Food: Best Korean food I've ever had hands down. Their dumplings (mandoo) are perfect, the japchae was good, and their LA galbi is a MUST! Cannot go wrong with anything that you get, portion sizes are also very generous. Service: Super friendly, and fast as well. Ambiance: The store is cute, cozy, seems family style. I would recommend it to anyone coming to the area, this is a MUST. read more

Papa Bop - Japchae - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Enjoyed this Korean gem. The cuisine was excellent. Especially liked the generous bibimbop bowl with fresh veggies and marinated chicken, and the seafood pancake. Also enjoyed the pile of flavorful beef bulgogi, and the strawberry milk was delicious. My hard to please 90 year old father liked it so much we went back again for takeout! Clean, well lit ambiance, and efficient service. read more

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We ordered the Bibimbap and Japchae, and both dishes were really good. The Bibimbap was colorful and fresh, with perfectly seasoned beef and a runny fried egg on top -- everything mixed together so well with the gochujang sauce. The Japchae was also delicious -- chewy glass noodles, lots of veggies, and just the right amount of sweetness. The only things I'd point out are that the side dishes were quite limited (only three kinds), and refilling the miso soup costs extra. The service was okay, not particularly friendly but not bad either -- just average. Still, the food quality definitely made up for it. Overall, PapaBob is a solid Korean restaurant with great flavors and fresh ingredients. I'd happily come back again for the Bibimbap and Japchae! read more

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You know the food is going to be amazing if the sides dishes blow you away, which they did! I devoured the whole bowl of potato, which was perfectly cooked and savory. The turnip kimchi was a little sweet with a slight kick from the spice. I got the tofu soup with kimchi and bulgogi. It was delicious and came with an egg as well. The yolk was runny and went really well with the rice and proteins. The soup is perfect for a cold winter day and it will warm your soul up. This may be my new go to dinner spot when I'm craving Korean food. I definitely want to try the bibimbop, the kalbi and seafood pancake next time. The restaurant itself is smaller, with tables sitting 2-4, but it's nice and cozy. Service is pretty prompt and efficient. After you sit down and look at the menu, they get your order and bring you water shortly after. This place is a great addition to Evanston. read more

Papa Bop - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Very yummy! We ordered the soondubu jiggae, LA galbi, and seafood pancake. The galbi was very flavorful and fatty. Seafood pancake was large and loaded with a mix of protein. They have a small menu but the items were very good. Nice clean ambiance. Service was also fast. read more

Papa Bop - Empty food - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Amazing Korean food! It's a fairly small menu but with powerful options! We also had the pork and vegetable dumplings which were the best I've ever had. It's a small nicely decorated restaurant in Evanston. read more

Papa Bop - Yummy Beef Short Ribs - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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The food is decent, but not fab. Although I took my parents there for dinner because of their proximity and a decent Yelp rating (after haircuts in Skokie), olits unlikely I would do so again. again. Parking was easy to find at 5 p.m., but I had to download a Park Evanston app because I didn't want to search for a parking meter kiosk. Service was okay. It was obviously a mom and pop, with the son working as the server, and while his English seemed serviceable, he said Korean was easier for him... while he is taking my order of Bibimbop ($17.99). I got bulgogi as the protein. He didn't seem to know the Korean words for fatty meat, though... as I told him I didn't want any. My 'rents got seafood tofu ($13.99) and rice, so the bill was about $34, I left $40, but they gave me a coins and a $5 bill as change, and it spilled all over.. I should have said I didn't need any. I just left it. It's more a takeout than sitting in, though there are about 6-7 tables. I didn't like that all the banchan that was provided was some potatoes and radish kimchi cubes. Very skimpy, and he wanted to give us one set vs. 2, but I has sat at a different table so he grudgingly have me my own. Lame read more

Papa Bop - BibimBop - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

great local authentic food! We stopped because we wanted a good Bibimbop and we were not disappointed. The food came quick and it was delicious. It is a first-come-first-serve so be ready for that. The order comes with traditional starters and they all were really good! The service is nice overall but they are direct which can come across as not nice but we really didn't feel like they were trying to offend anyone. Overall, highly recommend and will be back! read more

Papa Bop - Bulgogi Bibimbop on a hot stone - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Service was amazing! Food came out super fast and staff were friendly and had silly banter with us. Portions were perfect sizes and got banchan refilled for free :) would come again read more

Papa Bop - Bibimbop Regular Bowl with Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Papa Bop is a newer family -owned and -operated Korean eatery in the Evanston 'hood. Their menu offers various appetizers, KBBQ meats, rice combos, bibimbops, noodles, and beverages. We had a to-go order, and ordered: +the Kimchi Jeon - while not crispy, this was one of the better kimchi juhns I've had - filled generously with well-fermented kimchi, this was thick and yummy; there was no dipping sauce that came with, but really didn't need as it was flavorful on its own +the regular version of the Bibimbop - topped with an over easy egg; this was your standard bibimbop, but prepared with fresh ingredients; very generous in portion (looks can be deceiving!) and can be easily shared between two people! +and, a Real Strawberry Milk - prepared with fresh strawberry purée and organic milk; handcrafted on the spot, this was just okay for me; the hubs enjoyed it more The place is small with a handful of seating; it was definitely packed to the brim during the lunch rush. Staff were super friendly and kind! +Kimchi Jeon +kind staff! read more

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The food here was incredible and the service was great. It's a very homey style feel in the restaurant where everything is close proximity. If you're looking for comfort Korean food I'd highly recommend. What was not pictured is the lemon lemonade that I suggest you try for a fun twist! Super delicious. Pictured is the army soup, japchae and bulgogi bibimbap. I'd definitely get the japchae and bulgogi bowl and I'd recommend the army soup if you can tolerate some spice! Great restaurant overall in this part of Chicago read more

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I will give this place five stars. Great service and the food was excellent. I have been in a Korean kick and I will say this just helps continue to be obsessed with Korean food. The place is decently medium sized where you can fit quite a few folks, but I'm sure when this place gets busy that it may be limited in spacing. Inside is not fancy or anything, but it's still a good nice small Korean restaurant. Can't ask for anything more. Seafood pancake was amazing. Korean BBQ beef was amazing let's just face up. The overall food was really great. I would definitely recommend if you want to stop by. read more

Papa Bop - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Hubby and I wanted to stay local one night for dinner. We searched for places in the area and agreed to try the newish Korean restaurant in our neighborhood called Papa Bop. It's on the small side but the restaurant interior is modern. The space is clean and the service is good. We were greeted by the hostess and got seated right away for a 6pm weekend dinner. The menu is traditional Korean and we ordered LA galbi, Hae Mul Pajeon (a crispy style egg seafood pancake with scallions) and Tofu Bibimbop. Everything was delicious and even the homemade drinks were refreshing! I got limeade and the husband got strawberry milk which I plan on getting next time. It was creamy and delicious. I like that they kept large chunks of strawberry in the milk. When driving in, street parking is the only option. As of August through early October 2023, Chicago avenue is undergoing street construction with updates to the water main. It's challenging finding a space but you'll have better luck snagging a spot on the intersecting side streets. Note, the bathrooms are located behind the kitchen. It's a slight inconvenience but there is a bathroom. read more

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I really have to eat here again, like really soon. First, they were ready to go at it once we walked in, a friendly greeting, ice water and when we mentioned that we brought beer - he brought out 3 chilled glasses. I was really enjoying the service and attention to detail. We tried to order everything to get a good idea of their cooking so we got not one, but two seafood pancakes, that's sooooo delicious, crispy and soft on the inside, with that almost teriyaki like dipping sauce. By the way, you get radish Kim chi and potato in sweet soy sauce as ban Chan (small appetizers). Of course, you have to try their mandoo (pot stickas) and that was generous. Also, the chap chae with the vermicelli rice noodles was very delicate and wonderfully light with beef and scallions. We tried their spicy seafood soup and if you add a little white rice, that'll make it a little bit more palatable and less hot. I had the bi Bim bop (rice with veggies, bulgogi beef and egg bowl) and that was excellent!! It also came with three sauce types (nice and cold and straight outta the fridge). I don't mix up the ingredients by the way. Our server asked if I wanted some of those sauces, so I got all three to go along with our left overs. read more

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Papa bop is our regular go-to because it's tasty, simple, and healthier than other Korean restaurants. We've been there about 7 to 8 times now. read more

Extremely clean facilities. Literally not a crumb on the floor. Clean atmosphere, very zen-like with plants and white walls. Soft piano music playing cover songs from the Beatles and Billy Joel. Service: Quick, efficient. Very good. The waiter is also a co-owner. Food: Everything is made fresh every day and into the night. Even the teriyaki sauce is homemade. Teriyaki chicken: 5 stars Bibibop: 5 stars Soup: 5 stars Will definitely eat here again. They have 5 tables and a bar table against the wall with some stools. read more

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I had a great experience all around. From the moment I walked in, I really appreciated all the little things this restaurant cares for when it comes to the diner's experience. It was quaint inside. The waiter immediately greeted us and gave us a menu. I liked that our water came from a filtered water cooler. We got the seafood pancake, the tofu stew (soon dubu, and the bibimbop in a regular bowl. All the food was great. A highlight for me was the seafood pancake: crispy and a substantial amount of fillings. I also really liked the sauces provided. Besides the typical gochujang sauce that goes on bibimbop, the waiter gave us 3 other types of housemade sauce. Service was fast and friendly. The waiter was very attentive and quick to fill our water cups or get us anything we needed. He also helped us pack our extra food. I highly recommend this spot! read more

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This place is a gem. The food is so delicious and authentic not to mention inexpensive. I'll definitely be back with more people so I can try more things. We had the Bibimbap in a stone bowl and the seafood pancake. Both were amazing. The service was great and there were friendly diners around who helped us pick our dishes. read more

The restaurant owner is very kind and welcoming, pleasant to talk to. He gave good suggestions as well. I tried the bibimbap and my friend got a sundubu. Both were very tasty. Try their house special drink! (Showing in the picture.) I forgot the name but it was very refreshing. read more

Papa Bop - a bowl of food on a table - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Best Korean food in Evanston, hands down! This cozy mom-and-pop shop serves up delicious dishes. The portions are good, and everything is flavorful. It's the kind of place where you feel good supporting a small, family-owned business. If you're craving Korean food, this is the spot to check out--you won't regret it! read more

The people are super friendly. Service is fast. We started with the seafood pancake. A large thick crispy pancake. A mixture of shredded carrots cabbage green onions squid and big shrimp. There was about 4 shrimp. I think it would be better if the shrimp were cut up in pieces and spread around. Lots of flavor. We also had the oxtail soup. 3 large pieces with pot stickers. And large pieces of turnip. The food at other tables looked great. read more

Papa Bop - Seafood pancake - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Our favorite Korean food in Evanston ... always fresh, well-prepared, and delicious! We are regulars!

Tiny little cute place with a super nice owner. The bibimbop in the hot bowl was delicious! Let it sit in the pot for a while and the rice will crisp up on the bottom. The owner is so sweet. When I was full he came over and scraped the bowl and said "one last bite" with a smile. Great spot read more

Papa Bop - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Excellent food. Simple, clean, and well priced. Service is quick and courteous. It's always a joy eating here.

If you're looking for great food this is a place you want to be the portions are great the service is fantastic and I recommend the bulgogi and I also recommend the pot stickers read more

Just stopped in for lunch and had the Army Soup and Mandoo. The free kimchi pickled radish and potato's were a great touch as well. The Army soup was perfect on a cold Chicago day and the perfect amount of spice. Service was fast and super friendly. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Papa Bop - Army Soup - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Great Korean food, my favorite is the Bibnbop with Bulgogi, served in a hot stone bowl. The vibe here is very chill and the the service is friendly and prompt. I've been here several times and the food is consistently good. read more

Papa Bop - In the foreground is my Bibnbop with Bulgogi in a stone bowl. In the background is hot spicy ramen. - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

r u looking for some korean food try some papa bop 3p's product 9 price 9 presentation 9 9/10 read more

Papa Bop - Japchae 10/10 Careful it's Served Hot! - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This is a great hidden gem. If you enjoy Korean food, this is a must for you. Expect a very casual minimal interior. It's all about the food. Thank you Pardon the photos but it was that good! read more

Papa Bop - Bibimbop, just right... eat first photograph second - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Got the stone bowl with bulgogi, budae jjigae and also the japchae. Good portion sizes and it's nice that they were flexible with bringing all three sauces to the table for you to try. Yes, as a small place you're only getting two kinds of banchan. (stewed potato & carrot, pickled spicy radishes) It's nice to have seasonal dishes like the budae jjigae and we felt the portions were good. Probably could have used a few more pieces of dduk/rice cake - or go thinner slices. Spice and broth was good middle ground for my non-Korean palate. For the stone bowl - as a specialty, would need to be hotter. None of the rice really crisped up. A primo spot would be able to have the bowl hot enough to crisp the rice more than once. But if one says this just isn't their specialty, then downgrade to a regular bibimbap is fine. For the three of us we might have been able to get by without the chapjae, since it was quite filling and we took home some of the bibimbap. Can get by with maybe two big entrees for $30 + tax and tip, which is more than reasonable for an Evanston small diner. Friday night...rolled in at 5:45 p.m. just the second table out of 6 (?) with counter top still open. Street meter and free residential parking easily available. read more

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Delicious food with quick and friendly service! Loved the Hae mil panteón and LA Galbi!

First time trying this Korean restaurant in Evanston. It's a smaller location and all the tables were full so we grabbed a seat at the bar counter. To start, I split the kimchi pancake. It was the perfect texture and had a good kimchi flavor! Not very spicy and I would've liked to have the bibimbap sauces on the table to dip it in. We were brought out miso soup, radish, and potato. I really liked the radish, but it would've been nice to have a couple more side options. The hot stone bibimbop came out steaming hot with a perfectly cooked egg. I really enjoyed it especially with the 3 different sauces. I noticed fresh strawberry milk on the menu and would like to try that next time. read more

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Everything was fantastic. The Soondubu Jjigae was phenomenal. It says "medium spicy," but, according to my pallet, very spicy. But manageable, and delicious. The bibimbop was great too. They have three wonderful sauces you can add to the dish. I recommend trying them all and then dousing the dish with your favorite. Absolutely amazing! The restaurant is SMALL, so be warned! You may have to wait for a table. You could also be at at a bar instead of a proper table, which isn't ideal. But trust me, the food is worth the wait and slight bit of discomfort that may come from sitting at a bar. It's BYOB. Their (virgin) drink menu is house made. read more

Papa Bop - Soondubu Jjigae - Korean Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Ok let me start off by saying this place ain't even fire ITS LAVA! Grapefruit-ade LAVA!!! Bulgogi LAVA!!! Everything LAVA!! It just really good here and if you can you should come. Why are you waiting, GO! BANGER! read more

O M G is all I can say. Some of the best food I have ever tasted. Only tried the BimBop because it is so good I am not willing to try anything else. The owner is fabulous.great service, great price. I have already been here 3 times in two weeks. I am ADDICTED. read more

Terrific Korean food, service was excellent, not a lot of ambiance but more than made up for by the food and service .

A quaint hole in the wall serving up amazing affordable Korean food and super addictive hibachi entrees! My wife and I tried the traditional bulgogi bibimbap and i had the chicken stone pot bibimbap. Both came with a great variety of vegetables and the most perfectly fried egg. Sauce choices were between the sweet and spicy gochujang, a ginger hibachi sauce and teriyaki. We both went with the traditional gochujang and thought it was perfect! My son had the steak entree which was served in a huge portion of steak with mushrooms, mixed vegetables and a very generous serving of hibachi fried rice. This stuff was so addicting! The absolute sleepers on the menu were these drinks that they make in house. We had a grapefruit-ade and the strawberry milk. Both I would recommend. I would absolutely include this into my dinner rotation if I lived in the area. Food was great the owner and his wife are so nice and have the warmest smiles. Really felt like I was part of the family when I ate here. read more

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Not from around the area drove 20 minutes just to try it out and it was amazing food well deserved 5 stars

Stopped in at Papa Bop on Chicago Ave in the space where Evanston Grill was. Such a great addition to SE Evanston! The room is well lit, great service. The menu is not overwhelming and the food is delicious! If you like authentic Korean food, this place should not be missed! read more

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First time here with husband and a 10month old. It was fantastic. I got the bibimpop w bulgogi and he got the ramen noodles - spicy. Also got the crispy pot stickers - I loved that these seemed more pan seared instead of deep fried, so I could actually have some!! I can't have oily food but those crispy pot stickers 100% recommended. Everything was fantastic. Could have used more spice, but the condiments are there, the house sauce is fantastic. My baby had my miso soup and some of the beef from my plate. Service was fantastic, they have fresh cold water right when you sit! With it being so hot outside I appreciate that as soon as we sat. read more