Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Korean restaurant · North Center ·
Authentic Korean BBQ, noodles & bibimbop; BYOB
![Cho Sun Ok Restaurant by Cho Sun Ok [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68759504/ChoSunOk_KimchiJjigae.0.jpg "Cho Sun Ok Restaurant by Cho Sun Ok [Official Photo]")
Authentic Korean BBQ, noodles & bibimbop; BYOB
"Known for it’s BBQ, Cho Sun Ok is as authentic as Korean eats get in Chicago. From the moment you walk inside, you’ll be on sensory overload (in the best of ways). Wafting aromas, sizzling meats and overall authentic vibe help set the stage for a delicious meal. From the plethora of starter dishes to the massive portion sizes, you’re sure to leave feeling full and happy. Most days there’s a decent wait for a table, however, rest assured, it’s well worth the wait (alternatively, take it to go!)." - Anna Affias
"If you want Korean BBQ, the answer is Cho Sun OK—even if you need to travel from another neighborhood to get here. The food is great, but Cho Sun OK is also just an excellent place to hang out. It’s exactly the kind of neighborhood spot that will impress your friends for a fun group dinner (and the fact that it’s BYOB doesn’t hurt). In addition to the BBQ, we really like the seafood pancake and pan-fried dumplings." - josh barnett, sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor
"Waiting in line outside of Cho Sun Ok is basically a Chicago tradition. It's also valuable downtime that lets you catch your breath before this Korean BBQ sprint. Once you're inside, the servers ask for your order shortly after you're seated, so study the menu quickly like you’re cramming for a quiz (the bulgogi, galbi, plus japchae and seafood pajeon is our usual plan of attack). And the food shows up faster than it takes to drink half a can of BYOBeer. Before you know it, the meat is gone, and the staff is making kimchi fried rice on the grill for dessert. It’s an energetic meal, especially with a room full of chatty regulars, and we wouldn’t have it any other way." - nick allen, john ringor, adrian kane
"Seeing the block-long line of people outside Cho Sun Ok in North Center can initially trigger memories of being stuck at the DMV. But luckily, waiting in line for this BYOB spot that’s been around since 1982 will be exponentially more rewarding than getting a replacement license and traumatizing photo. The meat here is cooked in a hot stone bowl on top of gas burners. Some tables have them built-in and others have portable ones, but regardless of your setup, you’re going to have a delicious meal. Sides like chewy japchae or haemul pajeon are great, but focus on the meat, particularly the thinly sliced brisket and the bulgogi bathed in a sweet soy marinade. Leave some room—at the end of your meal the staff mixes your leftover kimchi, bean sprouts, and some rice to make crispy kimchi bokkeumbap as a complimentary “dessert.”" - adrian kane, john ringor
"Cho Sun Ok so often has people waiting outside, standing in line is basically tradition. But the wait is worth it, and it's also a chance to catch your breath before this nonstop Korean BBQ sprint. The servers ask for your order shortly after you're seated, so have a plan ready (get the bulgogi, galbi, plus japchae and seafood pajeon). And the food appears faster than it takes to drink half a can of BYOBeer. Before you know it, the meat is gone, and the staff is making kimchi fried rice on the grill for “dessert.” It’s an energetic meal, especially when you’re in a room full of chatty regulars, and we wouldn’t have it any other way." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
