A Week of Chicago Grills and Izakaya Plates
A food hunter's seven-day circuit moves from Korean tabletop barbecue to Japanese izakaya and Chinese skewers, with an unfussy diner detour. Compare the formats, choose an order, and check details before heading out.
🍜 Monday, Izakaya After Dark
Start at Shinya Ramen House for a Bridgeport izakaya that pairs tonkotsu with grilled skewers. For the eater deciding where to eat in Chicago, the bowl is the anchor; order it first, then consider skewers and a cocktail. Check the current hours before setting out. No theatrical countdown required.
🔥 Tuesday, Korean Tabletop Grill
Shift from yesterday’s izakaya mood to WASAI BBQ, a second-floor Armour Square spot centered on Korean tabletop grilled meats. It suits diners who prefer cooking at the table to chasing a launch. Keep the grill as the main event and ask about the available meats before ordering; check current details first.
🥢 Wednesday, Compare the Grills
For a group that wants options, Jiang Niu BBQ House offers Dongbei-style meats with Korean influence, cooked at the table. The change from Tuesday's Korean grill keeps the week moving without pretending every barbecue is identical. Before settling, ask about the sweet and spicy choices on a first plate.
🎤 Thursday, Skewers and a Stage
Gao's BBQ & Crab adds skewers, seafood and a karaoke stage after the tabletop stops. It suits friends who want dinner with a little more noise. Begin with the spiced lamb, and ask staff to adjust the spice to your group's tolerance. The cucumber makes a sensible supporting character.
🍣 Friday, Choose Your Format
Oishii Grill is the practical choice when a group cannot agree on one format: Japanese barbecue, hot pot and sushi share the menu. After Thursday's skewers, pick a format before ordering rather than trying to solve the entire menu at once. Check current availability before making the trip.
🍢 Saturday, Skewers Meet Conveyor
Pair Chubby Skewers' Dongbei-style build-your-own skewers with Chubby Cattle's conveyor-belt Japanese barbecue for a study in two approaches to the grill. A short walk links the Chinatown stops. For the photo-minded group, choose a first skewer before comparing the tabletop presentation. Check each venue's details before leaving.
🍗 Sunday, A Korean Chicken Finish
Finish with CM Korean Fried Chicken inside 88 Marketplace, where the chicken goes through frying, grilling and draining. For anyone still comparing Chicago food spots, the snow onion chicken is a useful starting point. Ask about the sauce options, then let the week end without another spreadsheet.
