B. Bim Asian Eatery.... The Cool New Kid On the Block
Wicker Park is home to some of the hottest AND coolest restaurants and bars in the city. I've always loved the gritty, real vibe. Of course it has changed over the years and has become more approachable and less of an "up and coming" neighborhood. New restaurants are popping up all the time, and with the high expectations of the local culinary scene... ya gotta be good.
Full Service Bar!! Woo hoo!
B. Bim Asian Eatery, (1324 N. Milwaukee Ave.) which opened Dec. 5th, is such a cool new addition to the Milwaukee strip. They call themselves a "Korean inspired fast casual restaurant with a dive bar complex". This is so on point. It makes Korean food approachable to people who may not be quite familiar with the cuisine all while staying true to the typical Wicker Park casual watering hole. Chef/Partner EJ Kim (graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and protegè of Rodelio Aglibot) helped create a menu that provides something for everyone: Vegetarians, seafood lovers, carnivores, health nuts, or people who just want to indulge in fine yet quick Asian cuisine. Did I mention they have a full bar (yummy selection of Korean Beers) and play killer tunes (lots of 90's)?!?
Decor=Dopeness
Check out what I ate (yes, I was intensely full after my visit.)
These chicken wings were MASSIVE and coated in a tangy and spicy orange-y honey sriracha sauce. They were undoubtedly some of the best wings I've ever had.
Crispy Mahndoo Beef Dumplings made with tofu, sprouts and garlic. And the B. Bim Salad. The salad was so fresh and crunchy, made with nappa cabbage, carrots, radish, and scallion.
These shrimp lettuce wraps may be my favorite item on the menu. The shrimp was lightly crispy and the kimchi gave it a tangy kick.
Of course the piece de resistance is their Bi Bim Bap Bowls. Traditional accouterment with a fresh fried egg on top. This was the chicken bowl and it was outstanding.
This is the Beef Bi Bim Bap bowl that is actually made with short rib, vs. the traditional ribeye. They marinate the beef for over 24 hours. It was incredibly flavorful and tender.
B. Bim has AMAZING desserts. This was the Goodie Bag. It's a paper bag filled with these delectable tempura fried "doughnuts" filled with walnuts and red bean paste. So unique!