Welcome to Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant
Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant, nestled in Chicago, offers an authentic, family-owned dining experience that stands out for its comforting homemade-style Korean cuisine. Known for its generous portions and fresh ingredients, this quaint eatery features a diverse menu including beloved dishes like Naengmyeon and Korean army stew. Diners rave about their complimentary crispy potato scallion pancake and flavorful banchan, which exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to quality. With a warm ambiance and attentive service, Ban Po Jung invites guests to savor each dish, ensuring every visit feels like a comforting home-cooked meal.
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3450 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States Hotline: +1 773-583-5209
Welcome to Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant, a hidden gem located in the heart of Chicago at 3450 W Foster Ave. This charming, family-owned establishment is dedicated to serving up authentic Korean cuisine that feels like a comforting embrace from home. If you’re looking for a place where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality, this is the spot for you.
The overall vibe is cozy and inviting, ensuring that whether you’re a first-time visitor or a loyal customer, you’ll always feel right at home. The restaurant is not typically crowded, providing a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family.
One of the standout features of Ban Po Jung is their commitment to freshness. As noted by patrons like Elizabeth, the food consistently tastes fresh, enhancing your dining experience. This freshness extends across their entire menu, which offers a delightful range of traditional dishes. The lunch menu is available until 3 PM, making it a fantastic option for a midday pick-me-up.
Reviewers rave about the homemade-style Korean dishes that exude authenticity. Bill Wang describes the Naengmyeon as a refreshing highlight, served with a well-flavored clear beef broth. The crispy charbroiled mackerel and spicy fried kimchi and pork belly are also fan favorites, showcasing the mastery of balance in flavor that Ban Po Jung executes so brilliantly. There’s something gloriously satisfying about each bite, from the tantalizing meats to the complimentary pancake that arrives promptly at your table, as noted by Dragana Spasevska.
The banchan, or side dishes, are a worthy mention. They are not merely an afterthought but a thoughtful extension of the main courses, exemplifying the restaurant’s quality and care. Peem Udombunyaluck's appreciation of them speaks volumes about the attention to detail and genuine warmth of the dining experience.
If you're looking for hearty and comforting options, the Korean Army Stew is a must-try, praised by Maria Escalante for being "authentic, made with love." This dish captures the spirit of Korean home cooking, providing both nourishment and joy. The potato scallion pancake that accompanies the meal provides an ideal crispy counterpart, an experience that resonates with those craving warmth and flavor.
The atmosphere at Ban Po Jung is enhanced by the kind-hearted service of the hardworking couple who run the restaurant, as noted by Minda Dang. Their dedication shines through every dish, making this spot more than just a meal; it's an experience you want to return to time and again.
In conclusion, Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant is not just another dining spot; it's a celebration of Korean culinary culture embraced by a loving community. So, the next time you find yourself craving something warm and delicious, know that this restaurant will always be ready to serve you with authenticity and heart.
I like this small family owned restaurant. It's not very crowded but the food always tastes fresh. They have a lunch hour until 3pm and also a dinner menu.
Ban Po Jung serves up homemade-style Korean food that’s incredibly comforting. The Banchan was refreshing, and they even offer a complimentary pancake! Among the dishes we ordered, the Naengmyeon stood out with its refreshing and well-flavored clear beef broth; the charbroiled mackerel was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the fried kimchi & pork belly had a great kick of spice, balanced with tofu pieces. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and definitely look forward to coming back for more.
I came here for the second time to try the ribs—it’s a bomb! I love it! The soup with bean paste is also well-balanced, not too salty. The service is great, and overall, I’d now give this place 5 stars. On my first visit, I found the flavors milder than I prefer since I enjoy strong-tasting food. However, the banchan was excellent, and I always pay close attention to it as I believe it reflects the restaurant’s overall quality. I initially gave 4 stars because I wished the soup had been saltier and richer—it may not have been boiled long enough to develop a deeper flavor. For 18 (162 tips), I was full and satisfied. But after trying the ribs, I can confidently say this place deserves 5 stars!
one of my favorite go to places when i’m craving something warm and delicious. the korean army stew here is authentic, made with love and definitely worth the price. favorite part about this place is the potato scallion pancake they serve before the food. it always hits the spot and very crispy! what’s in the picture is #49. i recommend!
Delicious food paired with ban chan at affordable prices! Have always been here since high school and my friends and I keep coming back. The restaurant is run by a hard working couple who’s sweet and kind! I always make sure to tip generously when I dine in.
Authentic Korean mom and pop restaurant, that was first on our stop after arriving in Chicago. The pancake was complementary and arrived promptly after we sat down. It had a nice crispy exterior and chewy interior. The spicy marinated crab was so fresh and the reason I came to this place. Next time I will try both flavors of marinated crab. The fried fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The makgeolli (rice wine drink) and cold noodles were a refreshing break in between bites. The staff were very kindhearted, and I liked the Korean singing competition they had on. It was a place I could sit, hang out, and eat for hours.
this was my first time at this place and the food was surprisingly cheap and really good. The spicy squid was so tender and tasty. They even have monk fish on the menu !! Will definitely be back.
This spot always hit! I recommend number 49 Koran army stew!