It’s easier to find a parking spot on campus during finals week than it is to snag a table at Urbana’s top Korean eateries. That’s because this vibrant college town has quietly become a Midwestern hub for authentic bibimbap bowls, sizzling bulgogi, and kimchi that’ll make you forget you’re in Illinois.
Star BBQ
$$ | (217) 356-7777 | WEBSITE
Star BBQ began as a cozy spot near campus, but was always meant for more than quick bites and casual meals. You can now find them in Urbana’s dining scene, in a space that feels warm and inviting and is one of the best places in town for a generous family dinner. The menu stays true to Korean classics, but Star BBQ’s strong points are its barbecue meats, so share the Beef Bulgogi Bibimbop or go for the seafood pancake served with crisp broccoli and a side of sweet marinated radish.
The all-you-can-eat option has all the restaurant’s greatest hits for $34.99 per person, too.
Star Karaoke
$$ | (217) 356-3333 | WEBSITE
When a place combines karaoke with Korean comfort food and still draws crowds every night, you know it must be good. That’s the case with Star Karaoke, which opened in 2015 and is currently run by a passionate team of food-and-fun enthusiasts. It’s located on a lively stretch near campus that includes several late-night spots (don’t let that deter you), and it’s usually packed with both students and locals who all have a cold beer in one hand and a plate of crispy chicken in the other.
Be sure to order the specialty, the sweet potato pizza, a creative pie with creamy sweet potato, mozzarella, and a drizzle of honey (get it with an extra sprinkle of chili flakes). And definitely try one of the fried bites, like the Korean fried chicken with spicy sauce, the classic wings, and the Korean pizza that’s loaded, crispy, and served piping hot.
bb.q Chicken Urbana Champaign
$ | (217) 607-2782 | WEBSITE
You won’t find anything fancy or complicated at bb.q Chicken Urbana Champaign, which takes up a modest space near campus. What you will find is a crowd made up of students, locals, and other in-the-know diners who all came for the top-notch fried chicken. At any given moment there are a minimum of four types of wings stacked on the counter, and, depending on your mood, piles of crispy honey garlic, spicy original, or soy garlic with a bit of sauce still clinging on.
The $18 plate of wings might seem pricey after dropping less than $10 on snacks elsewhere, but it’s worth the cost and the short wait. Even the most basic items, like the rice cakes with perfect chewiness or the pickled radish, are excellent.
Jip Bap
$ | (217) 552-1688 | WEBSITE
The team at Jip Bap perfected the Korean rice cup when they decided to pack generous portions of fresh ingredients into portable containers. This clever grab-and-go concept ended up being one of the most satisfying lunch innovations around campus: the spicy pork gets perfectly seasoned with house-made sauces and comes with plenty of rice and vegetables. Jip Bap’s rice cups have become a legitimate Urbana staple, so there’s usually a line during lunch hours.
Avoid the crowds by coming right when they open or for your last meal before closing.
Yogi Korean Restaurant
$ | (217) 607-0079 | WEBSITE
So, one of your friends doesn’t like Korean food. It may sound counterintuitive, but this modern restaurant near campus that’s devoted to tasty Korean dishes is the perfect spot to take them. Yogi Korean Restaurant has been serving their sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken and jjajangmyeon since opening, and their well-organized dining experience has a 99% Korean-food-skeptic conversion rate.
The formula is simple: a generous portion of bibimbap or bulgogi fried rice, a side of spicy boo dae jjigae with plenty of vegetables, and your choice from their variety of dishes (go for the jjajangmyeon with its unusual egg in the middle or the seafood soondubu).
Settle into the calming, modern atmosphere—great for Lego and plastic model fans—use the table buzzers with helpful staff guidance, and enjoy the convenient self-service water and trays while navigating the sometimes-challenging parking during school days.
Bab Plus Restaurant
$ | (217) 607-5906 | WEBSITE
You probably don’t expect to find Korean cooking this good tucked away in a modest Urbana strip mall. By day, the surrounding area is quiet, but at night, the aroma of sizzling pork and spicy sauces from Bab Plus, a straightforward spot that’s built a loyal following, draws in hungry crowds. The inside space buzzes with the hum of K-pop and the chatter of diners, all queuing up for kimchi stir-fried pork and tteokbokki with cheese off Bab Plus’s generous menu.
There’s a magic to digging into radically fresh, flavorful dishes right as they leave the kitchen that keeps regulars coming back. Bab Plus’s flawlessly executed fried rice—whether kimchi or regular—is the best in town, so don’t leave without sharing one with a friend.
Spoon House Korean Kitchen
$ | (217) 344-3483 | WEBSITE
Spoon House Korean Kitchen, like many Korean spots in college towns, traces its popularity to generous portions and bold flavors. The same vibrant energy has drawn students to this casual eatery near campus for years, long before Korean-Mexican fusion became a trend in Urbana’s dining scene. (Essentially, in the early 2000s, local chefs started blending Korean spices with familiar comfort foods to appeal to adventurous eaters).
This evolved into the current dining experience, which is memorable thanks to (or perhaps in spite of) the efficient kiosk ordering system. How it works: place your order at the digital screen, and to do it right, you should try the Beef Bulgogi or Bibimbap for two. Bring a friend for the shareable plates of crispy chicken and that particularly delicious ramen dish.
San Maru Korean Restaurant
$ | (217) 352-2119 | WEBSITE
The kitchen at San Maru Korean Restaurant has perfected the art of authentic Korean cooking (like the rich seolleong tang and fragrant bulgogi), and has become a beloved spot in Urbana since opening years ago. This place features traditional dishes (get the steamed mandoo to start), a cozy atmosphere with simple tables and warm lighting, and a small, bustling kitchen.
The kimchi fried rice is basically perfect, especially when it’s paired with one of the refreshing banchan like the radish kimchi from their varied selection.
Masijta Grill Korean BBQ
$$ | (217) 552-1188 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem tucked away in Urbana is the perfect stop for a fun group dinner. While the all-you-can-eat option requires finishing the initial tray first, the portions are extremely generous, and you get to choose from a vast selection like marinated beef, tender pork, or juicy chicken. Go with friends and grill together for a special meal that’s not quite fast food and not quite fine dining, but still a delicious display of authentic Korean barbecue.
The kimchi pancakes are a highlight, and the friendly staff ensures everything cooks perfectly at your table.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
$ | (224) 346-8542 | WEBSITE
When BIBIBOP Asian Grill arrived in Urbana a few years back, it was like someone finally cracked the code for Korean fast food in the Midwest. OK, maybe that’s overstating it, but it was definitely a game-changer for quick, healthy meals around here. BIBIBOP remains one of the only spots in town where you can build your own gluten-free bowl with purple rice, perfectly seasoned tofu, and that addictive gochujang sauce.
This is an essential stop for any lunch rush, especially since it’s so convenient with their app-based ordering. It’s also a great place to grab a quick dinner, made fresh with care by their friendly staff, with a side of free miso soup.