San Soo Ka San
(773) 334-1589
5247 N Western Ave
Chicago,
IL
60625
41.9771
-87.689
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Far North Side
What People Are Saying About San Soo Ka San
The Editor
Peter Behle
Citysearch
The Scene
Discreet, partitioned booths create a sense of privacy perfect for lovers' rendezvous, but the crowd at this Ravenswood staple is equal parts family and couples on dates. Smoke floats over charcoal grills at each table, with the smell of kalbi permeating the air, despite the numerous, powerful vents. Or grab a seat at the sushi bar and avoid the smoke entirely.
The Food
Barbecue lovers be forewarned: Get ready for a parade of food. A stunning dozen or more sides--romaine lettuce, green onions, glass noodles, kimchee, beets, fish, bean sprouts, baby bok choy, rice and more--accompany marinated meats such as beef short rib, ribeye, pork, chicken and adventurous options like broiled octopus or squid. A sweet soy, ginger marinade flavors the meat, sizzling and tender right off the grill. Fried dumplings are standout appetizers, but with this much food plus miso soup, you might not need them. (Photo by Peter Behle)
User Reviews
oppamen
September 21, 2008
Im Korean and lived in Chicago for 15 years. Ive been to this restaurant since I was a kid so I know alot about their service quality. If your looking for restaurant with decent food quality then you can go to this restaurant but if you want decent food and service this is not the right restaurant for you. When I go out to eat I pay 20% or more on tips but not here. My max tip is 10% or NONE. Thats how bad this place is. My last visit to this restaurant ended 1 month ago. I can go to different restaurant with better food and better service. Kang Nam on Kedie and Lawrence is 5-10 min drive from San Soo Gap San and you can get better food and service there.
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redheadache
June 21, 2008
We've been to this place approximately six times as it's close to our house and the food was, in the past, yummy. Every time I've gone the servers have been extraordinarily rude but I always go back because of the food and proximity to my house. They avoid eye contact, take 15 minutes to come to your table and have occasionally run over my foot with a dish cart - seemingly on purpose. If you are on the way to the restroom they will push you out of their way. I have gone in at 2am but have never been drunk, rowdy or loud. Last night was one of those nights when at 2am Korean BBQ seemed like the perfect thing. I went with my boyfriend and they seated us and again, took long enough to come to the table (approximately 15 minutes) that my guy went up to the counter and asked for a server. There were only two other tables with people in the place. After ordering they brought us food about 20 minutes later with 8 of the dirtiest most bland Korean side dishes I've ever seen. The beef they brought us was school cafeteria quality. It was a joke to say the least and we both felt like we were eating hate beef so we paid, and tipped and vowed NEVER to come back to this hateful place. I half expected to be throwing up all night.
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msk0627
May 06, 2008
I have been there couple of times for BBQ. Food is good, meat is average. Atmosphere is good for groups. Service is unbelieverablely bad.... avoid peek time on Sat nights. Once I was with couple of friends having BBQ. 4 guys and 1 girls, obviously will eat alot of food and finish fast. They rushed us to put the meat on the grill and we needed to asked them to refill the charcoals and a new grill so many times and they were trying to avoid us. Then, we saw the meat bones still have chuck of meat on it. So my friend just put the meat bones on the grill. Couple mins later, one waitress/ manager came to us and give us a look and said "haha, why are you eating that, are you a dog?! only dogs would eat that..." Then she laughed as she walked away........ What a insult? Well, all of us just looked at each other but didn't response to her "funny insult" .... What kinda restaurant is that?!... so rude! I have gotten some bad service from other restaurants, but not like this time... and we paid for it.
read full reviewThe Details on San Soo Ka San
The Extras:
Craving maki? The eatery operates a sushi bar (every day but Wednesday) in the adjacent dining room. Chef Chuck is happy to create something special, so feel free to chat before ordering.
Know Before You Go:
First-timers to the Korean barbecue experience receive extra attentive service. If you don't know what you're doing, ask for help. Servers will suggest how to pair your meat with other condiments and even cook the meat if you'd rather not do it yourself.
When to Go:
Late night, barhoppers hungry for a big feed bring their rowdiness here. Expect a crowd, even at 2am.
Category:
Restaurants, Barbecue Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Breakfast, Family-Friendly Dining, Hidden Find, Group Dining
