"Seeing the block-long line of people outside Cho Sun OK in North Center can trigger memories of DMV purgatory. But standing in line for this decades-old KBBQ, BYOB spot is way more rewarding than ending up with a mid-blink license photo. Once the door opens you’re hit with the smell of sizzling meat, a fitting introduction before joining all the longtime fans and future regulars packed into the wooden dining room. Each group is huddled around a gas burner—either portable or built into the tables. Regardless of whichever one you’re set up with, you’re in for a delicious meal. photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik The japchae or haemul pajeon are tasty first bites, but the meat is what makes waiting 30 minutes in 12-degree weather worth it. The juicy short ribs and the bulgogi are particularly excellent with the balanced sweet and savory house marinades. After your table is finished, the staff mixes any leftover kimchi, bean sprouts, and rice for kimchi bokkeumbap as a complimentary “dessert”—an excellent pitch for more meals to have fried rice as the finale. Food Rundown photo credit: Kim Kovacik Gun Mandu Dumplings can’t be bad. It’s science. These pan-fried pork ones are our favorite, with a good balance of crispy and juicy textures. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Mul Mandu If you're more of a steamed dumpling person, get these. They're just like the ones above but have a soft, light wrapper with a pleasant chew. photo credit: Kim Kovacik HaeMul PaJeon A Korean staple, this pancake is made with eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, green onions, and seafood. We're big fans, especially when it's dipped in the tangy soy sauce that comes on the side. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Bulgogi These thin slices of beef in the sweet and savory house marinade are excellent. They’re also grilled up with pieces of garlic and onions to add some extra flavor. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Galbi-Gui Sweet, salty, fatty—these short ribs are a must-order. Maybe even twice. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Japchae If you want to get some noodles involved in your meat feast, get this. The chewy sweet potato noodles with beef and vegetables are cooked in a flavorful sweet and salty sauce." - John Ringor
