I would consider this a hidden gem, only because it does not belong to your "usual" Korean restaurant categories. Not a typical KBBQ place. Not a typical hole-in-the-wall mom n' pop store. Not a gastropub. The fact that they advertise "han jung shik (Korean course meal)" so heavily makes me want to categorize them as a han jung shik restaurant, but they have tabletop KBBQ. They also have regular lunch meals, too. To start out, the name Mother's Apron isn't how a typical Korean restaurant would be be named. In fact, it's because of the name that it took me such a long time to try them out. Sure, call me judgmental, but I can only operate under my own experiences and assumptions that come with them. The reason my family tried them was because of the aforementioned han jung shik. Korean restaurant that specialize in han jung shik are super rare. Even back in Korea, they're the higher-end restaurant experience that you only go for special occasions. Typically expensive, yes. But that's because you can always expect fresh ingredients, great presentation and service staff. Think of it as your fine dining experience. Not the uber expensive top of the line ones, but perhaps a tier below. In fact, all things considered, I personally don't think MA's han jung shik is super expensive. You can easily spend a good buck and half when you go to a decent sushi shop. Currently, I believe the lowest tier han jung shik here costs around $60. I can't remember what was served for each course on my first visit, but I remember being super satisfied both qualitatively and quantatavely. There are also a few atypical dishes they serve that my family would definitely prefer coming to MA for compared to other places. An example is a "ganjang-gejang," which is a traditional Korean delicacy made of fresh, raw crabs marinated in a savory, slightly sweet soy sauce-based brine (according to Gemini's description). Not common, considering you should account for good crab seasons. Not super uncommon in all of Korean food scene, but it's uncommon enough that you should be picky about where you get them from. Needless to say, we loved MA's version. I can go on explaining every dish my family tried thus far but I won't. All I'll say is that none of the dish we tried here disappointed and we keep going back despite having to pay a bit extra for their quality. Our usual visiting times are Sunday lunch after church. I've never seen the place packed, and I always wonder if it's because of the times we're there, or if it ever gets packed. Usual clientele are mix of non-Asian or mixed-Asian families, elderly Korean couples and some 100% Korean families with their visiting family members. (Yes, Koreans traditionally take their visiting in-laws to an "upscale" restaurant.) I'd definitely recommend any Yelpers inclined to visit MA to try one of their han jung shik menus. Unlike typical han jung shik restaurants, where they require your entire party to order han jung shik (similar to omakase), MA allows you to order individually. So, if you're a party of three, one can order the han jung shik and two others can mix-n-match other menu items. My family is a big fan of this place. read more

Wow what a find in long grove, IL. This very swanky restaurant serves very authentic and delicious Korean BBQ. The place is very nice, clean, great decor and swanky music. Ordered the marinated ribs and bulgogi. Comes with all the ban chans and an oxtail broth with radishes. Very nice. All the ban chans were flavorful, and excellent Kim chi. I would recommend this place for date night or with a group friends. All the waitress are Korean and were very nice. If we're back in town we're coming back! read more

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From DC area visiting family...this Korean restaurant is a fantastic place compared to so many others. Food quality, service and the environment itself are head and shoulders above most Korean restaurants. Prices are reasonable and on par with what I'm used to in DC area for this level. We went for lunch twice during my visit and would definitely comeback when in town again. read more

First of all, the name of the restaurant didn't prepare me of what restaurant it is. So, I was quite surprised to learn that it is a Korean BBQ restaurant, and it is rather modern and chic with their decor. When we arrived, we didn't have a reservation, and it was before dinner time. So we got seated right away. While the menu didn't have indication of allergen, we asked about gluten free for the BBQ option - as long as there's no marination. They gave a good number of banchan but not all are gluten free. The presentation of the raw meat was theatrical in a way - they came in a platter with dry ice. The amount was also generous. Our wait staff was very attentive. She kept coming by to check on us, and half way through, she changed our grill plate. We also ordered a dessert to share. It's a great place for a date night, and special gathering over good foods read more

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As you walk in, interior decor looks like a very expensive place. Ordered the mother's apron hanjeongshik. So many varieties of side dishes and some were large enough take home. This option included marinated spicy pork and bone in galbi jjim. The wait staff cut the meat off the bone for us. Sides included marinated raw crabs - typically never a side dish at other K-bbq. The multigrain rice came in a stone pot with 2 huge abalones. The sides change seasonally and kimchi variation - yool-mu - was refreshingly delicious. With plenty of leftover to take home, decided to try their potbingsu - shaved ice with yummy red bean, rice cake toppings. Enough for 3 people. Definitely going back for their lunch menu items. read more

Mother's Apron - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Mother's Apron exceeded my expectations. The kimchi tasted homemade and was so good on its own. We ordered two appetizers and split the Mother's Signature Hanjeongsik between three people, and it was the perfect amount of food. We were a little hesitant ordering the Hanjeongsik since it was our first time and the mains (buttered abalone and short rib patties) were unfamiliar to us. Our server described it as a type of meal that was served for the royal family and comes with several dishes. Theirs included kimchi pancakes, freshwater eel, smoked salmon, and more. I think the shrimp tempura could be more flavorful, but aside from that, the dishes were thoughtful and so good. The prices are also very reasonable for the quality, and the menu has great variety as well, from KBBQ to bento boxes. The restaurant itself is modern, while the food is cooked traditionally and packed with flavor. I would gladly drive from the city just to eat here again. read more

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My family had passed this place a couple of times and finally decided to give it a try. The interior was surprisingly upscale compared to many Korean BBQ restaurants, and the service was top-tier as well. Our waitress, Soon, was funny, welcoming, and did a great job explaining the menu to us. We ordered a few appetizers, a BBQ set, and two soups, and the portions were so generous that we couldn't finish everything. The meat quality was excellent and definitely one of the highlights of the meal. My only wish was that the grill could get a little hotter so the meat could develop more of that sizzling, crispy texture. The appetizers and soups were also above average and complemented the BBQ nicely. The prices are definitely on the higher end for Korean BBQ, but considering the quality of the meat, generous portions, upscale atmosphere, and excellent service, we felt it was worth the money. read more

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I came here to try their Korean BBQ but after I saw their menu, I decided to do the box lunch because I don't think I ever had a Korean boxed lunch like this before. The food was amazing and the staff are very nice and extremely helpful. I'd recommend coming with a fiend or a group since the menu is built for servings of two. Of course eating alone isn't too bad, especially if you travel a lot like I do. The place is not too big but their open kitchen is fun to watch. read more

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Wow what a delicious find. It was like a needle in the haystack. The waitress was very, very attentive and not only answered questions but she helped us with the cooking. The restaurant has a clean line, calming feeling even tho kids were running rampant. The seafood and scallion pancake was my favorite thing. It was delicious and hearty with all the seafood in it. I am sure my husband would argue and say the steaks were phenomenal and they were indeed both tasty and cut like butter. It is not by any means inexpensive but worth every penny. read more

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The family had a wonderful meal with some of the best service we've ever received. We did lunch and my daughter and I did the Mother's Signature Hanjeongsik. It was a tasting menu of Korean delicacies and an awesome experience. Our server explained every dish and even how to best eat them. Other members had the Chicken Bulgogi and dumplings. All the food was fantastic. This was one of the best restaurant experiences I've had. Go if you can. read more

Mother's Apron - Hanjeongsik - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Highly recommend this restaurant! We ordered the Mother's Signature Hanjeongsik ($119.95), which is a set menu for two. Hanjeongsik is a traditional Korean dining with many different small dishes. If you're new to Korean food, I suggest trying bulgogi or BBQ, but this menu was a good choice for us. Each dish was beautifully plated (as shown in my photos/videos), with two portions. The flavors were excellent, and the dish's plating was beautiful, clean, and elegant. The restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, and our server was very friendly and kind. The only thing I would like to point out is that someone tried to clear some dishes a bit early while we were still enjoying them; it seemed like a simple misunderstanding. It would be nicer if everything was cleared after we finished paying. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, and I'd be happy to come back again! read more

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This is my favorite spot at Deer Park to eat. It is tucked in the same lot as Dick's and Jamba Juice. The meat is super fresh, tender, and nicely marbled. Everything tastes amazing, and grilling it right at your table makes it even more fun. The banchan (side dishes) are also really good. Kimchi is done very well. Don't forget to keep room for dessert. read more

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I went to Mother's Apron for my birthday. Korean food is my love language, my craving, my forever go-to. And right away, the place felt right. Cozy, welcoming, with staff so kind they whipped up a dish not even on the menu, just because we asked. That kind of generosity is rare. The food? Good. Really good, even. But here's the thing. It was missing that unapologetic punch I've come to chase, the deep funk of fermented things, the fiery heat that builds, the soul of a dish that doesn't care if you're ready for it or not. This felt more gentle. Like someone dimmed the volume just enough to keep it safe. It looks Korean. It moves like it. But taste-wise, it leans more "Korean-inspired dinner party" than "Ajummas feeding you like their own." Still, I get it. Not every place is trying to recreate a back-alley joint in Seoul. And for what it's doing, cozy, accessible, and full of heart, it nails it. Just don't come expecting the storm. This is the calm. read more

Mother's Apron - kimchi pancake - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Amazing!!!!!! Came here with my husband for lunch and holy yummyness. I got the salmon lunch and my husband got the pork bulgogie lunch. Expensive- yes Worth it- also yes Portions - HUGE! Everything was amazing. There was nothing I didn't enjoy. Lunch came with salad, soup. 6 bonchons, rice and kimchi. Will 100% come back! read more

Mother's Apron - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Heard all the hype and decided to come here for a friends' lunch on New Year's Day. Overall: food was good, but not amazing. Pretty pricey for the Chicago suburbs, and the service really missed the mark. The food itself was good compared to other Korean spots around Chicago suburbs, but the prices felt above average. Honestly, some dishes were more expensive than what I usually pay in LA, which was surprising. The main reason for the 3 stars is the service. I couldn't tell if our server was super intense about her job or just ready to clock out for her 2:30 lunch break. We had a reservation for 10 people at 1pm on New Year's Day, and there were maybe one or two other tables the entire time. Still, the whole meal felt weirdly stressful. A few things that stood out: * After we ordered, the waitress made comments that made it sound like we didn't order enough food (6 people ordering about 4 servings). It felt unnecessary, especially since I asked to keep the menu so we could order more later. * She rushed us nonstop. Checking in every 5 minutes, grilling the meat on super high heat, and I literally felt like I was getting indigestion. When I asked if we could slow it down, she told me meat only tastes good on high heat (???). * She tried to clean the grill with a dry napkin, which tore and burned onto the grill. When we asked for a new grill, she said "I just cleaned it" and sighed before replacing it. Since when does Korean BBQ not swap grills? * As soon as we grabbed the last piece of meat (which we rushed through because she insisted on high heat), she immediately asked if we were done so she could clean up our table. Meanwhile, we had ordered the Mother's Signature hanjeongsik and weren't even halfway through it. The whole meal felt rushed from start to finish. There were other little things too. The "premium" side dishes weren't impressive, the shumai looked like Costco shumai, and the pancake was dry. I can see this place being popular with non-Koreans who want to try a lot of different dishes in one place, but for the price, it just wasn't worth it for me. read more

Mother's Apron - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

Love the ambiance and the service. Very thorough. The banchan, the fresh sesame leaves and lettuce, along with the fresh wasabi was the highlight honestly. The meat quality is at par with most of the good Korean bbq in the area...most of the Korean restaurants don't come with the sesame leaves for wrapping but this one does. The fresh wasabi added another dimension to the meat..love it. The soup it came with was very tasty as well! Felt home made. It's a bit pricier than your average Korean restaurant but I think it's worth it for the quality and service and not smelling like kbbq afterward :) read more

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We tried Mother's Apron in Deer Park. Being a lover of Korean BBQ, we were delighted to find this place. The atmosphere is modern and hip. See pics. We ordered the Bulgogi dinners with the additional side vegetable dishes that come with the meal. It was good and tasty. The restaurant was fairly busy with lots of servers running here and there. The tables were about 50% full with more people trickling in as we were seated. The ambience was cool and comfortable. The servers were friendly and busy. The service wasn't as I had expected, but not awful, just a bit slow when waiting for our check. It was quite expensive, as I had expected. Overall, it was a nice place to get Korean food. read more

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I normally am not a fan of fancy Americanized versions of korean cuisine, but this place did a great job at delivering authenticity in an upscale environment with quality ingredients. Our server was also korean, which I appreciated. We ordered the set for 8 people which amounted to be pretty expensive but very filling and a lot of food overall. I loved the variety of banchan and dishes that all had great flavor. It's a great experience and true to the korean culture of dining with a plethora of side dishes. The bbq looked and smelled amazing so I will have to try that next time! The space is big and clean with a nice see through kitchen concept. We also ordered the patbingsu as dessert, which was tasty and quite authentic as well. read more

Restaurant is well decorated. The food is authentic and staff are friendly. I had their traditional meal and there was so much food. They were delicious. A little pricey though. read more

The food was fantastic the service even better. We had the kings pack and it was perfect for our group of five. The food was traditional and delicious. The interior was clean and modern and was the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. read more

Definitely a "high end" Korean food place! Normally you'd think only non-Koreans go here but there are ajumma here, so you know it's legit and meets the standard. We tried the preset Korean set meals, and each dish came out in pairs. We liked the variety and presentation. The fried fish was really good, but does have bones that are not soft enough to swallow so it is a bit laborious to eat for people who aren't used to it. The beef burger paddies were tender. The japchae was good, not overwhelming with sesame flavor but still has enough depth of flavor. The kimchi with and without red pepper were both pretty light, which I prefer. Although I still like SGD's more. They have the kids pumpkin soup which was so nice! Kids didn't like it as much but it's really delicious to adults, sweet and creamy. The smoked salmon and salad is not bad but doesn't seem very Korean, it's just fancy. The egg pancake was very good, except it's spicy cuz it has red pepper in it. The steamed mandu is spicy too as it has kimchi inside. The soy bean tofu soup was also spicy because of the jalapeños. We ended up ordering soy garlic fried chicken, but it's still spicy haha. I didn't like the soy garlic as much here cuz it's a bit too sweet/overpowering. Still really good just I would preferred less. The pickled side dish uses the purple radish/daikon instead, which is more unique but I think the flavor is different so we weren't used to it as much. We know Korean food typically has more spicy stuff than it is not, so we are just glad to find some banchan options that the kids can eat. The bibimbap has a lot of unique veggies, the ones you would see in more authentic places. It also has a ground beef saucy red paste that has a fermented soy flavor that is also really good that you don't see in other places. Everything was prepared well which I think justifies the price. This place is definitely 1.5x the prices of other Korean places in/around Niles/Glenview area. Overall, we were pretty happy with what we got! It also has a huge selection of everything else too. read more

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Came here with my mom for a mother daughter date and it was good before the dinner storm. Make sure to make a reservation prior to going. They will be asking you if you have a reservation. Once the restaurant was getting busier, service took longer. We waited roughly 10 mins just to get our check. The food was decently good; it wasn't sweet like other Korean restaurants make it to be which was good. Not sure if they do refills on the side dishes as we didn't get any refills. The stone bibimbap wasn't even cooked well where the rice is crispy on the bottom. The braised galbi was good but there is only 4 pieces for $30 something. Not sure if it's worth coming again but it's a good experience to go at least once. read more

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Very fresh and filling lunch, a little on the pricier side, but it's more fine dining. The ambience is high-end. Hours are tough they close in between lunch and dinner. read more

Mother's Apron - Beef Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

If you're searching for a Korean restaurant that doesn't just serve food but celebrates the full spectrum of Korean cuisine, look no further than Mother's Apron. Tucked away a bit from downtown but conveniently located if you're in the suburbs like Schaumburg (Japantown) or Glenview (aka our unofficial K-Town), this place is worth every minute of the drive. Walking into Mother's Apron feels like stepping into a pristine hanok-inspired dining space--immaculately clean, neatly organized, and humming with calm hospitality. The service is top-notch, the kind where servers anticipate your needs before you even look up. Warm, attentive, and genuine, just like your Korean auntie would treat you at home. Now let's talk food--because that's what this place is really about. Whether you're here to grill your own meats K-BBQ style, or you're more in the mood to order à la carte dishes or thoughtfully curated set menus, you won't be disappointed. It's one of those rare places that offers nearly every dish Korean cuisine has to offer, and still nails them all. From bubbling stews like kimchu jjigae, perfectly crispy pajeon, and generous banchan that actually taste homemade--not mass-prepped--you can taste the love and effort in each bite. If you're new to Korean food, this is a fantastic place to explore. And if you're Korean or have traveled in Korea, this is one of the very few spots that might actually make you feel like you're back in Seoul--without the jet lag. It's rare to find a place that balances authenticity, variety, cleanliness, and service this well, but Mother's Apron pulls it off with grace. Honestly? Probably one of the best Korean restaurants in Illinois. read more

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I like this place. The staff is friendly... too friendly. When we ordered the Korean bbq, they were insistent on cooking it for us. Don't steal our experience of burning our own food please. I like my stuff extra crispy. But other than that, the food was good. The place is very modern. I don't think I would go back; nothing really set this place apart read more

The best korean restaurant serving authentic Korean food. Took me back to my days in Korea. Pricey but worth it for the great quality and attention to detail. The restaurant is always clean and not loud. read more

Mother's Apron - Dumplings & Seafood Scallion Pancake - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Not sure why I waited so long to try this place. It's about time the northwest suburbs opens a nicer Korean restaurant. Service was excellent and side dishes were all fresh or picketed to perfection. Ambiance is not what you typically expect for a Korean restaurant as it's trendy and elegant. So glad others can enjoy K Food in this type of environment. Perfect place to go to celebrate birthdays or any other special occasion. The sweet pancakes were cooked to perfection! Crispy and chewy on the outside and gooey on the inside. read more

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The side dishes were amazing! Colorful, unique and tasty. The braised short ribs were tender and flavorful. The service was great, host and staff were welcoming and attentive. Our waiter was very chatty and explained the dishes and delicacies. I enjoyed learning so much about the food and different vegetables. read more

Mother's Apron - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

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Went here for Mother's Day today with my wife and daughters. We've been wanting to try it for a while. It was amazing. Fresh, healthy, and delicious. Our server was helpful and friendly, as we weren't familiar with some dishes. It was truly a memorable meal. We will be back often. read more

Despite outside appearance suggesting otherwise, it's a pleasant atmosphere with modern decor - stylish booths in the center and granite tables on the sides. The dumpling soup didn't have the noodles, the dumplings were half meat and cabbage. While the broth was fine, the dumplings were mediocre. The spicy pork was pleasant with the spice level of a jalapeño - it was borderline on being not enjoyable. Despite asking for no item having mayonnaise or eggs, received a salad with mayo based dressing and potato salad with mayo. The server was friendly though not attentive despite being half empty. This was an interesting experience that we don't wish to repeat read more

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First visit and will be back. A friend and I decided to try for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the calm ambiance when we entered. Servers were very helpful, however I think one was in training and her English was a little rough. Then again neither was our Korean. Regardless we made it work and everything ordered was delivered. Started with the flight of 4 ?rice ferments? ; do not remember any of the names other than the red monkey, which is red! Each was uniquely different. I enjoyed all four, my friend preferred only 2-one milky one, koon something. Next out were apps of kimchi dumplings and Korean chicken....the radish cubes that came with the chicken were fantastic! Both dishes were absolutely amazing. Our server offered to bring me a fork as she watched me struggled with my chop sticks. I'm sure it was painfully amusing for the help to watch, but as my friend said when in Korea....so I politely declined. For our entrees my friend tried the braised short ribs and I had the beef bolgogi. I was amazed at the accoutrements that accompanied our meals- rice, soup, salad, seaweed, cellophane noodles, pickled cucumbers, broccoli and cauliflower, tofu, kimchi, and more. Obvious I've never been to a Korean establishment. Everything was perfect for the meal. My friend was not happy with her bone in short ribs stating it was all bone. It looked good but I guess she was not about to suck on the bones. Her loss. We finished our meal with a lovely cup of honey tea. I think dinner with a group of friends would be the best way to enjoy Mothers Apron Since many of the dishes are designed for or more. As I stated in the beginning I will be returning. read more

From the second we walked into The Doors we smelled food cooking and it smelled SO good. We didn't have a reservation but we were seated really quick. The staff here are phenomenal, we were treated with TONS of kindness and smiles. Very clean restaurant from the front, to the tables and to the bathroom. Presentation of the food was amazing, so much care went into everything that was prepared. The meats are so tender and just melts in your mouth and cooked to perfection. This place is a must try! read more

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Beautiful sleek,modern and delicious . Wonderful service, high quality fresh and delicious . Former owners of starfish in Lincolnshire. Excellent service matched with beautiful presentation. read more

Mother's Apron - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

We ordered Mother's Signature Hansang. The price was $119 for two people and not for each. I was a bit confused when I saw the menu. The food and service were good. The meat tasted a bit too sweet for my taste, and the braised short rib was a bit too chewy. Overall, the experience was good, and the side dishes were tasty. I didn't leave the place smelling like what I just ate, which was great! read more

Mother's Apron - Mother's signifier hansang - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

Back again! Omg tofu seafood soup is amazing. Marinated beef, truffle beef on crispy rice. #Winning! read more

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Nice and clean ambiance, delicious food, and kind service. We had the dumplings as an appetizer and they were perfect. I had the Stone Pot Bibimbop with Beef bulgogi and it was great too, and mixed together for me which was a treat. I had leftovers which is great. My husband had the Chicken Bulgogi and it was perfect and flavorful. We will be back! read more

Mother's Apron - Stone Pot Bibimbop with beef bulgogi - delicious and so fresh! - Korean Near Me - Deer Park, Illinois

Best food, ambience, silverware (hey it's imp to some people). And the serving staff is very polite. My go-to Place for when I went to treat my taste buds . read more

Probably one of the best Korean Bbq experiences I have ever had! Considering just being in Seoul-- honestly this experience far surpassed some of the many meals I had in Seoul. The side dishes are key! I can't believe all the side dishes that we got! The cocktails are on point and the service was excellent. Was very impressed with the quality, variety and quantity of food. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic Korean BBQ experience! read more

The first time I went we got the Mother's Signature Hanjeongsik, and it was delicious so I came back and got the chicken bulgogi. Everything was very tasty, cooked perfectly, and portions were nicely sized. The service is good too and the space is very clean and feels upscale. I will keep coming back when I want filling, comforting korean cuisine. read more

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Friday night at 6:30 and the place was full. Every table was taken and without a reservation my party of 3 had to wait. The host did their best to accommodate our crew and we only waited about 30 minutes. There wasn't a bar to sit at but while we waited in the seating area, a server was kind enough to ask us if we wanted anything to drink. The inside is clean and trendy. Once our table was ready, we were seated and enjoyed time to sit and peruse the menu. So many choices and all looked and smelled incredible! Our foodie adventure started with Korean porridge (which was like a hot bowl of farina) and salad with miso dressing. Dinner choice: our table opted for a family style dinner with beef, short rib and pork bulgogi and an over abundance of sides. There was everything from kimchi to quail eggs and soft shell crab. If you want to experience Korean bbq and different foods, take this route, it's a culinary adventure. TIP: if you're going on a Fri/Sat whim and w/o a reservation, get there past 7:30 and you'll get a table and not have to wait. read more

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