An Ode to Stephen, Mr. Kimchi's Legendary Server As you step into the sizzling ambiance of Mr. Kimchi, you're immediately transported to a world of culinary enchantment, where the aromas of seared meats and fragrant spices dance in perfect harmony. Amidst this tantalizing spectacle, one figure stands out as the undisputed maestro, orchestrating an unforgettable dining experience – Stephen, the legendary server. With a warmth that rivals the blazing grills, Stephen greets each guest as if they were royalty, his infectious smile igniting an instant connection. His effortless charm and attentiveness are a testament to his unwavering dedication to exceptional service, elevating the dining experience to new heights. As you peruse the menu, Stephen's encyclopedic knowledge of Korean cuisine shines through. He artfully guides you through the flavors and textures, painting a vivid picture of each dish that leaves your taste buds tingling with anticipation. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, his recommendations are akin to a culinary compass, steering you towards gastronomic bliss. But it's not just his expertise that sets Stephen apart; it's his uncanny ability to anticipate your every need before you even realize it yourself. With a keen eye and an intuitive understanding of hospitality, he ensures your table is never lacking – be it a refill of your refreshing beverage or a fresh supply of savory banchan to complement your sizzling proteins. As the evening unfolds, Stephen's presence is a constant source of delight. His effortless banter and genuine interest in your dining experience create an atmosphere of camaraderie, where strangers become fast friends united by their love for Korean cuisine. Each interaction with Stephen is a masterclass in customer service, leaving an indelible impression that lingers long after the last morsel has been savored. In a world where truly exceptional service is a rare gem, Stephen shines as a brilliant diamond, his passion for his craft elevating Mr. Kimchi to a realm of culinary greatness. Whether you're a local seeking a familiar comfort or a traveler in search of an authentic Korean experience, Stephen's warm embrace and unwavering dedication will forever etch Mr. Kimchi into your...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My wife and I finally tried Mr. Kimchi Korean BBQ today, and I'm kicking myself for not visiting sooner! Located in a convenient spot with ample parking, this gem offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience that rivals anything I've had, even in Chicago's best Korean restaurants. Portion sizes are HUGE!
The all-you-can-eat BBQ option is an incredible value at about $35 per person. With over 30 different meat options to choose from, the quality and freshness were impressive across the board. The marinated galbi (beef short ribs) was perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of sweet and savory, while the samgyupsal (pork belly) was succulent and cooked to perfection on our table grill.
What really sets Mr. Kimchi apart are the banchan (side dishes). The house-made kimchi had that perfect fermented tang with a spicy kick that cleared my sinuses in the best possible way. The other sides were fresh and plentiful - the crisp pickled radish and savory fish cake were standouts.
The ambiance struck that perfect balance between modern and cozy. The tables are well-spaced for privacy, making it ideal for both date nights and group gatherings. The ventilation system works remarkably well - I didn't leave smelling like BBQ smoke, which is always a plus!
Service was attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and offered suggestions when we looked indecisive. He expertly helped us manage the grill, ensuring our meat was cooked to perfection.
The full bar is another highlight - don't miss trying the soju cocktails! They pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the BBQ.
Whether you're a Korean BBQ enthusiast or a first-timer, Mr. Kimchi delivers an exceptional dining experience that will have you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. It's become our new go-to spot for special occasions and cravings alike!
Our only negative was, we were seated next to a very VERY loud table of 8 or 9. They were all very drunk and screaming and being rambunctious, so they actually forced us to eat quick and get outta there because it was just too much. A quiet area would have been nice to...
Read moreI came here today because we were super excited for it to open and it finally was. It was just me and my son and we came early about 10 minutes before open. When we first came in we were told BY Jin to leave and come back because they were still cleaning and getting ready. Okay, totally understandable. So we came back right at open and there was a very long line already lined up. As we entered no one greeted us or explained anything so we just waited around with everyone else. About 20 minutes had gone by and I noticed JIN was taking people back that had got there before us. Jin had walked back and forth past the crowd of people at the front multiple x without any communication. Next I noticed some people (realizing themselves) that there was a small podium set up in the front that says, “scan here to sign in”. This hadn’t been visible up to this point because there were so many people huddled around and no one was directing people to it in the restaurant. So I stopped Jin to ask him if I was supposed to be doing this because nobody told me to and he said well everyone else had done it, insinuating that this was my problem. He did not ask me my name but instead said he’ll just sign me in. I waited another 10 minutes (mind you there’s like practically 50 free open tables. Jin sees me again and seems annoyed and said ok come on back. He goes to put me at a table which would normally be fine but my son has some sensory issues and it’s 100x easier to keep him in a booth with me. So I said to him do you have kids because this kid can’t sit in a chair like that he needs to be in a booth by me. He seemed annoyed and said well you’re going to have to wait and go back in rotation. This made no sense and would be an even longer wait. I finally just said ok thanks but we’re leaving. It was unacceptable, especially for a first time experience. There was a ton of open tables everywhere and the lack of customer service and organization to ensure everyone that walked in knew the process. It was a very unwelcoming introduction. It’s a shame, because my family and I would have eaten here all the time. We’ve never tried Mr kimchi but we...
Read more