Fab Review: bopNgrill

bopNgrill is a fast casual, counter-service spot that serves Korean-American fusion fare. The combination of the two cultures result in gratifying and flavorful dishes including Philly bulkogi egg rolls, umami and kimchi burgers, kimchi fries, rice plates, and more. My mouth is watering as I am writing this!

Owner and chef, William Song, opened this restaurant concept in 2009. Song graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and aspired to open a fine dining restaurant. He soon realized most culinary students will not be able to attain that dream due to the lack of finances and capital. Song opened a fast food restaurant because it was all he could afford at the time and bopNgrill was born.

As a Korean-American, Song grew up eating his mom’s home-cooked Korean dishes as well as American classics like burgers and fries so fusing these two cuisines together came very naturally. He wanted to serve people what he likes to eat. The popularity of the restaurant definitely proves that what Song likes to eat is what we like to eat, too!

{Ambiance}
The space is small and seats are limited but never too overcrowded. The clientele gears towards the younger crowd who like cheap eats but still have a sophisticated palate. It is counter-service so order and pay first and then find a good spot to enjoy your meal.

{Food}
Philly Bulkogi Eggrolls
Bulkogi or bulgogi literally means “fire meat” in Korean since it is generally grilled. The thin slices of beef are marinated to enhance the flavors and tenderness, usually with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and scallions. The Philly Bulkogi Egg Rolls are full of flavor. The beef bulkogi filling with cheese is wrapped in a thin egg roll wrapper, then fried crispy.

FAB TIP: The egg rolls are available only on the weekends.

Let’s (egg) roll!

Post Christmas snack doesn’t get better than this. The Philly Bulgogi Egg Rolls from @bopngrill are downright deeeeelicious! There’s the tender and flavorful bulgogi filling with cheese that is wrapped in a thin egg roll wrapper. Then, it’s deep fried to golden brown perfection. Mmm… P.s. These egg rolls are only available on the weekends! Follow at @fabfoodchicago and tag your fab food pics at #fabfoodchicago.

A photo posted by Sherrie Tan (@sherriesavorsthecity) on Dec 26, 2015 at 2:57pm PST

Burgers
The Umami Burger is one of their most popular items. It was even featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The combination of the truffled mushroom duxelle, sun-dried tomato confit, togarashi (Japanese chili spice) mayo, bacon, and smoked gouda gets a “WOW” from Guy Fieri. Check it out here!

I personally love the Kimchi Burger because who doesn’t love kimchi cooked in rendered pork fat? Along with the caramelized kimchi, the juicy burger is also topped with American cheese, bacon, togarashi mayo, shredded cabbage, and an oozing fried egg. 

Double Trouble!

Couldn’t contain my excitement knowing @BopNGrill opened a second location in lakeview. My first meal over there had to be the juicy and flavorful Kimchi Burger {caramelized kimchi, fried egg, bacon, togarashi mayo, shredded cabbage}. Of course, gotta have the famous Kimchi Fries {smothered in cheese sauce, bacon, scallions and more caramelized kimchi}. Only downside to this, it’s near my gym. #FabFoodChicago #SherrieSavorsChicago #SherrieSavorsTheCity

A photo posted by Sherrie Tan (@sherriesavorsthecity) on Aug 29, 2015 at 9:05am PDT

Kimchi Fries
Kimchi on a burger, not your thing? Try it on a bed of crunchy, golden fries, which are piled high with cheese sauce, bacon, scallions, and sesame seeds.

Fries before guys!

fry high. {kimchi fries w/ caramelized kimchi, bacon, cheese sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds @bopngrill} || # #friyay #fryday #bopngrill #chicagorestaurant follow @fabfoodchicago and tag your fab food pics #fabfoodchicago.

A photo posted by Soo Park (@fabsoopark) on Nov 13, 2015 at 5:43am PST

Bi Bim Bop & Rice Plates
With bop, which means “rice” in Korean, in the restaurant’s name, you know there will be a great selection of rice dishes on the menu. It is more traditional and straightforward, but still a solid choice.

The Bi Bim Bop comes with generous portions of rice and fresh veggies as well as a side of gochujang (red chili paste). It is topped with a sunny-side up egg and an option to add a protein. Choose from bulkogi, bbq chicken, angus patty, or tofu.

The rice plates come with kimchi and a side salad with thousand island dressing. If you like spice, try the Fire Chicken, which is sweet with a slight kick. The chicken is tender and always made with fresh ingredients, never frozen.

{Experience}
bopNgrill is a great place for unique, fast eats at affordable prices. The portions are large, and the food is satisfying. Wear your stretchy pants and expect to be in a full food coma when you leave.

{Locations}
bopNgrill
Rogers Park || 6604 N Sheridan Rd , Chicago, IL || P: (773) 654-3224
Lakeview || 921 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 || P: (773) 799-8868

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Have you been to bopNgrill? What’s your favorite dish? Share with me below.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.