The Kangnam

"The Kangnam has been on my list for awhile and I’ve wanted to try it. I’ve heard mixed reviews so wanted to test it for myself. Went on a Saturday at 8pm and it was quite empty. I was surprised that a Korean pub would be empty on a Saturday night, but after my dining experience, it explained why it was empty. I drove past other Korean pubs in the area after and they were filled. I made a reservation through Google ahead of time (thinking it was going to be busy). Upon arrival, I let them know that I had a reservation. He looked surprised since clearly, it wasn’t necessary. We were seated promptly and the waitress brought out water cups. She made a mistake and dropped the cups on the floor. She then proceeded to put the same cups on our table, expecting us to drink from it that had touched the floor. We asked for new cups and she apologized and brought out cups. This is common sense for a restaurant- you don’t serve something that touched the floor. We ordered 2 things from the menu: Spicy Whelk with Thin Noodle (골뱅이무침): nice and spicy with somyun. Plenty of whelk within the dish. My typical order at a Korean bar. This is what helped to get 2 stars instead of 1 star. Beef Brisket Cheese Tteok-bokki (차돌 치즈 떡볶이): terrible dish. Tteokbokki flavor was terrible. It had some seasoning similar to ramen that made the flavor interesting. I was afraid chadol might be overpowering but that wasn’t the case. It was very soupy and tastes too artificial. Pass for me."

"I recently visited this Korean pub and had an outstanding experience. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, creating the perfect setting for a memorable evening. Now, let's talk about the food. The menu offered a delightful array of Korean dishes, each bursting with authentic flavors. From whole fried chicken to the most delicious cheese tonkotsu every bite was a journey into Korean culinary excellence. Definitely my favorite Korean pub in Chicago with very delicious food!"

"My friends and I have been here 15+ times and will keep returning for more. The food here is amazing. We ALWAYS get the rosé tteokbokki with added ramen; it’s best dish I’ve ever had. Large portions (we always take food home) and very good pricing. Absolutely addicting; we come every two weeks or so. Service is good, ambience is lovely and lowkey. Jumeok-bap and army stew also highly recommended!! The kangnam is a must visit!"

"I recently dined at The Kangnam and had an exceptional experience. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, and the staff was incredibly attentive and friendly. The menu offered a diverse selection of authentic Korean dishes that were not only beautifully presented but also bursting with flavors. I particularly enjoyed their signature bulgogi, which was tender and perfectly seasoned. The attention to detail and the quality of ingredients used truly set The Kangnam apart. If you're looking for a delightful culinary journey through Korean cuisine, I highly recommend giving The Kangnam a visit."