Hanchic

The food at Hanchic is playful. Bulgogi risotto is smothered in cheese, tagliatelle is made with kimchi and perilla leaves, and bolognese comes with a bowl of floating mandu. Self-described as a "not so Korean restaurant," Hanchic creates flavors and textures you never knew were possible, combining familiar ingredients with ones you wouldn't expect to see in a strip mall in Koreatown. There’s a cozy, black-box dining room and patio out front to choose from, and either is perfect for a low-key midweek meal or quiet solo outing. Get the ragu tteokbokki, thick, glutinous rice cakes coated with a pork and kimchi gravy. Or oxtail ramyeon, a fantastic soup made with egg noodles, oxtail, pulled beef, and a bone broth that's been simmered for 96 hours.