A place to enjoy
Discover Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant is a hidden gem in Chicago, renowned for its authentic Korean cuisine that captures the true flavors of Seoul. Though the space may be modest, the vibrant atmosphere and dedicated staff work tirelessly to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Diners rave about standout dishes, including the Beef SunDuBu JiGae and Galbi, complemented by incredible banchan that taste fresh and delightful. While some guests note that service can feel rushed in a busy setting, the culinary delights more than compensate. If you're seeking an authentic taste of Korea, Cho Sun Ok is the ideal destination to indulge your palate.
About the Place
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Welcome to Cho Sun Ok Restaurant, a hidden gem located at 4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, where the spirit of Korean cuisine thrives in every bite. This restaurant has cultivated a reputation for offering the closest experience to authentic Korean barbecue (KBBQ) found in Seoul, delighting both locals and visitors alike. Affordable yet rich in flavor, Cho Sun Ok is more than just a dining location; it's a journey into the heart of Korean culinary traditions.
Guests rave about Cho Sun Ok's offerings, with dishes that reflect true Korean flavors. Elizabeth Lee, a loyal patron, exclaims it's the "BEST Korean spot in the city" and celebrates the restaurant's beloved dipping sauces and barbecue flavors. The Galbi, a tender and flavorful marinated short rib, and the iconic Beef SunDuBu JiGae have been highlighted by many for their quality and authentic taste. The banchan—traditional side dishes—are a highlight, often receiving praise for their freshness and delightful flavors.
Despite the bustling environment, where the staff can sometimes seem reserved, it's the food that speaks volumes. Another customer, Allison Kojima, humorously rates the service a "0/5" while enthusiastically giving the food a "5/5." This captures the essence of the dining experience at Cho Sun Ok: while the ambiance may be modest and the service straightforward, the incredible dishes keep drawing patrons back. For many, the lack of small talk is merely a testament to the hard work of the staff, who maintain a focus on delivering great food even during peak hours.
As you step inside Cho Sun Ok, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere filled with the warm, tantalizing aromas of sizzling meats and savory stews. With each visit, you'll discover dishes like the Yukgaejang—a hearty Korean beef soup, which one customer found exceptional, despite their critique of the beef's tenderness. The intimate setting invites you to relish the vibrancy of this cuisine while immersing yourself in the culture it embodies.
For those seeking an immersive Korean dining experience, Cho Sun Ok Restaurant assures that you’ll leave with not just a full belly but a heart full of memories. Whether it's your first visit or your fortieth, this restaurant promises a taste of authenticity that resonates with both heritage and flavor. Do call ahead at +1 773-549-5555 to secure your spot and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that echoes the heart of Seoul in the Windy City.
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“ BEST Korean spot in the city to me and all my Korean friends here- closest kbbq flavors and dipping sauces to Seoul. Too many reviews complain about service. It was packed when I was there, but the servers go around and cut the meat, fry the rice, etc. If you're used to small talk and smiles with your servers you might not like it, but this is very typical for a busy Asian restaurant imo. They don't rush you out, they're just rushing around themselves. If you want authentic, this is it. ”
“ Although the service is a 0/5 (the ajuhma’s here don’t gaf), the food is a 5/5 hahaha The inside isn’t very spacious but my friend and I were able to get seated right away. We were originally going to order some cold noodles but since they ran out, we ended up getting the Beef SunDuBu JiGae and the Galbi. The banchan here is fantastic- every dish tasted so fresh and delicious. The sudubu was very savory and flavorful, it’s one of the best ones I’ve had in a while. As for the Galbi, the cut of meat is thicker than all the Korean restaurants I’ve ever been to but it’s also one of the best one’s I’ve had. Super tender and juicy- I still think about it from time to time haha. That being said, if you are expecting good customer service (even just OK/mid), this is not the place. Cho Sun Ok is strictly to just eat good Korean food and leave when you’re done. Note: The restaurant says it closes at 9:30 and let me tell you, the ajuhmas and cooks are wiping down tables and putting up chairs by 9:20 so if you’re coming in 30 minutes before closing, I’m wishing you the best of luck ”
“ Restaurant is very small but still has an authentic feel to it. Service is okay at best, but the food is worth going back for. Definitely one of the most authentic tasting Korean places I’ve tried. ”
“ This is my second time here, but it’s still the best Korean restaurant in Chicago hands down. The Ajumma lady suggested I try yukgaejang, which was phenomenal except for the beef (too hard for me). ”
“ What an amazing experience I had. The food was amazing. I order the intestine dish, and it blew me away. Although the restaurant is small, it is very cozy. I definitely felt like I got to experience an authentic Korean meal. The staff were very attentive. Even though they had a full house, they kept checking on us and helping us throughout the meal. I would love to come here again. ”