Sunday, 19 October 2008

• San Soo Gab San Korean BBQ

  5247 N Western Ave
  Chicago, IL 60625
  773-334-1589

  On our first day in Chicago we arrived fairly late at night.  While waiting for all my friends to arrive from their various cities, I had McDonald's Chicken McNuggets at the food court to tie down my hunger.  I've been in the States long enough to actually prefer the US BBQ sauce over the Canadian one.  What's your favorite dipping sauce for McNuggets?

  Anyways, back to my review of San Soo Gab San.  It was already so late but we were all hungry so my friend brought us to Korean BBQ.  Meat is always good... as long as you're not vegetarian.

  A small unassuming exterior:

  

  Those are some crazy opening hours (10am - 5am).  From the outside this restaurant doesn't stand out.  The parking lot is very small so you'll likely need to park on the nearby neighbourhood streets.

  A cloudy interior:

  

  There are so many people BBQ'ing and poor ventilation keep the restaurant smoky.  The cold outside Chicago night also contributes.

  All the side dishes:

  

  Umm... I can't even name half the stuff here.  There is kim chi :)  Some of the items, like the fish cake patties or egg patty, I like cooking it over the grill - makes it more tasty.

  The fire/grill:

  

  This is real coal and wood!  What other Korean BBQ restaurant gives you this?

  Raw Beef Ribs:

  

  Spicy Pork:

  

  Cooking the meat:

  

  The beef was definitely better than the pork.  The grill top felt small for our party of 5.

  

  The food cooks fast and the serves switch your grill top when there's too much burnt stuff on it.

  Tofu Soup:

  

  Very refreshing with a hint of spiciness which tickled my tongue.  I like this soup.  I wish there were some seafood inside too.

  The beef and pork meat were very fresh and had a good balance of fat (to keep the meat moist while cooking over the grill) and lean (so you're not eating balls of fat).  They are very busy in the late evening but service was very approachable and friendly.  The seating area is very plain wood benches and it's a loud environment with a lot moving around so it isn't a prime location for a romantic setting.  For what it is, a late night Korean BBQ restaurant, San Soo Gab San delivers in spades and I would definitely recommend anyone in the Chicago area to give this place a visit.

  Eric Tummy Points: 4 out of 5

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