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    SeoulSpice

    4.5 (96 reviews)
    Closed • 10:45 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order SeoulSpice Takeout or Delivery

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    SEOULSPICE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Seoul Train
    Patrick D.

    Tasty satisfying Korean fast casual that's good whether you're a big fan of Korean food or never had it before! It's like a Korean Chipotle or Cava - you can choose between a bunch of premade bowls or make your own by choosing a base (rice, noodles, veggies, etc) + protein (classic Korean proteins bulgogi beef, spicy pork, tofu, etc) and an assortment of veggies, toppings, and tasty sauces. I got the Seoul Train - glass noodles, bulgogi beef, creamy sriracha sauce, corn, cucumbers, kale slaw, kimchi, scallions, cilantro, crispy garlic, and sesame seeds. The noodles were tasty by themselves and the beef was flavorful, and I think it was a pretty reasonable portion compared to some places like chipotle which have really started skimping. The sauce was quite creamy and it looks like a bunch of the sauces tend to be on the sweeter or creamier side, but they still go well with the savory meat and carbs. I think the bowl started at $14-15 so with tax and a small tip it's a few more dollars, pretty on par with prices for other fast casual places these days, but it's nice to have a Korean option to spice things up!

    2 protein bowl
    Kenna G.

    Great takeout!!! Huge bowl packed with fresh ingredients. Lots of great sauces to choose from. Good amount of food for the cost!

    Bowl and soda
    Lisa W.

    I'm so glad I found this place! I just flew into Chicago and didn't want anything carb heavy (pizza) and wanted something semi healthy and with flavors. I came upon Seoul Spice on Yelp, was a bit hesitant because it's new and not a lot of people reviewed it. But took my chance bc a build your own bowl Korean style sounds fun! It's the chipotle Korean bowls. It's right across from millennium park. I came and there wasn't many people, just a few. I ordered by selecting my carb (half purple rice and glass noodles), protein (half bulgogi and chicken), and proceeded with the sides- kimchi, radish, corn, seaweed, cucumber, bean sprouts and extra spicy sauce. They put so much in your bowl. The glass noodles were japjae noods and the purple rice tasted authentic. The meat had flavors and I ate every single rice. It was good! I was very surprised by it, especially seeing no Koreans in sight, workers or customers. Tasted like something I would have gotten from a K-Town. And I'm from California, you get a lot of Korean food choices. I want one to open up in California. Love the concept! It's so simple yet you don't see much of it. If you like Korean bibimbap, you gotta try this!

    Some tasty beef dish
    Lori R.

    Celiacs rejoice!! This place is 100% gluten free!! I ate here 3 days in a row so I could try more of the menu. I really love the glass noodles so I pretty much ate variations of those. I tried the crispy chicken which was ok but I really liked the Bulgogi. The radishes and sauces gave a great spice and texture. The staff here was super nice every day and I never had to wait. The place was clean and I ate there and had delivery. It's a place you eat quick and run, so people don't linger long. I wished I lived close enough to eat here more often, but do yourself a favor and check it out.

    Sharon B.

    Wow!!! Love this place! The food was great and almost everything is gluten free. You can order one out of their premade bowls, or make your own. My friend and I chose to make our own bowls. They were so delicious! Also very generous portions. We both said there's no way we're going to eat this whole thing, and yet we did. The restaurant was very clean and quiet. I hope they add outdoor seating in the future. The staff were all extremely friendly. My friend and I agreed that we will definitely be back! She even purchased a bowl to bring home to her husband that afternoon.

    Pick up counter
    Katie L.

    -New favorite quick service restaurant! We will be dining here/doing pick up quite frequently from now on. -The food is quite flavorful, portions were a good size, and prices are not outrageous (about $15ish per person) -so easy, especially when you're craving Korean food -We built our own bowls, where you can choose the base and add your protein and toppings -glass noodles were chewy and exactly what I was expecting, and the purple rice was cooked perfectly. It's chewy and holds the sauce flavor -sauces were delicious, I got the Korean hot sauce and sesamiso, though I will ask next time to have it on the side (it does get a little mushy if you are traveling with it) -got the spicy pork and bulgogi half and half option, which id recommend to try a variety of different options -inside there's a few seats as well, very clean inside too Next time I can't wait to try the crispy chicken I can't say enough good things about this spot!

    Kimchi Crunch
    Debangana S.

    Had gone into SeoulSpice for a quick lunch. Located across Millennium Park, this small outlet is hard to miss due to its standout branding. Their menu was simple and not too extravagant. Went with their Kimchi Crunch, which contained half noodles (glass noodles) and half purple rice, with a plethora of condiments, kimchi, chicken and sprouts for the crunch. I took my time to finish my bowl - it was huge! But I loved every bit of it. I particularly loved the kimchi against the cold glass noodles. Would definitely come back to try more items from the menu.

    Outside - Entrance
    Sharon M.

    Absolutely DELICIOUS!!!... We were looking for a quick grab for dinner and came upon this spot as were walking back towards out hotel. I was a little hesitant at first but figured I would give it a try and boy was I happy that I decided to try it. It is a cool little create your own bowl spot a little like a create your own Korean bibimbap bowl or kind of like a Chipotle bowl. The process was easy to follow and directions were printed on the glass covering as well as up top on the menu. The servers were very nice and patient. They also accommodated me with my kimchee and hot sauce on the side which was great. There was a line when I got there but it moved pretty quickly other than having to wait for them to to refill the japchae which was fine because I wanted it for one of my base items. You start with your base or starch. You can choose from white rice, purple rice, and/or japchae (Korean flavored long rice), grilled veggies, or toss salad. You can have choose two choice if you wish or just one. I chose the purple rice snd japchae. Great choice! Then to your protein/meats. Once again, you can choose just one or half of two types. If you want extra meat, you can choose so as well for an extra charge. The meats consist of: Bulgogi Beef, Teriyaki Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Pork, or Tofu. I chose beef and chicken and both were delicious and cooked well. I didn't have to add any additonal soy sauce bevuse they were both very flavorful. If you are like me and don't like your rice with too much sauce on it, ask the servers to please drain as much liquid from the meats before placing them into your bowl. They were so kind to do so ans it was perfect. After that, you move onto unlimited veggies. They had quite a selection consisting of: Cucumbers, Carrots, Corn, Bean Sprouts, Cilantro, Pickled Radish, Kim Chee, Kale, Edamame, Green Onion, Sesame Seeds. I may have missed a few but that is what I remember. I was simple and chose bean spouts, pickled radish, lots of cilantro, and kimchee and hot sauce on the side. After your unlimited toppings, you can choose several different sauces. I remember them having about 4-5 different ones. Goya, Kochujang, Oil, and something else. I only wanted hot sauce which was perfect and loved that I didn't need to add anything else to it. The staff was amazing, and food was absolutely amazing. Loved everything about it and my experience. I wish I could have gone one more time while in town, but at least now I know if I return, this will be one of my go to spots for a quick Korean Bowl fix. I recommend this place .

    Josh B.

    This place is excellcent. It's a Korean bowl concept. So what chipotle did for Mexican and cava did for Mediterranean, Seoul spice is doing for Korean food. The atmosphere is fun casual and approachable. The high quality food at reasonable prices make this place a great option for a quick dining option during a day of touring the city. Definitely worth the stop!

    Bulgogi Build Your Own Bowl
    Jacqueline O.

    SeoulSpice is seriously my new favorite spot to get lunch in the Loop. Just a short walk from my office, this spot is always clean and there's always a spot for me to sit and enjoy my lunch there. It's a build-a-bowl type place where you go down the line and choose what goes in it. The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable if you have questions on menu items and flavors. My personal favorites are bulgogi and jap chae! I try a different combo every time I go.

    Kimchi Crunch
    Ashley H.

    This is one of my favorite quick stops in the Loop! I have been several times and SeoulSpice never misses. The shop is very cute and the employees are always very friendly. Every time I've visited, I've been consistently impressed by the high quality and fresh ingredients. The portions are huge and can definitely last for two meals. Out of the bowls I've tried, my favorite has to be the Kimchi Crunch. The chicken is super tender and flavorful, and the purple rice is perfectly sticky and moist. The generous rice and proteins are complemented perfectly by crunchy veggies, spicy kimchi, and a refreshing ginger carrot sauce. Definitely do *not* skip the soft boiled egg, which is marinaded and cooked to perfection! Healthy comfort food at its finest. 100% recommend SeoulSpice and will undoubtedly be back soon!

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    Ask the Community - SeoulSpice

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    What a wonderful place! Charming location and even more charming staff. Visiting Chicago for the…read morefirst time and with an hour to my appointment in the Hancock Tower's 360 feature, I had plenty of time to get a quick bite before the Chicago 360. So searching in Yelp I see a Cuban restaurant, and that's my fav, so I went in and I had a great early dinner. Cafecito would be at home in a pre-revolutionary Cuban building, when Art Deco architecture permeated much of Havana and the other major cities in Cuba. Plenty of outdoor seating, but I chose to eat in the cafe area due to time constraints. I had the Vaca Frita which I haven't had in over 60 years and wow, it was amazing. It came with the proverbial white rice, black beans with plenty of condiment, and maduros. Oh yummy. My Cuban grandma would have been pleased... The waiter was indeed, a Cuban American who had come over during the early Cuban diaspora. We chatted a bunch about the old country and had a pleasant conversation about being from the same province in the island. Great reminiscing, great food, great service. Yum.

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    I'll say up front that I'm not a Wagyu guy. I don't send things back to the kitchen, and I think…read morethe Costco tenderloins are fine. So sure, it's called the Purple Pig, I ordered beef. Maybe I was expecting too much. I was in Chicago for a conference. It was Friday, 5:30 PM, and I sat by myself at the bar, in shorts. It took about ten minutes to get a menu, though the bar was only half full. Maybe I looked like I was waiting for someone. Half Acre IPA: excellent. Ordered the filet mignon, medium rare. The runner who brought it asked me to cut into it and check the temperature. I'd never had that request before, and it made me think he must know something I don't. It turns out he did -- rare in the middle with an overcooked crust. I asked the chef if they use thermometers. He said no, they go by touch. That explains the pattern. Touch tells you how firm the outside is, and the outside was cooked every time -- it was the inside that never got there. A filet is thick and lean, which is exactly the cut that fools your thumb. I'm not a professional cook, but I make steak at home with a $25 instant-read thermometer and it comes out right, so I don't think the tool is the obstacle. The second one that came out wasn't a new steak; it was the same one I'd cut open, put back on the heat. More char outside, and the rare middle was still there, just smaller. A manager took it away, took my silverware, and said it would come off the bill. She asked if I still wanted food. I said yes, I just wanted it cooked correctly. I didn't think this was beyond what they were capable of. She said she was sorry it wasn't to my liking, which felt like what you say when you think the customer is the problem. Round three is the photo. New steak, same result. I showed the chef the picture and asked if it looked medium rare to him. He said he'd cooked the second one himself and it was fine. I asked the server who'd brought the third one and he allowed that it looked a little undercooked in the middle. Then the chef came back to the bar and told me, politely, that I wasn't going to like any steak he cooked -- he "wasn't saying you're wrong, we're not a steakhouse." I respect that. I'd just suggest that the menu should say so too. The best steaks I've ever had were in Dallas and Oklahoma, and the next best have all been in Chicago. The bar here is high, and it's set by the neighbors. They took the third one away. I left with two beers on the house, which was generous, and went back to the Loews and ordered Steak Frites, medium rare, just to do a sanity check. Maybe I was grumpy from jet lag. I took a picture of it cut open, so you can be the judge. The beers were very good. The sweet potato and crispy onions under the steak looked very good. I'd come back for the beer list and the small plates, and I'd leave the filet to the neighbors. For what it's worth, I had a filet at Michael Jordan's the night before, cooked right the first time. I didn't bother to leave a review because, well, cooking a filet right seems like table steaks on Michigan Avenue. Same guy, same shorts. So I don't think it's me, but I've been wrong before.

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    If I were to pick one bar to go to every time I'm in Chicago it would be Arbella! Drinks were…read moreabsolutely phenomenal. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and they had a fun menu by the chef and we ordered off of both menus. Drinks were reasonably priced. Bartenders were great and explained what was going on. They were chill and the booths were comfortable. They had music on but not too loud so we could converse comfortably. Best bar I've been to in the city! Also wish I had taken picture of all the drinks.

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    0.7 mi•Near North Side
    •$$

    I LOVED my meal here! Ēma (Ay-mah) brings some glamour and glitz to the Mediterranean dining scene,…read morewith an airy, elevated hotel-lobby feel that still doesn't demand a dress code. Dresscode: Smart Casual / Casual Noise Level: Medium (it gets buzzy after 5:30pm) Thursday night Happy Hour was lively, so it took about 10-15 minutes for someone to come around, but service was attentive once we got going. The food is where Ēma really shines. From the Happy Hour menu, the Charred Eggplant Hummus and Crispy Potatoes were generously portioned and great for sharing. On the main menu, the Indian-Mediterranean fusion Bhel Hummus was a party for my taste buds, while the Hot Honey Halloumi and Chicken Kefta rounded out the table nicely. The halloumi is more of a side than a main, but that sweet-and-salty hot honey combo was chef's kiss. For our finisher, the Chocolate Torte knocked us out. Decadent, delicious and chocolate with lots of depth. Overall, Ēma is an excellent spot to order a bunch of dishes for the table and get an elevated meal without feeling stuffy, and delicious without taking itself too seriously. DO's: - Make a reservation ahead, especially for happy hour 4-6pm - Treat apps like small plates, order 2-3 to sample - Entertain their wine list, they have a lot! - Bring vegetarians here, there are plenty of options DON'Ts: - Dismiss the desert menu. It's fantastic and shareable! - Forget to ask for extra pita with the hummus! - Miss out on the LettuceEats loyalty points (check-in with your server before paying your check)

    Mixed feelings on this place. Really pretty decor and nice vibe, but portions have greatly…read moredecreased in the last few years. The food is good, but I don't like that the portions have gotten smaller with the price staying the same. I've added pictures to show the difference. Their spicy hummus is probably my favorite hummus I've gotten from a restaurant, but it isn't always on the menu. The Kefta kabob is always good.

    Photos
    Ema - Ema tables and bar

    Ema tables and bar

    Ema - Tuna & Watermelon*  june 2026.

    Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

    Ema - Inside

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    Inside

    SeoulSpice - korean - Updated October 2026

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