BIBIBOP Asian Grill — Restaurant in Naperville

Bibibop is a Korean-inspired fast casual restaurant headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Meals are served in a bowl and cost $12.99 or less. You choose the exact items you want in the bowl unless you pick a Curated Bowl, such as the Teriyaki Tofu & Greens Bowl. This is the format: you walk down a prep line alongside an employee as you pick the ingredients you want in your bowl. You start with a base (white rice, purple rice, sweet potato noodles, or salad). Then you pick hot toppings (black beans, potatoes, roasted broccoli, bean sprouts). The next area is the cold toppings (carrots, corn, kimchi, pickled red cabbage, cucumber, eggs, cheese, kale). They also have premium toppings: avocado or pineapple (extra cost). Then it's on to the proteins (pick one) Korean BBQ Beef, Steak, Chicken, Spicy Chicken, or Tofu. Finally, choose the sauce (up to two): Yum Yum, Teriyaki, Gochujang, Spicy Sriracha, Sesame Ginger, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds. There is a glass divider between the employee and customer, and the employee wears gloves to keep everything hygienic.

I have been a loyal fan of Bibibop for many years, and I am ecstatic that they opened a location in Naperville. Because of the flavors, quality, and uniqueness of their food, Bibibop has become my favorite fast casual restaurant of all times. Bibibop has it all: fresh ingredients, amazing people, beautiful restaurants with ample indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu with something for everyone. Scared of spices or spiciness? No worries, they have options from mild-flavored dishes all the way up to extra spicy ones. Do you want low protein? No problem. Do you want double protein? No problem (extra cost). Do you want just a few veggies? They can do it. Do you want a bowl packed with 100% veggie goodness? Go for it. You can change things up by picking a different sauce or protein each time you visit. Bibibop also has different limited-time items that make each visit an adventure. One day they might offer citrus kale as a base, another day they might have a mango coconut milk pudding dessert. You can also check the website for full nutrition info if you are watching things like calories, carbs, sodium, fiber, etc.

This restaurant is so perfect for someone like me. I have been eating gluten free for about ten years. I don't have to worry about cross-contamination since Bibibop is 100% gluten free.

Aside from the food, I enjoy observing the inner workings of the restaurant. From what I can tell, it is impeccably clean, well run, and it seems like the staff members are treated very well. I love it when companies truly appreciate their employees. I think it's the recipe for long-term success. I see a lot of comradery and friendliness between coworkers, especially when it's busy. They work together to make sure nobody gets frustrated or overwhelmed when it gets extremely busy, which is how it has been since the grand opening.

Finally, if you have any issues, suggestions, or comments, the management team is great. They want to make Bibibop perfect in every way, so feel free to send comments or engage in a conversation with the staff. A shout-out to Javi, the general manager of Bibibop Naperville. Before the Naperville location opened, I've had the good fortune of having conversations with him at the Oakbrook and Willowbrook locations. He's extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and receptive to new ideas. He is a fantastic representation of everything the Bibibop brand stands for, and a superstar manager for being able to handle the massive lines that the restaurant has had during the grand...

Update 3/17/24

I visited this place after a month. The great customer service seemed to have gone down as well as some of the food quality. Right away, some of the employees had taken a couple of the booths so we had to sit elsewhere. I definitely won’t get steak again because it seemed like they let it sit out too long. Steak was kind of rubbery and chewy. I should have stayed with the Korean bbq beef but I wanted to try other options. Everything else was the same. I don’t recommend the complimentary miso soup, it’s too watery and bland. Customer service was not as friendly as the grand opening. Overall, it used to be a 5 but now it’s like a 3.5.

Today was the grand opening. I waited about an hour. The line stretched to the back when I arrived. However, the lines moved moderately fast. The first 100 people got vouchers for free meals for a year I believe. After that, they gave free cups that had the company name on them. Then, they had a game where you can choose what free item to receive. I got free socks. Socks are always good. If you wear orange you get $5 off. You get one free bowl if you’re a medical professional, educator, police/fire department. Bring an ID for proof. There is an abundance of free parking available, shared with other businesses. This is a great addition to the area, you can do grocery shopping then have a good quality lunch or dinner afterwards. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. They were also very efficient when serving customers.

I was able to get a free original bowl (great for multiple meals if you’re packing for work). I chose a combo base (half white rice and half sweet potato noodle), a lot of toppings (you get unlimited), and kbbq beef with 2 sauces (I chose sesame oil and yum yum). Toppings were very fresh and refreshing. The beef was tasty and had a great flavor. The prices from the menu were very fair.

When it dies down a bit, you’ll find multiple places to sit and eat inside. When it’s nicer outside, they have tables and chairs...

Went on a Wednesday night but it still was crazy busy - line out the door. This place is still fairly new so that’s understandable.

Tip: Get the small bowl. It’s more than enough for a meal. Original size will be too big.

Surprisingly most people were taking it to go and only a few sat in the restaurant and ate even though their seating area is pretty appealing including tables for large parties and nice private booths.

Tasty and fresh food. I would recommend going with à la cart and getting the original bowl with lots of vegetable toppings and your choice of meat. Basically the same concept as Chipotle.

The sauces I would recommend are: Yum Yum and Gochujang. They are even better when you get them both together on your dish.

A bonus surprise you’ll find at this place: Free miso soup. They have a container of the soup sitting by the drinks with the sign saying that it’s complementary.

Overall, we really enjoyed the food and our time there - since we did take advantage of the seating at one of the private booths 😊.

You will enjoy as well for...