Hello dear
Woori Jib Restaurant, a cherished gem in Champaign, IL, offers a delightful journey through Korean cuisine. Founded by a passionate couple, it became beloved for its authentic dishes, particularly the rich Bulgogi BBQ and comforting Soon Tofu Jigae. This family-friendly establishment features generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for groups and kids alike. The menu boasts a variety of traditional rice and noodle dishes, stir-fries, and grilled fish, satisfying every palate. Despite its recent closure after 17 successful years, Woori Jib has left an indelible mark on the community, with fans eagerly hoping for its return.
About
Welcome to Woori Jib Restaurant, a cherished gem in the heart of Champaign, Illinois. This delightful venue specializes in authentic Korean cuisine, inviting you to savor the rich flavors and vibrant ingredients that define this culinary tradition. Located at 710 S 6th St, Woori Jib offers a warm atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to every palate.
As you step into Woori Jib, you will be greeted by the intoxicating aroma of traditional dishes being prepared, from their Korean Traditional Soups to tantalizing stir-fries. The bustling environment is perfect for groups, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal, with the added convenience of takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating options.
One of the crown jewels of their menu is the Soon Tofu Jjigae, a spicy tofu stew that perfectly marries bold flavors with nourishing ingredients, served with rice and kimchi to elevate your dining experience. If you're a fan of meat, you cannot miss the Bulgogi, a signature dish that offers tender, marinated beef stir-fried with sweet onions, delivering a slightly sweet and savory punch that keeps diners coming back for more.
The dining experience here goes beyond just the food; it is about community, culture, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. The restaurant fosters a friendly vibe, making it an ideal spot for casual lunches or lively dinners. While prices may be slightly higher than typical student fare, the generous portions and delectable flavors justify every penny spent.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to indulge in the authentic tastes at Woori Jib Restaurant. Each dish is not merely a meal; it is a celebration of Korean culinary heritage that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.
In the words of the community, Woori Jib is truly a staple of Champaign's dining scene, and it is greatly missed by those who enjoyed its vibrant atmosphere and comforting foods. We can only hope for its return, as it has left a significant mark in the hearts of its loyal patrons.
“ Woori Jib restaurant has officially closed as of Sep. 2, 2018 after 17 years of operation. The decision was made by the owner/chef due to the reconstruction project on the entire block. The owner couple have NOT decided whether to continue their business again in a different location and would take a break for a while. As a loyal customer of the restaurant from the 1st day of the opening, I will surely miss their Bulgogi BBQ, Spicy Pork BBQ, Galbi (Korean style marinated beef rib), Soft tofu soup with galbi or seafood and Nae-Jang-Tang (spicy beef intestine/stomach soup). Woori Jib is one of the best Korean BBQ restaurant in the midwest and is even comparable to authentic BBQ restaurants in South Korea for sure. I wish they come back again, however I also respect their decision if it goes other way. I truly appreciate their efforts and contribution in the Chambana area with great Korean food. Woori Jib restaurant surely will be missed by many current and former residents and graduates. ”
“ Slightly expensive compared to the other Korean options on campus, but their food is delicious. I tried the Chicken stir fry(boatload of veggies and chicken), Soon tofu jjigea(SO good!) Galbi tang(my favorite), Sul lung-tang(lightly flavored chicken soup), bulgogi(too sweet for me, but tons of yummy onions). The cashier looks bored and even slightly rude sometimes, but the elderly lady who comes in the afternoon is great!! ”
“ They forgot my order so I ended up sitting there for 20 minutes until I asked them what was going on. The beef bulgogi was good and the cashier was cute though. ”
“ Always happy to eat at Woori Jib! It's such a great Korean restaurant centrally located on campus and I usually come between 2-3 times a week. The setting is quite crowded and during peak hours (12:30-1 and dinner time) can be difficult to find seating, but the staff is relatively friendly and when you become a regular, ordering is super quick. My favorites in order: Soon Tofu Jigae with beef (spicy, but they offer a mild and non-spicy version as well) -this has amazing flavor that combines soft tofu, onions (the onions are cooked soft and aren't overpowering), spring onions, mushrooms, your choice of meat, and spicy korean flakes. SO GOOD! It's served with a bowl of rice and some kimchi. $10.91 and you feel completely full after. Dolsot Bibimbap (dolsot is just a hot bowl, the regular metal bowl version is fine too) -I'm a fan of bibimbap and I think theirs tastes relatively good! I really like it for the portion size though ;) Spicy Bulgogi -a classic! a little on the sweet side, and it's cooked with onions. my only gripe is that there's not much nutrition The prices are slightly higher than preferred on a college campus, but the portion sizes are generous and the flavor is (obviously) why I come back. And their rice is on point! ”
“ This is one of my favorite Korean restaurants in Champaign! I always come here with friends and we really enjoy the food. The owners are super friendly and you can get free refills on rice. The only downside about coming here is that you leave smelling like food, so this isn't exactly the place to wear your Sunday's best, lol. Dishes I've had and loved: -galbi (short ribs) -bibimbap -bulgogi -soon du bu with beef -chicken stir fry (new fav: i get it in a spicy sauce and it comes with veggies and rice cake) ”
“ The lure of unlimited rice refills & homemade banchan made Woori Jib our first stop in Champaign after hauling all of our belongings halfway across the country & subsisting off of salads from Costco. Woori Jib clearly caters to the hungry college crowd - you place your order up front, pick up utensils, water, & free soup to the right, then snag a table & wait until your order is called out. After you're done with your meal, you do have to bus your own table a la Ikea style. While Woori Jib is a little pricier than the other local Korean restaurants, it also ranks as one of the highest ones. The meat-centric dishes will knock you back $10-$12, but you will certainly get what you paid for. I've had the divinely tender Galbi Ribs & the charred Pork Belly, while the boyfriend is loyal to the Spicy Pork Bulgogi (the only downside is that half the dish was onions). The portion sizes are quite generous, where you can certainly split an entree to feed 2 people with the add cost of $2 for unlimited rice for both, or pack up the other half for some tasty leftovers! *They accept Visa & Mastercard along with cash. ”