First of all, the lady who owns this place was really nice! We got a bibimbap and some wings for dinner. the bibimbap was good, and the wings were very saucy! The wings had good flavor and properly cook, but it had too much sauce on it. Keep in mind, this is not the double fried Korean fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is much crisper. I would come back again for the food and great service!
(4)
Monica J.
I come here about once a month (I used to come here twice a month when I was lazy to cook, haha). I am addicted to their wings, particularly the Sweet Garlic flavor. It's not overwhelmingly garlicky and balanced out with a sweet (obviously) and peppery flavor. I've tried nearly everything on their appetizer and entree menu, and each dish has a Korean/Asian fusion theme to it while still feeling like it's homey, comforting food. I also like that the menu sometimes changes and has new additions. I recall last summer was when the Pork Bulgogi Sandwich first came out--it was a very flavorful and unique twist to the Korean dish. Their BBQ fries were also added a few months ago, if I recall correctly. I highly recommend ordering them! They're sweet and smokey, and the portion is large. Service is wonderful here. Kelly and her husband (the owners) are genuinely nice and make you feel welcomed. You really can't go wrong with this place, especially for the price. I highly recommend eating here! Also, don't forget to places your dishes on the left by the register when you're done :)
(5)
Marq C.
3 stars for service, location, and value. I'm no expert in Korean food. I think this is my 2nd time ever eating Korean food so I'm really not a very good judge. I ordered something that looked popular -- bibimbap with beef. It came with noodles in the bottom, beef and veggies on top. I think this is an acquired taste to which I'm not accustomed to. And I really don't have anything to compare it to since I've never really eaten Korean food except for bulgogi. This dish is just ok to me. It was fresh and I liked the veggies. The meat was tender and was tasty but the veggies were plain and so were the noodles. It's kind of like eating pho for the first time, if you don't know to add the sauces, you won't enjoy it. The bbq French fries were tasty but definitely not an authentic dish to brag about. I'm just a fat girl looking for something familiar in an unfamiliar place. The place was clean and the service was good. Also the meal was uber cheap. So that's always awesome. I guess for newbies like me, you won't know til you try again. And I may, in the future.
(3)
Sam K.
Super disappointing! I got the wings in two flavors - Louisiana and Korean spicy. The Louisiana is just nonsense - the sauce was terrible, and the chicken was mushy. The Korean spicy seemed a little better, at first. But once you got through the crisp outer layer of what is passable sauce, you got to slimy, wet, and slightly spongy chicken meat that lacked flavor or edible texture. The wings do seem gigantic, but I'd guess they are regular small wings that have retained water and sodium. The whole thing just reeked of that really low quality spongy chicken that you'd get from cheap Chinese American lunch specials in suburban strip malls. I love fried chicken and I really love wings, but these are wings I couldn't even eat. I'm just glad I had a side of kimchi to eat with some leftover rice.
(2)
Michael F.
I'll be back :)
(5)
Jose L R.
I was really in the mood for some good korean food, searched, and based on the reviews here, how could I go wrong? I was in for a big surprise and my socks were blown right off! Ordered the spicy korean chicken wings and they where ahhhhmazing! love em', best in Chicago!
(5)
Kari H.
Menu seemed confusing at first glance because it was so diverse! I ordered the bulgogi for take out during dinner time. Staff is friendly. Space is quiet and located in a plaza. Bulgogi was delicious. Rice was yummy - soft and slightly sticky. Kimchi had string radish and cabbage in it and tasted good, not that fermented, a bit salty... It was good but then again, I was super hungry when I ate it. It's a short walk from the Kimball brown line subway station. I would come back for food next time I'm in the area and want Korean food.
(4)
Jackie M.
This is a place I can bring my asian family! It's simple and inexpensive with a parking lot and lets you eat casually like a fast food joint. No weird interaction with the server constantly checking on you. Come and go as you please. As many have mentioned, the lady, whom I presume is the wife and husband team of the restaurant, were soft spoken and sweet. She pointed to me all the most ordered dishes and asked if I needed WiFi to study. I'm a little too old to be a student, granted, I had a backpack on, but to study? well, there are alot of students that roam around here I guess. Anyway, there are stacks of newspapers and magazines by the door and it's actually a pretty good size place with high ceilings and a soft sunny yellow interior. It's homey, warm and airy, which is such a contrast to the up and coming neighborhood. I've been to Korea before and there are definitely Korean elements with decor, plants and use of light wood. I got the Bibim noodles and Korean wings. I wasn't expecting much of the noodle dish, but the beef was really good. It's sweet, but has other savory flavors. The wings are pretty awesome too. It's a bit different, like there's a crunchy nutty coating, either it's deep fried garlic and the sauce is a bit spicier than I had at other places. I can only eat two, but probably the whole thing if I had some rice to go with,
(5)
Cindy W.
This is based SOLELY on the food alone. But if it was about service, I'd rate it a 4 because the people behind the counter were oh-so friendly and really cute! The guy behind the counter told me not to get the Louisiana sauce on the wings. Really appreciated the honesty haha even when it's against their own food. That said, I was very underwhelmed by the wings... I mean it has NOTHING on Crisp... The wings seemed too soggy and lost its crunch, which I'd expect from my Korean fried chicken! The sauce was also lacking in a kick... the garlic sauce was not garlicky or sweet enough nor did the korean sauce have enough of that chili paste flavor. I think the biggest problem is the texture of the chicken though ... just not crispy enough! I also ordered this octopus cooked with onions and hot peppers just out of curiosity. I must say though, I was disappointed but it's probably because I just don't like the tough texture of octopus. I really loved the milk tea. Get it hot and without the bubbles! They also have complimentary tea on the counter -- it's barley flavored and really pleasantly nice.
(3)
Brian S.
Hands down one of the best dollar per taste bud value to be had. Btw, also BYOB so basically you make money by eating here! Get your wings on. Get your bibimbap on. The side dishes including kimchi are wonderful and the service is excellent. Simple place with very good food. Enjoy you beverage of your choice BYOB!
(5)
A C.
Very highly recommended for a quick lunch or dinner. Service is great (owner is very friendly). Complimentary tea, food is very tasty (bulgolgi with rice and chicken wings is always my favorite), and place is very clean.
(5)
Darren L.
After having seen the famous Cafe Orient 33 on Yelp with nearly a 5 star rating, I decided to come in to see what all the hype is about. One bite later and I must confess that Heaven on Earth exists. This place was and is amazing. The chicken wings were freshly made to order. They were roughly $1 a piece but they are large and extremely flavorful. The sweet garlic and the spicy Korean sauce are a must try. In addition to this, I also had the opportunity to try the bibimbap and gyoza which were also phenomenal. Food is enough of a reason to give this place a try. Another outstanding quality that this place possesses lies within its customer service. The lady at the front was offering so much guidance in choosing what to order and she even gave us a few extra wings. She had a smile on the entire time and really valued her customers. She even thanked us when we left - so generous. Her efforts to keep us satisfied don't go unnoticed. I love this place and will definitely be back!
(5)
An P.
Went here on a Saturday afternoon with Nae L. I was very happy to see a Korean place with chicken wings and high ratings on Yelp!!! I was a little surprised to find this place in the strip mall and the set up was more like fast food than casual dining and there were loads of college kids there being loud and very loud. We grabbed and perused the menu and I ordered some popcorn chicken along with Korean and Sweet Garlic wings and we went up to the counter to pay. For water you get a very small plastic cup to fill from an urn. The food took awhile to come out but the spicy Korean wings had a nice crisp to them and were probably double fried. The sauces did not impress me much since the spicy Korean sauce seemed too concentrated in the sauce making it a little rough. Sweet Garlic had very large chunks of raw garlic in it so the flavor was a bit overpowering. The popcorn chicken was crunchy and came with Louisiana sauce which was spicy but not like Louisiana sauce. The real pro of this price is that the food is very affordable and very flavorful. The cons are that it is very loud and will take a very long time to get food. Overall I am a fan and would come back when I have a craving for Korean Chicken Wings.
(4)
Danny L.
Nice, affordable place for Korean food, especially spicy wings. At other Korean restaurants, the minimum order for wings can run close to $20. With Cafe Orient 33, you have the option of ordering as little as 5 pieces for only $6.50! Most of all, their wings are perhaps better than at more expensive eateries. Also, service has always been great at this super clean, order-at-the-counter, mom and pop shop. Their ramen (Korean shin-style) was also good. Spicy pork dish wasn't bad, but not great. Their wings definitely are the star of the show.
(4)
Meghan B.
They have 4 wing sauces available and many other entree dinner choices. The service was extremely fast and all the dishes were piping hot when they hit the table. Lots of flavor and a little spicy but even a weakling on the spice barometer can handle it.
(5)
David L.
Cafe Orient 33 proves that it is possible to offer high-quality Korean food at low prices (I have often wondered most Korean restaurants are really expensive when the ingredients don't really cost that much and the preparation time doesn't seem like it should be that long.). The Korean Fried Chicken was really inexpensive and was crispy and the meat was still moist. The tofu stew was flavorful, and the fried rice was a big hit too. I also liked the fact that hot tea was offered complimentary too and that tea seemed pretty decent to me.
(5)
P D.
Love the wings. I usually don't notice/care in restaraunts or life in general, but this place is sparkly clean. I would likely eat off the bathroom floor if necessary. The owners are friendly as well.
(4)
Rosa J.
There's no excuse for not giving Cafe Orient five (5) stars. I will break it down for you why that is: 1) no need to tip: it says on their website. Seriously, there's no chance to leave any tip; there's no line to write down the amount of tip on the merchant copy. 2) service is outstanding: did I say that you don't tip in this place? Yeah, but the service exists. It may be slow because the person who took your order will be the very same person who serves you. You can help yourself with water and tea on the condiment table. 3) the people are SO nice: it was the husband today, but the wife is so also cool. My hubby did the takeout orders with them twice before. 4) free wifi that actually works: the password was underneath the cash register, so pull out your I-pad and start yelping while you eat. 5) delicious home-style Korean food: don't expect anything fancy, but the stuff they cooked comes from their love for customers. yummy that is. I usually stick with the dumpling rice-cake soup combo. By the way, if you have any question, don't be shy to ask because the owners always patiently answer any question you have. 6) ask more rice if you want! 7) there's a plenty of magazines for you to peruse. 8) the entire place is very clean. 9) cheap: the entire bill came to under $15 for two (2) meal combo and one (1) can of melon milkis. 10) the ambiance is relaxing and comfortable. P.S. They did politely to ask you to put away your dishes and trays. Do so since you didn't tip. Well-deserved five (5) stars. If you live in Albany Park, you should try it out. I wouldn't recommend you to go out your way to come here because it's meant to be a neighborhood restaurant that exists for your convenience. They now serve home-made bubble teas.
(5)
Linda L.
This restaurant is very cute. The walls are decorated by what appear to be self-painted pictures of water lilies. The couple that owns the restaurant is so sweet and funny. I got the Korean spicy wings. They were spicy yet mildly sweet, with a crispy but moist exterior. SO GOOD. I was having a day out in Albany Park (pretty far from where I live) with friends and we had just pigged out on a giant tray of sushi from lawrence fish market three hours earlier, and so I was essentially full before I even took a bite! (Don't judge.) I literally ate one wing and brought the rest home. They lost their crispy exterior but the flavor was still amazing. Mm! The hot milk tea is DELICIOUS. I promise that you won't regret ordering it.
(5)
Victoria G.
It was ok. Not as great as I expected from the reviews. They were friendly. It was clean.
(3)
Malinda J.
I'm so hooked. Lately I have been addicted to their bibimbap as it's just so delicious! I rarely eat fried food but I've tried their popcorn chicken and it's really good, not to mention their dipping sauces are unique and full of flavor. Have to try their chicken wings and peanut butter smoothie as other Yelpers have said such amazing things about them. Will post an update as soon as I am able to venture away from the bibimbap!
(5)
Bill M.
My bud and I dropped by the awkwardly-named Cafe Orient 33 on a Friday evening for dinner. I was initially stunned that I was able to drag him to this place, as he has had a longtime aversion to Korean food ever since he had a school roommate who ate a lot of kimchi. I told him that as long as he stayed away from ordering any kimchi, he should be fine, and indeed we both enjoyed our dinner here. It is unassumingly located within a strip mall on Kedzie, a street famous for its collection of Middle Eastern restaurants and establishments. The pleasant interior of Cafe Orient 33 is simply decorated. You place your order at the counter and the food is then brought out to you. There is a station where you can pour your own cups of hot corn tea and cold water. Smoothies and bubble teas are apparently popular here. I ordered the beef bulgogi, which comes with a side of white rice and a small cup of kimchi. The tangy marinated beef was good but not great, and the kimchi was not too spicy so my bud was not put off by the smell of it. I also ordered the sweet and spicy wings, with five large chicken wing sections in a serving. The wings were yummy, not too sweet and not too spicy, with a bit of a crunch. I would love to come back and taste these wings again sometime. The wings also came with a few carrot and celery sticks, and our server brought out a container of ranch sauce for them. My bud ordered the chicken with broccoli and other vegetables, a dish which is probably more Chinese or Japanese style rather than Korean. The chicken and broccoli came with white rice (he passed on the complimentary kimchi), and he added on a side dish of bean sprouts, all of which he liked very much. My food came out first, so I was killing a bit of time by looking at photos freshly taken by my bud on a recent vacation. In a cutesy moment, our server gently admonished me in a motherly way that I should eat my food before it gets cold! Good non-threatening Korean food and good advice are both pleasantly served up at Cafe Orient 33.
(4)
Justin P.
I come here all the time. Great food, low prices make this place good. What makes it great are the staff. They treat you like family! Thanks to Kelly and Ed for always making every experience outstanding. Love your Bulgogi, pork broth soup, and bim bim bop!
(5)
Javier P.
We come here every month and we love it. It's a very relaxed environment and great food.
(5)
Sonny B.
I've dined here a few times so far. I believe it's owned & run by an older Korean couple, who are very friendly, sweet, kind, respectful, and always smiling! You can typically expect terrible customer service from most chinese/korean restaurants... so you'll be taken aback by the welcoming & inviting hospitality of this place! The place is a storefront in a little strip mall. Extremely clean... tables, floors, washrooms. Although they serve & bring the food to you at your table when it's ready... they refuse to take any tip money. I've tried, and they won't let you. They do have a designated table in the restaurant, to help yourself to cold water / hot tea / condiments. Also, after you're done eating, you clean your own table (not necessarily clean & wipe down the table... but bring your empty dishes to a bin & throw paper cups in the garbage). The food is very good & has a home-cooked feel to it. If you're a soup lover... they have ramen noodles (spicy & mild versions). But I'd recommend their dumpling soup (chicken broth with small gyoza/pot-sticker dumplings & eggs) if you haven't tried it... amazing! For appetizers... I've tried the fried calamari, deep fried shrimps, bean sprouts sauteed in garlic, house salad. Entrees... I've tried the bibimbap, chicken teriyaki, egg beef noodle, ny strip steak & onions w/ fried rice. All food are decent portions... tasty & satisfying. Kalbi is always good, so haven't bothered to order that yet. Still have yet to try their salmon teriyaki... looks delicious! Overall.. always a good dining experience when you go here. It's not exactly "to die for" food... but if you're looking to grab a convenient, very good-tasting meal in a clean storefront restaurant w/ a casual setting, this is definitely a nice stop!
(4)
Annette U.
My man wanted some gyro, again, but I persuaded him to try something a little healthier :) We got some bi bim bop with beef and some spicy korean wings out of here last night. The bi bim bop was sooo good - you just feel good after eating it with some kim chee - yum! As other have said, the wings are absolutely heavenly - like probably the best wings I've ever had. They also give you complimentary tea while you wait - I think genmaicha - brown rice tea - nutty and savory - so yummy.The service was also pleasant and friendly and the restaurant was clean. Free wi-fi as well! Can't wait to try the smoothies/shakes others have posted. I'm very lucky to have this nearby. Do your body and soul good and go here!!
(5)
Mark K.
Chicken is what you come for. The garlic chicken was nice and crispy when it came out. I recommend eating there for maximum freshness. Dining area is large and can accommodate larger parties. The owners are nice and friendly and very inviting. Chicken is da bomb!
(5)
Sara D.
I went here on a whim and never lived to regret it. The food and price were stellar. Delicious eats for cheap ! For such a small place they have quite a selection, plenty to choose from on drinks as well.
(5)
Joseph P.
Second trip, 11/23, and it was just as fantastic this time as the last. The wife seemed to be working the counter today, and she was just as friendly and helpful as the dude was last time. For the record, this time the three of us ordered (besides enough food for 5), 15 wings (half spicy Korean, half sweet garlic), 2 Korean BBQ pork sandwiches, 2 bowls of bibim noodles, an order of the fried potato balls, and 3 sodas. That whole meal came out to 49 bucks and some change. This place is seriously inexpensive. The Korean BBQ Pork sandwich here is utterly perfect, as are the wings. Both flavors we tried are seriously recommended, especially the sweet garlic if you're a garlic maniac...huuuuge chunks of garlic stuck to the wings. It's a garlic lovers wet dream. The Korean BBQ Pork sandwich has just enough heat to start creeping up on you, and with perfectly cooked glazed pork pieces and kimchi, the flavor is incredible. The fried potato balls are great...a thin perfect deep fried crunchy outside layer, with a surprising curry-ish flavor on the inside. Great stuff. I am also in love with the bibim noodles. I'm for any dish that comes with a bottle of hot sauce. I'm pretty convinced there's nothing you can get here that isn't just...well, awesome.
(5)
Evie H.
It's a little bit out of the way for me but I wouldn't mind returning if I was nearby. The owners are Korean and they're very nice and sweet. If you can't decide, they will be happy to give you recommendations. As for the food, my order of Bulgogi with rice was rather standard and plain. There was nothing too elaborate or too terrible about the meat so it's a pretty solid 3. Food is brought to your table but you have to bus your trays yourself.
(3)
Elliot K.
There is an overwhelming amount of items on the menu. But don't be intimidated. Stick to the basics and you'll be full and happy. Such as, The chicken wings and popcorn chicken. Comes in sweet garlic, louisiana, korean hot spicy. Or the rice plates: bibimbop, bulgogi, pigogi (dwejibulgogi), kalbi, chicken teriyaki.
(5)
Dan D.
Met two of my friends out for dinner here with my wife. The place is a mom and pop place. You order at the counter and bus your own table. They have hot tea and water sitting out for the taking. The food: I believe I got A4 (beef and rice) and A5 (6 different vegetables with an egg) and 10 Korean spicy chicken wings. My friends got the BBQ pork sandwich and the lettuce wrap with bbq short ribs i think. Everything was delicious. Absolutely delicious. The wings: crispy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy, with a spicy heat that was pleasant (it was noticeable, but not overpowering where you stopped being able to taste the food). The beef and rice dish: well spiced and seasoned, flavorful. And very fun sticky rice and a side of spicy kim-chi. Wife's vegetable dish: must have been good because I didn't get a bite... Friends lettuce wrap: also delicious, one bite of meat was slightly tough, but the flavor was nicely complemented by the red sauce and rice that went with it. Didn't get to try the bbq pork sandwich, but it looked delicious. Downside: I probably gained a lb or two from the 10 chicken wings... BYOB, and they supplied nice wine glasses so you didn't have to drink out of plastic cups. Good for easy, casual, good food dinner.
(5)
Jenny H.
If you want cheap and delicious Korean food, this is the place to go! They conveniently have a parking lot so parking is not a problem at all. The interior is super clean and nicely decorated. You order and pay at the counter, and then they bring the food out for you. There are a lot of tables to pick from. We ordered 4 things. We got the spicy Korean wings, which were 5 for $6 (or 10 for $11, 15 for $15). They were delicious! I'm a big fan of Korean style wings and have been to many places to try them, but these are really good. They're not too spicy, but are still spicy enough. They are crispy, and not soggy with too much sauce. They are a good size too. We also got the squid ($4.25). It was a decent amount of squid, but it wasn't anything too special so we probably wouldn't get it again. We also got the Bulgogi (7) which comes with rice. That was tasty, and the meat was tender. There were a lot of onions too. Finally, I wanted a hot soup since it is (still) so cold outside, so I got the dumpling soup with rice cakes. The broth was amazing. It definitely hit the spot! It came with 6 dumplings inside, as well as a bunch of rice cakes. In total, our whole meal was less than $25, which is a great deal, considering how much food we got. We didn't have any leftovers though. They have a station with complimentary cold water and hot corn tea, which is delicious. Give it a try if you're there! The service is great, and the owners are very nice and helpful. We will be back for sure!
(5)
S Y.
We love coming to this place. It's like being in the home of a Korean family and they're making you fresh delicious food in their kitchen. And the price is unbeatable! The place is always meticulously clean and welcoming. We adore all the decoration details too. As well as the great periodical selections. We enjoy our relaxing meals here so much that we drive from Logan Square to eat here every chance we get. Love it!!! Can't find a place like this anywhere else in Chicago.
(5)
Emily B.
Love this place for the food and friendly service. Everything is delicious and the prices are not too bad either. I especially liked the garlic wings (super crispy, flavorful, and tender), dumplings, bulgogi, and octopus appetizer. There is a parking lot which is also a plus.
(5)
Michael W.
I love lunch at this place. Its low key, easy, the woman behind the counter is adorable and sweet. The food is fantastic. I always get the bibimbop. Lunch for 2 is usually about 15 bucks with free tea and kimchi. I've eaten at almost all lunch spots within walking distance and this is my favorite. Enjoy
(5)
Liz M.
This place is a gem in a strip mall that has needed refreshing for quite some time. My boyfriend and I ordered 15 wings in 3 different varieties, as well as kim chi, chicken dumplings, and bulgogi. The winner was the bulgogi- tender, fresh, and flavorful. The wings were really top notch. Meaty, substantial, and with VERY tasty sauces. My favorite was probably the spicy Korean, but all 3 were great. The dumplings were just a little crispy, and not soggy or mushy at all. So good! And the best part is the employees. They are sweet and friendly, and very excited about their business. I wish them all the best, and I will certainly be back!
(5)
Sid B.
Lived up to the yelp hype The Mango Smoothie was out of the world ... Made with fruits and honey powder
(5)
Jacob J.
I wonder what their name is all about. I'm not crazy about it. Cafe Orient.. what does that mean? Does it have any context to their menu? I believe the owners are Korean and many of their dishes are Korean cuisine. I was talking to the counter guy about the menu. It's all in English and the entrees are spelled out but curiously, it's written out in definition form. I found it hard to follow. Don't get me wrong.. I'm an American, born and raised. I speak standard English and all that but life in Chicago has taught me to order in Korean when dining on K cuisine. I've gotten so used to it, that when I'm reading it in English it looks foreign. Isn't that a trip! I inquired as to whether they have a Korean menu and they did! So, I ordered off that. Ha. Look at all of these glowing five stars. Alike one other reviewer's mention, it's a great idea that needs work. Some dishes work great and others, well, should get removed from their menu. Quite like the bul kogi philly cheese sandwich which was pretty gross mainly because it tasted like a microwaved sandwich. The texture of the bread and cheese, one could discern it was nuked. Also, it was oily to the touch. More than I cared for. The meat was probably flavorful at one time. The one menu item which is clearly what they're good at are the wings. The flavors are interesting and each are sure to win over someone's tastes in your group. Korean spicy and sweet garlic are the clear winners. The sauces aren't too spicy or too sweet. Just good enough to enjoy. However, if someone were to tell me that their wings were frozen going into the fryer, I would probably believe them. The wings we enjoyed the other day were HUGE. I'm talking GMO and because of that, you're getting the most for your cash. I'm hopeful about the place. On my visit I got to meet one of the owners randomly. Nice idea and the restaurant has cute accents which make it a fun environment to bring a group or a friend. One interior decorating accent that has always captured my interest are "air plants". In their dining area suspended by string they have these small, globe terrariums or bulb vases. Currently, they are empty but I wonder if one day they might be filled with something unique. Till then, maybe I'll be back again to try a more standard Korean entree. Prices are great and you won't find Korean fare for this fair a price.
(3)
Dee S.
I live right around the corner from here, and I'm glad I do! The wings, the wings, the wings..Perfect..I had 5 spicy Korean and 5 sweet garlic per the owners recommendation and these things crispy and flavorful. They had the right amount of heat and sweet.. Also got the kids some popcorn chicken w/ sweet dipping sauce, they loved it. Got the ramen noodles, which are super inexpensive and pretty good, I mean its ramen so it's never going to be mind blowing. I wrote this place off as just another store front restaurant that probably wouldn't be there for long(like most the other restaurants in that strip), that won't be the case with this spot!
(5)
Don K.
Was there about a months ago. Looks: It is in a old strip mall that used to be all Koreans years ago. Outside is nothing to show, but it was very clean and nice when I walked in. Service: Very nice people. They are not just business nice, but appears to be very nice people in general. Food: I am a fan of ice water when it comes to drinks. This was the biggest turn off for me. Their water, which is self-service, is almost warm. Not hot, not cold... warm. I tried all three kinds of wings they have. It seems that ingridients are fresh, and everything is made to order. They were crispy outside and juicy inside. But, they were all salty in my taste.
(3)
Doug F.
Went Here "Highly Suspicious" because of the mountain of 5 Star Reviews but left wanting to give a TEN STAR Review! THE EAT LIST: 1) "A3" Bullgogi - Korean Stylle Marinated Beef w/ Rice $7 My wife's go-to for Korean Restaurants. Tasty. Nicely marinated. Nicely sized portion, Not too small, Not too big, just right. 2) "A4" Pigogi - Korean Style Marinated Pork w/ Rice $6.50 Delicious. Niece polished off the whole plate. Nuff Said. 3) "A6" Bimbimbop - Mixed Vegetables w/ Marinated Beef and Rice $7.50 Nice balance of vegetables and mix of beef. Very filling. Mixed in swirls of Korean Hot Sauce and devoured it. 4) "B7" Potato Balls (5pcs) $2.50 Simple, but very well executed. Like a croquet,. Very smooth and creamy and crunchy on the outside. Our table attacked it and it disappeared. 5) Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings (Fifteen Piece) $15 Highlight of meal. Warning: It was listed on separate menu taped to the counter. These wings are "jumbo." Huge is a understatement. Great balance of sweet and spicy. Wings were juicy and flavorful. Table grabbed them as they arrived. 6) Garlicky Chicken Wings (Fifteen Piece) $15 Second Highlight of meal. Warning: It was listed on separate menu taped to the counter. Big Wings. Juicy. Nice Garlic Flavor that was oh so tasty. Everyone loved them. All the portions were just right for our group of four. So filling, We rolled out of there! PRICE: Cheap. Cheap. Cheap. Quality, Delicious Food, Good Portions, Great Service. Real Value. ATMOSPHERE: Laid back. Clean. Nicely Decorated. Very comfortable. SERVICE: The setup: You place your order at the counter. Self serve free tea and water by the counter.They bring the food out to your table. With this setup, you don't expect "Service," but you would be wrong. The owner and chef were so nice to us and so so friendly. So nice that I have to say it again, The owner was soooooo nice and friendly to us! Taught us some Korean too! :) Even though they set it up so you don't Tip, I felt bad not tipping because their Service was Tops! PARKING: They're located in a strip mall that's "not busy." So, plenty of parking. BOTTOM LINE: This restaurant hits all the right notes. Tasty Food, Good Portions, Cheap Prices, Great Service...A Grand Slam. Can easily become your "go-to" for everyday "Asian" food. DON"T Let all the Five Star reviews scare you! It's all true! A TEN STAR RESTAURANT!
I suggested my siblings and I go here since it has five stars. I almost regret it when I entered because I noticed the meals by the register don't have names on them. I was thinking how would I know what those foods are since I'm not Korean and I only know Bulgogi. Good thing the lady, who I believe is the owner, was so nice to us. She asked us first if it was our first time and when we said yes, she suggested popular foods from the menu and also explained what some of the foods are. She was so helpful and nice. We ordered chicken wings, half korean spicy (SO GOOD!!!) and the other half was Sweet Garlic. Sweet Garlic was good too, but the Korean Spicy was perfect for me. I loved the Chicken Teriyaki that my brother ordered and my Bulgogi. Best thing I had was the banana and peanut butter smoothie. I am not a fan of peanut butter, but when I read from a review here that it's a must, I said why the hell not. No regrets because it became an instant favorite! Did I mention everything on the menu is under $10? Yup. Affordable, delicious food! Will definitely go back here!
(5)
Jeff P.
Fantastic wings, great bimbimbop
(5)
Leslie W.
I LOVE this place! It's so adorable and the folks working there are super friendly. I've only tried a few dishes (chicken teryaki, bulgogi, a few appetizers, and wings). All have been splendid, minus the egg rolls which were so-so. The wings (especially the sweet garlic) are very flavorful. You really do get a lot for the price (chicken teryaki and bulgogi are between $6-$7!) The restaurant itself is super clean and adorable, which really stands out in this neighborhood. The lady who I often see working there (perhaps an owner?) is beyond friendly - one time she brought me a slice of watermelon to munch on while waiting for my carryout order...I don't think you see that kind of service at most places. I'm fortunate to live two blocks away and come here way more than I'd like to admit.
(5)
Dan L.
Have only been here once (so far!), but the wings and service were definitely on point. Both the Sweet Garlic and the Spicy Korean wings were very tasty and really big/meaty (I was really hungry, but ended up quite full after eating just 10 wing segments). plus they were friendly and seemed totally cool with me walking in ~3 mins before closing time (which i didn't realize until i got to the door) and then ordering something that would take ~15 mins to cook -- and the owner(?) even gave me a piece of cake while i waiting for my carryout order to be cooked. The restaurant is in a fairly nondescript strip mall, but the interior seemed nice/clean/comfortable, and parking in the strip mall lot was easy. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Elaine M.
My friend and I ordered from Cafe Orient 33 for the first time this week. Everything was wonderful - tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced. We ordered dumpling soup with kimchi, garlic chicken wings with nutty coating. asparagus and mushroom stir fry, popcorn chicken with spicy sauce, octopus with onion and hot pepper, and white rice. All the food was flavorful, and if they said spicy, believe them! I am looking forward to bringing my family back here - they loved the leftovers, esp. the wings. FYI, the Yelp listing says delivery is available, but the delivery radius is only 3 blocks. Plan to pick it up yourself or dine in. Look for the menu online, but don't forget to look at the "New Items Added to Our Menu" tab in addition to the "Meals" and "Side Dishes" tab cafeorient33.com/home/ne…
(5)
Jay H.
Do not the strip mall location or the awkward name dissuade you from trying this place. Inside is not only the cleanest restaurant I have ever seen, but a graciously, inviting family serving up excellent food in a charming setting. The dishes are prepared with the quality and presentation of a tablecloth restaurant. We had the gyoza, which were perfectly crispy and tender at the same time, great beefy filling, plainly housemade; chicken teriyaki, which was nicely grilled chicken is a tasty, sweetish sauce (not our favorite); and garlic fried chicken wings, which were big, bold and flavorful. Salad was better than expected (beets, cucumber, sunflower seeds, great dressing for an extra $1 !), and kimchi was complimentary. Great for lunch or a casual dinner. Amazing value. BYOB.
(5)
Yuki Y.
Went Saturday afternoon & my first observation was how pristine & ridiculously clean the place was. You place your order at the front counter with the lady wearing a hair net and she lets you know that everything is made to order so it does take a few minutes to prepare. I took the time to check out the bathrooms and again couldn't believe how clean it was. When I went back to join my boyfriend in the dining room, 2 slices of watermelon arrived. We ordered to go the Kalbi, octopus, and chicken wings. The food was fabulous even after sitting in containers while we drove back to River North. The wings were the most authentic Seoul style I've had so far. Most are like Crisp, which is more of a mild teriyaki sauce. The true Korean style is spicier and these were right on the mark.
Had a craving for chicken wings and based on the many Yelp reviews decided to check this place out. Ordered the spicy Korean and sweet garlic and boy was it tasty. My new go to place for wings as it is close to my home. Will have to try the other dishes and update this review.
(4)
Crystal H.
My husband and i ate here today and we really enjoyed the food.. We ordered bibimbap, bulgogi and korean wings.. Everything was so yummy.. This will be our go to place if we want our korean food fix.. The owner.. I think he is the owner is super nice.. And the restaurant is really clean.. Definitely coming back here again
(5)
Prunae L.
Cafe Orient 33 has become my new favorite Korean restaurant with their use of fresh ingredients, made with a lot of love from the cutest, and kindest owners. The wings are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Their bibimbap is also really good. They are also BYOB -- make sure to bring a refreshing 6pack to pair with the wings. I was just there this weekend and saw that they are celebrating their 1st anniversary this week (7/26 - 8/1). Free dessert with your meal! Definitely going back for some more soul food this week..
(5)
Conor H.
Great food and service. I didn't eat my side of rice so the lady gave me my money back. Such a nice staff and very happy to be working there
(5)
Sharon G.
My family and I went here for our Valentines dinner on Sunday 2/15/15. I decided from reading the other Yelp reviews that we need to try this place. We were not disappointed one bit. We had the Korean spicy and garlic chicken wings- they were cooked to perfection and doused in delicious sauces. A must have when you visit this lovely establishment. If you do not you are missing out. We tried several other dishes that were all terrific - my boys liked the fried rice and my bibimbap with beef was tasty and served with a spicy hot sauce that was just perfect! It is a small little joint that packs the flavor and goodness in each dish. You should give it a try - you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Gregory H.
I came here based off of the reviews, and let me tell you I was not disappointed. They have hands down the BEST chicken wings in Chicago. The service is amazing as well and the people behind the counter are super down to earth and very cordial. The one downside is $1 a wing.. I mean thats kind of expensive.
(4)
Lila S.
Really nice owner, really good spicy chicken wings and excellent spicy tofu stew! The stew was so spicy and flavorable that I'd definitely get again. I was amazed at how much flavor it had. Service may be a little bit slow but other than that, food and prices are on point!
(5)
Gretchen B.
I love this place for so many reasons. THE FOOD: Delicious and tastes like they make it from scratch each time. It does take a little while for orders to come out, but totally worth the wait. The chicken wings are very meaty and they are generous with the sauce. Their dumpling soup is so comforting and pretty filling. I tried their waffle with ice cream recently out of curiosity. I expected a diner-style waffle with soft serve ice cream, but it was better than that...the waffle was gooey (in a good way) yet crispy and they used real ice cream with chocolate sauce! Oh and the potato balls - I can eat 30 of those, they're so good! Plus everything is affordable. And they don't require tip?? I still tip anyway b/c they're incredibly nice and the service is always amazing. THE SERVICE: As I just mentioned, the service is great. I always feel so welcome, and they make you feel at home. THE ATMOSPHERE: I like the whimsical decor and the place is very clean. It's also spacious and bright. I love that there's a parking lot too!
(5)
Shawn R.
The lady that run the counter the day I was there 080914 is sincerely, the nicest person I have met in my life. I can't put my finger on it but she is kind considerate and interested in you. She is an angel and people in her life are lucky. Unfortunately, the food is good but not worth a restaurant specific trip from Portage Indiana. As a side note the neighborhood was fascinating because of its' extreme cultural diversity. Definitely worth a visit if your in the area.
(3)
Mark N.
A hidden gem! Great service, great food, great prices!
(5)
Jeffrey B.
We weren't sure what to expect. The place doesn't look like much from outside. However it was one of the best dining experiences I have had on the road. The hostess behind the counter was wonderful, helping us select our meals. the place is spotless, warm, and inviting. the food was outstanding. Fresh, made to order with great.care ! it was like eating a great meal at home. (And I am not anything close to Asian!) Very inexpensive too! The 5 star reviews are well deserved. I highly reccomend. You will be glad you went.
(5)
Zhuang L.
Really nice place. And really nice people. Best service I've ever had! Food is delicious, fresh and inexpensive. Fantastic experience!!
(5)
Alison B.
Service was very slow. Loud atmosphere. Looked like a donut shop without decor of any kind. Food was below average and not served with traditional spread of various Korean veggies. Don't drive a long distance for this very mediocre food. Stay in Chinatown.
(1)
Amy O.
Great food. Recommend the popcorn chicken and chicken teriyaki. Affordable prices. Amazing service. Will be back soon!
(5)
John W.
Best korean spicy chicken wings in the city! Yes, better than Great Seas or Crisp! Other menu items are just as great. Nothing sits under a heat lamp here...everything is cooked to order. Portion sizes are great for the price. Salad dressing is one of the best tasting dressings I've had in awhile. I have tried almost everything on their menu and haven't found anything that wasn't up to par. The owners are very nice and keep the restaurant and rest rooms very clean. If you have not been here yet, you're missing out!
(5)
Adam O.
Service was great. The lady taking the order was awesome. Very helpful and polite. I had the salmon terriaky. Great place very clean. Most definitely will come back.
(5)
Vincent C.
Food is pretty good. However, it's the service and kindness of the staff that made me give this place a 5 star rating.
(5)
Noah C.
Great and homey Korean cafe. Extremely friendly owner and staff. Food is clean and flavorful. Chicken is definitely a surprise. Cheap, parking, and lots of space too!
(5)
Geoffrey S.
The food is delicious, the owners & employees are very sweet & kind, the place is so neat & tidy (and you know they didn't skimp on decorating the place...beautiful tile floors, fancy bathrooms, marble counter- & tabletops...!). The only problem is that there aren't more people eating here. The two times my girlfriend and I have been in we have been so well attended to. The first time was right when they opened & they brought out all sorts of appetizers & dishes for us to try at no charge. This last time the lady who took our order noticed that the tea had gone warm, so she made a fresh pot even though we were the only ones in there with fifteen minutes until close!!! The pricing is so perfectly affordable (+ no tipping, + complimentary tea) that it's even more impressive to think about how much time, money & energy they must have invested in decorating the restaurant. In sum, get in here ASAP!
(5)
William T.
I have been Yelp member for at least 3years now and never ever think of write reviews for places I been. But this place is just unbelievable good. I stopped by this restaurant when I was in Chicago for vacation last week. Their price is reasonable, quality of the food is just fabulous. I ordered the chicken wings and my friends ordered the bibimbap. I wish I have the picture to share but we were just too hungry when the food came. I would rate 4.9 out of 5.0 for their food and service
(5)
Anna F.
Wow! Kelly (the owner) is so nice and the food is so delicious and inexpensive! They were giving out free birthday cake with a rice ball for their 1 year birthday. They also had free samples and free hot corn tea. I love this place!
(5)
Christopher L.
The spicy fried chicken wings have a thin batter that has a crunchy texture with every bite, and leaves your mouth burning with spice. The traditional Korean bibimbap is prepared with a fried egg, oozing with runny yolk as soon as you start mixing it. Tastes great and is very healthy!
(5)
Ross R.
Great restaurant! The interior space is nicely decorated and the place is immaculate. The format is "augmented counter service" - order at the counter, food is brought out to you. The owner is very friendly and accommodating. Bonus points for the free desert sample he brought out. I had bibimbap, and some wings. Both were delicious, and the price can't be beat.
(5)
Rob S.
Clean space, with funky glass accent pieces hanging form the ceiling. I liked the serve yourself water, tea, picked ginger and turnip, and beans. BYOB was nice too. First time, so my wife and I ordered four things. Potato Balls. Goodness gracious great potato balls from the deep fryer. Loved these things. Kind of like croquets. Spicy Korean Wings. Their batter is fried to a crispy deliciousness, much like the wings at Super H Mart. I'd love to try them plain. We ordered them with Spicy Korean. It wasn't super hot, but flavorful with a tangy zip. Bi Bim Bop w/ Beef. Legit, good size portion. Specify if you want your egg over easy. We didn't and it was scrambled. Shrimp Egg Foo Young. Chunky vegetables and generous amount of shrimp. All of this was $20. Pretty cheap! I'll be back.
(5)
Anthony G.
I come every chance I get. They are located less then a block from me and my sister and we love it. I've made it personal goal to try everything on the menu and I haven't encountered even 1 "decent" dish. Everything is incredible in both flavor and presentation. I've brought a few friends here as well and nothing but good reviews. The owner is very friendly and knows me by name which makes this place feel like a 2nd home to me. Get here whenever you can. It's worth the trip and $. Bigtime.
(5)
Julie Y.
This is a no frills restaurant with simple, homestyle cooking. We will definitely return for the phenomenal Korean spicy wings, the great price, and the friendly service!
(5)
Tony G.
awesome place. very clean. ramen. i ordered shrimp beef ramen. $6.95 regular ramen $3.50 comes with side of kimchi.
(5)
Kyle K.
Wings are amazing! Service is exemplary and it is clean! Great food and loved the owners....will be back for sure!
(5)
Karrie T.
As a new transplant from Los Angeles, my husband and I have been on a mission to find good Korean food! We stumbled across Cafe Orient 33 and its become one of our staples! I would highly recommend ordering the Grilled Mackerel with rice, Pork bulgogi, Beef bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Bubble Teas because those are the most authentic Korean dishes. The owner is very nice and honest. She has recommendations based on what you're looking for. And of course the price here can't be beat! Its super affordable and relaxed atmosphere (and has free wifi!). For a relaxed/casual lunch or dinner out, try this cafe!
(5)
Michelle D.
This place is great! We had called for takeout and ordered two bibimbap. But on our way over, we figured we had more time than we originally thought for dinner so decided to dine in. They were very accommodating and transferred our dishes from to-go boxes to the bowls and we ended up ordering the dried pork maki, potato balls, and spicy ramen soup as well. Everything was very tasty. The spicy noodle had the perfect amount of spiciness. And the price was cheap! $27 for our whole order. We will definitely go here again. And soon!
(5)
Gregory L.
Cafe33 Great food, especially the Korean Spicy Wings. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable.
(5)
Nancy S.
Decided to try this new restaurant and let me tell you it was SOOO GOOD!! My sister and I had the goyza as appetizer. They were bought out very quick and were very delicious. I had the bulgogi which is one of my favorite Korean dishes and Cafe oriental did not disappoint in flavor! My sister had the chicken and fried rice. The server was very sweet to explain how this dish takes a little longer since they grill the chicken upon ordering. The fried rice was delicious and not salty as many place tend to do so. Overall service and food quality was very impressing! Will be definitely going back!!
(5)
Zain H.
Just go there have the korean spicy wings and have your life changed simply put. Everything is great but the wings are some of the best I've ever had I would put them against any wings out there wow!!
(5)
Brad R.
The owners are so very nice and friendly. The food is delicious. I love this place. Get the Korean Beef, A3.
(5)
joseph m.
I never write yelp reviews but had to after trying this place. Probably the best wings I've had on the north side. The spicy Korean sauce that they put on them is so flavorful and the chicken is moist tender and cooked to perfection every time. The staff is super nice and helpful and the place is always immaculately clean. One of my new favorite places!
(5)
Pete V.
The restaurant is super clean and new. It is a quick serve style restaurant. The wings with Korean spicy sauce had great texture and flavor. The bulgogi beef was ok. The asparagus mushroom stir-fry was a no ( just skip it). There is great potential for this place,but I think they have to work out a few kinks.
(3)
Amy R.
I want to give them 5 stars but it would be out of joy that they exist so near me and are wonderful, but in reality I've had better Korean\asian food.....but I've not had better Korean food so fast nor so inexpensive. The Ramen is awesome, but I've had better when I felt like paying $15 a bowl. This stuff is basic, satisfying, yummy, and inexpensive... oh and addicting, I found this place only a few weeks ago and have been twice and am looking forward to my next visit. The Bulgogi, i"ve had better at place where you do the grill on the table...but this bulgogi was good. the spicy Korean type wings were tasty. The spicy bacon cabbage was AWESOME. I've never had anything like that before so I can't compare but I REALLY like it. The Bibimbap is also delicious. The service is 5 stars. The people behind the counter are super friendly and helpful and nice. If you are taking out call ahead and it takes a while but I'm pretty sure that because it's not gross and just sitting there ready. I think I'm going to be going here a lot. I'm so happy it here. oh hell, I almost forgot to mention they do BYOB as well
(4)
Kathy L.
Great place. Taste is actually better than a high priced restaurant. Our family is tired of eating out for Korean food because of taste , cost and poor service. Always wondered why can't there be a burger and hot dog type of joint for Korean food? Well here it is! The cleanest Korean restaurant and super friendly two older gentlemen behind the counter. My kids love it. We will be eating here for awhile...
(5)
Karla U.
I'm happy this restaurant opened in Albany Park. We need MORE restaurants like this one in the area with great food and friendly service. As I've been to this place only twice, it is very clean and the ingredients are fresh and delicious. The menu offers a variety of options and the best part about this place is that the prices are very reasonable. I'll keep coming back! :)
(5)
Joann K.
Best Korean chicken wings I've had in Chicago and super reasonable prices. It's a very unassuming restaurant but I think it's definitely worth the trek out to Albany Park. The potato balls, mackerel, and bibimbap were pretty good too. I'm thinking in the next few months this place won't be a hidden secret anymore.
(5)
Kat N.
I live in the neighborhood, and I went to Cafe Orient 33 for the first time tonight. It was delicious!! The owners were extremely helpful and kind and suggested great dishes for my parents, preschooler, and I. My dad only likes "American Chinese Food" but really liked his teriyaki chicken! That's high praise from him! :) The restaurant was impeccably clean and comfortable. I will be returning often!
(5)
Kd K.
Friendly service, great food, and good price...I am so glad to find this place. I am definitely coming back for me. Love love their honey garlic wings and grilled mackerel.
(5)
Mauricio P.
Clean, affordable, fresh, tasty Korean and Japnese cuisine with a pleasant atmosphere. I'll be back!
I just got back from eating here with my girlfriend and we're positively stuffed. Pro tip: Get a smoothie if it sounds appealing. They're good. The Food - 4/5 The Udon Noodle Soup and the Ramen Soup were on the better side of average and deceptively large compared to what we had in mind based on the pictures on the menu. My Bulgogi and my girlfriend's Chicken Teriyaki were about what we expected as far as portions and a bit better as far as how they tasted. It wasn't the greatest food we'd ever had but it wasn't bad at all. We expected something a bit above average to begin with based on the existing reviews and it slightly exceeded that. We shared a peanut butter banana smoothie and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy on the peanut butter side. You could really taste the PB kick on the first sip. If you like peanut butter, get it. We ordered another one and a mango banana smoothie to go on the way out :D. The Peanut butter banana smoothie is tasty but the mango banana one is better in my opinion. My girlfriend stands by the PB and Banana. Different strokes and whatnot. The Price - 5/5 I spent about $20 for the five aforementioned items altogether and despite my very best efforts, had leftover Udon noodle soup and Ramen as leftovers. The corn tea and water (which I'm fairly certain has lemon in it) they have for you to self serve at will are complimentary when you dine there and are pretty nice. One thing I really hate is dining somewhere and having to wait for water or a refill on my drink. The Appearance and Service- 5/5 The pictures we'd seen online weren't very flattering of the place itself so when we stopped in and everything was extraordinarily clean and neat and the atmosphere was jovial and inviting, we were pleasantly surprised. The woman who rang our order up stepped into the back before we finished eating and another woman came out and promptly came back with two take out containers for soup when I asked if I could have some. She asked if I wanted large or small and I told her one of each. She returned with two larges and explained that the small would be too small. She was extremely polite and almost perpetually smiling. When customers would leave, she'd wish them a good weekend. She asked us how our food was and we said it was good and that we really liked the smoothie. She let us know that the smoothies were sweetened with honey powder instead of simple syrup or sugar or anything else and seemed quite proud of it. It was nice to be reminded that great service can still be found without compromising quality or price. There are magazines and a bar stool set up away from the counter if you're waiting for your food to-go or for pickup. If you're going to Dine in- You don't want to be a douchebag (Like the couple who left a few minutes after we got there) and leave your trays filled with remnants of your meal if you're going to leave without leaving a tip for compensation for being a slob, it's set up so that you bus your own trays after you're done eating - Cafeteria style, no wait service. Don't expect to come in here with a big group, though. It seats at most, around 15-20 people not including the pick up/to-go counter. Parking is a bitch in this little strip-mall type location so don't bet on it if it looks busy all around outside. If I think of anything else, I'll edit it in later but I'm giving this place 5/5 stars because of the overall pleasant experience.
(5)
Seosamh D.
Tried CO 33 because I was looking for Korean food and saw all of the great reviews. The prior reviews were spot on. GREAT PLACE, great prices and VERY nice owners. I enjoyed my experience very much and it's a nice place too. I'll be back. I'm glad they're close by:)!!
(5)
Maxine C.
Food is very delicious and priced well. Cheap eats! The owners are incredibly sweet. Restaurant is extremely clean.
(5)
Matt G.
Best wings I have ever had. Got 5 of each type. They played off each other, and each were different. Korean was the best though. Better wings, service, cc policy, and parking make it the clear choice for wings over great seas. Stop by the sweets store 2 stored down for some amazing baklava for dessert. Love Albany park
(5)
Leo H.
really delicious and cheap i recommend: bibimbap i also recommend: peanut butter banana smoothie
(5)
Nara S.
The sweet garlic wings make you want to go back again . . . and again . . .
(5)
Luke H.
Delicious. Simply put: 1) great quality food 2) large portions 3) excellent service Really. It's tray service, and byob, to keep cost down, which is exactly why they can afford higher quality protein and produce. The owners are wonderful, nice to talk to, happy, and extremely accommodating.
(5)
Jason B.
Starving, my fiance picked this place based on reviews and being within walking distance. I am so, so glad that I am marrying someone so gifted in the Way of the Yelp. We ordered too much food because everything looked good: chicken dumplings, garlic chicken wings, ramen, and bibimbap. Everything was delicious. The wings were garlicky but not overwhelming, and quite good. The bibimbap, a first for me, was outstanding, savory and full of flavor. The ramen broth was homey, something I would want to eat if I wasn't feeling well. And the dumplings. Goodness gracious. I'm going back just for those. A woman--the owner, we guessed--came out and asked how everything was. I think she was embarrassed by how we went on about how good everything was. She told us she cooked for her family, too, and this was how she did it. She said they make all of their own sauces, as well. Home cooking? You can tell. It is well worth your (not very much) money.
(5)
Steven D.
As the other reviewers have stated, this place is great. I have had almost everything on the menu and honestly it has all been very, very good. My go-to value dish: the vegetarian Bi-bim-bop entree (comes with Miso soup) for $6. I can't find anywhere else to get a $6 dinner these days. You order at the front counter and then the food is delivered to you, so it is like a Corner Bakery in terms of no tipping required. I've been here in a party of 4 and we ate like royalty, just kept ordering and ordering as if it were tapas, and we barely broke $40 total. Also it is BYOB. The owners are super nice (family-run)--we often get freebies or things that are not on the menu just because they are experimenting or feeling generous (I guess?). I am not really into wings, but have been here with people who are and I must say these are not your average bar-food wings by any stretch. Great variety of flavors and quality of meat. I used to live in Uptown and frequented the various Pho places (Pho 777, Pho 999, etc...). With an awkward name like Cafe Orient 33 I expected this place to be authentic and it was!
(5)
Elvin C.
Having ordered the duk mandooguk, the bibim noodle and the sweet garlic wings - I think four stars is fair. Competition in the area for Korean is stiff and for us there are better options without much difference in price. The wings are different in style vs. other Korean/Korean Chinese places in town, they are offering some dishes with a twist and smoothies at low prices $2-$3, and decor is more than you'd expect. They deserve more than just average 3 stars.
(4)
Tianna L.
Everything I've tried so far has been super delicious! They offer complimentary hot tea, and the owners are soooo kind! It's a very homey atmosphere. I strongly recommend you stop in.
(5)
lois c.
I love Korean food. I saw the review in the Reader and decided to try the place. I had the shrimp and potato croquettes--very good. You have to come after 12 for the soup. I will stop in another day to try the soup. The owner was very warm and inviting as well as the staff. The food is priced right. This place should be filled with patrons. Please give this place a chance.
(5)
Al S.
Food was good, price was right. Service was friendly. They gave us ice cream on the house for mixing up an order. Clean, byob, pleasant music playing, gotta love it.
(5)
Kassia L.
Love this place! My favorite eats at this place are: the fried rice ("light" for fried rice, not overly greasy, doesn't leave you with the heavy feeling afterwards), Korean spicy chicken wings, and bibimbap (with really fresh yummy veggies). The peanut butter banana smoothie is great for a dessert too! Overall the restaurant is very clean, decor is beautiful, and staff are really friendly and helpful. Cafeteria style in that you pay up front at the register but restaurant style in that your food comes out on real plates (which I love, ecofriendly!) Also a great value for how much you spend.
(5)
Evelyn R.
Great experience! My husband and I had never tried Korean food before eating here. The woman who was working explained all the dishes to us and helped us select meals that we would like. And she was right! Everything was delicious. Great customer service, great food. I highly recommend.
(5)
H K.
Loved the garlic chicken and korean spicy chicken. They have their special nutty coating, which brings out more flavor. The owners are so kind.
(5)
Anthony C.
I had the kalbi w/rice and the potato balls to start. The potato balls were great! Crunchy shell with soft mashed potato inside. Flavored with something more than potato on the inside, can't quite pinpoint the flavor but tasty. The kalbi was satisfactory. For $9 they were reasonably portioned. The flavor is good but not great. I've had better at BCD in California, for about the same price. This was my first taste of Korean food in Chicago, so I don't know if there's better places in this city or if this is as good as it gets. I'm a little spoiled from all of the great Asian food in LA so maybe I set my standards a little high for this place. I found myself thinking "other Korean places are a little more pricy but you get more with the banchon and the flavor." The plus is that there's free wifi available here via dunkin donuts from next door and it's a great spot if your on a budget looking to satisfy a quick fix. It's a clean venue tucked away off of kedzie and Lawrence. It's not a destination spot if you plan on going out of your way, but it's decent if you happened to be in the area.
(4)
Claudia H.
First went here back in the fall during a restaurant crawl of Albany Park. The few appetizers I tried were great which made me want to go back. Went earlier and ordered a bunch of food for take out. We got the Garlic wings...so good, slightly crunchy and nutty. The Korean Spicy wings which I personally didn't try but the 3 other tasters in my house said it was very good as well. We also ordered the Seasoned Chicken, Pigogi, Kalbi and a few other side items. Oh and a Banana Mango smoothie and a peanut butter and banana smoothie-YUM! While waiting for our take out they offered us some free tea and brought us out a free sample of their "Korean Pizza". I forgot the actual name of it, but the owner who was soooo sweet explained what was in it which was Kimchi, pork, beans, vegetables and her most important ingredient love-lol. Everyone in my home was very pleased with the food.The decor is nice, it looks very clean and the staff are very nice! I will definitely return!
(5)
Ess K.
Not sure why I didn't know about this place--it must've been because of the nondescript and generic sounding name. But this is my second Yelp review ever--the first one was for a doctor who performed a huge surgery on me--and I hope it doesn't get filtered out. Anyway, the food is really excellent, especially for the price. I'm Korean, and the few Korean dishes I tried were solid (we had the spicy wings, the bibimbap and the spicy pork). I got carryout during a late weekend evening, so I've not met the wonderful owners everyone keeps talking about, but the food was excellent and the place seemed bright and clean. I hope they stick around because this may now be my favorite quick go-to restaurant in my neighborhood, but I also hope it doesn't get too popular and the quality goes down.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Wei Y.
First of all, the lady who owns this place was really nice! We got a bibimbap and some wings for dinner. the bibimbap was good, and the wings were very saucy! The wings had good flavor and properly cook, but it had too much sauce on it. Keep in mind, this is not the double fried Korean fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is much crisper. I would come back again for the food and great service!
(4)Monica J.
I come here about once a month (I used to come here twice a month when I was lazy to cook, haha). I am addicted to their wings, particularly the Sweet Garlic flavor. It's not overwhelmingly garlicky and balanced out with a sweet (obviously) and peppery flavor. I've tried nearly everything on their appetizer and entree menu, and each dish has a Korean/Asian fusion theme to it while still feeling like it's homey, comforting food. I also like that the menu sometimes changes and has new additions. I recall last summer was when the Pork Bulgogi Sandwich first came out--it was a very flavorful and unique twist to the Korean dish. Their BBQ fries were also added a few months ago, if I recall correctly. I highly recommend ordering them! They're sweet and smokey, and the portion is large. Service is wonderful here. Kelly and her husband (the owners) are genuinely nice and make you feel welcomed. You really can't go wrong with this place, especially for the price. I highly recommend eating here! Also, don't forget to places your dishes on the left by the register when you're done :)
(5)Marq C.
3 stars for service, location, and value. I'm no expert in Korean food. I think this is my 2nd time ever eating Korean food so I'm really not a very good judge. I ordered something that looked popular -- bibimbap with beef. It came with noodles in the bottom, beef and veggies on top. I think this is an acquired taste to which I'm not accustomed to. And I really don't have anything to compare it to since I've never really eaten Korean food except for bulgogi. This dish is just ok to me. It was fresh and I liked the veggies. The meat was tender and was tasty but the veggies were plain and so were the noodles. It's kind of like eating pho for the first time, if you don't know to add the sauces, you won't enjoy it. The bbq French fries were tasty but definitely not an authentic dish to brag about. I'm just a fat girl looking for something familiar in an unfamiliar place. The place was clean and the service was good. Also the meal was uber cheap. So that's always awesome. I guess for newbies like me, you won't know til you try again. And I may, in the future.
(3)Sam K.
Super disappointing! I got the wings in two flavors - Louisiana and Korean spicy. The Louisiana is just nonsense - the sauce was terrible, and the chicken was mushy. The Korean spicy seemed a little better, at first. But once you got through the crisp outer layer of what is passable sauce, you got to slimy, wet, and slightly spongy chicken meat that lacked flavor or edible texture. The wings do seem gigantic, but I'd guess they are regular small wings that have retained water and sodium. The whole thing just reeked of that really low quality spongy chicken that you'd get from cheap Chinese American lunch specials in suburban strip malls. I love fried chicken and I really love wings, but these are wings I couldn't even eat. I'm just glad I had a side of kimchi to eat with some leftover rice.
(2)Michael F.
I'll be back :)
(5)Jose L R.
I was really in the mood for some good korean food, searched, and based on the reviews here, how could I go wrong? I was in for a big surprise and my socks were blown right off! Ordered the spicy korean chicken wings and they where ahhhhmazing! love em', best in Chicago!
(5)Kari H.
Menu seemed confusing at first glance because it was so diverse! I ordered the bulgogi for take out during dinner time. Staff is friendly. Space is quiet and located in a plaza. Bulgogi was delicious. Rice was yummy - soft and slightly sticky. Kimchi had string radish and cabbage in it and tasted good, not that fermented, a bit salty... It was good but then again, I was super hungry when I ate it. It's a short walk from the Kimball brown line subway station. I would come back for food next time I'm in the area and want Korean food.
(4)Jackie M.
This is a place I can bring my asian family! It's simple and inexpensive with a parking lot and lets you eat casually like a fast food joint. No weird interaction with the server constantly checking on you. Come and go as you please. As many have mentioned, the lady, whom I presume is the wife and husband team of the restaurant, were soft spoken and sweet. She pointed to me all the most ordered dishes and asked if I needed WiFi to study. I'm a little too old to be a student, granted, I had a backpack on, but to study? well, there are alot of students that roam around here I guess. Anyway, there are stacks of newspapers and magazines by the door and it's actually a pretty good size place with high ceilings and a soft sunny yellow interior. It's homey, warm and airy, which is such a contrast to the up and coming neighborhood. I've been to Korea before and there are definitely Korean elements with decor, plants and use of light wood. I got the Bibim noodles and Korean wings. I wasn't expecting much of the noodle dish, but the beef was really good. It's sweet, but has other savory flavors. The wings are pretty awesome too. It's a bit different, like there's a crunchy nutty coating, either it's deep fried garlic and the sauce is a bit spicier than I had at other places. I can only eat two, but probably the whole thing if I had some rice to go with,
(5)Cindy W.
This is based SOLELY on the food alone. But if it was about service, I'd rate it a 4 because the people behind the counter were oh-so friendly and really cute! The guy behind the counter told me not to get the Louisiana sauce on the wings. Really appreciated the honesty haha even when it's against their own food. That said, I was very underwhelmed by the wings... I mean it has NOTHING on Crisp... The wings seemed too soggy and lost its crunch, which I'd expect from my Korean fried chicken! The sauce was also lacking in a kick... the garlic sauce was not garlicky or sweet enough nor did the korean sauce have enough of that chili paste flavor. I think the biggest problem is the texture of the chicken though ... just not crispy enough! I also ordered this octopus cooked with onions and hot peppers just out of curiosity. I must say though, I was disappointed but it's probably because I just don't like the tough texture of octopus. I really loved the milk tea. Get it hot and without the bubbles! They also have complimentary tea on the counter -- it's barley flavored and really pleasantly nice.
(3)Brian S.
Hands down one of the best dollar per taste bud value to be had. Btw, also BYOB so basically you make money by eating here! Get your wings on. Get your bibimbap on. The side dishes including kimchi are wonderful and the service is excellent. Simple place with very good food. Enjoy you beverage of your choice BYOB!
(5)A C.
Very highly recommended for a quick lunch or dinner. Service is great (owner is very friendly). Complimentary tea, food is very tasty (bulgolgi with rice and chicken wings is always my favorite), and place is very clean.
(5)Darren L.
After having seen the famous Cafe Orient 33 on Yelp with nearly a 5 star rating, I decided to come in to see what all the hype is about. One bite later and I must confess that Heaven on Earth exists. This place was and is amazing. The chicken wings were freshly made to order. They were roughly $1 a piece but they are large and extremely flavorful. The sweet garlic and the spicy Korean sauce are a must try. In addition to this, I also had the opportunity to try the bibimbap and gyoza which were also phenomenal. Food is enough of a reason to give this place a try. Another outstanding quality that this place possesses lies within its customer service. The lady at the front was offering so much guidance in choosing what to order and she even gave us a few extra wings. She had a smile on the entire time and really valued her customers. She even thanked us when we left - so generous. Her efforts to keep us satisfied don't go unnoticed. I love this place and will definitely be back!
(5)An P.
Went here on a Saturday afternoon with Nae L. I was very happy to see a Korean place with chicken wings and high ratings on Yelp!!! I was a little surprised to find this place in the strip mall and the set up was more like fast food than casual dining and there were loads of college kids there being loud and very loud. We grabbed and perused the menu and I ordered some popcorn chicken along with Korean and Sweet Garlic wings and we went up to the counter to pay. For water you get a very small plastic cup to fill from an urn. The food took awhile to come out but the spicy Korean wings had a nice crisp to them and were probably double fried. The sauces did not impress me much since the spicy Korean sauce seemed too concentrated in the sauce making it a little rough. Sweet Garlic had very large chunks of raw garlic in it so the flavor was a bit overpowering. The popcorn chicken was crunchy and came with Louisiana sauce which was spicy but not like Louisiana sauce. The real pro of this price is that the food is very affordable and very flavorful. The cons are that it is very loud and will take a very long time to get food. Overall I am a fan and would come back when I have a craving for Korean Chicken Wings.
(4)Danny L.
Nice, affordable place for Korean food, especially spicy wings. At other Korean restaurants, the minimum order for wings can run close to $20. With Cafe Orient 33, you have the option of ordering as little as 5 pieces for only $6.50! Most of all, their wings are perhaps better than at more expensive eateries. Also, service has always been great at this super clean, order-at-the-counter, mom and pop shop. Their ramen (Korean shin-style) was also good. Spicy pork dish wasn't bad, but not great. Their wings definitely are the star of the show.
(4)Meghan B.
They have 4 wing sauces available and many other entree dinner choices. The service was extremely fast and all the dishes were piping hot when they hit the table. Lots of flavor and a little spicy but even a weakling on the spice barometer can handle it.
(5)David L.
Cafe Orient 33 proves that it is possible to offer high-quality Korean food at low prices (I have often wondered most Korean restaurants are really expensive when the ingredients don't really cost that much and the preparation time doesn't seem like it should be that long.). The Korean Fried Chicken was really inexpensive and was crispy and the meat was still moist. The tofu stew was flavorful, and the fried rice was a big hit too. I also liked the fact that hot tea was offered complimentary too and that tea seemed pretty decent to me.
(5)P D.
Love the wings. I usually don't notice/care in restaraunts or life in general, but this place is sparkly clean. I would likely eat off the bathroom floor if necessary. The owners are friendly as well.
(4)Rosa J.
There's no excuse for not giving Cafe Orient five (5) stars. I will break it down for you why that is: 1) no need to tip: it says on their website. Seriously, there's no chance to leave any tip; there's no line to write down the amount of tip on the merchant copy. 2) service is outstanding: did I say that you don't tip in this place? Yeah, but the service exists. It may be slow because the person who took your order will be the very same person who serves you. You can help yourself with water and tea on the condiment table. 3) the people are SO nice: it was the husband today, but the wife is so also cool. My hubby did the takeout orders with them twice before. 4) free wifi that actually works: the password was underneath the cash register, so pull out your I-pad and start yelping while you eat. 5) delicious home-style Korean food: don't expect anything fancy, but the stuff they cooked comes from their love for customers. yummy that is. I usually stick with the dumpling rice-cake soup combo. By the way, if you have any question, don't be shy to ask because the owners always patiently answer any question you have. 6) ask more rice if you want! 7) there's a plenty of magazines for you to peruse. 8) the entire place is very clean. 9) cheap: the entire bill came to under $15 for two (2) meal combo and one (1) can of melon milkis. 10) the ambiance is relaxing and comfortable. P.S. They did politely to ask you to put away your dishes and trays. Do so since you didn't tip. Well-deserved five (5) stars. If you live in Albany Park, you should try it out. I wouldn't recommend you to go out your way to come here because it's meant to be a neighborhood restaurant that exists for your convenience. They now serve home-made bubble teas.
(5)Linda L.
This restaurant is very cute. The walls are decorated by what appear to be self-painted pictures of water lilies. The couple that owns the restaurant is so sweet and funny. I got the Korean spicy wings. They were spicy yet mildly sweet, with a crispy but moist exterior. SO GOOD. I was having a day out in Albany Park (pretty far from where I live) with friends and we had just pigged out on a giant tray of sushi from lawrence fish market three hours earlier, and so I was essentially full before I even took a bite! (Don't judge.) I literally ate one wing and brought the rest home. They lost their crispy exterior but the flavor was still amazing. Mm! The hot milk tea is DELICIOUS. I promise that you won't regret ordering it.
(5)Victoria G.
It was ok. Not as great as I expected from the reviews. They were friendly. It was clean.
(3)Malinda J.
I'm so hooked. Lately I have been addicted to their bibimbap as it's just so delicious! I rarely eat fried food but I've tried their popcorn chicken and it's really good, not to mention their dipping sauces are unique and full of flavor. Have to try their chicken wings and peanut butter smoothie as other Yelpers have said such amazing things about them. Will post an update as soon as I am able to venture away from the bibimbap!
(5)Bill M.
My bud and I dropped by the awkwardly-named Cafe Orient 33 on a Friday evening for dinner. I was initially stunned that I was able to drag him to this place, as he has had a longtime aversion to Korean food ever since he had a school roommate who ate a lot of kimchi. I told him that as long as he stayed away from ordering any kimchi, he should be fine, and indeed we both enjoyed our dinner here. It is unassumingly located within a strip mall on Kedzie, a street famous for its collection of Middle Eastern restaurants and establishments. The pleasant interior of Cafe Orient 33 is simply decorated. You place your order at the counter and the food is then brought out to you. There is a station where you can pour your own cups of hot corn tea and cold water. Smoothies and bubble teas are apparently popular here. I ordered the beef bulgogi, which comes with a side of white rice and a small cup of kimchi. The tangy marinated beef was good but not great, and the kimchi was not too spicy so my bud was not put off by the smell of it. I also ordered the sweet and spicy wings, with five large chicken wing sections in a serving. The wings were yummy, not too sweet and not too spicy, with a bit of a crunch. I would love to come back and taste these wings again sometime. The wings also came with a few carrot and celery sticks, and our server brought out a container of ranch sauce for them. My bud ordered the chicken with broccoli and other vegetables, a dish which is probably more Chinese or Japanese style rather than Korean. The chicken and broccoli came with white rice (he passed on the complimentary kimchi), and he added on a side dish of bean sprouts, all of which he liked very much. My food came out first, so I was killing a bit of time by looking at photos freshly taken by my bud on a recent vacation. In a cutesy moment, our server gently admonished me in a motherly way that I should eat my food before it gets cold! Good non-threatening Korean food and good advice are both pleasantly served up at Cafe Orient 33.
(4)Justin P.
I come here all the time. Great food, low prices make this place good. What makes it great are the staff. They treat you like family! Thanks to Kelly and Ed for always making every experience outstanding. Love your Bulgogi, pork broth soup, and bim bim bop!
(5)Javier P.
We come here every month and we love it. It's a very relaxed environment and great food.
(5)Sonny B.
I've dined here a few times so far. I believe it's owned & run by an older Korean couple, who are very friendly, sweet, kind, respectful, and always smiling! You can typically expect terrible customer service from most chinese/korean restaurants... so you'll be taken aback by the welcoming & inviting hospitality of this place! The place is a storefront in a little strip mall. Extremely clean... tables, floors, washrooms. Although they serve & bring the food to you at your table when it's ready... they refuse to take any tip money. I've tried, and they won't let you. They do have a designated table in the restaurant, to help yourself to cold water / hot tea / condiments. Also, after you're done eating, you clean your own table (not necessarily clean & wipe down the table... but bring your empty dishes to a bin & throw paper cups in the garbage). The food is very good & has a home-cooked feel to it. If you're a soup lover... they have ramen noodles (spicy & mild versions). But I'd recommend their dumpling soup (chicken broth with small gyoza/pot-sticker dumplings & eggs) if you haven't tried it... amazing! For appetizers... I've tried the fried calamari, deep fried shrimps, bean sprouts sauteed in garlic, house salad. Entrees... I've tried the bibimbap, chicken teriyaki, egg beef noodle, ny strip steak & onions w/ fried rice. All food are decent portions... tasty & satisfying. Kalbi is always good, so haven't bothered to order that yet. Still have yet to try their salmon teriyaki... looks delicious! Overall.. always a good dining experience when you go here. It's not exactly "to die for" food... but if you're looking to grab a convenient, very good-tasting meal in a clean storefront restaurant w/ a casual setting, this is definitely a nice stop!
(4)Annette U.
My man wanted some gyro, again, but I persuaded him to try something a little healthier :) We got some bi bim bop with beef and some spicy korean wings out of here last night. The bi bim bop was sooo good - you just feel good after eating it with some kim chee - yum! As other have said, the wings are absolutely heavenly - like probably the best wings I've ever had. They also give you complimentary tea while you wait - I think genmaicha - brown rice tea - nutty and savory - so yummy.The service was also pleasant and friendly and the restaurant was clean. Free wi-fi as well! Can't wait to try the smoothies/shakes others have posted. I'm very lucky to have this nearby. Do your body and soul good and go here!!
(5)Mark K.
Chicken is what you come for. The garlic chicken was nice and crispy when it came out. I recommend eating there for maximum freshness. Dining area is large and can accommodate larger parties. The owners are nice and friendly and very inviting. Chicken is da bomb!
(5)Sara D.
I went here on a whim and never lived to regret it. The food and price were stellar. Delicious eats for cheap ! For such a small place they have quite a selection, plenty to choose from on drinks as well.
(5)Joseph P.
Second trip, 11/23, and it was just as fantastic this time as the last. The wife seemed to be working the counter today, and she was just as friendly and helpful as the dude was last time. For the record, this time the three of us ordered (besides enough food for 5), 15 wings (half spicy Korean, half sweet garlic), 2 Korean BBQ pork sandwiches, 2 bowls of bibim noodles, an order of the fried potato balls, and 3 sodas. That whole meal came out to 49 bucks and some change. This place is seriously inexpensive. The Korean BBQ Pork sandwich here is utterly perfect, as are the wings. Both flavors we tried are seriously recommended, especially the sweet garlic if you're a garlic maniac...huuuuge chunks of garlic stuck to the wings. It's a garlic lovers wet dream. The Korean BBQ Pork sandwich has just enough heat to start creeping up on you, and with perfectly cooked glazed pork pieces and kimchi, the flavor is incredible. The fried potato balls are great...a thin perfect deep fried crunchy outside layer, with a surprising curry-ish flavor on the inside. Great stuff. I am also in love with the bibim noodles. I'm for any dish that comes with a bottle of hot sauce. I'm pretty convinced there's nothing you can get here that isn't just...well, awesome.
(5)Evie H.
It's a little bit out of the way for me but I wouldn't mind returning if I was nearby. The owners are Korean and they're very nice and sweet. If you can't decide, they will be happy to give you recommendations. As for the food, my order of Bulgogi with rice was rather standard and plain. There was nothing too elaborate or too terrible about the meat so it's a pretty solid 3. Food is brought to your table but you have to bus your trays yourself.
(3)Elliot K.
There is an overwhelming amount of items on the menu. But don't be intimidated. Stick to the basics and you'll be full and happy. Such as, The chicken wings and popcorn chicken. Comes in sweet garlic, louisiana, korean hot spicy. Or the rice plates: bibimbop, bulgogi, pigogi (dwejibulgogi), kalbi, chicken teriyaki.
(5)Dan D.
Met two of my friends out for dinner here with my wife. The place is a mom and pop place. You order at the counter and bus your own table. They have hot tea and water sitting out for the taking. The food: I believe I got A4 (beef and rice) and A5 (6 different vegetables with an egg) and 10 Korean spicy chicken wings. My friends got the BBQ pork sandwich and the lettuce wrap with bbq short ribs i think. Everything was delicious. Absolutely delicious. The wings: crispy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy, with a spicy heat that was pleasant (it was noticeable, but not overpowering where you stopped being able to taste the food). The beef and rice dish: well spiced and seasoned, flavorful. And very fun sticky rice and a side of spicy kim-chi. Wife's vegetable dish: must have been good because I didn't get a bite... Friends lettuce wrap: also delicious, one bite of meat was slightly tough, but the flavor was nicely complemented by the red sauce and rice that went with it. Didn't get to try the bbq pork sandwich, but it looked delicious. Downside: I probably gained a lb or two from the 10 chicken wings... BYOB, and they supplied nice wine glasses so you didn't have to drink out of plastic cups. Good for easy, casual, good food dinner.
(5)Jenny H.
If you want cheap and delicious Korean food, this is the place to go! They conveniently have a parking lot so parking is not a problem at all. The interior is super clean and nicely decorated. You order and pay at the counter, and then they bring the food out for you. There are a lot of tables to pick from. We ordered 4 things. We got the spicy Korean wings, which were 5 for $6 (or 10 for $11, 15 for $15). They were delicious! I'm a big fan of Korean style wings and have been to many places to try them, but these are really good. They're not too spicy, but are still spicy enough. They are crispy, and not soggy with too much sauce. They are a good size too. We also got the squid ($4.25). It was a decent amount of squid, but it wasn't anything too special so we probably wouldn't get it again. We also got the Bulgogi (7) which comes with rice. That was tasty, and the meat was tender. There were a lot of onions too. Finally, I wanted a hot soup since it is (still) so cold outside, so I got the dumpling soup with rice cakes. The broth was amazing. It definitely hit the spot! It came with 6 dumplings inside, as well as a bunch of rice cakes. In total, our whole meal was less than $25, which is a great deal, considering how much food we got. We didn't have any leftovers though. They have a station with complimentary cold water and hot corn tea, which is delicious. Give it a try if you're there! The service is great, and the owners are very nice and helpful. We will be back for sure!
(5)S Y.
We love coming to this place. It's like being in the home of a Korean family and they're making you fresh delicious food in their kitchen. And the price is unbeatable! The place is always meticulously clean and welcoming. We adore all the decoration details too. As well as the great periodical selections. We enjoy our relaxing meals here so much that we drive from Logan Square to eat here every chance we get. Love it!!! Can't find a place like this anywhere else in Chicago.
(5)Emily B.
Love this place for the food and friendly service. Everything is delicious and the prices are not too bad either. I especially liked the garlic wings (super crispy, flavorful, and tender), dumplings, bulgogi, and octopus appetizer. There is a parking lot which is also a plus.
(5)Michael W.
I love lunch at this place. Its low key, easy, the woman behind the counter is adorable and sweet. The food is fantastic. I always get the bibimbop. Lunch for 2 is usually about 15 bucks with free tea and kimchi. I've eaten at almost all lunch spots within walking distance and this is my favorite. Enjoy
(5)Liz M.
This place is a gem in a strip mall that has needed refreshing for quite some time. My boyfriend and I ordered 15 wings in 3 different varieties, as well as kim chi, chicken dumplings, and bulgogi. The winner was the bulgogi- tender, fresh, and flavorful. The wings were really top notch. Meaty, substantial, and with VERY tasty sauces. My favorite was probably the spicy Korean, but all 3 were great. The dumplings were just a little crispy, and not soggy or mushy at all. So good! And the best part is the employees. They are sweet and friendly, and very excited about their business. I wish them all the best, and I will certainly be back!
(5)Sid B.
Lived up to the yelp hype The Mango Smoothie was out of the world ... Made with fruits and honey powder
(5)Jacob J.
I wonder what their name is all about. I'm not crazy about it. Cafe Orient.. what does that mean? Does it have any context to their menu? I believe the owners are Korean and many of their dishes are Korean cuisine. I was talking to the counter guy about the menu. It's all in English and the entrees are spelled out but curiously, it's written out in definition form. I found it hard to follow. Don't get me wrong.. I'm an American, born and raised. I speak standard English and all that but life in Chicago has taught me to order in Korean when dining on K cuisine. I've gotten so used to it, that when I'm reading it in English it looks foreign. Isn't that a trip! I inquired as to whether they have a Korean menu and they did! So, I ordered off that. Ha. Look at all of these glowing five stars. Alike one other reviewer's mention, it's a great idea that needs work. Some dishes work great and others, well, should get removed from their menu. Quite like the bul kogi philly cheese sandwich which was pretty gross mainly because it tasted like a microwaved sandwich. The texture of the bread and cheese, one could discern it was nuked. Also, it was oily to the touch. More than I cared for. The meat was probably flavorful at one time. The one menu item which is clearly what they're good at are the wings. The flavors are interesting and each are sure to win over someone's tastes in your group. Korean spicy and sweet garlic are the clear winners. The sauces aren't too spicy or too sweet. Just good enough to enjoy. However, if someone were to tell me that their wings were frozen going into the fryer, I would probably believe them. The wings we enjoyed the other day were HUGE. I'm talking GMO and because of that, you're getting the most for your cash. I'm hopeful about the place. On my visit I got to meet one of the owners randomly. Nice idea and the restaurant has cute accents which make it a fun environment to bring a group or a friend. One interior decorating accent that has always captured my interest are "air plants". In their dining area suspended by string they have these small, globe terrariums or bulb vases. Currently, they are empty but I wonder if one day they might be filled with something unique. Till then, maybe I'll be back again to try a more standard Korean entree. Prices are great and you won't find Korean fare for this fair a price.
(3)Dee S.
I live right around the corner from here, and I'm glad I do! The wings, the wings, the wings..Perfect..I had 5 spicy Korean and 5 sweet garlic per the owners recommendation and these things crispy and flavorful. They had the right amount of heat and sweet.. Also got the kids some popcorn chicken w/ sweet dipping sauce, they loved it. Got the ramen noodles, which are super inexpensive and pretty good, I mean its ramen so it's never going to be mind blowing. I wrote this place off as just another store front restaurant that probably wouldn't be there for long(like most the other restaurants in that strip), that won't be the case with this spot!
(5)Don K.
Was there about a months ago. Looks: It is in a old strip mall that used to be all Koreans years ago. Outside is nothing to show, but it was very clean and nice when I walked in. Service: Very nice people. They are not just business nice, but appears to be very nice people in general. Food: I am a fan of ice water when it comes to drinks. This was the biggest turn off for me. Their water, which is self-service, is almost warm. Not hot, not cold... warm. I tried all three kinds of wings they have. It seems that ingridients are fresh, and everything is made to order. They were crispy outside and juicy inside. But, they were all salty in my taste.
(3)Doug F.
Went Here "Highly Suspicious" because of the mountain of 5 Star Reviews but left wanting to give a TEN STAR Review! THE EAT LIST: 1) "A3" Bullgogi - Korean Stylle Marinated Beef w/ Rice $7 My wife's go-to for Korean Restaurants. Tasty. Nicely marinated. Nicely sized portion, Not too small, Not too big, just right. 2) "A4" Pigogi - Korean Style Marinated Pork w/ Rice $6.50 Delicious. Niece polished off the whole plate. Nuff Said. 3) "A6" Bimbimbop - Mixed Vegetables w/ Marinated Beef and Rice $7.50 Nice balance of vegetables and mix of beef. Very filling. Mixed in swirls of Korean Hot Sauce and devoured it. 4) "B7" Potato Balls (5pcs) $2.50 Simple, but very well executed. Like a croquet,. Very smooth and creamy and crunchy on the outside. Our table attacked it and it disappeared. 5) Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings (Fifteen Piece) $15 Highlight of meal. Warning: It was listed on separate menu taped to the counter. These wings are "jumbo." Huge is a understatement. Great balance of sweet and spicy. Wings were juicy and flavorful. Table grabbed them as they arrived. 6) Garlicky Chicken Wings (Fifteen Piece) $15 Second Highlight of meal. Warning: It was listed on separate menu taped to the counter. Big Wings. Juicy. Nice Garlic Flavor that was oh so tasty. Everyone loved them. All the portions were just right for our group of four. So filling, We rolled out of there! PRICE: Cheap. Cheap. Cheap. Quality, Delicious Food, Good Portions, Great Service. Real Value. ATMOSPHERE: Laid back. Clean. Nicely Decorated. Very comfortable. SERVICE: The setup: You place your order at the counter. Self serve free tea and water by the counter.They bring the food out to your table. With this setup, you don't expect "Service," but you would be wrong. The owner and chef were so nice to us and so so friendly. So nice that I have to say it again, The owner was soooooo nice and friendly to us! Taught us some Korean too! :) Even though they set it up so you don't Tip, I felt bad not tipping because their Service was Tops! PARKING: They're located in a strip mall that's "not busy." So, plenty of parking. BOTTOM LINE: This restaurant hits all the right notes. Tasty Food, Good Portions, Cheap Prices, Great Service...A Grand Slam. Can easily become your "go-to" for everyday "Asian" food. DON"T Let all the Five Star reviews scare you! It's all true! A TEN STAR RESTAURANT!
(5)Amy R.
They have such great good and very wonderful service. Anyone that says otherwise is a just trying to be a jerk. (I read some of the other reviews, and was upset that a guy gave them 2 stars because they didn't have diet sprite- -and the other guy was complaining because they don't put ice in their water. If you ask them---they DO have ice. And they will happily and pleasantly give it to you) but those two men are baby, girly men and do not know how to ask for what they need. Or they throw a fit when diet sprite isn't available. Are you from Ohio or something? Moving on.....the food is delicious. Great Korean chicken wings, great chicken terriyaki, great sautéed veggies--asparagus & mushrooms. They have this interesting fried rice that is great. It has egg & beef sausage....but it's different from any other place. I cannot express how sweet and nice the owner is.....the service is so sweet and personable from her. She makes you feel welcomed and at home. I love her. It is clean, pleasant and an absolute Korean/Asian treasure in the Albany park neighborhood.
(5)Lou Stefhamae S.
I suggested my siblings and I go here since it has five stars. I almost regret it when I entered because I noticed the meals by the register don't have names on them. I was thinking how would I know what those foods are since I'm not Korean and I only know Bulgogi. Good thing the lady, who I believe is the owner, was so nice to us. She asked us first if it was our first time and when we said yes, she suggested popular foods from the menu and also explained what some of the foods are. She was so helpful and nice. We ordered chicken wings, half korean spicy (SO GOOD!!!) and the other half was Sweet Garlic. Sweet Garlic was good too, but the Korean Spicy was perfect for me. I loved the Chicken Teriyaki that my brother ordered and my Bulgogi. Best thing I had was the banana and peanut butter smoothie. I am not a fan of peanut butter, but when I read from a review here that it's a must, I said why the hell not. No regrets because it became an instant favorite! Did I mention everything on the menu is under $10? Yup. Affordable, delicious food! Will definitely go back here!
(5)Jeff P.
Fantastic wings, great bimbimbop
(5)Leslie W.
I LOVE this place! It's so adorable and the folks working there are super friendly. I've only tried a few dishes (chicken teryaki, bulgogi, a few appetizers, and wings). All have been splendid, minus the egg rolls which were so-so. The wings (especially the sweet garlic) are very flavorful. You really do get a lot for the price (chicken teryaki and bulgogi are between $6-$7!) The restaurant itself is super clean and adorable, which really stands out in this neighborhood. The lady who I often see working there (perhaps an owner?) is beyond friendly - one time she brought me a slice of watermelon to munch on while waiting for my carryout order...I don't think you see that kind of service at most places. I'm fortunate to live two blocks away and come here way more than I'd like to admit.
(5)Dan L.
Have only been here once (so far!), but the wings and service were definitely on point. Both the Sweet Garlic and the Spicy Korean wings were very tasty and really big/meaty (I was really hungry, but ended up quite full after eating just 10 wing segments). plus they were friendly and seemed totally cool with me walking in ~3 mins before closing time (which i didn't realize until i got to the door) and then ordering something that would take ~15 mins to cook -- and the owner(?) even gave me a piece of cake while i waiting for my carryout order to be cooked. The restaurant is in a fairly nondescript strip mall, but the interior seemed nice/clean/comfortable, and parking in the strip mall lot was easy. Will definitely be back.
(5)Elaine M.
My friend and I ordered from Cafe Orient 33 for the first time this week. Everything was wonderful - tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced. We ordered dumpling soup with kimchi, garlic chicken wings with nutty coating. asparagus and mushroom stir fry, popcorn chicken with spicy sauce, octopus with onion and hot pepper, and white rice. All the food was flavorful, and if they said spicy, believe them! I am looking forward to bringing my family back here - they loved the leftovers, esp. the wings. FYI, the Yelp listing says delivery is available, but the delivery radius is only 3 blocks. Plan to pick it up yourself or dine in. Look for the menu online, but don't forget to look at the "New Items Added to Our Menu" tab in addition to the "Meals" and "Side Dishes" tab cafeorient33.com/home/ne…
(5)Jay H.
Do not the strip mall location or the awkward name dissuade you from trying this place. Inside is not only the cleanest restaurant I have ever seen, but a graciously, inviting family serving up excellent food in a charming setting. The dishes are prepared with the quality and presentation of a tablecloth restaurant. We had the gyoza, which were perfectly crispy and tender at the same time, great beefy filling, plainly housemade; chicken teriyaki, which was nicely grilled chicken is a tasty, sweetish sauce (not our favorite); and garlic fried chicken wings, which were big, bold and flavorful. Salad was better than expected (beets, cucumber, sunflower seeds, great dressing for an extra $1 !), and kimchi was complimentary. Great for lunch or a casual dinner. Amazing value. BYOB.
(5)Yuki Y.
Went Saturday afternoon & my first observation was how pristine & ridiculously clean the place was. You place your order at the front counter with the lady wearing a hair net and she lets you know that everything is made to order so it does take a few minutes to prepare. I took the time to check out the bathrooms and again couldn't believe how clean it was. When I went back to join my boyfriend in the dining room, 2 slices of watermelon arrived. We ordered to go the Kalbi, octopus, and chicken wings. The food was fabulous even after sitting in containers while we drove back to River North. The wings were the most authentic Seoul style I've had so far. Most are like Crisp, which is more of a mild teriyaki sauce. The true Korean style is spicier and these were right on the mark.
(5)Gail I.
You can read descriptions of the good food, outstanding value, and the kind and generous service in the other 4 and 5 star reviews. I agree with them. I just wanted to voice my appreciation--and also commend the place for making a box in a strip mall so tastefully odd and lovely. The décor and the ambiance are beyond charming
(5)Adrian T.
Had a craving for chicken wings and based on the many Yelp reviews decided to check this place out. Ordered the spicy Korean and sweet garlic and boy was it tasty. My new go to place for wings as it is close to my home. Will have to try the other dishes and update this review.
(4)Crystal H.
My husband and i ate here today and we really enjoyed the food.. We ordered bibimbap, bulgogi and korean wings.. Everything was so yummy.. This will be our go to place if we want our korean food fix.. The owner.. I think he is the owner is super nice.. And the restaurant is really clean.. Definitely coming back here again
(5)Prunae L.
Cafe Orient 33 has become my new favorite Korean restaurant with their use of fresh ingredients, made with a lot of love from the cutest, and kindest owners. The wings are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Their bibimbap is also really good. They are also BYOB -- make sure to bring a refreshing 6pack to pair with the wings. I was just there this weekend and saw that they are celebrating their 1st anniversary this week (7/26 - 8/1). Free dessert with your meal! Definitely going back for some more soul food this week..
(5)Conor H.
Great food and service. I didn't eat my side of rice so the lady gave me my money back. Such a nice staff and very happy to be working there
(5)Sharon G.
My family and I went here for our Valentines dinner on Sunday 2/15/15. I decided from reading the other Yelp reviews that we need to try this place. We were not disappointed one bit. We had the Korean spicy and garlic chicken wings- they were cooked to perfection and doused in delicious sauces. A must have when you visit this lovely establishment. If you do not you are missing out. We tried several other dishes that were all terrific - my boys liked the fried rice and my bibimbap with beef was tasty and served with a spicy hot sauce that was just perfect! It is a small little joint that packs the flavor and goodness in each dish. You should give it a try - you will not be disappointed.
(5)Gregory H.
I came here based off of the reviews, and let me tell you I was not disappointed. They have hands down the BEST chicken wings in Chicago. The service is amazing as well and the people behind the counter are super down to earth and very cordial. The one downside is $1 a wing.. I mean thats kind of expensive.
(4)Lila S.
Really nice owner, really good spicy chicken wings and excellent spicy tofu stew! The stew was so spicy and flavorable that I'd definitely get again. I was amazed at how much flavor it had. Service may be a little bit slow but other than that, food and prices are on point!
(5)Gretchen B.
I love this place for so many reasons. THE FOOD: Delicious and tastes like they make it from scratch each time. It does take a little while for orders to come out, but totally worth the wait. The chicken wings are very meaty and they are generous with the sauce. Their dumpling soup is so comforting and pretty filling. I tried their waffle with ice cream recently out of curiosity. I expected a diner-style waffle with soft serve ice cream, but it was better than that...the waffle was gooey (in a good way) yet crispy and they used real ice cream with chocolate sauce! Oh and the potato balls - I can eat 30 of those, they're so good! Plus everything is affordable. And they don't require tip?? I still tip anyway b/c they're incredibly nice and the service is always amazing. THE SERVICE: As I just mentioned, the service is great. I always feel so welcome, and they make you feel at home. THE ATMOSPHERE: I like the whimsical decor and the place is very clean. It's also spacious and bright. I love that there's a parking lot too!
(5)Shawn R.
The lady that run the counter the day I was there 080914 is sincerely, the nicest person I have met in my life. I can't put my finger on it but she is kind considerate and interested in you. She is an angel and people in her life are lucky. Unfortunately, the food is good but not worth a restaurant specific trip from Portage Indiana. As a side note the neighborhood was fascinating because of its' extreme cultural diversity. Definitely worth a visit if your in the area.
(3)Mark N.
A hidden gem! Great service, great food, great prices!
(5)Jeffrey B.
We weren't sure what to expect. The place doesn't look like much from outside. However it was one of the best dining experiences I have had on the road. The hostess behind the counter was wonderful, helping us select our meals. the place is spotless, warm, and inviting. the food was outstanding. Fresh, made to order with great.care ! it was like eating a great meal at home. (And I am not anything close to Asian!) Very inexpensive too! The 5 star reviews are well deserved. I highly reccomend. You will be glad you went.
(5)Zhuang L.
Really nice place. And really nice people. Best service I've ever had! Food is delicious, fresh and inexpensive. Fantastic experience!!
(5)Alison B.
Service was very slow. Loud atmosphere. Looked like a donut shop without decor of any kind. Food was below average and not served with traditional spread of various Korean veggies. Don't drive a long distance for this very mediocre food. Stay in Chinatown.
(1)Amy O.
Great food. Recommend the popcorn chicken and chicken teriyaki. Affordable prices. Amazing service. Will be back soon!
(5)John W.
Best korean spicy chicken wings in the city! Yes, better than Great Seas or Crisp! Other menu items are just as great. Nothing sits under a heat lamp here...everything is cooked to order. Portion sizes are great for the price. Salad dressing is one of the best tasting dressings I've had in awhile. I have tried almost everything on their menu and haven't found anything that wasn't up to par. The owners are very nice and keep the restaurant and rest rooms very clean. If you have not been here yet, you're missing out!
(5)Adam O.
Service was great. The lady taking the order was awesome. Very helpful and polite. I had the salmon terriaky. Great place very clean. Most definitely will come back.
(5)Vincent C.
Food is pretty good. However, it's the service and kindness of the staff that made me give this place a 5 star rating.
(5)Noah C.
Great and homey Korean cafe. Extremely friendly owner and staff. Food is clean and flavorful. Chicken is definitely a surprise. Cheap, parking, and lots of space too!
(5)Geoffrey S.
The food is delicious, the owners & employees are very sweet & kind, the place is so neat & tidy (and you know they didn't skimp on decorating the place...beautiful tile floors, fancy bathrooms, marble counter- & tabletops...!). The only problem is that there aren't more people eating here. The two times my girlfriend and I have been in we have been so well attended to. The first time was right when they opened & they brought out all sorts of appetizers & dishes for us to try at no charge. This last time the lady who took our order noticed that the tea had gone warm, so she made a fresh pot even though we were the only ones in there with fifteen minutes until close!!! The pricing is so perfectly affordable (+ no tipping, + complimentary tea) that it's even more impressive to think about how much time, money & energy they must have invested in decorating the restaurant. In sum, get in here ASAP!
(5)William T.
I have been Yelp member for at least 3years now and never ever think of write reviews for places I been. But this place is just unbelievable good. I stopped by this restaurant when I was in Chicago for vacation last week. Their price is reasonable, quality of the food is just fabulous. I ordered the chicken wings and my friends ordered the bibimbap. I wish I have the picture to share but we were just too hungry when the food came. I would rate 4.9 out of 5.0 for their food and service
(5)Anna F.
Wow! Kelly (the owner) is so nice and the food is so delicious and inexpensive! They were giving out free birthday cake with a rice ball for their 1 year birthday. They also had free samples and free hot corn tea. I love this place!
(5)Christopher L.
The spicy fried chicken wings have a thin batter that has a crunchy texture with every bite, and leaves your mouth burning with spice. The traditional Korean bibimbap is prepared with a fried egg, oozing with runny yolk as soon as you start mixing it. Tastes great and is very healthy!
(5)Ross R.
Great restaurant! The interior space is nicely decorated and the place is immaculate. The format is "augmented counter service" - order at the counter, food is brought out to you. The owner is very friendly and accommodating. Bonus points for the free desert sample he brought out. I had bibimbap, and some wings. Both were delicious, and the price can't be beat.
(5)Rob S.
Clean space, with funky glass accent pieces hanging form the ceiling. I liked the serve yourself water, tea, picked ginger and turnip, and beans. BYOB was nice too. First time, so my wife and I ordered four things. Potato Balls. Goodness gracious great potato balls from the deep fryer. Loved these things. Kind of like croquets. Spicy Korean Wings. Their batter is fried to a crispy deliciousness, much like the wings at Super H Mart. I'd love to try them plain. We ordered them with Spicy Korean. It wasn't super hot, but flavorful with a tangy zip. Bi Bim Bop w/ Beef. Legit, good size portion. Specify if you want your egg over easy. We didn't and it was scrambled. Shrimp Egg Foo Young. Chunky vegetables and generous amount of shrimp. All of this was $20. Pretty cheap! I'll be back.
(5)Anthony G.
I come every chance I get. They are located less then a block from me and my sister and we love it. I've made it personal goal to try everything on the menu and I haven't encountered even 1 "decent" dish. Everything is incredible in both flavor and presentation. I've brought a few friends here as well and nothing but good reviews. The owner is very friendly and knows me by name which makes this place feel like a 2nd home to me. Get here whenever you can. It's worth the trip and $. Bigtime.
(5)Julie Y.
This is a no frills restaurant with simple, homestyle cooking. We will definitely return for the phenomenal Korean spicy wings, the great price, and the friendly service!
(5)Tony G.
awesome place. very clean. ramen. i ordered shrimp beef ramen. $6.95 regular ramen $3.50 comes with side of kimchi.
(5)Kyle K.
Wings are amazing! Service is exemplary and it is clean! Great food and loved the owners....will be back for sure!
(5)Karrie T.
As a new transplant from Los Angeles, my husband and I have been on a mission to find good Korean food! We stumbled across Cafe Orient 33 and its become one of our staples! I would highly recommend ordering the Grilled Mackerel with rice, Pork bulgogi, Beef bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Bubble Teas because those are the most authentic Korean dishes. The owner is very nice and honest. She has recommendations based on what you're looking for. And of course the price here can't be beat! Its super affordable and relaxed atmosphere (and has free wifi!). For a relaxed/casual lunch or dinner out, try this cafe!
(5)Michelle D.
This place is great! We had called for takeout and ordered two bibimbap. But on our way over, we figured we had more time than we originally thought for dinner so decided to dine in. They were very accommodating and transferred our dishes from to-go boxes to the bowls and we ended up ordering the dried pork maki, potato balls, and spicy ramen soup as well. Everything was very tasty. The spicy noodle had the perfect amount of spiciness. And the price was cheap! $27 for our whole order. We will definitely go here again. And soon!
(5)Gregory L.
Cafe33 Great food, especially the Korean Spicy Wings. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable.
(5)Nancy S.
Decided to try this new restaurant and let me tell you it was SOOO GOOD!! My sister and I had the goyza as appetizer. They were bought out very quick and were very delicious. I had the bulgogi which is one of my favorite Korean dishes and Cafe oriental did not disappoint in flavor! My sister had the chicken and fried rice. The server was very sweet to explain how this dish takes a little longer since they grill the chicken upon ordering. The fried rice was delicious and not salty as many place tend to do so. Overall service and food quality was very impressing! Will be definitely going back!!
(5)Zain H.
Just go there have the korean spicy wings and have your life changed simply put. Everything is great but the wings are some of the best I've ever had I would put them against any wings out there wow!!
(5)Brad R.
The owners are so very nice and friendly. The food is delicious. I love this place. Get the Korean Beef, A3.
(5)joseph m.
I never write yelp reviews but had to after trying this place. Probably the best wings I've had on the north side. The spicy Korean sauce that they put on them is so flavorful and the chicken is moist tender and cooked to perfection every time. The staff is super nice and helpful and the place is always immaculately clean. One of my new favorite places!
(5)Pete V.
The restaurant is super clean and new. It is a quick serve style restaurant. The wings with Korean spicy sauce had great texture and flavor. The bulgogi beef was ok. The asparagus mushroom stir-fry was a no ( just skip it). There is great potential for this place,but I think they have to work out a few kinks.
(3)Amy R.
I want to give them 5 stars but it would be out of joy that they exist so near me and are wonderful, but in reality I've had better Korean\asian food.....but I've not had better Korean food so fast nor so inexpensive. The Ramen is awesome, but I've had better when I felt like paying $15 a bowl. This stuff is basic, satisfying, yummy, and inexpensive... oh and addicting, I found this place only a few weeks ago and have been twice and am looking forward to my next visit. The Bulgogi, i"ve had better at place where you do the grill on the table...but this bulgogi was good. the spicy Korean type wings were tasty. The spicy bacon cabbage was AWESOME. I've never had anything like that before so I can't compare but I REALLY like it. The Bibimbap is also delicious. The service is 5 stars. The people behind the counter are super friendly and helpful and nice. If you are taking out call ahead and it takes a while but I'm pretty sure that because it's not gross and just sitting there ready. I think I'm going to be going here a lot. I'm so happy it here. oh hell, I almost forgot to mention they do BYOB as well
(4)Kathy L.
Great place. Taste is actually better than a high priced restaurant. Our family is tired of eating out for Korean food because of taste , cost and poor service. Always wondered why can't there be a burger and hot dog type of joint for Korean food? Well here it is! The cleanest Korean restaurant and super friendly two older gentlemen behind the counter. My kids love it. We will be eating here for awhile...
(5)Karla U.
I'm happy this restaurant opened in Albany Park. We need MORE restaurants like this one in the area with great food and friendly service. As I've been to this place only twice, it is very clean and the ingredients are fresh and delicious. The menu offers a variety of options and the best part about this place is that the prices are very reasonable. I'll keep coming back! :)
(5)Joann K.
Best Korean chicken wings I've had in Chicago and super reasonable prices. It's a very unassuming restaurant but I think it's definitely worth the trek out to Albany Park. The potato balls, mackerel, and bibimbap were pretty good too. I'm thinking in the next few months this place won't be a hidden secret anymore.
(5)Kat N.
I live in the neighborhood, and I went to Cafe Orient 33 for the first time tonight. It was delicious!! The owners were extremely helpful and kind and suggested great dishes for my parents, preschooler, and I. My dad only likes "American Chinese Food" but really liked his teriyaki chicken! That's high praise from him! :) The restaurant was impeccably clean and comfortable. I will be returning often!
(5)Kd K.
Friendly service, great food, and good price...I am so glad to find this place. I am definitely coming back for me. Love love their honey garlic wings and grilled mackerel.
(5)Mauricio P.
Clean, affordable, fresh, tasty Korean and Japnese cuisine with a pleasant atmosphere. I'll be back!
(5)Andrés P.
I just got back from eating here with my girlfriend and we're positively stuffed. Pro tip: Get a smoothie if it sounds appealing. They're good. The Food - 4/5 The Udon Noodle Soup and the Ramen Soup were on the better side of average and deceptively large compared to what we had in mind based on the pictures on the menu. My Bulgogi and my girlfriend's Chicken Teriyaki were about what we expected as far as portions and a bit better as far as how they tasted. It wasn't the greatest food we'd ever had but it wasn't bad at all. We expected something a bit above average to begin with based on the existing reviews and it slightly exceeded that. We shared a peanut butter banana smoothie and it was delicious, albeit a bit heavy on the peanut butter side. You could really taste the PB kick on the first sip. If you like peanut butter, get it. We ordered another one and a mango banana smoothie to go on the way out :D. The Peanut butter banana smoothie is tasty but the mango banana one is better in my opinion. My girlfriend stands by the PB and Banana. Different strokes and whatnot. The Price - 5/5 I spent about $20 for the five aforementioned items altogether and despite my very best efforts, had leftover Udon noodle soup and Ramen as leftovers. The corn tea and water (which I'm fairly certain has lemon in it) they have for you to self serve at will are complimentary when you dine there and are pretty nice. One thing I really hate is dining somewhere and having to wait for water or a refill on my drink. The Appearance and Service- 5/5 The pictures we'd seen online weren't very flattering of the place itself so when we stopped in and everything was extraordinarily clean and neat and the atmosphere was jovial and inviting, we were pleasantly surprised. The woman who rang our order up stepped into the back before we finished eating and another woman came out and promptly came back with two take out containers for soup when I asked if I could have some. She asked if I wanted large or small and I told her one of each. She returned with two larges and explained that the small would be too small. She was extremely polite and almost perpetually smiling. When customers would leave, she'd wish them a good weekend. She asked us how our food was and we said it was good and that we really liked the smoothie. She let us know that the smoothies were sweetened with honey powder instead of simple syrup or sugar or anything else and seemed quite proud of it. It was nice to be reminded that great service can still be found without compromising quality or price. There are magazines and a bar stool set up away from the counter if you're waiting for your food to-go or for pickup. If you're going to Dine in- You don't want to be a douchebag (Like the couple who left a few minutes after we got there) and leave your trays filled with remnants of your meal if you're going to leave without leaving a tip for compensation for being a slob, it's set up so that you bus your own trays after you're done eating - Cafeteria style, no wait service. Don't expect to come in here with a big group, though. It seats at most, around 15-20 people not including the pick up/to-go counter. Parking is a bitch in this little strip-mall type location so don't bet on it if it looks busy all around outside. If I think of anything else, I'll edit it in later but I'm giving this place 5/5 stars because of the overall pleasant experience.
(5)Seosamh D.
Tried CO 33 because I was looking for Korean food and saw all of the great reviews. The prior reviews were spot on. GREAT PLACE, great prices and VERY nice owners. I enjoyed my experience very much and it's a nice place too. I'll be back. I'm glad they're close by:)!!
(5)Maxine C.
Food is very delicious and priced well. Cheap eats! The owners are incredibly sweet. Restaurant is extremely clean.
(5)Matt G.
Best wings I have ever had. Got 5 of each type. They played off each other, and each were different. Korean was the best though. Better wings, service, cc policy, and parking make it the clear choice for wings over great seas. Stop by the sweets store 2 stored down for some amazing baklava for dessert. Love Albany park
(5)Leo H.
really delicious and cheap i recommend: bibimbap i also recommend: peanut butter banana smoothie
(5)Nara S.
The sweet garlic wings make you want to go back again . . . and again . . .
(5)Luke H.
Delicious. Simply put: 1) great quality food 2) large portions 3) excellent service Really. It's tray service, and byob, to keep cost down, which is exactly why they can afford higher quality protein and produce. The owners are wonderful, nice to talk to, happy, and extremely accommodating.
(5)Jason B.
Starving, my fiance picked this place based on reviews and being within walking distance. I am so, so glad that I am marrying someone so gifted in the Way of the Yelp. We ordered too much food because everything looked good: chicken dumplings, garlic chicken wings, ramen, and bibimbap. Everything was delicious. The wings were garlicky but not overwhelming, and quite good. The bibimbap, a first for me, was outstanding, savory and full of flavor. The ramen broth was homey, something I would want to eat if I wasn't feeling well. And the dumplings. Goodness gracious. I'm going back just for those. A woman--the owner, we guessed--came out and asked how everything was. I think she was embarrassed by how we went on about how good everything was. She told us she cooked for her family, too, and this was how she did it. She said they make all of their own sauces, as well. Home cooking? You can tell. It is well worth your (not very much) money.
(5)Steven D.
As the other reviewers have stated, this place is great. I have had almost everything on the menu and honestly it has all been very, very good. My go-to value dish: the vegetarian Bi-bim-bop entree (comes with Miso soup) for $6. I can't find anywhere else to get a $6 dinner these days. You order at the front counter and then the food is delivered to you, so it is like a Corner Bakery in terms of no tipping required. I've been here in a party of 4 and we ate like royalty, just kept ordering and ordering as if it were tapas, and we barely broke $40 total. Also it is BYOB. The owners are super nice (family-run)--we often get freebies or things that are not on the menu just because they are experimenting or feeling generous (I guess?). I am not really into wings, but have been here with people who are and I must say these are not your average bar-food wings by any stretch. Great variety of flavors and quality of meat. I used to live in Uptown and frequented the various Pho places (Pho 777, Pho 999, etc...). With an awkward name like Cafe Orient 33 I expected this place to be authentic and it was!
(5)Elvin C.
Having ordered the duk mandooguk, the bibim noodle and the sweet garlic wings - I think four stars is fair. Competition in the area for Korean is stiff and for us there are better options without much difference in price. The wings are different in style vs. other Korean/Korean Chinese places in town, they are offering some dishes with a twist and smoothies at low prices $2-$3, and decor is more than you'd expect. They deserve more than just average 3 stars.
(4)Tianna L.
Everything I've tried so far has been super delicious! They offer complimentary hot tea, and the owners are soooo kind! It's a very homey atmosphere. I strongly recommend you stop in.
(5)lois c.
I love Korean food. I saw the review in the Reader and decided to try the place. I had the shrimp and potato croquettes--very good. You have to come after 12 for the soup. I will stop in another day to try the soup. The owner was very warm and inviting as well as the staff. The food is priced right. This place should be filled with patrons. Please give this place a chance.
(5)Al S.
Food was good, price was right. Service was friendly. They gave us ice cream on the house for mixing up an order. Clean, byob, pleasant music playing, gotta love it.
(5)Kassia L.
Love this place! My favorite eats at this place are: the fried rice ("light" for fried rice, not overly greasy, doesn't leave you with the heavy feeling afterwards), Korean spicy chicken wings, and bibimbap (with really fresh yummy veggies). The peanut butter banana smoothie is great for a dessert too! Overall the restaurant is very clean, decor is beautiful, and staff are really friendly and helpful. Cafeteria style in that you pay up front at the register but restaurant style in that your food comes out on real plates (which I love, ecofriendly!) Also a great value for how much you spend.
(5)Evelyn R.
Great experience! My husband and I had never tried Korean food before eating here. The woman who was working explained all the dishes to us and helped us select meals that we would like. And she was right! Everything was delicious. Great customer service, great food. I highly recommend.
(5)H K.
Loved the garlic chicken and korean spicy chicken. They have their special nutty coating, which brings out more flavor. The owners are so kind.
(5)Anthony C.
I had the kalbi w/rice and the potato balls to start. The potato balls were great! Crunchy shell with soft mashed potato inside. Flavored with something more than potato on the inside, can't quite pinpoint the flavor but tasty. The kalbi was satisfactory. For $9 they were reasonably portioned. The flavor is good but not great. I've had better at BCD in California, for about the same price. This was my first taste of Korean food in Chicago, so I don't know if there's better places in this city or if this is as good as it gets. I'm a little spoiled from all of the great Asian food in LA so maybe I set my standards a little high for this place. I found myself thinking "other Korean places are a little more pricy but you get more with the banchon and the flavor." The plus is that there's free wifi available here via dunkin donuts from next door and it's a great spot if your on a budget looking to satisfy a quick fix. It's a clean venue tucked away off of kedzie and Lawrence. It's not a destination spot if you plan on going out of your way, but it's decent if you happened to be in the area.
(4)Claudia H.
First went here back in the fall during a restaurant crawl of Albany Park. The few appetizers I tried were great which made me want to go back. Went earlier and ordered a bunch of food for take out. We got the Garlic wings...so good, slightly crunchy and nutty. The Korean Spicy wings which I personally didn't try but the 3 other tasters in my house said it was very good as well. We also ordered the Seasoned Chicken, Pigogi, Kalbi and a few other side items. Oh and a Banana Mango smoothie and a peanut butter and banana smoothie-YUM! While waiting for our take out they offered us some free tea and brought us out a free sample of their "Korean Pizza". I forgot the actual name of it, but the owner who was soooo sweet explained what was in it which was Kimchi, pork, beans, vegetables and her most important ingredient love-lol. Everyone in my home was very pleased with the food.The decor is nice, it looks very clean and the staff are very nice! I will definitely return!
(5)Ess K.
Not sure why I didn't know about this place--it must've been because of the nondescript and generic sounding name. But this is my second Yelp review ever--the first one was for a doctor who performed a huge surgery on me--and I hope it doesn't get filtered out. Anyway, the food is really excellent, especially for the price. I'm Korean, and the few Korean dishes I tried were solid (we had the spicy wings, the bibimbap and the spicy pork). I got carryout during a late weekend evening, so I've not met the wonderful owners everyone keeps talking about, but the food was excellent and the place seemed bright and clean. I hope they stick around because this may now be my favorite quick go-to restaurant in my neighborhood, but I also hope it doesn't get too popular and the quality goes down.
(5)B.J. S.
The food is very delicious.
(5)