Ssyal - Chicago Korean Restaurant

4.7 ( 1360 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 8:45 PM See Hours
$20–30
4201 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
+1 773-427-5296

Ssyal - Chicago Korean Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, located at 4201 W Lawrence Ave. This restaurant has quickly gained a loyal following for its authentic Korean cuisine that strikes a perfect balance between traditional flavors and modern culinary finesse.

Reviewers rave about the samgyetang, a nourishing chicken soup that receives high praise for its delicate flavor, enriched by jujube, garlic, and ginseng. Tim Cheng describes it as a dish where each ingredient shines, embodying the true essence of Korean comfort food. Similarly, J&C Travels highlights the restaurant’s chicken soup, noting its rejuvenating qualities and the warm service offered by the sweet Ahjumma.

Cleanliness and fast service are also common points of appreciation, as noted by Karina K., who especially enjoyed the fresh bibimbap. The low-fat beef added depth to the dish without overwhelming saltiness. Moreover, Ssyal provides a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by thoughtful amenities such as a clean restroom and available benches for patrons' comfort.

Overall, Ssyal is emerging as a favorite among locals, combining heartfelt service with carefully crafted traditional dishes. Whether you're a Korean food aficionado or a newcomer, Ssyal promises a delightful dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Ssyal - Chicago Korean Restaurant

Tim Cheng
Jul 4,2025
The samgye tang here is special. The flavor of the soup was delicate, and accentuated by occasional glimpses of jujube, garlic, and ginseng. It's a simple dish that lets each of the individual ingredients really shine.
J&C Travels
Jun 25,2025
Delicious authentic korean food! The variations between mild to bold flavors is what I love about Korean cuisine. They are known for their chicken soup and I can see why. I felt rejuvenated after finishing the dish. The Ahjumma was also sweet and provided good service. Can’t wait to come back!
karina k
Jun 12,2025
This Korean restaurant is very clean and the food came out very fast. The food was fresh and the food was very good. Not salty and very healthful. The bibimbop (14.99) veges were really good and authentic and super fresh. And I am mostly vegetarian but can eat high quality low fat beef or chicken. And the beef in the bibimbop was super low fat and very tasty and not salty but still flavored like bulgogi. There's another room for diners which can also act as a private party dining area if needed. The bathrooms were very clean also with paperless hand drying and it was odorless. They even had a bench inside that came be used to place bags or to sit. This place has great food and it's very clean and the parking on the street is free. And if you write a review with pictures you get 3 free fried dumplings. Very good and appreciated! Will definitely come back.
Wesley Toma
Jun 3,2025
Went to Ssyal for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and had a delicious meal! Everything was great, and it felt like eating at home :) We ordered the Dolsot Bibimbop, Yukgae Jang, and Kong Guksu. The food came with 4 side dishes.
Aran Lim
May 5,2025
We had a lovely meal here! Everything was delicious but the samgyetang seems to be what they are best at. Auntie was handling front of house by herself but she hustled and we were well taken care of. Chicagoland Korean food is generally not the best but this is now one of our new favorites in the city. Dumplings: 5/5 Tteokbokki: 4/5 Yukgaejang: 4/5 Samgyetang: 5/5
K
Apr 15,2025
10 out of 5 stars!! The owner is so nice, friendly, and attentive. I am Korean, and I always look for new Korean restaurants to go to. This is an authentic Korean restaurant, prices and portions are great, and the food was amazing! We got "dak dori tang" (tender chicken in a rich stew with potatoes and carrots), spicy pork, seafood pancake, and fried dumplings! The banchan (side dishes) were also delicious! I will definitely be coming back again. Thank you!!
Arthur Braud
Mar 26,2025
The perfect spot if you want authentic Korean food! I’ve had a lot of Korean food in Chicago but this is certainly one of the best! So many great staples and you can tell it’s all made with care. There may not be a lot of cool, refreshing options for a hot summer day but I have found dishes here that I haven’t been able to have at other Korean spots in Chicago. I especially recommend this spot if you love Korean soups and stews.
Andrea Gabinete
Mar 18,2025
The food in ssyal is great, you can taste the authentic Korean flavors in each bite. The dolsot bibimbap is show stopping - it’s hot the rice at the bottom is crispy and there’s an abundance of meat and vegetables. The stir fry squid is definitely a must try it’s spicy and just so flavorful I don’t even know how to describe it. The staff are also very nice and approachable, they also give their recommendations too.

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