The Korean bookstores, travel agencies and other businesses surrounding Crystal Korean Restaurant should tip you off that you're in for a truly authentic meal. Those unfamiliar with Korean food should prepare for a crash course at this Northwest Side spot, where patrons and staff can be overheard conversing in their native language.
The meal starts with a glass of warm barley tea, served in a tall glass rather than a mug. When perusing the menu, keep in mind that anything with kimchi is going to be hot. Very hot. For those averse to extreme spiciness, a good alternative is bulgogi—beef strips marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, onions and other spices. Like most entrees ($6-$7), the dish comes with vegetables, soup, heaps of rice and a host of shareable side dishes like potato salad, dried laver (seaweed), cooked spinach and vegetable kimchi, which can be easily identified by its bright red color.
Perhaps more notable than the food is the restaurant itself. The bright yellow walls, dark wood trim and harvest-themed decor (you can't miss the giant pumpkin) give Crystal Korean a homey vibe, and you get the feeling that most of the clientele are regulars. If you're out with a special someone, opt for the wooden cubicle-like seating areas for an intimate dining experience.
Centerstage Reviewer: Erica Walkup
