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Bars:

Did you know:

Korean drinking establishments have various terms. Some are called Cafés while others are referred to as Salons. Some Cafés are places that serve dessert & tea usually distinguished in a phone directory as Coffee Shops. Whether they are Night Clubs, Bars, Lounges or Coffee Shops many business names will include the word Café.

 
 
Café California
6226 N. California Ave, Chicago
773-338-2233
  The name doesn't refer to the west coast state but to the street on which it's located here in Chicago. Hip place for young 20's-30's asian urbanites looking for a place to people watch. (Back to the Top)
     
D.M.Z.
9353 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles
847-663-1920
  Daringly named after the infamous De-militarized Zone that divides the once unified country of Korea into its now separated North & South. It's a neutral area where many unknowns take place. The term symbolizes much pain for many Koreans due to the fact that there are lost family members whom they are forbidden to see across the border. (Back to the Top)
     
Gil Mok Soju Bang
3737 W. Lawrence Ave #5, Chicago
773-583-5353
  The name connotes a casual neighborhood hang out to drink Soju which is a lighter version of Japanese sake and can be served hot or cold. Gil Mok literally means spot on the street. Since it specializes in Soju, there are many more brands & concoctions available here. (Back to the Top)
     
Ju Mak
3315 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago
773-463-2121
  Like many Korean drinking establishments, it's a restaurant as well. The crowd is old school...mostly men getting together w/ their buddies after work to eat & drink up Korean style. A lot of traditional anjoo. (Back to the Top)
     
Kimchi Cabana
9020 Greenwood Ave, Niles
847-827-9020
  This colorfully named restaurant is a drinker's restaurant as well. It has a lot of good bar food and anjoo as well as tropical style drinks. (Back to the Top)
     
Man Nam
2725 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago
773-561-9866
  Man Nam means meeting which can connote a friendly hang out spot or something more of a meat market. (Back to the Top)
     
Nan Room Salon
3106 W. Devon Ave, Chicago
773-338-8334
  orchidThis elegant lounge has many of the characteristics of its name which means Orchid. Its minimalist & elegant atmosphere makes it a good place to impress. (Back to the Top)
     
Origin Café
5062 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773-271-1209
  Casual place to meet some friends for cocktails and anjoo which are appetizers that go well w/ drinks such as Oh Jing Oh (dried salted squid). (Back to the Top)
     
Orange
5639 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773-275-5040
  Hands down THE place to see & be seen nowadays. Here you will spot all your favorite Korean celebrities amidst the stylish urban elite. Ultra modern interior is the perfect backdrop. Yes, the outside is orange. (Back to the Top)
     
Rumour's Café
5659 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773-275-6400
  Its name is spelled the British way as are so many Korean-English words. Located down the street from Origin Café, the name denotes uncertain origin and truthfulness. (Back to the Top)
     
San
1063 N. Roselle Rd,
Hoffman Estates
847-781-8018
  New restaurant that opened last year. It's known in the community as a drinking establishment rather than a family restaurant. A lot of young people come for the good bar food & drinks. (Back to the Top)
     
Seoul Dan-Ran
5116 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773-878-0400
  Caters to a more mature male crowd gathering for drinks and bar food after work with their friends or co-workers. (Back to the Top)
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Sky Way
5100 N. Western Ave, Chicago
773-728-1884
  Never been, but thought it was an unusual name. (Back to the Top)
     
Soju
1745 W. North Ave, Chicago
773-782-9000
Mon-Thurs 6-10pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm
  Named after a type of Korean liquor similar to Japanese sake & located in trendy Wicker Park, it was opened in the late 90's by a group of young Korean friends. The décor is sleek & urban. Good hang out for Soju cocktails. The crowd is edgy sophisticated urbanites 20's-30's. (Back to the Top)
     
Karaoke:

Chicago Karaoke
5100 N. Western Ave, Chicago
773-728-1884

 

There's a diverse age group here, but mostly older couples on a night out w/ their long lost college mates or high schoolers & 20's-30's professionals. The song selection has a lot of good old nostalgic Korean pop songs for baby boomer parents & grandparents. (Back to the Top)

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Courtil Karaoke Restaurant
6248 1/2 N. California Ave, Chicago
773-274-1166
  They have nicely done private rooms for parties of all sizes. The selection is a little old school, but you can still find some fun american songs to sing. (Back to the Top)
     
Ding Dong Deng
224 E. Golf Rd, Arlington Heights
847-718-0883
  Never been to this place myself, but heard from a lot of 20-somethings that it's a decent place to go for a night of drinking & singing w/ your mates. It might be the only asian-style karaoke place in that area. (Back to the Top)
     
F.D.L.T. Karaoke
5588 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773-334-1300
  Not sure what the acronym stands for in English, but the Korean name is Gote Peenan San Gol which means Flower Blooming Hill. They have a semi-decent restaurant here so you can order some dinner while you sing & drink. What better way to one-stop shop your night. (Back to the Top)