Snack Corner- Joong Boo Market- 3333 N. Kimball-Avondale

You won’t find traditional table-top Korean barbeque at the Joong Boo Market’s Snack Shop, but you will find insanely tasty soups, meats and even sushi. The Snack Shop’s tucked away in the corner of this Asian specialty grocery store, a popular shopping destination for many of Chicago’s chefs and a partner to Niles’ H Mart. The Snack Shop’s tables are limited- I’ve waited for a table every time I’ve gone, whether it was 12PM, 2PM or 6PM, but you order at the counter and pick up your food there, too, so you can just stand around other people’s food or browse an aisle or two in the market. Free tea and water are available at the counter as well.

I would recommend ordering by menu number, unless you’re fluent in Korean. Most people here are native speakers and while I love making a fool out of myself, I’ll just take #16 and a Diet Coke. #16, Yook Gae Jang, comprises of a spicy broth soup with shredded beef, vermicelli and veggies. It comes with rice and some veggie sides (banchan) as well as the essential kimchee. Other dishes, such as the bee bim bop, come with a side of miso soup as well. Don’t try to substitute or ask for anything extra besides rice, though. The ladies behind the counter won’t take any of your crap. The only thing I’ve tried and less than loved has been the honeycomb soup with beef. It lacked flavor and I’m just a much bigger fan of the spicy dishes.

I’ve been to quite a few Korean restaurants in the city by now, as it’s my absolute favorite cuisine. I’ve done the barbeque and the smaller shops with simple soups and meat dishes. I have to say, this little shop often wins. Perhaps it’s the access to the freshest ingredients or maybe it’s the spicy broth’s ability to cure any hangover. Whatever the case, I’m going to keep going to the Snack Corner and call it ‘going to the grocery store to pick up a few necessities- be back shortly!’