Soban Korea — Restaurant in Evanston Township

First time at Soban, but many many Korean restaurants around the entire Chicago area. My standard first time item is (yuk guy Jeng) Yukgaejang, which is a spicy soup with shredded beef, green onions and green bean sprouts with glass noodles. It is hot and spicy, and it helps me determine if the food is authentic. My wife always eats the Dolsot Bibimbap, rice crispy in a stone bowl and cooked veggies and a fried egg, and a selection of different meats,shrimp, tofu, etc. Both dishes were outstanding and served hot and delicious. I ordered both dishes before the waitress brought the menus, but she came back to the table the make sure I knew my dish was hot and spicy. Maybe this white guy doesn’t know what he’s ordering, 😆😆? I thought it was funny. When the food was brought out they didn’t think we wanted the Kimchi, so I did ask for the Kimchi. Maybe they get a lot people who don’t know Korean food? We will return to this quant little restaurant in Evanston. Tap on the thumbs up 👍 below...

I was seriously impressed by the quality of the food at Soban and enjoyed the restaurant environment. Very cozy, home aesthetic! I dined in on a busy Saturday night and received prompt, friendly service throughout my stay. They offer fewer side dishes than other Korean restaurants, which I found out later when I asked is due to the style they're emulating; "Soban" means smaller dining. Either way, I really enjoyed the few side dishes that they did offer. One was fried tofu in a delicious sweet and salty sauce, another was cucumbers in kimchi sauce (very light and crunchy), and the last was traditional kimchi. I also had the mandu appetizer, which was delicious, and miso soup. My main dish was beef bulgogi. I absolutely LOVED this dish - finished all of it! The flavor was incredible. I'm definitely dining back at Soban the next time I find myself...

Took my wife here for an impromptu night out. She ordered the beef bulgogi and I had beef bibimbap. She had a bite or two and knew better… I was hungry and devoured my small portion but the plate was lukewarm, too cold , and rice seemed old. The side dishes were ridiculous, one plate had like 5 strips of banchan and two pieces were visibly old and dry.. kimchee was barely enough for a taste. Since my wife’s meal was barely touched and I was still hungry, I ate her portion. I am still suffering the next day. I will spare the details but I think the point is clear. By the way when we sat down a lady threw paper placemats down (mine upside down) with no utensils which we recieved after the food was served. No smiles.. no convo.. no one asked how the food was.. the place was dreary and drab.. there is literally nothing nice that...