Bop N Grill

Back in the 90s when I was a kid, I remember Korean food wasn't particularly popular, at least not where I was; as far as I could see, the only people that ate Korean food were other Koreans. Things are different now, though, and the increasing popularity of Korean food has inspired fusion dishes which are perfect for people like me who are Korean, enjoy complex flavors and an amalgam of different cuisines, and find themselves craving a multitude of foods at the same time.

Bop N Grill - a modest establishment located on Loyola University campus in Rogers Park next to the biggest Chipotle I have ever seen - is one of those places.

Image 1. Korean-American fusion nomz.

For all you non-Koreans, "bop(밥)" is the Korean word for "cooked rice," which makes "Bop N Grill" the perfect name for a place that sells Korean rice plates and burgers.

As both a Korean and a burger fanatic, my choice was obvious; I opted for the kimchi burger with a side of kimchi fries.

Image 2. I apologize for the vertical picture! I forgot my camera so I used my phone.

The burger was cooked to a perfect medium, topped with caramelized kimchi, shredded cabbage, kimchi mayo, sharp cheddar, bacon, and a fried egg. The flavors complemented each other beautifully.

Image 3. Kimchi fries

The order of kimchi fries - topped with the same caramelized kimchi used for the burger as well as bacon bits, nacho cheese, scallions, and sesame seeds - was gigantic, and I shared it with a friend. Though not explicitly stated on the menu, I could distinctly taste the truffle oil that coated the fries, which frankly I could have done without. Though I am a huge fan of truffle oil and absolutely adore truffle fries (my love for which is outlined here in my review of The Peasantry), its flavor in this dish was too overwhelming and interfered with the garlicky and spicy aroma of the kimchi. In my opinion, truffle oil is best used sparingly and on its own. Personally, I prefer the kimchi fries (sans truffle oil) served at Del Seoul, possibly my favorite Korean fusion place in Chicago.

All in all, I had a decent experience, but I am not sure I will be returning, because it did not leave a strong impression on me. If you are in the area, though, it's definitely a place worth checking out, and the price is not bad at all (my burger was $8 and the fries were $6; both were enormous).

Bop N Grill
6604 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 654-3224
http://bngrill.com/