Chicago Kalbi Korean Bbq

This restaurant is located a bit away from Koreatown, but it's definitely worth the visit. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere has a distinct Japanese vibe that's very inviting.

We wanted to celebrate the New Year together and decided to go for some BBQ. I've heard about Chicago Kalbi for quite some time, and this was my first visit. First of all...

I visited for dinner on a weekend. We were fortunate to walk in around 5:30 PM, but by the time we left at 7 PM, there was quite a wait for tables. Chicago Kalbi...

Came by for dinner on a weekend. Although we were able to walk in around 5:30, by 7pm when we walked out there was a decent wait for tables. Chicago Kalbi is a Korean Japanese fusion BBQ place and it was a really interesting experience trying the foods here. The owners are so nice and service was very prompt. Although the interior was simple, it was very lively and loud. The appetizers were all delicious and reasonably priced for the portions. We got the fried oysters which were extremely tender and came with a mild sauce. The meats for grilling are done over charcoal and not gas like many modern BBQ places, which was a fun touch. The meats are all sliced very thinly which was different than KBBQ. They cook very very quickly so be careful for burning. You cook the food yourself (not the attendants). The meat portions were a bit light for the price. You'd need 2-3 servings per person to feel full. Unlike KBBQ the sauces were generally pretty mild. The American wagyu was our favorite, as well as the premium tongue.

Legit old school k bbq. They use charcoal so nough said. Also they have a very special cut which I forget what it's called in English but it's the meat in between the rib bone and tbe rib Meat which is super tender and flavorful. This is a cut you can't even find in Korea so it's very special.