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Korean Food in the North Shore & North Suburbs?

Korean Food in the North Shore & North Suburbs?
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  • Korean Food in the North Shore & North Suburbs?

    Post #1 - March 7th, 2008, 8:56 pm
    Post #1 - March 7th, 2008, 8:56 pm Post #1 - March 7th, 2008, 8:56 pm
    I know all about the great Korean restaurants in the city, but does anyone know where I can get my dol sot bim bim bop fix in the north shore? I'm looking for a place that also serves lots of yummy panchan. Thanks!
  • Post #2 - March 8th, 2008, 9:48 am
    Post #2 - March 8th, 2008, 9:48 am Post #2 - March 8th, 2008, 9:48 am
    Hi,

    Precisely north shore, I don't think you get much satisfaction.

    There are Korean restaurants on Dempster west of the Edens. There are Korean restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue with a number between Saunders road to Golf and a bit further south as well as on Golf Road. H-Mart at Oakton and Waukegan Roads has Korean in their food court. In Vernon Hills where Route 60 transforms from an east-west to a north-bound road, there is a Korean restaurant. In Deerfield, there is a Korean at Milwaukee and Deerfield Roads. In Evanston, the Evanston Diner on Chicago Avenue offers a Korean and American menu.

    If you notice I hardly refer to them by name, because I don't really know the names. If you do go, then please report back on your experiences good or bad.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #3 - March 8th, 2008, 1:05 pm
    Post #3 - March 8th, 2008, 1:05 pm Post #3 - March 8th, 2008, 1:05 pm
    There's also take out Korean at the Grocery store at Dundee and Landwehr. There's take out and a small counter for eating in at the Hyindai market at Willow and Pfingsten.
  • Post #4 - March 8th, 2008, 1:20 pm
    Post #4 - March 8th, 2008, 1:20 pm Post #4 - March 8th, 2008, 1:20 pm
    I've eaten at Seoul Garden at Sanders and Milwaukee (I think that's technically Northbrook there, which claims to be North Shore, even though it lacks an actual shore). Pretty good, not a very wide menu, very dark inside. Less than average panchan.

    In the block between there and Lake, there's at least two other Korean restaurants I haven't eaten at, plus Szechuan Kingdom has some Korean on the menu (they're pretty good for Chinese), and Korean at the Japanese place in the center behind Dunkin Donuts at Lake and Milwaukee. Better Korean can be had on Elmhurst Rd. between Golf and Oakton -- there must be four or so places there.

    None of the places I've been to in the burbs do live coal grilling -- a gas burner with a dome is the best you'll find, a few places will bring out a portable burner.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #5 - March 8th, 2008, 2:20 pm
    Post #5 - March 8th, 2008, 2:20 pm Post #5 - March 8th, 2008, 2:20 pm
    In Evanston, there's a Korean-Chinese place on Noyes, west of Sherman, north side of the street, in the row of stores just east of D&D. I haven't eaten there since my university days (um, some *cough* 15 years ago), but last time I was up there, the place was still in business. I had no experience in Korean food at the time, but my next door neighbor, who was Korean, vouched for the authenticity of the bi bim bop.
  • Post #6 - March 8th, 2008, 2:33 pm
    Post #6 - March 8th, 2008, 2:33 pm Post #6 - March 8th, 2008, 2:33 pm
    Eng's Orient Express, which seems to be mostly Chinese, does offer dolsot dishes: they don't specify Bi Bim Bop, but have a section labeled "Korean Stone Bowl Rice" with a variety of flavors, including "kimchi and beef" I don't think Evanston Grill has stone bowls, but then I never asked - and I didn't see panchan at either place (again, didn't ask.)

    Really, there are so many excellent options just a short drive into the City or a bit west that we usually make a trip for Korean.
  • Post #7 - March 8th, 2008, 2:45 pm
    Post #7 - March 8th, 2008, 2:45 pm Post #7 - March 8th, 2008, 2:45 pm
    Hi,

    The Korean place in Vernon Hills does have dol sot bi bim bop or at least they did 2 years ago.

    Evanston Diner does not have the dol sot, though they do have the regular in steel bowls. Sorry I forgot to pick up on that detail earlier.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #8 - March 8th, 2008, 5:21 pm
    Post #8 - March 8th, 2008, 5:21 pm Post #8 - March 8th, 2008, 5:21 pm
    Near the Northwestern campus on Clark Street (near Sherman) is J.K. Sweets, which has some Korean food, including Bi Bim Bop and several other basic Korean dishes. While it is not the most subtle Korean food around, it is well-prepared.
  • Post #9 - March 8th, 2008, 6:24 pm
    Post #9 - March 8th, 2008, 6:24 pm Post #9 - March 8th, 2008, 6:24 pm
    chgoeditor wrote:In Evanston, there's a Korean-Chinese place on Noyes, west of Sherman, north side of the street, in the row of stores just east of D&D.


    That's Mandarin House (yeah, I know it doesn't sound particularly Korean) and CrazyC organized an Evanston Lunch there a couple of years ago (sorry, can't find the link to that event).

    Mandarin House
    819 Noyes St., Evanston
    (847) 869-4344.
  • Post #10 - March 8th, 2008, 7:18 pm
    Post #10 - March 8th, 2008, 7:18 pm Post #10 - March 8th, 2008, 7:18 pm
    Wow, I'd forgotten that Mandarin House is still there -- used to eat there when I went to NU in the '80s. First man doo and bi bim bap I'd ever had was there.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #11 - March 8th, 2008, 7:36 pm
    Post #11 - March 8th, 2008, 7:36 pm Post #11 - March 8th, 2008, 7:36 pm
    And I'd forgotten completely about JK Sweets, where years ago, Jason and I used to go for California Rolls when we were feeling flush on payday...
  • Post #12 - March 8th, 2008, 11:17 pm
    Post #12 - March 8th, 2008, 11:17 pm Post #12 - March 8th, 2008, 11:17 pm
    JK Sweets. I've totally forgotten about this odd casserole of an eating establishment. Coffee? Ice cream? Korean Food? I can't remember all the things they offered, but it has been many years since I've been in. Looks like a lunch trip is due this upcoming week...
    Did you know there is an LTHforum Flickr group? I just found it...
  • Post #13 - March 10th, 2008, 8:43 am
    Post #13 - March 10th, 2008, 8:43 am Post #13 - March 10th, 2008, 8:43 am
    The Korean restaurant that was mentioned at Deerfied Road and Milwaukee Avenue is Pine Garden, 1121 Milwaukee Ave, Riverwoods, IL 60015. Phone number is 847-419-0011. This is a very nice family run operation. Food and service have always been very good. Dolsot Bibim Bap is very good (especailly on a cold day like this :D ) Plenty of tasty sides as well as a nice "oniony" egg-drop soup.
  • Post #14 - March 10th, 2008, 9:42 am
    Post #14 - March 10th, 2008, 9:42 am Post #14 - March 10th, 2008, 9:42 am
    RMA wrote:The Korean restaurant that was mentioned at Deerfied Road and Milwaukee Avenue is Pine Garden, 1121 Milwaukee Ave, Riverwoods, IL 60015. Phone number is 847-419-0011. This is a very nice family run operation. Food and service have always been very good. Dolsot Bibim Bap is very good (especailly on a cold day like this :D ) Plenty of tasty sides as well as a nice "oniony" egg-drop soup.

    Is this in the same strip mall as Won Ton Express?

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #15 - March 10th, 2008, 9:46 am
    Post #15 - March 10th, 2008, 9:46 am Post #15 - March 10th, 2008, 9:46 am
    ronnie_suburban wrote:
    RMA wrote:The Korean restaurant that was mentioned at Deerfied Road and Milwaukee Avenue is Pine Garden, 1121 Milwaukee Ave, Riverwoods, IL 60015. Phone number is 847-419-0011. This is a very nice family run operation. Food and service have always been very good. Dolsot Bibim Bap is very good (especailly on a cold day like this :D ) Plenty of tasty sides as well as a nice "oniony" egg-drop soup.

    Is this in the same strip mall as Won Ton Express?

    =R=


    This is at the corner L-shaped strip mall at Deerfield and Milwaukee just south of Won Ton Express.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #16 - March 10th, 2008, 9:49 am
    Post #16 - March 10th, 2008, 9:49 am Post #16 - March 10th, 2008, 9:49 am
    Cathy2 wrote:
    ronnie_suburban wrote:
    RMA wrote:The Korean restaurant that was mentioned at Deerfied Road and Milwaukee Avenue is Pine Garden, 1121 Milwaukee Ave, Riverwoods, IL 60015. Phone number is 847-419-0011. This is a very nice family run operation. Food and service have always been very good. Dolsot Bibim Bap is very good (especailly on a cold day like this :D ) Plenty of tasty sides as well as a nice "oniony" egg-drop soup.

    Is this in the same strip mall as Won Ton Express?

    =R=


    This is at the corner L-shaped strip mall at Deerfield and Milwaukee just south of Won Ton Express.

    Regards,

    Got it. Thanks.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #17 - March 10th, 2008, 10:03 am
    Post #17 - March 10th, 2008, 10:03 am Post #17 - March 10th, 2008, 10:03 am
    JK Sweets, while fairly good, has neither the panchan nor the dolsot bibimbap the OP is after. They have recently begun offering more specials, such as duk guk, which are worth trying. In Evanston, Joy Yee's has dolsot bibimbap and it's OK (probably the best way to describe any offering at Joy Yee's). At 2660 Golf Rd. in Glenview is Go Ba Woo, which, although I've not been in a while, should satisfy both of the OP's requests nicely.
  • Post #18 - March 10th, 2008, 3:13 pm
    Post #18 - March 10th, 2008, 3:13 pm Post #18 - March 10th, 2008, 3:13 pm
    I wouldn't exactly call Glenview North Shore, but it has several Korean restaurants. I've had the dolsot bibimbop at Cho Jung, and it was very good.

    Cho Jung Restaurant
    Olympia Shopping Center
    952 Harlem Ave., Glenview
    847/742-1111

    Kochijip Restaurant
    773 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
    847/486-8048
  • Post #19 - March 13th, 2008, 2:57 pm
    Post #19 - March 13th, 2008, 2:57 pm Post #19 - March 13th, 2008, 2:57 pm
    ChgoMike wrote:Looks like a lunch trip is due this upcoming week...


    On this lovely day that made me believe spring can... perhaps... might be near, I took a walk down the block to JK Sweets. As I had remembered, the service was indeed friendly and the menu was diverse.

    I came for the Bi Bim Bop and it was fine. Within the Peoples Republic of Evanston, I'd place it a smidge behind Evanston Grill and a tad better than Mandarin House. I also happen to like the version served at Blind Faith that's done with seitan, but I think it's too different for comparison purposes.

    If we ever do get another spring-like day, I'll take another walk down the block and try some of their other Korean offerings. And some ice cream. And some french fries. Maybe their coffee, too.

    Did I mention they have a diverse menu?

    JK Sweets
    720 1/2 Clark Street
    Evanston
    Last edited by ChgoMike on March 13th, 2008, 3:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
    Did you know there is an LTHforum Flickr group? I just found it...
  • Post #20 - March 13th, 2008, 3:08 pm
    Post #20 - March 13th, 2008, 3:08 pm Post #20 - March 13th, 2008, 3:08 pm
    Hi,

    To keep this list complete, please note TTOWA Chicken Dumpling House is reviewed in a separate thread.

    TTOWA Chicken Dumpling House
    5844 Dempster St
    Morton Grove, IL 60053
    Tel: 847/967-0066
    Closed Sunday
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #21 - April 9th, 2008, 8:03 am
    Post #21 - April 9th, 2008, 8:03 am Post #21 - April 9th, 2008, 8:03 am
    JK Sweets apparently changed ownership last year...now I really need to stop by.
  • Post #22 - November 3rd, 2009, 1:41 pm
    Post #22 - November 3rd, 2009, 1:41 pm Post #22 - November 3rd, 2009, 1:41 pm
    Well, I ate at Pine Garden for lunch and was disappointed. I order Bi Bim Bop, a favorite of mine from the time I lived in Korea. This has to be the first time I ordered a dish from anywhere, received it in under 5 minutes and had it cold. The rice cold, the meat cold. They were very light on the meat as well. I did like the assortment of kimchi they provided. It was not all heat, There was a bean sprout and soybean dish, smoke eel, beef and potatoe, soup, and 5 other varieties. It definately had potential. Just having something served cold when you know it should be hot is a turnoff.
    Dave

    Bourbon, The United States of America's OFFICIAL Spirit.
  • Post #23 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:01 pm
    Post #23 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:01 pm Post #23 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:01 pm
    Just curious - did you order Dolsot Bi Bim Bop or just Bi Bim Bop. If you did not specify they may have just given you the regualr instead of the dolsot which is served hot in a stone bowl. I've eaten there a lot and have never had a problem of it being served hot. I agree that they can be a little light on the meat and always ask for extra.
  • Post #24 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:51 pm
    Post #24 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:51 pm Post #24 - November 3rd, 2009, 2:51 pm
    I did not order it dol sot which sounds like how I used to order it in Korea. I will have to make a return trip and check it out
    Dave

    Bourbon, The United States of America's OFFICIAL Spirit.
  • Post #25 - November 3rd, 2009, 3:36 pm
    Post #25 - November 3rd, 2009, 3:36 pm Post #25 - November 3rd, 2009, 3:36 pm
    I was stuck in Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove late one night last week and had a serviceable dinner at Kum Kang San Restaurant on Dundee. There are lots of Korean owned business in the area of Dundee and Arlington heights Rd. Bbq rooms are not charcoal fired, but the pork belly, short rib and bulgogi were all very tasty. Dolsit bibimbop and nice dumpling appetizer were also tasty. We received 7 or 8 panchan for our party of 3.

    Kum Kang San
    1333 W Dundee Rd
    Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
    (847) 483-9000
  • Post #26 - November 4th, 2009, 10:28 am
    Post #26 - November 4th, 2009, 10:28 am Post #26 - November 4th, 2009, 10:28 am
    The Korean place in Vernon Hills does have dol sot bi bim bop

    This is the Blue House, in Mundelein, actually, on Route 60 just west of Butterfield:

    1484 Townline Rd
    Mundelein, IL 60060-4433
    (847) 566-2647
    Tues - Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00

    No website, but they do have a Facebook page (no menu posted, though, as of today).

    We like the Blue House.
    "Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
  • Post #27 - November 11th, 2010, 6:05 pm
    Post #27 - November 11th, 2010, 6:05 pm Post #27 - November 11th, 2010, 6:05 pm
    ChgoMike wrote:On this lovely day that made me believe spring can... perhaps... might be near, I took a walk down the block to JK Sweets. As I had remembered, the service was indeed friendly and the menu was diverse....
    If we ever do get another spring-like day, I'll take another walk down the block and try some of their other Korean offerings. And some ice cream. And some french fries. Maybe their coffee, too.
    Did I mention they have a diverse menu?

    JK Sweets
    720 1/2 Clark Street
    Evanston


    The windows of JK Sweets are now papered over, and the sign on the door says, "Opening soon under new management." Wonder if the menu will still offer Korean food--or be as wonderfully diverse?
    "Life is a combination of magic and pasta." -- Federico Fellini

    "You're not going to like it in Chicago. The wind comes howling in from the lake. And there's practically no opera season at all--and the Lord only knows whether they've ever heard of lobster Newburg." --Charles Foster Kane, Citizen Kane.
  • Post #28 - July 26th, 2021, 2:38 pm
    Post #28 - July 26th, 2021, 2:38 pm Post #28 - July 26th, 2021, 2:38 pm
    Looking for something specific. Maybe someone can help? North suburbs, preferably non-bbq-focused, and takes reservations. If anyone has any thoughts, please share.

    Thanks,

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #29 - July 26th, 2021, 2:46 pm
    Post #29 - July 26th, 2021, 2:46 pm Post #29 - July 26th, 2021, 2:46 pm
    TTOWA?
  • Post #30 - July 26th, 2021, 2:54 pm
    Post #30 - July 26th, 2021, 2:54 pm Post #30 - July 26th, 2021, 2:54 pm
    cilantro wrote:TTOWA?

    Thank you. Very good call but the friends we're going with were just there on Friday, so we need some alternatives.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world

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