Papa Bop

The food is decent, but not fab. Although I took my parents there for dinner because of their proximity and a decent Yelp rating (after haircuts in Skokie), olits unlikely I would do so again. again.Parking was easy to find at 5 p.m., but I had to download a Park Evanston app because I didn't want to search for a parking meter kiosk.Service was okay. It was obviously a mom and pop, with the son working as the server, and while his English seemed serviceable, he said Korean was easier for him... while he is taking my order of Bibimbop ($17.99). I got bulgogi as the protein. He didn't seem to know the Korean words for fatty meat, though... as I told him I didn't want any.My 'rents got seafood tofu ($13.99) and rice, so the bill was about $34, I left $40, but they gave me a coins and a $5 bill as change, and it spilled all over.. I should have said I didn't need any. I just left it.It's more a takeout than sitting in, though there are about 6-7 tables. I didn't like that all the banchan that was provided was some potatoes and radish kimchi cubes. Very skimpy, and he wanted to give us one set vs. 2, but I has sat at a different table so he grudgingly have me my own. Lame

Papa Bop is a newer family -owned and -operated Korean eatery in the Evanston 'hood. Their menu offers various appetizers, KBBQ meats, rice combos, bibimbops, noodles, and beverages.We had a to-go order, and ordered:+the Kimchi Jeon - while not crispy, this was one of the better kimchi juhns I've had - filled generously with well-fermented kimchi, this was thick and yummy; there was no dipping sauce that came with, but really didn't need as it was flavorful on its own+the regular version of the Bibimbop - topped with an over easy egg; this was your standard bibimbop, but prepared with fresh ingredients; very generous in portion (looks can be deceiving!) and can be easily shared between two people!+and, a Real Strawberry Milk - prepared with fresh strawberry purée and organic milk; handcrafted on the spot, this was just okay for me; the hubs enjoyed it moreThe place is small with a handful of seating; it was definitely packed to the brim during the lunch rush.Staff were super friendly and kind!+Kimchi Jeon+kind staff!

The food here was incredible and the service was great. It's a very homey style feel in the restaurant where everything is close proximity. If you're looking for comfort Korean food I'd highly recommend. What was not pictured is the lemon lemonade that I suggest you try for a fun twist! Super delicious.Pictured is the army soup, japchae and bulgogi bibimbap. I'd definitely get the japchae and bulgogi bowl and I'd recommend the army soup if you can tolerate some spice! Great restaurant overall in this part of Chicago

Hubby and I wanted to stay local one night for dinner. We searched for places in the area and agreed to try the newish Korean restaurant in our neighborhood called Papa Bop. It's on the small side but the restaurant interior is modern. The space is clean and the service is good. We were greeted by the hostess and got seated right away for a 6pm weekend dinner.The menu is traditional Korean and we ordered LA galbi, Hae Mul Pajeon (a crispy style egg seafood pancake with scallions) and Tofu Bibimbop. Everything was delicious and even the homemade drinks were refreshing! I got limeade and the husband got strawberry milk which I plan on getting next time. It was creamy and delicious. I like that they kept large chunks of strawberry in the milk. When driving in, street parking is the only option. As of August through early October 2023, Chicago avenue is undergoing street construction with updates to the water main. It's challenging finding a space but you'll have better luck snagging a spot on the intersecting side streets. Note, the bathrooms are located behind the kitchen. It's a slight inconvenience but there is a bathroom.

Extremely clean facilities. Literally not a crumb on the floor. Clean atmosphere, very zen-like with plants and white walls. Soft piano music playing cover songs from the Beatles and Billy Joel.Service: Quick, efficient. Very good. The waiter is also a co-owner. Food: Everything is made fresh every day and into the night. Even the teriyaki sauce is homemade. Teriyaki chicken: 5 starsBibibop: 5 starsSoup: 5 starsWill definitely eat here again. They have 5 tables and a bar table against the wall with some stools.

I really have to eat here again, like really soon. First, they were ready to go at it once we walked in, a friendly greeting, ice water and when we mentioned that we brought beer - he brought out 3 chilled glasses. I was really enjoying the service and attention to detail. We tried to order everything to get a good idea of their cooking so we got not one, but two seafood pancakes, that's sooooo delicious, crispy and soft on the inside, with that almost teriyaki like dipping sauce. By the way, you get radish Kim chi and potato in sweet soy sauce as ban Chan (small appetizers). Of course, you have to try their mandoo (pot stickas) and that was generous. Also, the chap chae with the vermicelli rice noodles was very delicate and wonderfully light with beef and scallions. We tried their spicy seafood soup and if you add a little white rice, that'll make it a little bit more palatable and less hot. I had the bi Bim bop (rice with veggies, bulgogi beef and egg bowl) and that was excellent!! It also came with three sauce types (nice and cold and straight outta the fridge). I don't mix up the ingredients by the way. Our server asked if I wanted some of those sauces, so I got all three to go along with our left overs.

Tiny little cute place with a super nice owner. The bibimbop in the hot bowl was delicious! Let it sit in the pot for a while and the rice will crisp up on the bottom. The owner is so sweet. When I was full he came over and scraped the bowl and said "one last bite" with a smile. Great spot

I had a great experience all around. From the moment I walked in, I really appreciated all the little things this restaurant cares for when it comes to the diner's experience.It was quaint inside. The waiter immediately greeted us and gave us a menu. I liked that our water came from a filtered water cooler. We got the seafood pancake, the tofu stew (soon dubu, and the bibimbop in a regular bowl. All the food was great. A highlight for me was the seafood pancake: crispy and a substantial amount of fillings. I also really liked the sauces provided. Besides the typical gochujang sauce that goes on bibimbop, the waiter gave us 3 other types of housemade sauce. Service was fast and friendly. The waiter was very attentive and quick to fill our water cups or get us anything we needed. He also helped us pack our extra food. I highly recommend this spot!

Just stopped in for lunch and had the Army Soup and Mandoo. The free kimchi pickled radish and potato's were a great touch as well. The Army soup was perfect on a cold Chicago day and the perfect amount of spice. Service was fast and super friendly. Will definitely be coming back!

Incredible food. Unbelievably tasty.My favorite was Kimchi Pancake. It was wildly good. Living in my dreams. Cute little sit-down area but we've used it only as a takeout spot. Some of the best food in Evanston.