Woo Lae Oak
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3830
Phone: (847) 870-9910
- 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.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyMost of the appetizer menu is offered in two sizes; the smaller size is an economical way to graze, Korean tapas-style.
Where to SitBe sure to ask for one of the tables with a grill if you want Korean barbecue.
What to DrinkWine 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 ExtrasThe 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
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.
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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