Ssyal

4.4 (369 reviews)

ModerateKorean, Comfort Food, Soul Food

Closed • 11:00 am - 8:45 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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Ssyal - Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - The name of the restaurant and the mascot - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Galbi! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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SSYAL ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Quiet

Good for kids

Good for groups

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Joyee T.

Such good authentic Korean food!! It's hard to find in Chicago so I'm glad there is a place to get chicken ginseng soup. The cold noodles was so flavorful and yummy. The bulgolgi was okay but would definitely come back!

Anthony D.

We ordered Uber Eats for lunch and tried: - Seafood Pancake - Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang - Yukgae Jang At first I was questioning the prices, but the portion size doesn't miss. Everything was essentially two servings. Surprisingly the seafood pancake was my favorite, it was absolutely packed with shrimp, octopus, and more. I wouldn't personally say the Yukgae Jang was spicy. It reminded me a bit of kimchi spice, but it was still good. Definitely give them a try, especially when it's cold outside!

Nerina B.

I ordered delivery. The food was exceptionally delicious. The fried dumplings were nicely filled and flavorful. The BBQ beef ribs were so well seasoned. They were delicious. The Royal Rice great. Nice serving of all ingredients. The beef and rice cakes were very tastes Definitely ordering from here again.

Chicken Soup, Steamed Egg, Grilled Mackerel, and Banchan

Jonathan B.

The food here comforts you and makes you feel like you're getting a lovely home cooked meal. If you're looking for authentic Korean food, then this is the spot for you. The owners give it a cute mom and pop feel. We ordered their signature chicken soup with ginseng and herbs. It had a lovely aroma that felt like it could cure your body and soul. It was a little on the pricey side, but we did enjoy it. The grilled mackerel was extremely flavorful and a bit salty, but it paired so nicely with the white rice it came with. The steamed egg was fluffy and warm; I highly recommend getting this on the side. The banchan were tasty and a good pallet cleanser. The service wasn't bad; the lady took our order pretty quick. She got straight to the point and didn't seem as welcoming. I wish we knew if we could get a refill on the banchan, but I wasn't sure enough to ask. The ambiance is very simple; there are a lot of ginseng references in the wall. They pride themselves on using it, so I love that! It's a small restaurant on the corner, but I love the vibe it gives if you're looking for a simple comforting meal.

Service and food was so fire ! Great hang out spot to catch up w friends! it was pretty empty when we came so the ambience was very chill and cozy

Michelle G.

I had this place bookmarked and finally went with a friend and we had such a delightful meal here. I liked the banchan, especially the tofu skins. But my absolute favorite thing was the seafood pancake (haemul pajeon). My friend loved their samgyetang (the chicken soup) that I'd heard they are known for. I probably would skip the sweet beef stew soup I got (I forgot the name), but I'd definitely come back here. I also liked how crispy their mandu was, and I don't always like the mandu at other restaurants.

Dameon G.

The food is very tasty very tender and nice portions service was excellent and the ambience of the place gives you a taste of nostalgia retro New York Overall, I would recommend this place if you see it and you think that it is a shut down warehouse trust me it is not food is priced relatively well and again services pretty speedy. The waiting staff is very patient and they do not overwhelm you constantly asking you if everything is OK until you can get your food in your mouth, but yes eat here. Come here and enjoy.

Runzer W.

Their Samgye Tang is so good...I'm still craving it now... My friends and I ordered a seafood pancake, a stir fried squid, and one Samgye Tang for each of us. All were so amazing!!! The only thing that we were not super satisfied with was their service speed. We waited for nearly a half hour for the dishes to come. Others were good, especially their dining environment, not greasy like some other places at all.

Emily B.

Really delicious! Took my friend out for lunch last weekend. I've been to a lot of the Korean restos in the area, but not this one. We kinda went all out...we got the chicken and ginseng soup they're known for, pan-fried mackerel, steamed eggs, and japchae (because I love it). Everything was absolutely delicious. We rolled out of there completely stuffed, but not in a gross way.

celina t.

Giving this spot a 3 since we came for the Korean fried chicken but they sadly no longer have it. Their service is fairly good and the restaurant is spacious. There are a few parking spots behind the restaurant but other than that it is street parking. For food I would recommend getting at least their seafood pancake. I would say it is one of the best I've ever had. Other than that everything else was standard Korean food.

Kevin B.

10/10 recommend!!! Such a really great Korean spot!!! Highly recommended coming for the soup/stew!

karina k.

This Korean restaurant is very clean and the food came out very fast. The food was fresh and the food was very good. Not salty and very healthful. The bibimbop veges were really good and authentic and super fresh. And I am mostly vegetarian but can eat high quality low fat beef or chicken. And the beef in the bibimbop was super low fat and very tasty and not salty but still flavored like bulgogi. There's another room for diners which can also act as a private party dining area if needed. The bathrooms were very clean also with paperless hand drying and it was odorless. They even had a bench inside that came be used to place bags or to sit. This place has great food and it's very clean and the parking on the street is free. Will definitely come back.

Junyu Z.

Great food ! It's very homely and perfect for cold rainy days which there are so many in Chicago ! Would def recommend the original or the premium chicken ! Would def come back !

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Callie J.

10 months ago

Fast service. Appetizers came out really quick. Very attentive and milkshakes came out fast. read more

Ssyal - Seafood pancake - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Japchae - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Steamed egg - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hubaab M.

Elite 26

196

106

3 years ago

First time trying this place after passing by for the last few decades. Got the beef soup, there was maybe one of two slivers of beef in it. The soup was ok, the sides were ok but I was very disappointed in the 1oz of meat that was put in my dish. Well, I finally gave them a try, for the first and last time. read more

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Selena S.

Elite 26

313

211

455

3 years ago

this place has some amazing yukgaejang !! i liked that there was an option to make it mild or spicy. i was able to ask for it to be extra, extra spicy. & they listened. the service was kind and she gave us nice tea that was very yummy. they did not give us any water though. more korean restaurants give you a little jug of water to help yourself throughout your meal, but we never got one. when we asked for water she asked how many (we were a party of 3). just bring it out for all of us? they ended up being little glasses and we had to ask for refills. this is just me complaining about something small, but most places have the jugs so it was a little odd. the location doesn't seem to be in the nicest of areas, but the ambiance inside is cute and warm feeling. I would definitely be back! read more

Ssyal - Yukgae Jang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Yena K.

6 months ago

Food was perfect for a cold winter day. Staff was very nice and hospitable. Best Korean food I've had in Chicago.

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Chris L.

2 years ago

Best Korean specialty food, period We ordered Samkyetang and seafood pajun ( korean pancake). They were so yummy and the pajun was extra crunch. read more

Ssyal - Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon) - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Andrew P.

Elite 26

493

1462

1987

4 years ago

I've had this restaurant bookmarked for quite a while and finally met up with a friend to try it out! No doubt, they specialize in two chicken soups that are listed at the very top of their menu, and we knew we had to try it. Personally, I've never had it before so I was ready to try something new. I love Korean food in general, but had not had something like this! We received our banchan after our meals came out and really enjoyed everything. I do understand that the soup itself can taste a little bland/lacking in flavor, but mind you they give you little bowls of salt to add. Also, there is rice inside the chicken, so make sure to open that bad boy up and get the rice into the broth. Mmmmm. I felt really healthy and not overly bloated after eating this food which was a nice feeling. On a Tuesday night there were a steady amount of people dining here, but it was horribly packed or anything. They also have a small parking lot on the backside by the alleyway as well which is convenient for those who drive. I'll definitely be back! read more

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Junie S.

2 years ago

Amazing food Great service Super authentic and accessible You can't get this anywhere in Chicagoland! read more

Ssyal - Chicken soup and Spicy beef soup.. absolutely delicious Great service Great people We come monthly all the way from Naperville!! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Rie U.

Elite 26

233

423

1213

4 years ago

A fellow elite yelper and I came here on a Tuesday night for their famed Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and it totally lived up to its hype! If you've never had samgyetang before, it's a chicken soup where a whole chicken stuffed with glutenous rice is cooked in a simple broth with ginseng, ginger, garlic and jujube. It's as comforting as its American counterpart but if you eat it expecting salty soup like chicken noodle soup, you might find it bland. Think of it more like a health food that's meant to reinvigorate you on the hottest days of the summer. Yes, that's right, it's a summer food! (We Asians like eating hot or spicy foods in the summer to combat the summer heat!) Ssyal's samgyetang was so wholesome and nourishing, I literally devoured the whole thing and my soul couldn't have been happier! Also, don't snooze on their banchan; the flavorful little side dishes were perfect to eat with the simpler samgyetang. I personally didn't think the soup was bland, but if you're a sodium fiend who always needs more NaCl, worry not bc they give you a little bowl of salt along with the bowl of soup. I'll definitely be back for more when my soul needs recharging! :) read more

Ssyal - Ssyal Samgye Tang and Spicy Rice Cake (Tteokbokki) - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kiersten P.

1 year ago

Great food, great drinks, great environment, wonderful service. One of my favorite places to go on special occasions !!! read more

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Daniel S.

143

10 months ago

Fantastic, authentic Korean food. We couldn't believe there weren't places in Chicago that do kalguksoo, and then were so happy when we found this place. Their kalguksoo, samgyetang, and dakdolitang are fantastic. We will definitely be regulars at this place from here on out. (I can't believe someone complained about service staff not being enthusiastic about helping to take a picture. Read the room a bit. These types of places are run by family members that are always short staffed and very busy.) read more

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Han N.

100

3 years ago

First time in Chicago. Delicious food, great service, and definitely recommend getting the Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang, steamed egg, and the Spicy Chicken Galbi. Will come back here when I'm visiting Chicago again :)! read more

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Van Matthew M.

9 months ago

Waited more than an hour for a meal ordered an hour before. Made a bunch of to go for people that are not even there yet. And 30 mins later...i got home and got completely the wrong order!!!! read more

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Ala L.

Elite 26

135

254

524

3 years ago

Decent food that's tasty. Very slow server since they have limited people working. It would be if they hire more people so I can tip them better. Each tip is based on the service provided and so everyone needs to adjust accordingly. I would go visit during off busy hours or order before coming.. Just didn't like the service as you can see. It was a long wait before they took out order and there was only 4 groups of people with one order taker. I am not sure if the theme since they are focused on ginseng wine. Don't they have samples or a discount on the first drink to try this out. Pricing seems higher than expected. We will pay another visit on days and times that they aren't busy. Parking is in the back although we were lucky to find street parking. read more

Ssyal - May 2023 - Front desk - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Right side view - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Ginseng showcase - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Meredith C.

9 months ago

Authentic food with wonderful flavors for everyone. We had kids on our party and they tried and loved everything. The owners are very helpful in helping us choose the food, and it was the perfect amount for all of us. We've been on a weekend and a weekday, and there has always been a happy crowd. read more

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Sophy P.

1 year ago

We ordered their Samgye Tang, Galbi and Toon Tofu Stew! Love their beer, soju and mango smoothie! Everything was on point and super delicious! Auntie took care of us so well! read more

Ssyal - We ordered their Samgye Tang, Galbi and Toon Tofu Stew! Everything was on point and super delicious! Auntie took care of us so well! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jessica S.

Elite 26

519

237

460

5 years ago

Great food! We went and got the spicy squid, premium ginseng soup, spicy beef broth soup, seafood pancake, bulgogi soup, mandu, and spicy rice cake with blackberry wine and the ginseng milkshake. The soups were the highlight!! The premium ginseng soup hits the spot on a cold winter day! Thick, clear broth with great chicken and herb flavor. It requires self seasoning (like most traditional Korean ginseng soup) and there is pepper and salt available to your liking. The spicy beef broth soup was amazing!! The beaten egg and veggies inside along with the tender beef were delicious. The spicy red level was also just right. The bulgogi soup was not my favorite as it was a little too sweet, but classic for this dish. It includes lots of veggies and potato starch noodle. The spicy rice cake and mandu were very good as well. The mandu seemed homemade and was evenly crisped all around. Interestingly the seafood pancake seemed to be made with like a tempura batter making it very light, airy than other pancakes I've had before. The ginseng milkshake was light and refreshing surprisingly while still maintaining a light ginseng flavor. The blackberry wine had a vinegar like tang to it but was enjoyable with the meal. Minus one star due to service. This was a busy night so they forgot/messed up some of our orders BUT they were SUPER NICE and comped their mistake. The table next to us had their soup accidentally given to us and were very snarky about us "having bad etiquette" for eating the soup without informing the workers (we ordered spicy beef soup and were confused at getting a non-spicy beef soup but we just decided to eat it and not mention it since we already tasted it by then-- we only realized the mistake after they handed us spicy soup and whereby they said no worries it was comped) and picked a fight. The workers didn't involve themselves. The encounter left a slight black smear to the end of the night, though the business can't help what customers they have. All in all a nice traditional Korean soup and dining place! read more

Ssyal - Beef Bulgogi soup - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Korean Black Raspberry Wine - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Fried Dumpling (Gun Mandu) - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Spicy Rice Cake (Tteokbokki) - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sean

10 months ago

Food is ok but not as good as I expected based on the reviews. But when I asked the waitress to help take a pic for our party, she rolled her eyes and showed impatience. Not a great experience! read more

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Priscilla G.

1 year ago

Food was really good especially the Yuk Gae Jang (10/10). Everything was seasoned perfectly and the portion is very generous. read more

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Tracy C.

2 years ago

This where I go when I need comfort food. The food always tastes amazing and the customer service is excellent. The portion is huge and reasonable for the price! We come here atleast once a week! Give it a try if you have not been here! read more

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Carolyn S.

1 year ago

I love ssyal for both their dolsot bibimbap and samgyetang. The ginseng milkshakes are also awesome. I have been coming here for years for lunch and the atmosphere is always very chill. Highly recommend :) read more

Ssyal - Dolsot bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Christina T.

Elite 26

164

300

1068

5 years ago

I was looking forward to trying out this spot as I heard some good things about here. It was pretty steady when my friend and I went, so when we went, service was a little slow. Ssyal Samgye Tang - my friend got this and described it as feeling comforted as eating it. The chicken meat was falling off the bone. My friend had added in all the salt that she was given. I tried some and it was okay. Naengmyeon - I had a taste for this for a while week before I was able to find it and order it. It honestly didn't really satisfy my craving which was kind of disappointing. read more

Ssyal - Naengmyeon - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Ssyal Samgye Tang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Angela T.

1 year ago

Clean and friendly host! Very yummy with hot tea! They are Fast with food and good vibes read more

Ssyal - Galbi and Spicy pork. Delicious!!!!! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cecilia H.

1 year ago

The only good dish from this place is the spicy pork bulgogi. Everything else we've ordered has been disappointing. People working there are also combative and not customer-centric, so I'd suggest going to another Korean spot if it's your first time trying Korean food and/or like your food to have flavor. read more

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Katherine G.

1 year ago

We stumbled upon this cozy restaurant during winter. The Yugae jang is so tasty and just the right food for a cold night. read more

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Isaac G.

2 years ago

I'm leaving this review because I really wanted Korean food and wanted to order here, but realized they were closed on Sundays and I got SO SAD. Honestly I'm happy the people here take Sundays off, because it's a well deserved day off. You can really taste the love in this food. If you're debating coming here do yourself a favor and just go. Absolutely wonderful quality and service. read more

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Thomas S.

2 years ago

Take out for first time here tonight. Yum. So good. So much flavor. Spicy Rice Cakes -- a little kick. Dakdori Tang -- Chicken so tender. Great stew. Galbi - Good beef. Menu looks like lots more to choose for next time. read more

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Stella W.

Elite 26

136

715

965

6 years ago

Clean place, and tasty food! Can't compare to those I had in Korea but the ginseng soup did bring back the travel memory. Totally fit the Fall weather! Hubby loved the spicy chicken stew he had, and he doesn't even like chicken! I told him to keep the sauce so I can use it for marinate :p read more

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maggie c.

2 years ago

Amazing food!! Everything was super delicious and great price for the amount. Highly recommend read more

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Paul T.

515

291

4 years ago

9.2/10 Probably one of the few Korean restaurants in the city worthy of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). The quality of the food lives up to its hype. For a hefty price of $20, you can get a rich bowl of chicken broth with a whole chicken to keep you warm during winter. The appetizer was a seafood pancake that opened up my appetite. This time, I got a simple soft tofu soup I'm medium spicy. Included were a rich broth, assorted seafood, and a poached egg. read more

Ssyal - Soft Tofu Soup - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Sides - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sophia P.

2 years ago

Food was very good. Authentic. We especially enjoyed the seafood pancake and the steamed eggs.

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Rachelle Anne C.

2 years ago

HIDDEN GEM! Food is AMAZING and authentic. The ambiance is nice. And the staff are very accommodating! I will definitely come back here. read more

Ssyal - Beef Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Ginseng Tea - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ssyal - Soon Tofu Stew - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Brad L.

2 years ago

One of the best Korean restaurants in Chicago I've been to. Very authentic and tasted like home. read more

Ssyal - Kalbitang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Summer W.

3 years ago

My go to restaurant in Chitown for Korean food! Great food and service. And best ginseng chicken soup read more

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Tracy L.

Elite 26

511

1358

6 years ago

Ordered delivery from DD- We got Japchae, Royal Rice Cake, and Spicy Pork Bulgogi. Great quality.. The japchae and rice cake dishes were light and meat was generous. My bf thought the dishes weren't seasoned enough, and while I understand what he means, I was fine with that. I appreciated nothing was over salted or greasy. The mixed black rice was a little hard though (stale, previously refrigerated/leftover?) Who knows, but the free side dishes made up for it! If I ever have the opportunity to dine in, I'd love to try Ginseng Chicken Soup and Neul Chan Jjim Dak, among others! read more

Ssyal - Japchae, Royal Rice Cake (Royal Tteokbokki), Spicy Pork Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hawk W.

2 years ago

Highly recommend! Very good and local Korean food. Great place for family and friend gatherings. read more

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Han N.

3 years ago

One of the best korean restaurants in the Chicagoland area! Highly recommend their soups and stews on cold days! read more

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Steven H.

2 years ago

Very tasty verrrry veryyyyyyyyy goooooooooood You should try!!!!!!!!!! For recovery read more

Ssyal - Very tasty! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Carrie P.

3 years ago

Best samgaetang I've had! Ssyal is my go-to for Korean comfort food. Definitely give it a try! read more

Ssyal - Best samgaetang I've had! My go-to restaurant for Korean comfort food. - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ragchaa D.

2 years ago

Building is from outside looks nothing special interior design is kind of old fashioned.Food is very authentic i had a chicken with ginseng soup and fish,it was delicious.I would recommend this place to people who like the soup most. read more

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Paula B.

Elite 26

229

332

1116

5 years ago

After driving past this restaurant for the last two years, we finally reserved a spot for eat-in on a Friday night. Ssyal has received a Michelin star for their authentic Korean food. Noticed that many people were ordering out instead of dining in at this time. Lots of to-go orders. Anyway, food was impeccable. The rice cakes are a must try! read more

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Back

Page 2 of 10

4201 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
Albany Park
Directions
(773) 427-5296
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.ssyal.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Ssyal open?

Ssyal opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Ssyal close?

Ssyal closes at 8:45 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Ssyal is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 8:45 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does Ssyal take credit cards?

Yes, Ssyal takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Ssyal have catering options?

Yes, Ssyal does have catering options.

Does Ssyal have a happy hour?

No, Ssyal does not have a happy hour.

Does Ssyal serve alcohol?

Yes, Ssyal serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Ssyal allow dogs?

No, Ssyal does not allow dogs.

Does Ssyal have TVs?

Yes, Ssyal has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Ssyal have bike parking?

Yes, Ssyal has bike parking.

Does Ssyal have parking?

Yes, Ssyal has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Ssyal wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Ssyal is wheelchair accessible.

Does Ssyal have free WiFi?

Yes, Ssyal has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

🐓 Authentic Korean Cuisine in Chicago 🐓 Since 1988 | 30+ Years 🐓 Recommended by Michelin Guide

History

Established in 1988.

The name “Ssyal” translates to “seed” in Korean. As the name implies, we wanted to be sprout as a real Korean taste in the Chicago area. Since our humble beginnings as a ginseng farm, we have proudly become a staple of authentic Korean cuisine for the past 30 years. And as always, our mission of providing exceptional tasting Korean food and gracious hospitality to our neighbors in Chicago has remained unchanged.

Meet the Business Owner: Joo Kyung C.

Joo-Kyung is very proud to serve the great city of Chicago, and she looks forward to your visit! She prides herself on blending the exquisite tastes of authentic Korean cuisine with a modern and intimately chic atmosphere that's both fun and stylish. Come in and say "hello!" and Ask For Ginseng Chicken Soup!

Ssyal Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - Ssyal

Do you have in person dining?

YES!

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People eatin'!

4 Piece Brisket Egg Rolls

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Bar area with 4 big screen TVs

Soul & Smoke

Soul & Smoke in Evanston was excellent. I had the meat sampler and the side sampler, and it was the…read moreperfect way to try a little bit of everything. Considering I am from Texas, I will admit I can be a little particular when it comes to BBQ, but this was pretty good BBQ, especially this far north. The smoked meats were flavorful, tender, and had a good slow-cooked taste. The brisket, pulled pork, rib tips, and sausage all brought something different, and the variety made the meal feel like a true sampler experience. The sides were just as good. The mac and cheese, red beans and rice, collard greens, apple slaw, and cornbread all had that comforting soul food feel and paired really well with the BBQ. Overall, Soul & Smoke delivered on both the smoke and the soul. Great flavor, generous portions, and a satisfying meal from start to finish. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you are in Evanston and looking for good BBQ and soul food.

The gumbo was amazing! Make sure you make some rice to go with it…read more The pastrami was great on a Hawaiian roll and their gold and house bbq sauce went well with the brisket too. Quick ordering directly thru their website for pickup as well. Excited to see their expanded dining room opening soon. And of course the corn bread muffin was dynamite as well as the amazing Mac n cheese. It was a filling meal that lasted for 2 meals. Friendly service and no tipping required bc they pay their staff well.

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PRIME BRISKET DINNER with collard greens, SIGNATURE MAC CHEESE & CORNBREAD MUFFIN

Beef tips

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Inside seating

Gale Street Inn - Chicago

It's been a few years since we've been to Gale Street and wow, such a great refresh…read more Let's start with the sleeper hit of our meal. The potato skins - crispy, full of flavor and so unique. We loved them and the dipping sauce. I went with the classic ribs. Still amazing and great. Fall off the bone and great taste. My wife had the cioppino which she loved. Service was friendly, fast and excellent. We definitely will not wait so long to come back.

Host staff behaved bizarrely. We were seated at a table with a ledge, where all the wait staff were…read moretalking and clanging dishes. We order salads, less than a minute after we ordered our entrees, but everything was served together, on a 2-top that wasn't big enough. A manager came by the table and asked how everything was. I expressed my displeasure at the table being exposed to the wait staff and he replied; "You should just be happy you got a table." The worst? The food. Thoroughly disappointing because it was served cold. I'm shocked by the reviews, since this was the single worst dining experience I've ever had.

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Gale St. Inn Chicago

Ribs and Twice Baked Potato

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Crosby's Kitchen

I gave it 4 stars as there isn't a 1/2 star option--I would have given this review a 3.5 star…read morerating. We went on a Saturday night. We arrived early for our reservation and were taken right in. We ordered two appetizers, the bacon & potato croquettes and the corn bread in the iron skillet. They were both very good. I had the Prime Rib, it was flavorful and brought out exactly how I wanted it--rare. My daughter had the rotisserie chicken and was very pleased with her meal. My wife had the Pike Place Salmon with the smashed cucumbers. She would order it again. The skillet cookie we ordered to share for dessert was very undercooked. It was just a smidgeon over raw dough. While it had the ice cream, it didn't have the caramel the menu advertised. A few more minutes in the oven would have solved the raw dough issue The server was obviously new and had some missteps. He was late to greet the table in a half full restaurant. The drinks had a late arrival-after the appetizers had arrived and never came back to check on the table. It also took an inordinate amount of time to find him to get the check then having him return with the receipt. The restaurant was very clean and tidy, extra points given for having immaculate restrooms. Some suggestions: Perhaps another potato option(s) besides mashed or fries. A loaded baked potato would have been perfect with my Prime Rib. Have another soup(s) offered on the menu besides the soup du jour.

Bummed to report that the service here was pretty bad tonight. A few examples:…read more Drink didn't arrive until after the meal and was watery by the time it was delivered bc it clearly was sitting made for a while. Sent out deserts and didn't bother to clear the dinner plates that were obviously finished. And didn't give the kids spoons for their ice cream right away so it melted by the time it was received. Also, no birthday candles on hand?! Put kids hot hot food directly in front of them bc the table was full of menus. Why not help clear the table and make some room? Had to ask for extra plates multiple times for our massive, to share desert. The kicker. Charged us for kids meals when they are free before 6. When we asked they removed from bill. But this is the second time this has happened here. I am beginning to think the policy is to charge unless the patron brings it up. Sad because the atmosphere here is lovely.

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View from table

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Veronica green

Community Tavern

This is a nice restaurant with great upscale decor, service, drinks, and food without feeling…read morefancy. Prices are very reasonable too, especially during happy hour (every day!). We came on a Saturday and sat at the bar to enjoy a variety of menu items. I first got a mezcal drink to start, which was refreshing with the appetizers we got. We had the papaya salad, dan dan noodles, and mushroom butter dumplings off the happy hour menu. We also had the short rib dumplings - both dumplings were so delicious, the mushroom butter dumplings were more creamy/buttery whereas the short rib dumplings had more of a bbq savory taste. The dan dan noodles were saucy and delicious, and the papaya salad was light and refreshing. The poached prawns were also tasty and refreshing, and the bulgogi steak was definitely our favorite dish with excellent korean flavors and tender juicy pieces of steak. The potato pave was a nice tasty side to it as well. I'm so glad I finally got to try this cute spot and had an excellent meal!

Still great and the same as I remember! Service, food, drinks are all great!…read more We ordered an appetizer, a dumpling dish, noodles, fish, and a dessert.

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Party room

Papaya salad

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Side of Fries Short Rib Dumplings *Community Double Cheeseburger

Luella's Southern Kitchen

Went in for Juneteenth and it was a great idea!! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the waffles…read morewere delicious. I promise myself next time I come back I HAVE TO TRY Something else on the menu the chicken & waffles is so good I just can't help myself. We went in as right when they open.. so it was quiet and our food came out quickly. But lines started forming shortly after. They were booked for the whole day with reservations- so glad we made them! The service was excellent. The owner came to our table to check in on us- it made a big difference.

Was inspired by social media foodie Tim Shropshire to come here the next time we were in Chicago…read more The food was amazing. Comes our piping hot! The chicken was delicious and the pancakes were out of this world. Similar to some of the other comments, it would be nice to first come in, sit down, get relax then have someone take your order when dining in. However you place your order at the front door and then can sit down. The customer service lacked tremendously from the youthful stuff(late teens/very early 20's) But I will say the most underwhelming thing about this experience was the building. Inside & out it was very primitive & just flat out old. I know they just moved from another location and looking to get their foot in the door. But hopefully a renovation is in the plans. The inside is a bit of an eye soar. Needless to say, I would come back if in the area because of the food. But I wouldn't go out of my way patronize them.

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The sign of start of something great

Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles

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Salmon Cakes with Fried Grits Balls

Little Bad Wolf

Little Bad Wolf was a great experience! The food was flavorful, creative, and definitely lived up…read moreto the hype. The atmosphere had a cool neighborhood feel, and the menu offered a nice mix of elevated bar food, burgers, tacos, baos, cocktails, and craft beer options. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared, and it's the kind of place I would gladly visit again. Great spot in Chicago if you're looking for good food, good drinks, and a laid-back but memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!

Nice vibes, friendly service, and good food. I enjoyed my tacos. I tried the pork, steak, and…read moreshrimp tacos. The shrimp taco really stood out to me. I had a few refreshing mocktails too. My friend's burger was really juicy. The bathrooms aren't labeled but I found them pretty easily. Lovely art and decor! Big beautiful paintings throughout the restaurant. Lovely long wooden tables. Spacious interior. It feels open and the layout is nice. It fits a lot of people but doesn't feel crowded. Indoor and outdoor seating.

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Fresh flowers

Shrimp Tacos

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Bad Burger with fried onion strings

Beard & Belly

Had the chance to stop by again recently and B&B is every bit as good as I remembered! The staff is…read morealways kind and the vibe is a total pick-me-up. I doubt anyone leaves feeling less jolly than they did going in. On this visit, I started with the After Word to drink. It was light-bodied, not at all too sweet, and possibly went down *too* easily. We split the short rib poutine and I can't think of a better dish to get you through the winter. The meat absolutely melted in the mouth and the cheese was abundant and rich. Would order again in a heartbeat! We also tried the alligator bites as a seasonal special. I'd not had alligator before, but they were super crispy and spicy with an addictive gochujang sauce. It really does taste like chicken. If you've ever wanted to try alligator, this is the place to do it. For the main event, I opted for the red beans and rice hand pie. It came with a light, citrus salad and delicious hand cut fries with 3 dipping sauces, which were very fun to try. I loved the buttery pie crust but the filling tasty very tomato forward- I was missing the heat of a traditional red beans & rice and wished there was more seasoning. Still good. As usual, the portions were generous for the price and we left with leftovers. Absolutely recommend making the trek over here to give B&B a try, and will be back soon!

This is one of my "little treat" spots, as whenever I get paid or somehow find $20 in my wallet, I…read morelike to come here. Then I forget for a few months, find another $20, end up stumbling across this place again and going "why don't I come here more?" This has happened three times. The most important part though- it's real tasty. Always. I'd say all of it, but I'm still working my way through the menu, but the burgers and Mac never let me down. The servers are always really laid back, and nothing feels rushed. I think it's part of the charm; somewhere to go and relax and take your time to enjoy the vibe. And you know what would help the vibe even more? Including the bread pudding on the menu full time. Keeping that bad boy stocked for me at all times. (This time was my first time seeing it on the specials menu and listen, it WAS special. So special that you should upgrade it to mainstay is all.)

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Interior

Short rib poutine. Two kinds of gravy. Exceeding 3 bites may trigger profound regret and/or a heart attack. Beware.

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The shrub

Mother’s Ruin

Came here late at night and was surprised they still had a full menu! Food was delicious. Chicken…read moresandwich as crispy and tasted very fresh. The nachos were also amazing very generous with toppings. Water was also easily accessible. Service was great, staff were nice, we ordered drinks and food from the bar. A lot of seating and places to hangout. Decorations were cute and lighting was nice. A little loud but it was crowded so expected.

Mother's Ruin deserve a star alone just for having late night bites. I have nothing but respect for…read morebars with a late night kitchen - the true heroes of society. I came here to try their famed chicken sandwich...and it's totally worth the hype! Sandwich came with a side of fries which should be the standard for all sandwiches in my opinion. Probably the best chicken sandwich I have had in Chicago (so far). My whole table was here to try the chicken sandwich, but I'll definitely be back to try the rest of the menu. All I needed to know was they have a happy hour menu.

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Blueberry French Toast

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HH $7 Planteray Daquiri: Rum, Lime, Sugar

Quartino Ristorante

Made reservations to sit inside, which is welcoming and fun, but they had open tables in patio we…read morewe opted for that and it was awesome good choice. Great food, and our waiter Holden was awesome.

Still great pizza and staff. Much busier with the summer now…read more Caesar salad had some anchovies taste to it, so I preferred it not having it, but it was still good.

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Bathroom

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE and Duck Prosciutto

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Coppa alla banana

The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig has risen to be my absolute favorite restaurant I've had the joy of eating at in…read moreChicago. After coming back to the city almost a decade later, I knew I wanted to have a meal here. The best way to eat a meal here is to share all the dishes with friends. Sage Gimlet (5/5) - I started my meal with a refreshing sage gimlet that was a strong but well balanced cocktail. Roasted Bone Marrow (5/5) - I 100% would recommend getting this appetizer to start off the meal. The marrow was perfectly roasted and paired so well with the jam and salad. Roasted Beets (5/5) - If you love beets, get this salad. The flavors were so well balanced and I really liked the fried balls of goat cheese. Agnolotti (5/5) - This pasta was amazing!! The short rib and bone marrow with the fresh pasta still makes my mouth water. Scallops (5/5) - These scallops were perfectly cooked. The crispy prosciutto was a tad on the salty side. I honestly love the energy and the flavor bomb this restaurant packs. I can't wait until I'm back in the city and can dine here again.

This was one of the best food experiences I have had in my life. I'm so glad I was able to reserve…read moretwo seats at the bar. Walking to the location, my friend and I discussed the various dishes we would like to try. In hindsight, I'm grateful for the walk because it helped make room for the dishes we would try. When we entered, we immediately were seated and greeted by Omar. His knowledge of the menu helped us focus on our dishes. We ended up ordering: squid ink chitarra, agnolotti, salt- roasted beets, pork belly, and gelato. Each dish was better than the next. The brown butter and red wine jus used for the agnolotti was addictive and the squid ink was delectable. Who knew salt- roasted beets could taste out of this world? Not me. We ended with a glass of limoncello and champagne to accompany our vanilla gelato. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

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Inside

Chicago style hot dog

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Squid Ink Chitarra

Green Street Smoked Meats

Not sure what else to say than.. food is good. Just…read morefantastic! Closes thing to the Texas .. Chicago jalapeño poppers were my favorite. Meat is always fresh and good here! Counter boys were lil mean but who cares!

fireeeee!! the brisket was so yummy, especially paired with the various sauces they have. coleslaw…read morewas okay, it wasn't super flavored but it was a nice side to have with the meat and the mac n cheese. the mac n cheese was good, but sooo heavy. i would recommend sharing it with people. overall, brisket was excellent and all the food was good. yummy rating: 8/10

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Line to order + Menu

Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans

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Inside

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Claire K.

13 years ago

I am surprised by so-so reviews. It's an old-school restaurant with authentic taste! I can't complain about anything. Their famous samgyetang is very very tender and the soup with milkish white color is absolutely perfect. The ginseng shake is so awesome and fulfilling, I couldn't eat more than 2 bites of my entree after this. Of course I took my entree to home. The old lady packed all banchan along with my food since she didn't want them to go waste. Thank to her for consideration. I feel like to be home whenever I go in here. Every dish is so original. (Yes, I tried all of them including seasonal specials) They also sell home-made pastes which are very inexpensive. There are not many good Korean restaurants in Chicago, but this place is so great, you won't regret. read more

SD S.

12 years ago

I was a fan of things Korean before gangnam style, especially the staples (kalbi & bulgogi). Korean food, to me, always good so definitely stop by and try some at this place when you get the opportunity. But what I want to do in yelp is review bathrooms, restrooms, comfortrooms. Lol. Strange, I know, but the motivation is if you cant keep your dirty parts clean, its just very hard to wholeheartedly trust your ability to keep other things clean, like the food I'm eating or the place you're cooking it in. This place killed it. Bathroom is clean and well renovated. Not sure what it looked before but its pretty nice now. Some technical things can be upgraded but otherwise it almost have a lounge or loft feel to it. My first bathroom review so 5* read more

Mehran F.

Elite 22

810

421

11 years ago

Absolutely Love. Ssyal is one of the rare restaurants that just gets better and better. I have been going to Ssyal for about 8 years now, fairly regularly -- few times a year, and lately once a week as i have been trying all their different dishes. (by the way, i know i had reviewed Ssyal before but can not find my old review - same with a few of my other reviews ...i wonder if that happens to other yelpies too). Chicken Ginseng -- as good or better than what you get in Seoul. And i have had my share of great food in Seoul. Lately I'm trying a new dish each week -- and each time i'm like WOW.... Great service. Family oriented. New updated interior and clean, spacious toilets. Delicious food. High value. Thanks Y'all. read more

Amy L.

1 year ago

I had the pleasure of enjoying a traditional Korean dish -- Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) -- and it was absolutely soul-warming. The broth was rich and flavorful, perfectly simmered with a subtle earthy depth from the whole ginseng root. The chicken was tender and juicy, stuffed with glutinous rice that absorbed all the herbal goodness. The side dishes (banchan) added variety and freshness to the meal -- especially the crisp cucumber kimchi and seasoned bean sprouts. Paired with a golden, savory seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) on the side, it was a hearty, satisfying meal that felt both nourishing and comforting. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a wholesome, traditional Korean dining experience! read more

Jeannie Y.

814

5324

2 years ago

Ssyal offers a fantastic dining experience. The Korean food is incredibly authentic, with rich flavors that transport you straight to Seoul. The cozy dining area creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal. The service is impeccable, with the staff being both attentive and friendly. Overall, Ssyal provides a wonderful dining experience, combining delicious traditional dishes with a peaceful and pleasant ambiance. Highly recommended for anyone craving genuine Korean cuisine! read more

Evan S.

571

8 years ago

As enjoyable as tosokchon, of the better to best samgyetang places, in Seoul. Only able to come once every one or two months due to work - but if this place delivered, I'd order from here every week. Please consider delivery/let me know if you ever do! There's a bunch of meal. Delivery apps that can do it for you. So many people downtown, especially Asians, would love this place. read more

E. W.

225

6 years ago

The food was delicious, the service was quick, and the ambiance was great. My husband and I popped in for lunch and everything we had was very good. I got the spicy squid and it was the perfect amount of heat and flavor I was looking for. I've been craving it ever since we left! We will definitely be back. read more

Charlie D.

2 years ago

My folks were visiting from AZ and we noticed the great reviews. Can confirm this place is phenomenal!! I'll be back as I recently moved to the area read more

Rose May Garces D.

5 years ago

Always delicious and very friendly service! I ordered some bibimbap and some kimchi soup and it was very delicious! Would recommend this place!! read more