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A ssam platter
Ssam with smoked brisket is among the new choices at Kimski.
Aliya Ikumen/Eater Chicago

Where to Find Korean Food in Chicago

Soups, grilled meats, and plenty of banchan are to be enjoyed

by Eater Staff and Ashok Selvam Updated
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Ssam with smoked brisket is among the new choices at Kimski.
| Aliya Ikumen/Eater Chicago
by Eater Staff and Ashok Selvam Updated

One of life’s most satisfying pleasures is watching plate after plate of banchan fill up the table. However, Chicago’s Korean lineup offers much more than just barbecue, as fusion spots and fancy restaurants add some extra flair to traditional dishes. From bibimbap and kimchi pancakes to hearty bowls of stew, there’s much to explore on the following menus.

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Gogi

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A prime spot for Korean barbecue, Gogi separates itself from the pack by focusing on quality meats and service. The staff will cook items like galbi, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal on the tabletop charcoal grills so diners won’t have to worry about it. It’s a great introduction to the dining experience for first-timers.

6240 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 274-6669
(773) 274-6669
A person grilling meat on a tabletop grill that’s surrounded by side dishes.
Gogi is one of the best Korean barbecue spots in town.
Gogi [Official Photo]

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San Soo Gab San

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This late-night Korean restaurant is a perfect place to pad the stomach after some drinking. Regardless of the hour, San Soo Gab San satisfies with excellent banchan, kimchi-jjigae, seafood pancakes, and grilled meats. They recently remodeled for better ventilation after city ordered them to close. They are a rare Korean barbecue that uses charcoal. A second location is in suburban Morton Grove.

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
(773) 334-1589
A person grilling meat on a tabletop grill that’s surrounded by banchan.
Fans love the grilling experience and variety of side dishes at San Soo Gab San.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Dancen

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A favorite for after-hours Korean bar food, Dancen is best known for its fire chicken. The spicy dish is a must-try for first-timers and should be ordered with a layer of melted cheese on top. The space is small, which makes the tall flames from the open grill seem ever-looming, but the succulent skewers of meats and solid drinks make it worth the wait.

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-2400
(773) 878-2400

Also featured in:

Han Bat

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Those in the know head to this unassuming Lincoln Square spot for a Seoul specialty — ox bone soup. The comforting milky white broth, called seolleongtang, is teeming with noodles and choice of cow parts such as brisket, flank steak, tripe, tendon, and tongue. The dish can also be seasoned with salt, chopped green onions, and chili paste, and is served alongside rice and kimchi.

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-8640
(773) 271-8640

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Ssyal

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Feeling under the weather? A bowl of Ssyal’s samgye-tang, or ginseng chicken soup, should do the trick. An entire Cornish hen is stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, garlic, and ginseng root and then simmered to produce the nourishing broth. It’s served with sweet brown rice and mixed greens.

4201 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 427-5296
(773) 427-5296
A bowl of Korean ginseng chicken soup.
Fans of Ssyal come for the ginseng chicken soup.
Ssyal [Official Photo]

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Cho Sun Ok

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If there’s no line out the door at Cho Sun Ok, diners should consider themselves lucky. Offering Korean barbecue and a long list of traditional soups and noodles, this no-frills Lincoln Square restaurant is a Korean staple. It’s also BYOB, so feel free to pair the food with whatever whets the appetite.

4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 549-5555
(773) 549-5555

Parachute

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Chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim have made Parachute one of the most intriguing restaurants in America, creating a destination in Avondale. After the pandemic, they renovated with a new menu, focusing more on traditional Korean flavors and techniques. It’s a more focused menu with cured fish, aged bugolgi, and ssam with pork belly and pork collar. There’s also an expanded wine selection and plenty of Korean-produced sool.

3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 654-1460
(773) 654-1460
A smattering of korean food on a wooden table including a grilled fish filet.
Grilled Boston mackerel are among Parachute’s popular dishes.
Parachute

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Joong Boo Market

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Joong Boo is a great place to stock the pantry with foodstuffs like miso, specialty noodles, and soy sauces. Tucked away in the back is a noteworthy restaurant, dubbed Snack Corner, with a few tables and plenty of delights to enjoy. Pick from dishes such as bibimbap, sundubu-jjigae, and tteokguk (rice cake soup) before taking care of a little grocery shopping.

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-5566
(773) 478-5566

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Crisp

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For the ultimate sauced chicken wings, Crisp is king. Three sauces — barbecue, a housemade marinade called Seoul Sassy, and Buffalo — are available, or diners can opt to keep them plain. The Seoul Sassy is the crowd favorite, made with soy, garlic, and ginger and tossed with crunchy scallions. The jumbo-sized wings boast a shatteringly crispy exterior, and diners would do well to make it a double order. Online orders can be placed here.

2940 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-7610
(773) 697-7610

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Del Seoul

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This fusion spot serves exciting West-Coast-style Korean tacos stuffed with kalbi, sesame chili shrimp, and more. It’s a great spot for a quick meal, and the menu includes other items like Korean barbecue bento boxes, banh mi with bulgogi, and kimchi fries. The wings are also formidable. Online ordering is available here.

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227
Four Korean barbecue tacos.
Korean and Mexican flavors meet at Del Seoul.
Del Seoul [Official Photo]

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BiXi Beer

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Named for a turtle serpent deity, Bixi Beer is Chicago’s only Asian-inspired brewpub using ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns in its brews. The food is a cross-section of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Chef Bo Fowler is Korean and her rotating menu features the best ingredients she can source. Dishes include cheesy rose rice cakes, a spicy fried chicken sandwich, beef bulgogi poutine, and more. The Korean fried chicken special on Wednesdays is worth seeking out.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368

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En Hakkore

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The menu is short but sweet at this Korean-fusion spot. Customers can get bowls of bibimbap, mandu dumplings, japchae, and tacos served on Indian-style paratha. A sister restaurant, En Hakkore 2.0 in Wicker Park, offers items like kimchi, sushi bowls, and bulgogi fries

1840 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-9880
(773) 772-9880

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Mott St

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The ever-popular Asian-fusion restaurant has been huge hit with Chicagoans since debuting back in 2013. Chef Edward Kim delivers Korean-inspired creations, such as cabbage stuffed with kimchi and pork shoulder; mentaiko kimchi udon; and “Everything Wings” glazed with soy, jaggery, and dried chilies. The burger also ranks among the city’s finest and features two chuck patties topped with American cheese, sweet potato straws, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, and miso butter onions. Pickup and delivery orders can be placed on Mott Street’s website.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977

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Kimchi Pop by Chef Son

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Stews and soups are some of the homestyle dishes available at Kimchi Pop, which has two locations (the original in West Town and a second in Uptown). This is a small spot for a weekday meal (or a hangover lunch to go on the weekend). Often they’ll have Army Stew (Budae Jigae) on special. Crammed with sausage, Spam, and other items found on military bases during the Korean War, it’s one of the tastiest things on the menu. They have recently replaced it with a kimchi version.

939 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 802-4424
(872) 802-4424

Also featured in:

Jeong

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Eater Chicago’s 2019 Chef of the Year Dave Park and partner Jennifer Tran elevated Korean cuisine to new heights with the opening of their contemporary restaurant in West Town. The couple showcase Korean ingredients and flavors through intricate and refined plates. Park constructs beautiful dishes like salmon tartare dressed with creme fraiche and crispy rice pearls; and seared scallop with beurre blanc sauce, spinach, trout roe, and chives.

1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 877-5016
(312) 877-5016
A bright sashimi dish that’s shaped like a disc.
Chef Dave Park take a fine dining approach to Korean cuisine at Jeong.
Jeong/Hahm Visuals

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Perilla

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Grilled meats may seem like the main attraction at this Korean American restaurant but the rest of the menu also deserves to be explored. In addition to barbecue items like marinated galbi, short rib, and pork belly, there are terrific versions of fire chicken, kimchi pancakes, hot stone bibimbap, and other classics. A Korean fried chicken spin-off, Sir Chicken, operates out of Perilla’s kitchen as well. It features double-fried pieces of poultry that are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and finished off with sesame seeds, toasted seaweed, and dehydrated scallions. Note: Perilla is closed through April for renovations.

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 243-3344
(312) 243-3344

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SoJu BBQ

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Soju BBQ has always emphasized proteins sourced from Creekstone Farms (which also means they’re halal). Find huge marinated chops and more inside the comfy sit-down restaurant near the United Center. There are also quality wings and more.

36 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 877-5206
(312) 877-5206

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SGD Tofu & Korean BBQ

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Housed in the food court of H Mart, this small national chain focuses on the bubbling hot tofu stew known as sundubu-jjigae. The dish features a spicy broth loaded with soft tofu, veggies, noodles (optional), and choice of protein. Other menu items include dolsot bibimbap, fried dumplings, beef short ribs, and bulgogi. Additional SGD Dobu outposts are located in suburban Schaumburg, Glenview, and Oakbrook Terrace.

H Mart Food Court, 711 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(773) 362-8702
(773) 362-8702
A variety of Korean dishes spread out on a table.
Visit H Mart’s food court for warming tofu stew.
SGD Tofu & Korean BBQ [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Ahjoomah's Apron

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One of the few Korean restaurants in Chinatown offers all of the essential soups, noodles, grilled meats, and traditional dishes that one would expect. Whether it’s kimbap or jajangmyeon, both novices and vets will find something to enjoy. Online ordering is available here.

218 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-2800
(312) 326-2800

Also featured in:

Kimski

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Kimski reopened in April 2023 with a new menu featuring a ssam plate with Texas-style smoked brisket, a cheesy bulgogi sandwich, and cured salmon. Chef Won Kim is one of the more interesting characters in Chicago’s culinary scene, and the restaurant attached to Maria’s Community Bar is worth a visit. It’s also near Sox Park and Chinatown.

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 823-7336
(773) 823-7336
A plate with rice and cured salmon.
Cured salmon
Aliya Ikhumen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

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Gogi

6240 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

A prime spot for Korean barbecue, Gogi separates itself from the pack by focusing on quality meats and service. The staff will cook items like galbi, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal on the tabletop charcoal grills so diners won’t have to worry about it. It’s a great introduction to the dining experience for first-timers.

6240 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 274-6669
(773) 274-6669
A person grilling meat on a tabletop grill that’s surrounded by side dishes.
Gogi is one of the best Korean barbecue spots in town.
Gogi [Official Photo]

San Soo Gab San

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

This late-night Korean restaurant is a perfect place to pad the stomach after some drinking. Regardless of the hour, San Soo Gab San satisfies with excellent banchan, kimchi-jjigae, seafood pancakes, and grilled meats. They recently remodeled for better ventilation after city ordered them to close. They are a rare Korean barbecue that uses charcoal. A second location is in suburban Morton Grove.

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
(773) 334-1589
A person grilling meat on a tabletop grill that’s surrounded by banchan.
Fans love the grilling experience and variety of side dishes at San Soo Gab San.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Dancen

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

A favorite for after-hours Korean bar food, Dancen is best known for its fire chicken. The spicy dish is a must-try for first-timers and should be ordered with a layer of melted cheese on top. The space is small, which makes the tall flames from the open grill seem ever-looming, but the succulent skewers of meats and solid drinks make it worth the wait.

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-2400
(773) 878-2400

Han Bat

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Those in the know head to this unassuming Lincoln Square spot for a Seoul specialty — ox bone soup. The comforting milky white broth, called seolleongtang, is teeming with noodles and choice of cow parts such as brisket, flank steak, tripe, tendon, and tongue. The dish can also be seasoned with salt, chopped green onions, and chili paste, and is served alongside rice and kimchi.

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-8640
(773) 271-8640

Ssyal

4201 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Feeling under the weather? A bowl of Ssyal’s samgye-tang, or ginseng chicken soup, should do the trick. An entire Cornish hen is stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, garlic, and ginseng root and then simmered to produce the nourishing broth. It’s served with sweet brown rice and mixed greens.

4201 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 427-5296
(773) 427-5296
A bowl of Korean ginseng chicken soup.
Fans of Ssyal come for the ginseng chicken soup.
Ssyal [Official Photo]

Cho Sun Ok

4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

If there’s no line out the door at Cho Sun Ok, diners should consider themselves lucky. Offering Korean barbecue and a long list of traditional soups and noodles, this no-frills Lincoln Square restaurant is a Korean staple. It’s also BYOB, so feel free to pair the food with whatever whets the appetite.

4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 549-5555
(773) 549-5555

Parachute

3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim have made Parachute one of the most intriguing restaurants in America, creating a destination in Avondale. After the pandemic, they renovated with a new menu, focusing more on traditional Korean flavors and techniques. It’s a more focused menu with cured fish, aged bugolgi, and ssam with pork belly and pork collar. There’s also an expanded wine selection and plenty of Korean-produced sool.

3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 654-1460
(773) 654-1460
A smattering of korean food on a wooden table including a grilled fish filet.
Grilled Boston mackerel are among Parachute’s popular dishes.
Parachute

Joong Boo Market

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Joong Boo is a great place to stock the pantry with foodstuffs like miso, specialty noodles, and soy sauces. Tucked away in the back is a noteworthy restaurant, dubbed Snack Corner, with a few tables and plenty of delights to enjoy. Pick from dishes such as bibimbap, sundubu-jjigae, and tteokguk (rice cake soup) before taking care of a little grocery shopping.

3333 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-5566
(773) 478-5566

Crisp

2940 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

For the ultimate sauced chicken wings, Crisp is king. Three sauces — barbecue, a housemade marinade called Seoul Sassy, and Buffalo — are available, or diners can opt to keep them plain. The Seoul Sassy is the crowd favorite, made with soy, garlic, and ginger and tossed with crunchy scallions. The jumbo-sized wings boast a shatteringly crispy exterior, and diners would do well to make it a double order. Online orders can be placed here.

2940 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-7610
(773) 697-7610

Del Seoul

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

This fusion spot serves exciting West-Coast-style Korean tacos stuffed with kalbi, sesame chili shrimp, and more. It’s a great spot for a quick meal, and the menu includes other items like Korean barbecue bento boxes, banh mi with bulgogi, and kimchi fries. The wings are also formidable. Online ordering is available here.

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227
Four Korean barbecue tacos.
Korean and Mexican flavors meet at Del Seoul.
Del Seoul [Official Photo]

BiXi Beer

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Named for a turtle serpent deity, Bixi Beer is Chicago’s only Asian-inspired brewpub using ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns in its brews. The food is a cross-section of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Chef Bo Fowler is Korean and her rotating menu features the best ingredients she can source. Dishes include cheesy rose rice cakes, a spicy fried chicken sandwich, beef bulgogi poutine, and more. The Korean fried chicken special on Wednesdays is worth seeking out.

2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 904-7368
(773) 904-7368

En Hakkore

1840 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

The menu is short but sweet at this Korean-fusion spot. Customers can get bowls of bibimbap, mandu dumplings, japchae, and tacos served on Indian-style paratha. A sister restaurant, En Hakkore 2.0 in Wicker Park, offers items like kimchi, sushi bowls, and bulgogi fries

1840 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-9880
(773) 772-9880

Mott St

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

The ever-popular Asian-fusion restaurant has been huge hit with Chicagoans since debuting back in 2013. Chef Edward Kim delivers Korean-inspired creations, such as cabbage stuffed with kimchi and pork shoulder; mentaiko kimchi udon; and “Everything Wings” glazed with soy, jaggery, and dried chilies. The burger also ranks among the city’s finest and features two chuck patties topped with American cheese, sweet potato straws, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, and miso butter onions. Pickup and delivery orders can be placed on Mott Street’s website.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977

Kimchi Pop by Chef Son

939 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Stews and soups are some of the homestyle dishes available at Kimchi Pop, which has two locations (the original in West Town and a second in Uptown). This is a small spot for a weekday meal (or a hangover lunch to go on the weekend). Often they’ll have Army Stew (Budae Jigae) on special. Crammed with sausage, Spam, and other items found on military bases during the Korean War, it’s one of the tastiest things on the menu. They have recently replaced it with a kimchi version.

939 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 802-4424
(872) 802-4424

Jeong

1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Eater Chicago’s 2019 Chef of the Year Dave Park and partner Jennifer Tran elevated Korean cuisine to new heights with the opening of their contemporary restaurant in West Town. The couple showcase Korean ingredients and flavors through intricate and refined plates. Park constructs beautiful dishes like salmon tartare dressed with creme fraiche and crispy rice pearls; and seared scallop with beurre blanc sauce, spinach, trout roe, and chives.

1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 877-5016
(312) 877-5016
A bright sashimi dish that’s shaped like a disc.
Chef Dave Park take a fine dining approach to Korean cuisine at Jeong.
Jeong/Hahm Visuals

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Perilla

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Grilled meats may seem like the main attraction at this Korean American restaurant but the rest of the menu also deserves to be explored. In addition to barbecue items like marinated galbi, short rib, and pork belly, there are terrific versions of fire chicken, kimchi pancakes, hot stone bibimbap, and other classics. A Korean fried chicken spin-off, Sir Chicken, operates out of Perilla’s kitchen as well. It features double-fried pieces of poultry that are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and finished off with sesame seeds, toasted seaweed, and dehydrated scallions. Note: Perilla is closed through April for renovations.

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 243-3344
(312) 243-3344

SoJu BBQ

36 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Soju BBQ has always emphasized proteins sourced from Creekstone Farms (which also means they’re halal). Find huge marinated chops and more inside the comfy sit-down restaurant near the United Center. There are also quality wings and more.

36 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 877-5206
(312) 877-5206

SGD Tofu & Korean BBQ

H Mart Food Court, 711 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Housed in the food court of H Mart, this small national chain focuses on the bubbling hot tofu stew known as sundubu-jjigae. The dish features a spicy broth loaded with soft tofu, veggies, noodles (optional), and choice of protein. Other menu items include dolsot bibimbap, fried dumplings, beef short ribs, and bulgogi. Additional SGD Dobu outposts are located in suburban Schaumburg, Glenview, and Oakbrook Terrace.

H Mart Food Court, 711 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(773) 362-8702
(773) 362-8702
A variety of Korean dishes spread out on a table.
Visit H Mart’s food court for warming tofu stew.
SGD Tofu & Korean BBQ [Official Photo]

Ahjoomah's Apron

218 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

One of the few Korean restaurants in Chinatown offers all of the essential soups, noodles, grilled meats, and traditional dishes that one would expect. Whether it’s kimbap or jajangmyeon, both novices and vets will find something to enjoy. Online ordering is available here.

218 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-2800
(312) 326-2800

Kimski

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Kimski reopened in April 2023 with a new menu featuring a ssam plate with Texas-style smoked brisket, a cheesy bulgogi sandwich, and cured salmon. Chef Won Kim is one of the more interesting characters in Chicago’s culinary scene, and the restaurant attached to Maria’s Community Bar is worth a visit. It’s also near Sox Park and Chinatown.

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 823-7336
(773) 823-7336
A plate with rice and cured salmon.
Cured salmon
Aliya Ikhumen/Eater Chicago

Related Maps