Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant — dependable korean in Albany Park. Straight from the source, no adjustments. Friendly without hovering, and family-run. Dragana Spasevska: "The fried fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned"
Experience Breakdown
🍴Food
5.0
👥Service
4.6
✨Ambiance
4.5
💬Sentiment
4.6
Jay Shen
310 reviews
Highlights
CozyFamily FriendlyHidden GemTakeout StrongGreat ValueNeighborhood InstitutionFamily Run
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Authentic flavorsOwner on siteWarm, welcoming staff
Some noted
Everything we had was undersalted to the point of being bland. Complimentary panjeon was quite oily.
I brought family here to celebrate my birthday and left embarrassed.
Waiter slams fridge door when he puts back a can of soda I didn’t want.
Location
3450 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
What 450+ diners say about Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant
“After a day of hiking within the Indiana Dunes National Park, my friends and I came here under the recommendation of one of us within the crew who was from Korea, referencing this establishment as her favorite Korean restaurant in Chicago, and it did not disappoint”
“After a day of hiking within the Indiana Dunes National Park, my friends and I came here under the...”
After a day of hiking within the Indiana Dunes National Park, my friends and I came here under the recommendation of one of us within the crew who was from Korea, referencing this establishment as her favorite Korean restaurant in Chicago, and it did not disappoint. We ordered some dishes that I normally wouldn't order in Korean restaurants, and it was the right move.
I am certain that the fact we were hungry played a role in elevating the taste for us, but everything to me tasted good. The free pancakes were too oily for me, and the free banchan was good in the most standard manner. The short ribs (galbi) didn't have enough salt on it, but had enough pepper which helped preserve some of the taste. Since it was Korean beef short ribs, I was already happy just having some available. These are just the dishes that I felt less passionate about relatively.
Apart from the dishes mentioned above, everything else was a hit. The charbroiled mackarel had really good flavor along with just the right level of crispiness, and adding a hint of lemon juice gave it a new level of flavor that elevated the dish even more. The pan broiled octopus dish had really tasty base sauce, which had a good amount of gochugaru and probably gochujang. I even mixed some of the base sauce with extra rice. The beef soup with ox blood contained solid blood chunks that had very good texture, and the soup itself was seasoned very well. Finally, the babyclam soup noodle wasn't too salty, and had the right type of ingredients to make this dish a very comforting experience after a long day of hikes in the winter season.
I noticed that some of the reviews mentioned that it was difficult to locate a spot. That wasn't my experience. The store was nearly empty when my friends and I arrived on a Wednesday evening at roughly 6pm, and the owner was able to point us to the round table since we had 5 people in total. He was pretty clear about a party of 4 using a rectangular table and a party of above 5 using a round table, in classic Asian grandpa fashion, and I loved it.
Jay Shen
Dec 2025
“Very authentic Korean food and friendly service by an uncle.”
Very authentic Korean food and friendly service by an uncle. Very fairly priced. They serve a pancake for free and we didn’t come in knowing that so ofc we ordered a seafood pancake. And guess what it’s even better. You can tell it’s freshly fried. I got the spicy crab (raw) and it’s so spicy!! The beef soup is also amazing. Easy to find parking and they have their own parking lot right in front of the shop. We saw Korean aunties and uncles walking in when waiting for our dishes and that’s how you know you’re at the right place lol. A must have for a cold Chicago day
Sy W
Nov 2025
“Ok y'all, the only reason I'm just leaving a review now is coz I'm always coming in hungry, but...”
Ok y'all, the only reason I'm just leaving a review now is coz I'm always coming in hungry, but always leaving full and satisfied (I end up knocking out after). I'm making it a point to leave a review now before I forget. My boyfriend and I probably come here every other date night since we first came here. The food is so good, the lady who cooks the food is so sweet...and the food is soooo good!
Lorena Buni
Sep 2025
“many sides you are getting for free which I like more then main dishes.”
many sides you are getting for free which I like more then main dishes. neighborhood. I will definitely go again
Çiğdem Beyza Bilir
Aug 2025
“The crab in soy sauce is delicious.”
The crab in soy sauce is delicious! Fresh and tasty, you must try this authentic Korean delicacy!
I lied😗
Kaixinmalala
Aug 2025
“one of my favorite go to places when i’m craving something warm and delicious.”
one of my favorite go to places when i’m craving something warm and delicious. the korean army stew here is authentic, made with love and definitely worth the price. favorite part about this place is the potato scallion pancake they serve before the food. it always hits the spot and very crispy!
what’s in the picture is #49. i recommend!
Maria Escalante
Apr 2025
“I like this small family owned restaurant.”
I like this small family owned restaurant. It's not very crowded but the food always tastes fresh. They have a lunch hour until 3pm and also a dinner menu.
Elizabeth
Mar 2025
“I came here for the second time to try the ribs—it’s a bomb.”
I came here for the second time to try the ribs—it’s a bomb! I love it! The soup with bean paste is also well-balanced, not too salty. The service is great, and overall, I’d now give this place 5 stars.
On my first visit, I found the flavors milder than I prefer since I enjoy strong-tasting food. However, the banchan was excellent, and I always pay close attention to it as I believe it reflects the restaurant’s overall quality. I initially gave 4 stars because I wished the soup had been saltier and richer—it may not have been boiled long enough to develop a deeper flavor.
For $18 (16+2 tips), I was full and satisfied. But after trying the ribs, I can confidently say this place deserves 5 stars!
Peem Udombunyaluck
Feb 2025
“Delicious food paired with ban chan at affordable prices.”
Delicious food paired with ban chan at affordable prices! Have always been here since high school and my friends and I keep coming back. The restaurant is run by a hard working couple who’s sweet and kind! I always make sure to tip generously when I dine in.
Minda Dang
Dec 2024
“this was my first time at this place and the food was surprisingly cheap and really good.”
this was my first time at this place and the food was surprisingly cheap and really good. The spicy squid was so tender and tasty. They even have monk fish on the menu !! Will definitely be back.
Hassan Wasim
Oct 2024
“Authentic Korean mom and pop restaurant, that was first on our stop after arriving in Chicago.”
Authentic Korean mom and pop restaurant, that was first on our stop after arriving in Chicago. The pancake was complementary and arrived promptly after we sat down. It had a nice crispy exterior and chewy interior. The spicy marinated crab was so fresh and the reason I came to this place. Next time I will try both flavors of marinated crab. The fried fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The makgeolli (rice wine drink) and cold noodles were a refreshing break in between bites. The staff were very kindhearted, and I liked the Korean singing competition they had on. It was a place I could sit, hang out, and eat for hours.
Dragana Spasevska
Sep 2024
“I have been coming to this place on and off for the past 10 years, the flavors never changed, and...”
I have been coming to this place on and off for the past 10 years, the flavors never changed, and it has been the same owners over and over the years. One of the must try Korean food in the area.
