Jilli - Review - Mission - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"There are plenty of bars in the Mission, but only at Jilli can you get a makgeolli flight, rigatoni alla kimchi vodka, and popcorn chicken all in one go. Go to this lively Korean drinking spot (and LA transplant) to sip on some milky rice wine, swap the week’s highlights, and split a few snacks before heading to dinner in the area—focus on that rigatoni or the creamy tuna dip, and skip the too-fatty pork jowl. Aside from a secluded back patio, it’s pretty small, so plan ahead with a reservation. video credit: Julia Chen Food Rundown Rigatoni Alla Kimchi Vodka The best dish here—we wish it was double the size. It packs a creamy punch with the velvety, bacon-dotted sauce (but doesn’t have the expected spice from the kimchi). photo credit: Jessie Clapp Tuna Dip + Trout Roe A great option for the table. Making perfect little bites of tuna dip and roe on the provided crackers is one of our preferred ways to spend a night. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Chimmelier Popcorn KFC Solid, but nothing you’ll be thinking about by the time you leave. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Pork Jowl Jeyuk The pork has a nice smokiness from the charcoal grill, but it’s overwhelmed by fat. PlayMute video credit: Julia Chen Shrimp Toast These bite-sized shrimp toasts are the deep-fried, umami snack you want at a drinking spot like Jilli. No complaints. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Cheese Tteokbokki There’s a definite kick. You’ll just have to use your chopsticks to wade through a mass of torched cheese to find the actual rice cakes. PlayMute video credit: Julia Chen" - Julia Chen