Red Top Grill

06/18/08

Fabulous, affordable, Korean food in a relaxed yet clean and cool atmosphere

by NotSoFluffy at Citysearch

I took a friend after I was told I "had to go". I have never been big on Asian cuisine, but this menu is amazing. The Kimchee and Vegetable pancakes are a must have, as well as the beef Bulgogi!! I ordered WAY too much, but took it home and reheated it the next day and it was great.

The service was impeccable and I appreciate that the whole place is very very clean. Lovely atmosphere and the parking was not bad. We stayed quite a long time, but I never felt that they wanted to get the table "turned", and the waiter kept coming by to check but never interrupted the conversation. Love that!

There isn't anyone I would not send to this restaurant, as you can go as hot or mild as you like, and there are dishes that are good for timid eaters as well as the adventurous ones. Can't wait to go back.

• Pros: Price, food, selection, service

02/12/08

awesome banchan

by jinnycocoran at Citysearch

yeah the restaurant name is bizarre...but it's pretty cozy inside and their banchan is really fresh..if you don't feel like drive up north for korean food this is the place to go.. i hope korean food does not become so americanized...you can not americanize the korean food like sushi is becoming..

02/11/08

Savory Korean cuisine--including DIY barbecue--sizzles in a swanky, modern Old Town setting.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Minimal-chic environs with an inset stone wall and mirrors are divided by a dining bar with built-in grills. Tables behind this bar pile patrons on top of each other; staff efforts to serve over the low divider emphasize the awkwardness. At peak times, smoke from the "smokeless" grills fills the room. Several dishes may sit 'til your meal ends--when the check is plunked down unceremoniously with sticks of gum (translation: no dessert). And yet, we'll be back.

The Food
With the exception of a gummy kim chee pancake, Korean fare is almost universally fabulous. A dozen intriguing condiments (e.g., tofu, dried seafood) accompany traditional lettuce-wrapped barbecue (DIY or they'll do it for you). Dolsot bi bim bop, the classic cooked in a stone bowl, melds warm egg yolk, vibrantly spicy sauce, rice and vegetables into heavenly comfort food. A spicy-savory hot pot you could easily overlook is worth a return trip.

Hits
This upscale-for-DIY sleeper serves fabulous food at reasonable prices.

Misses
Clued-out service and smoky surroundings may suggest takeout.

(Photo by Jasmin Shah)

12/09/07

mean galbi

by kelly345 at Citysearch

chef choe can cook up some mean galbi..better than sansoo bab san north.... but i heard he might not be around in this location much longer.. ..only go there when he is around.. not some mexican people cooking for you...watch out for his new restaurant soon

12/08/07

Authentic Korean Food in a Central Location

by cempelsan at Citysearch

Red Top Grill (in the process of changing its name to BBop Lounge) has finally filled what I have always thought is a major gap: good, authentic Korean restaurants in a nice environment and central location. BBop is a place where both Korean food first-timers and Korean nationals can feel comfortable.

I lived in Korea for the last 2 years, and my wife is Korean, and we both give high ratings to the chef. We tried the beef kalbi, kimchee jigae (soup), and kimchee pajeon: all were made with good ingredients and were not too salty, as some Korean food can be. The side dishes were plentiful and unlimited (as they should be at a true Korean restaurant), but interestingly the rice was also unlimited. Needless to say, we left the restaurant feeling quite satisfied.

Three things set this restaurant apart from the older-style traditional restaurants in the city:

- The service was impecable.

- The decor has a modern lounge-like atmospher.

- The location is in Old Town, just south of the Brown Line Sedgwick station, making it the most centrally located real Korean restaurant that I know of in the city.

This is a new restaurant, and I wish them all the best!

Editorial Review

by Contributor at Citysearch

Korean barbecue sizzles on the built-in gas grills at this Old Town restaurant occupying the old Heat space.