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Woo Lae Oak

3201 Algonquin Rd
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3830
Phone: (847) 870-9910
Citysearch
Price:
$$$
Cross Street:
Newport Drive
Hours:
Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Editorial Review for Woo Lae Oak – by Alice Van Housen

The Scene
A predominantly Asian audience flocks to this large, upscale link in an international chain, with warm wood decor, a rotunda ceiling in the main room and plush horseshoe booths. While built-in grills grace most tables, the staff does the grilling for you. Service is friendly, though you may encounter a language barrier.

The Food
The exhaustive Korean menu with many intriguing options is almost universally well-executed--compensating for higher prices and smaller portions compared to most neighborhood Korean spots. Barbecue options abound, with the usual suspects (with various savory and pickled sides, plus lettuce wraps) and then some (scallops, tripe, liver, black boar). Traditional hot pots (beef, seafood, vegetarian) are also cooked at the table. Appealing oddities include giant clams with custardy breading and rib-sticking abalone-rice porridge. The star of the show is the chef's special black cod with vegetables, an exotic and delectable dish in a kicky pepper paste-based sauce.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Save Money

Most of the appetizer menu is offered in two sizes; the smaller size is an economical way to graze, Korean tapas-style.

Where to Sit

Be sure to ask for one of the tables with a grill if you want Korean barbecue.

What to Drink

Wine offerings are limited, so try a small bottle of soju; a vodka/sake-like spirit, this version is made from barley, sweet potato and tapioca.

The Extras

The chef's "special dinner" of eight courses for $40 is a relative bargain and a great way to try a variety of dishes.

User Reviews for Woo Lae Oak

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/06/2006 Posted by thebigkahuna66

Excellent service. Ambience was desireable. The food was excellent. I had the Bul Go Gi lunchbox which I highly reccommend. I'll reccommend this restaurant to friends and family.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/19/2003 Posted by livetoeat8

Woo Lae Oak chains do not have the same menu. There is one particular item that I was looking forward to but the Chicago Restaurant did not have. Atmosphere and service was excellent but a little bit on the steep side.

Pros: Service, Atmosphere

Cons: Price, Quantity

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Editor's Review

An enormous menu of Korean fare (including unusual barbecue options) in an upscale suburban spot.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Save Money

Most of the appetizer menu is offered in two sizes; the smaller size is an economical way to graze, Korean tapas-style.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • At the bar

Parking

  • Lot

Hours

  • Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm
  • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Types

  • Diners Club
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Discover

Cuisines

  • Korean

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Family Style
  • Lunch Spot
  • Open 7 Days
  • Prix Fixe Menus
  • Group Dining
  • Date Spot
  • Kid Friendly

Near This Location

3201 Algonquin Rd
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3830

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