumplings, this is your one-stop-shop for dumplings with both vegetarian and meat options. There are the regular size dumplings and the jumbo size for those who like to indulge more. If it is your first time, try out the jumbo size dumplings because they are affordable and big. You can eat them all at the location or take some home with you. Yes, they are that big.
10. Eli’s Ark
1843 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9072
There is something for those with a sweet tooth as well. This dessert shop creates ice cream you will never forget! You may have eaten ice cream elsewhere, but nothing quite like their pig and kola ice cream cones. They are made on the spot, so you can see the creation of something yummy. If you sit in, do not forget to take a picture with their cute decor. Do not want something cold, enjoy some of their amazing macaroons!
The taste of Korea is alive in Chicago thanks to the restaurants of Koreatown. Before checking into one, check online whether it is open for dining and whether you should just order and await delivery.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written April 23, 2021 and last updated October 10, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites for the most up-to-date information
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