Advertisement

Korean Restaurants in Chicago

If you’re craving Korean in Chicago, you’re in luck. This city has a real love affair with Korean cuisine that goes beyond the usual barbecue joints. Sure, spots like Cho Sun Ok in Albany Park serve up stellar soju and pork belly, but don’t sleep on places like Dan Sung Sa in Lincoln Park where late-night Korean fried chicken and crispy japchae make for a perfect hangout.

Hungry around Andersonville? That neighborhood’s got some great lesser-known noodle shops where the handmade kalguksu will warm you up in winter. Also, a quick tip: many Korean restaurants in Chicago stay open late, perfect if you’re wandering Lakeview after a Cubs game. And if you’re in the mood for a DIY experience, a Korean BBQ spot like San Soo Gab San near Old Town offers grills right at your table so you can cook to your own liking.

Oh, and don’t forget to try banchan - those little side dishes that come free with every meal. They change often and give you a real sense of the season and what’s fresh. Just a heads up, some places can be cash-only or get crowded on weekends, so planning ahead never hurts.
🌍 Part of the My Guide Network 180+ destinations worldwide
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Chicago:

If you're booking your trip to Chicago last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Local tips for Korean food

If you’re in Chicago and want to catch a Korean meal that feels like it’s straight from Seoul, try heading to Albany Park. It’s where many Korean immigrants live, so you’ll find family-run spots with authentic flavors, and the prices won’t make you wince.

Pro tip: hit one of the Korean grocery stores like H-mart on Lawrence Avenue. You can grab fresh ingredients or pick up some snacks to snack on while waiting for your table nearby. Also, if you’re a soup lover, Korean kalguksu noodle soup is a soul-soothing choice during chilly Chicago winters. And trust me, it’s better in the neighborhood joints than some of the fancy spots downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Korean food in Chicago? Here’s what I get asked most often.

For authentic Korean BBQ, check out San Soo Gab San near Old Town. It’s a local favorite with great quality meat and the classic tabletop grills so you can cook exactly how you like. Plus, they’re open late, which is a huge plus if you want a late dinner.

Absolutely. Dan Sung Sa in Lincoln Park is popular for late-night Korean fried chicken and soju. Many Korean spots across the city tend to stay open late, especially on weekends, so you’ll have plenty of options after dark.

Albany Park is where a lot of authentic Korean markets and casual noodle spots hang out. If you want homemade-style soups like kalguksu or spicy tteokbokki without the BBQ scene, that’s a great place to head.

Yes! Places like Cho Sun Ok offer some solid vegetarian sides, and you’ll often find dishes like bibimbap that can be customized without meat. Just ask the staff,they’re usually happy to help tweak dishes for you.

Yep, banchan is a big part of the experience here. Expect a variety of small side dishes like kimchi, pickled veggies, and marinated tofu that come complimentary. It’s a nice way to try different flavors as you wait for your main meal.

Explore Restaurants Categories

American (93 places) If you’re craving American food in Chicago, you’re in luck. The city’s got everything from classic old-school diners where you can truly get a Chicago-style breakfast, to places serving up reinv Explore
Seafood (61 places) Chicago might sit on a freshwater lake, but its seafood options stand tall next to any coastal city. You’ll find more than just Lake Michigan whitefish here , think oysters flown in daily, wild Alas Explore
Brunch (48 places) Explore
Steakhouse (44 places) Chicago and steak go hand in hand. The city has a deep history with steakhouses that goes beyond your typical meat-and-potatoes joint. Places like Gene & Georgetti in River North have been flipping pr Explore
Italian (42 places) If you’re craving Italian in Chicago, you’re basically spoiled for choice. This city isn’t just about deep-dish pizza , although yes, places like Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s have perfected Explore
Chinese (27 places) If you find yourself craving Chinese food in Chicago, you’re in luck. The city’s Chinese dining scene stretches way beyond Chinatown’s classic spots. Sure, you can head to the old favorites alon Explore
Mediterranean (27) • Fine Dining (25) • Pub (21) • Mexican (17) •

Top Things To Do in Chicago

See All →

Top Things To Do in Chicago

Click to See All

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Chicago is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations

My Guide Network Locations
Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel