CHIReview

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

A hand cooking bulgogi in a stone bowl at Cho Sun Ok.
7.7

Cho Sun OK

KoreanBBQ

North CenterRavenswood

$$$$Perfect For:BYOBClassic Establishment
Earn 3x points with your sapphire card

Included In

We once rolled up to Cho Sun OK on a Sunday night around 8pm and there was a line out the damn door. You know why? Because this classic Korean BBQ spot is great, everyone knows it, and it's BYOB.

You’ll be hit with wonderful smells of sizzling meat before you make it in the door. Once inside, you'll notice that it’s small, and seems to be filled with a lot of regulars which adds to this place's charm. Bring a lot of friends, and order the bulgogi, galbi, seafood pancake, and some dumplings. Oh, and of course plenty of booze.

A wooden dining room at a Korean BBQ restaurant full of customers.

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

Food Rundown

Gun Mandu

Dumplings can’t be bad. It’s science. They are usually best when given a little pan fry.

Mul Mandu

If you're more of a steamed dumpling person, get these. They're just like the ones above, but instead have a soft, light wrapper with a pleasant chew.

HaeMul PaJeon

A Korean staple, this pancake is made with eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, green onions, and seafood. We're big fans, especially when it's dipped in the tangy, soy dipping sauce that comes on the side.

Bulgogi grilling in a stone plate.

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

Bulgogi

Thin slices of beef marinated in a house specialty sweet and savory sauce. This is the way to go if you're looking to keep things simple.

A plate of grilled kalbi.

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

Galbi-Gui

Sweet, salty, fatty—these short ribs are a must-order.

Nakji-Gui

Our favorite seafood entrée. Thinly sliced octopus that’s cooked in a stone pan at your table. Try not to overcook the octopus—it’s really easy to do. There are also some noodles to mix it with.

Japchae

Sweet potato noodles that come with bits of beef and vegetables. A good non-meat dish to try, even though there’s technically meat involved.

Included In

FOOD RUNDOWN

Suggested Reading

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! image
7.5

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is a tapas in Lincoln Park restaurant that’s been around for a long time. It’s ideal for a lot of occasions.

Mercat a la Planxa image

Good food, but the crowd doesn't match the place. If you're cool with a weird atmosphere, the food won't disappoint.

Greek Islands image

Comforting and reliable Greek food for when you're in the mood to light cheese on fire.

Ron of Japan image

A tradition unlike any other - Ron of Japan for teppanyaki and egg sauce.

Infatuation Logo

Cities

2024 © The Infatuation Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The views and opinions expressed on The Infatuation’s site and other platforms are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of (or endorsement by) JPMorgan Chase. The Infatuation and its affiliates assume no responsibility or liability for the content of this site, or any errors or omissions. The Information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.

FIND PLACES ON OUR APP

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store