Jin Ju

"Classic Korean dishes mingle with inventive cocktails at this modern Andersonville spot. Orders of dol sut bi bim nap arrive served in a sizzling hot stone pot with soybean paste soup on the side, and pair perfectly with cool soju-infused martinis. The restaurant is dimly lit and full of intimate ambience, making it ideal for first dates." - Eater Staff

"Jin Ju’s sleek interior has the ideal mood lighting perfect for assessing your potential connection with “Gary Hinge”, but it also works for a relaxed Korean meal with friends. Regardless of who you're here with, make sure to start off with some mandoo. These dumplings have a thin-but-sturdy wrapper, and they come in two varieties that can be ordered fried or steamed. The beef has perfectly seasoned meat, tofu, and vegetables, while their vegetarian option filled with kimchi is pleasantly tart with a hint of spice. Even if you leave unsure about your date, at least you’ll leave with a newfound love for their mandoo." - john ringor

"For a dinner that feels upscale but doesn’t require closet spelunking for fancy clothes, we go to Jin Ju. This Korean restaurant has been in the neighborhood since 2001, filling its sleek dining space with the aroma of gochujang-barbecued pork ribs, mandoo stuffed with beef and vegetables, and piping hot bowls of kimchi chi gae. And that hearty stew of spicy fermented cabbage, pork, and soft tofu is the best way to thaw out any chin icicles that form during a freezing 20-minute wait for the Clark bus. Though you can eat here with small groups or solo at the bar, the candlelit interior also makes Jin Ju an ideal date night spot." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor

"This Korean restaurant has been in Andersonville since 2001, filling its sleek dining space with the aroma of gochujang-barbecued pork ribs, mandoo filled with beef and vegetables, and piping hot bowls of kimchi chi gae. And that hearty stew of spicy fermented cabbage, pork, and soft tofu is the best way to thaw out the chin icicles that form during a freezing 20-minute wait for the Clark bus. Though you can eat here with a small group or solo at the bar, the intimate candlelit interior also makes Jin Ju an ideal date night spot." - John Ringor

"At MICHELIN Plate restaurant Jin Ju in Chicago, go for steamed or fried mandu with either beef or kimchi—plus bean sprouts and tofu—and pair them with chewy, zingy duk boki, rice cakes in a sweet chili sauce." - Sophie Friedman