Service was good, place was very clean, but food was just okay. We ordered the Kalbi, Bi Bim Bop, and their chicken soup. I still have my favorites like Woo Chon and this place didn't compare to them (for me). read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This review is for their Sam gye tang (ginseng chicken soup), which they are known for. I dragged my flu stricken body, in attempt to get the taste of that chicken soup my mom used to make when I was sick. Granted, I never liked this thing that much--c'mon it's like a clear chicken broth soup with lots of garlic, dates, ginseng... And something that I always ate when I had no appetite. I honestly can't imagine someone who isn't Korean that never had it being blown away the first time he/ she tries it, since it's pretty mild in flavor, but it'll grow on you. Anyhow, this soup pops in my head when I'm sick. And I'm pretty sure this is the only Korean restaurant that serves this. It came out boiling hot in the ddook bae gi (the stone pot), with the small whole chicken. The broth was rich, and the meat fell off the bone effortlessly. I think it was possibly better than my mothers (sorry mom). Also this is how our family ate the soup; eat the 2/3 of the chicken meat as you dip it lightly on salt and pepper mix, take the rest of the meat apart from the bones, mix well with the sweet rice, and eat it like jook (porridge). But my mom put more sweet rice than they did here, but no worries, she didn't prepare a separate bowl of rice. In other words, it's plenty of food. And yes, be careful of the little bones. It's annoying but I take my time to take off all the bones so the rest of my eating experience is uninterrupted. The banchans included leek cucumber kimchi (o-ee so-bak-ee), regular kimchi, radish kimchi (kkak doo gi), picked garlic, anchovies with pepper, and tossed bellflower (do-rah-ji moo-cheem). They all tasted flavorful, clean, and fresh. Some were a little sweet for me but still, everything tasted so fresh, and usually banchans are a good preview of how the food will be. I'm excited to try more things from this restaurant! P.S. The grandma serving here is so cute and sweet--I kinda love and hate elderly serving me food because I think it's ridiculous and I should be serving them food (yes I'm strange) but she's awesome. read more

Ssyal - Sam gye tang! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're not feel too well get the samgyetang. Always good to get in the winter or in the summer. Best meal to get when under the weather.

The owner is really sweet and the food was DELICIOUS. Definitely get the Ssyal Samgye Tang!!!! One sip of the broth brought me back to my childhood. read more

Food was great. I probably would not order the Korean fried chicken again. The apps and the Galbi were fantastic. Our server was very rude. This would be the reason I wouldn't go back to dine-in read more

I went here for dinner last night - by first time to have traditional Korean Food. IT WAS AWESOME! We started off the dinner with dumplings . . wow - they were a little different than I am used to - not greasy - but just lovely pillows. It's almost as if they were air baked at the end. So good! I am not a big red meat eater, but I loved theirs! We ordered 2 combo's with - I am going to mess up big time on the spelling . . bibimbob and bulgogi (I think). My dinner date is a regular here and I let him take the reigns with ordering. May it as good. And it reminds me of traditional farmhouse eating ... like tapas or dim sum. . all the little plates of bites around the table. I will NOT be hesitant to go there again! read more

Ssyal - My first time here! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Best Samgye Tang I've had in a long time. Very delicious and healthy taste. All side dishes are fresh and clean. Strongly recommend this place to who seeks for savory and healthy hot soup!!! read more

This restaurant is small. There's not a lot of seats. To begin with, we ordered the herbal chicken soup, bibimbap, bulgogi, and seafood pancake. We got the dumplings free. Herbal chicken soup: lacks flavor, not a lot of herbal flavor Bibimbap: I had better ones at other places, but I like the scorched rice at the bottom. Bulgogi: I like this dish the best here. It's on the sweeter side, but it's good. Seafood pancake and dumplings: they are really crispy. Taste wise is ok. Overall, the staffs were nice and you can check in and give reviews to redeem soda or dumplings. The prices were a bit higher compared to other places. read more

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I have heard that Korean soup is really good for you when you're sick and that samgyetang is best. So I dragged my sniffling carcass by bus to Albany Park. I received a cup of hot tea once I was seated and did not bother looking at the menu. My chicken ginseng elixir was wheeled out on a cart and accompanied by six banchan and purple rice! As others have stated, you are given green onions and sea salt on the side to season the soup to taste. I felt a lot better afterwards and even received a slice of watermelon at the end of my meal! The young girl who waited on me and the ajumma who owns the restaurant were very nice. Both asked how I liked the food. The owner seemed to know the regulars and engaged in friendly chit chat. Very different than San Soo Gab San! I would definitely go back to try other items or maybe just get the samgyetang again. Looking forward to trying to make rice porridge with the leftovers as another Yelper helpfully suggested. Limp in, leap out! read more

Ssyal - Congee made w leftovers - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If I can only give this place a negative 5! The worker who says she's been working at this restaurant for 4 years is extremely rude! I ordered a $18 meal and she forgets to give me rice. She's not even apologetic!!! She then says...I guess you have never been here before because with the samgytang(chicken soup) we never give rice. She just tries to argue me on everything...all I want is a simple sorry I forgot the rice! Her voice is so condescending and treats me like sh*t! Oh I'm sorry I didn't come in all dolled up for you! I realized she treats people who are well dressed and cleaned up better than casual don't give a "f" how I look! Don't judge a book by its cover b!tch! Sorry for the rant...I'm done with this place! Goodbye!! read more

Holy sweet Jesus, the food here is amazing. My lady and I really enjoy quality authentic (at least as far as we can tell) mom-and-pop Korean food, so I don't know how this place flew under our radar for so long. Finally got around to it tonight, and it was absolutely fabulous. If future orders are even half as good as this was, this will be in the regular rotation from now on. read more

Food is great! Takeout was put on a table, separate from other orders. Well packaged. Good hen soup and tasty pork bulgogi.

Wanted to like this place but it was mediocre. Nothing like the pictures and felt like maybe it was even under different ownership. Service was not friendly or attentive. Almost like they didn't want us there! Still, we ordered several dishes since we made the trip. Plates were messy and were subpar. Hopefully things turn around and improve. read more

If you are craving that , this is the place to go!!!!! Free dumpling! Jjim dak is pretty good, pork bulgogi best in town! read more

Ssyal - Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Ssyal Samgye Tang, Neul Chan Jjim Dak - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food and awesome services! Very kind waitress and good foods. Strongly recommend. It's not that expensive as well. Def.worth it!!!! You gotta try it. No regret. read more

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My friends and I came here to try the samgyetang and it was so delicious! The chicken was tender and the broth was just right. All the banchan dishes were also very good (we had to ask for seconds and thirds). In addition to the awesome food, our waitress was super attentive and friendly. Overall a great experience! read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had a mixed experience here. The people were very nice and the place was clean, which is certainly not a given in the Korean food arena. That said, the food was mostly average. The dol sot bibimbap was decent but nothing worth driving across town for. The Naemyang was a bit mild for my taste and the beef in it was sub par. The ban chan was completely uninspired. There wasn't much and it wasn't that good. The pajeon was really very good, one of the better on the north side. I really enjoyed it and would order that alone if I went back. Finally, the service was really slow. 35+ minutes after our order, the entrees and ban chan came out together. The pajeon was missing and showed up 10-15 minutes later as we were finishing our entrees. The people were very nice and apologetic, but judging by other diners, the same slow service is pervasive. This place is worth visiting if you live nearby. read more

I really enjoy the atmosphere. The server was extremely nice and help us with the menu. She had great customer service. She was patient and brought the food on time. We ask her for suggestions and she was really helpful. I would definitely come back to this restaurant and I will let friends know to support this business. Thank you again! Such a wonderful experience!!! read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Clean ambience inside and super friendly service. We got the chicken soup which was very good. Soondubu was ok. Some sides were great, I was disappointed in the kimchi and radish kimchi. Both were not good at all. The pajeon/pancake was really good though. Overall I liked it and would come back. read more

Ssyal - Placemats with boricha (hot barley tea)-my favoritr - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sam gye tang is exactly the pronunciation of "ginseng chicken soup" in Chinese. Asian people generally believe that ginseng has magical power of rejuvenating and revitalizing. It's just the perfect food choice for Chicago winter. read more

I had the bulgogi dolsot and it was very good. Will come back, the menu had some unique items on it. Looking forward to trying a few other things like the ginseng chicken soup, as well as their drinks. read more

Ssyal - This little kitty was on the window shade. - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had the ginseng chicken soup to follow all the yelp reviews, but it was so bland! I had to even ask for extra salt, and I'm someone that likes things slightly under seasoned! My fellow patron had the dolsot bibimbap, and that was also EXTREMELY bland. We had to put spicy sauce on every bite (after dousing the whole dish with it), and it still wasn't very flavorful. On the other hand, the service was great, which is why I am giving two stars. There was one little old lady there that was absolutely adorable and sweet. read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Can't tell you how much I love this restaurant! This is my dinning hall! They have the best containers for different dishes. And their food is soooooooo goooood! I'm gonna try all of their menu! read more

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This is my new favorite Korean restaurant in Chicago. The food was authentic and delicious and the staff at the restaurant were extremely friendly. There were lots of side dishes that were fresh and tasty that were provided with the main dishes. I tried the jjimdak (chicken stew) and fried mackerel and both were amazing. The ginseng wine is also worth trying. Looking forward to visiting again soon to try their signature chicken soup dish as well. read more

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Whenever I feel fatigue or feel like I'm coming down with something, my husband takes me to this place. It's good chicken soup, except it's the whole chicken stuffed with ginseng, garlic, sweet rice and such. I could never finish the entire bird but left over soup is never really bad anyways. The chicken soup is their specialty but they also sell ginseng, ginseng candy, ginseng drinks, homemade hot pepper paste and Korean dengjang (miso). Sometimes I make this at home, it only takes 2-3 hours. Ordering over the phone can be tricky when person at the other end misunderstands two orders of chicken with five. Always double check your order! read more

A great restaurant as good as any other in the area. Definitely one of the cleanest ever. Had the spicy beef stew which was really flavorful and some 4 egg hotpot. The banchai was really good. I even went as far as ordering the mango smoothie. It wasn't large, but it was real good. I will be back like Schwartzenegger. I would recommend this place. read more

Helllllooooo chicken ginseng soup. Perfect comfort food on a cold day or if you're sick. The chicken is stuffed with a sticky rice which is a fun surprise. The seafood pancake is also good here. We got the kalbi for some extra protein and I wouldn't recommend it, it's just ok. Lots of panchan and variety is a must as well. Definitely worth the drive. Service is iffy, as per usual with asian restaurants, you might be waiting a while for that water refill. read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food is amazing and the service was remarkable. One of my favorite dish from this place is spicy bulgogi. Im Definitely coming back :) read more

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It was my third time here. The special ginseng soup is AMAZING and so is the service. The chicken was so soft and tender. I love the whole ginseng root and plump dates in the soup. I like that you add your own salt (big chunky salt idk the name but it's not regular iodized table salt) to flavor the soup to your taste. The mixed bean rice is so special to eat, too! We also had the ttukkbokki appetizer but the rice cake tasted a bit overcooked and too mushy--not so chewy. I liked the addition of cabbage inside it for a nice crunch though. It's a bit far from my place so I took an Uber here. I forget if it's close to public transit. read more

The other times I been here it was just to carry out today was my first time sitting down to eat. Welcomed with hot tea upon arrival. read more

Ssyal - I have no clue what this is however I had 2 servings and it so delicious! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is one of my favorite Korean restaurant in Chicago. While this place do not offer BBQ, their soup and banchan sidedishes are one of the best in Chicago. Also, waiter here is very friendly and nice, very different from some other Korean restaurant we have been to. P.S. Their crispy seafood pancake is a must. read more

This was enough for 3 people to split for lunch. I love this place and have been coming here for years. Outstanding quality of food and great service. Everything is always fresh and memorable. A local favorite. read more

Ssyal - Ordered to go the Bibimbap, Fried Dumpling (Gun Mandu), Japchae - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Outstanding food and service pancake, rice cake and chicken soup were amazing, can't wait to come back! read more

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Ordered for pickup and food was delicious! The restaurant was pretty busy so the food did take a while. I got the tteokbokki and spicy pork bulgogi, both of which were so good!! Will definitely come back to try more dishes. read more

Really good authentic Korean food! Had the bulgogi dolsot & samgaetang. Both came out sizzling hot and tasted great! read more

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i really enjoyed.... very tasty food and clean reataurant... i like to try their chicken and ginseng one day. i will be back

This review is a bit overdue... so here's the short. One of the best mango smoothies I've had! Smaller portion (12-16 oz?) but I don't mind, cuz a 20-24 can be difficult for me to finish anyway. TASTY! Goon mandoo: I love dumpings. And I love that these are smaller. They say they're meatless, and it easily fools me. Scrumptious, as an appetizer, or small meal all on its own. Soon Dobu: Nice heat. Clean flavors. perfect! I love this soup on cold, breezy nights. Or whenever I want that nice kick, really. Mul Naeng-Myun: Another definite win for flavor. I'm sad that it's only offered seasonally here, since other Korean spots offer it year-round. But it's worth it! I love how refreshing this cold soup is, and I really like the flavor of their broth here. Slurp slurp! I haven't tried their branded ginseng soup yet, but really nothing has disappointed me so far from here! a win. I'm only sad that it's a bit difficult to order to-go, since there aren't too many English speaking workers, and no menu by website (I don't think...) read more

Boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here. The Ssyal Samgye Tang was hearty and completely satiating. It's authentic and very similar to how my mom makes it (we're Korean). We both demolished our bowls and drank every last drop of the broth. There were also a good number of side dishes, and I was surprised to see that the rice was mixed grain, not white (it's better!). We also had the Haemul Pajeon, which was the crispiest I've ever had. It's enormous and filled with delicious seafood. Service was great as well. Our waitress was friendly and made sure we didn't need more side dishes, etc. Highly recommend! read more

food here is amazing cooked well the lighting in there is really cute and the restaurant is clean & cozy I recommend this place to everyone the bibimbap is the best read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal Sam Ginseng Houes is my favorit place. I took a few co-worker today on the way to O Hare airport. They loved Ginseng Chicken soup. I loved a Ginseng Chicken soup. I will take all my co-worker there in a few days to have them taste it. read more