mmm_good "I like food... but only when it's good."

This is my favorite Chicago Korean BBQ joint as it offers great tasting traditional Korean BBQ food. Food wise, the flavors of the various meats were consistent with better tasting Korean BBQ joints. In addition, the menu offers a wide range of meal choices. Service wise, well it’s an Asian Mom & Pop shop so the service was typical of such establishments (i.e. definitely do not expect a fine dining experience). Cost wise, well worth the buck as the portion/cost ratio was quite reasonable; the added bonus of it actually tasting good makes it an even better buy. Decor wise, again don’t expect much.

All in all, out of all the times I dined here (this was a favorite amongst my group of friends), I’ve always had a delicious meal. And yes, I did get cravings for this place; and, that has got to be a sign of a good restaurant, no?

At first glance, you’ll see a line of people out the door. You’ll think, surely these people are mad. Why would they wait for a burger? And, then you think there must be a reason to their madness and so you wait in line too. Finally, you’re told to sit over there on that stool. You do and then you look at the menu. It’s sparse so you look around and take a sniff of that glorious scent in the air. Everyone else is eating a Hickory burger, you must too. And then the burger arrives, you take your first bite. **** Your heart stops beating**** You think, “Damn, that’s one good burger.” So, there you have it. Yes, this burger is that good… it is worth waiting in line… it is worth siting at some no frills restaurant counter… it is what it is… Damn good.

Nice thing about this place is that if you want to get a Luger-like steak without going to Brooklyn (I shudder at the thought of leaving Manhattan), this place will suffice. I personally like the Tribeca location as I’ve found that it’s easier to get an RSVP here on the weekends and the waitstaff is borderline great, just short of excellent. I prefer to highlight the steak as the sides leave me rather unimpressed, especially the German potatoes and the creamed spinach. I usually order steak for the number of people in the party minus one. The steak portions are huge as porterhouse cuts are served. The very tasty meat makes up for the drab side dishes. Other highlights are the lobster/shrimp cocktails. The seafood here is always quite fresh and sweet. Nice selection of wines, huge range in price as well as varieties and wineries offered. The pastries were average in quality but were elevated to new levels via the dollops of whipped cream added on the side. The steak quality is definitely there and it’s location make for a very satisfying meal.

You’ll get some pretty fresh fish here. Can’t say you’ll be happy with what you ordered undoubtedly. You won’t be overwhelmed with glee… just satisfied, that is hopefully. Is it worth the price? No, not considering that you’ll be paying a good chunk of change for sushi and still be left hungry. Don’t get me wrong, the quality is definitely here. But, for me personally, I just feel paying that much for a joint that is basically a “mom & pop” Japanese restuarant with minimal (and may I add cheesy) decorations, average waitservice, typical presentation, and a cramped restaurant front is wrong. I’d actually give this place a 3.5 star but since this isn’t possible I’m rounding down. Guess you should just try it out and see what you think of this place.

Other FYI’s: expect to wait a long time to be seated as no RSVPs are accepted; it’s cash only unless you have an AMEX card (never leave home without it haha…); this place will close randomly (apparently it does so well it will close early on a Saturday night if the owners feel like it).

This is a pretty good pizza joint when it comes to NY style pizza. Is it the best? Depends on your preference for pizza styles. This is a thin crust, gourmet type of pizza. Very good crust and excellent selection in quality and variety of toppings. Nice destination point should you ever choose to leave the confines of Manhattan and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s conveniently located at the foot of the bridge and makes for a great meal after such a journey.

Not much to say about this place other than it is definitely worth trying for a quick to-go meal. Pros: Tasty (hits the spot for late nite cravings); fast (even when the line is out the door); cheap; large variety of menu items. Cons: Tight space; minimal seating area.

Yeah, so when I’m craving Korean BBQ I frequent Shilla. Flavorful, quality meats, delicious side dishes, attentive service (this is rare in a lot of Asian restaurants), clean facilities, well-appointed furnishings/decorations, reasonable prices. What’s not to like about this place? In my experience I’ve never had to wait for a table as it’s a rather large, three level restaurant. This also makes it a great place to go to with large groups. My only suggestion is that it could use some background music. My mom in-law is a fastidious eater, so if this place can make her walk out of there with a stuffed belly and a smile across her face then it definitely deserves a thumbs up. Final note, and this may or not be to your liking, if you get only one order of a meat dish such as the bulgogi or the kalbi, it will be cooked in the kitchen for you. I’m apt to that approach as I can enjoy my meal without smelling like BBQ afterwards.

I’ve tried a ton of the Korean BBQ restaurants in the area and this is by far my favorite one to go to. Just about everything on the menu is good so give it a shot!

Wasn’t really impressed with the meal here. The presentation was outstanding but overall the flavors were lackluster and the portions were not worth the cost. Also the fish quality was just average. I actually prefer Kamehachi a half mile down the road (the oyster shooters there are raging!). Excellent cocktails and a nice place to people-watch though.

A modern restaurant located in Downtown Chicago. The big deal about this restaurant are the wine flights. For a modest amount, you can choose various wine flights (i.e. several wine tastes of a particular type or region). This is a great way to ascertain the qualities of a wine you like or dislike on the spot. It serves American Contemporary dishes. And, to my recollection, the food was rather unremarkable (I don’t yearn for it but neither did I feel disappointed after the meal). The dessert dishes were pretty but not delicious. I found the service borderline pretentious. Despite it’s grand size, this place is always packed though so be sure to make an RSVP. I’ve been here 3 times now and have even taken people out here (they’ve always been pleased with it). So, would I go back again? Sure, but it would be more for the the wine and cheese. And that’s why I’m giving it the 4 stars instead of the 3 (I would otherwise give it a 3.5)

Giving it a 4 instead of a 3 b/c of its trendy ambiance: Modern, cozy, and minimalistic. I like scenes like this. And if you do too, you’ll be happy you ate here.

Now onto the food: fresh fish, innovative and invigorating dishes, fantastic presentation, huge variety of fish. We had both sushi and hot meal entrees. Nice selection of cocktails, wines, and sake. Definitely glad I made it out here.

Drawbacks: the meal will cost you a pretty penny plus some; miniscule portions (small but delicious).

Service: Our waitstaff did a fine job of taking care of us. Drinks and dishes came out promptly. Our cups were always full. Excellent recommendations were made.

Just remember to make a reservation ahead of time. This place fills up quick.

For my next visit, I plan on trying out the omakase meal.