Katie F.
Yelp
Having heard good things about Chilgogi and passing this spot for way too long, we decided to shake up our usual work lunch routine and grab a Korean bowl to enjoy at home yesterday.
PRO: The location is easy to spot, with ample parking despite being located in a strip mall!
CON: It's sandwiched in between two bars that use the front stoop of the strip mall as their smoking pit.
PRO: The space is modern, open and provides a ton of seating or areas to wait for pick up. Also featured, various artwork and a breakdown of their menu items.
CON: The whole concept here reminded me of a Korean Chipolte. Each component of the meal is in a case up front, so patrons see each dish being made with scoops of rice, veggies, ect. This style often makes me wonder how long the food has been sitting out, as I've gotten sick at similar places before.
PRO: Patrons are able to order at the counter or online, making the process quick and simple. I opted for the latter, which was easy peasy. I selected our entrée's and paid online before heading for pick up. Delivery is also offered through Doordash.
CON: The online portal states it will notify you once your order is being prepared. After about 20 minutes still waiting for the alert, I figured our meal would be ready for pick up by the time I arrived, which was about 10 minutes later. When I hopped inside, stated I had ordered online, the two behind the counter looked confused. They asked what my name was and said they didn't see my order. After refreshing the system, they both said "oh there you are. We'll get this ready now", which was a little annoying considering I had put the order in more than 30 minutes prior. However, they made our creations in record time.
PRO: The menu highlights customer favorites, provides pictures and great explanations of their various dishes to show ingredients, and offers a wide variety of Korean food. Appetizers, desserts and various teas/sodas/drinks are offered as well.
CON: The menu is pretty small, but gets the classics down.
PRO: Because my mom was joining us, we decided to all get something different, allowing us to sample each other's dishes. I went with the Palate Pleaser (Spicy Pork), while Mom decided on the Stress Reliever (Katsu Fried Chicken) and my husband with the OG favorite Mood Mover (Beef Bulgogi). Each dish featured delicious tender grilled meat, minus the fried chicken which was lightly breaded, a handful of fresh veggies (think peas, carrot, lettuce and green onion) piled over white or brown rice! I also opted for a side of seaweed salad, which accompanied the meal nicely. Portions are decently generous, leaving us with a little bit of leftovers for today.
CON: Ugh. While I found the meat to be delicious, everything else lacked UMPH. I chose a spicy sauce to drench my food in, which was spicy, but that was the only overwhelming flavor I could taste. I found myself adding other sauces I had at home to make the meal less dry and more flavorful. Mom and the hubs weren't all that impressed either. Even eating our leftovers today, the meal was definitely lacking in the flavor department. However, if I hungry, I could have easily finished this entire bowl.
PRO: 10% off your order when you check in on Yelp!
CON: If you pay ahead online, you're unable to use the coupon.
While this meal cured a grumbling tummy, I won't be rushing back to return.