ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Loop
Master Critic Review
AraOn
7.9
A Loop dining room that blends Korean and Japanese lanes with a lounge-y bar energy that plays well for after-work dinners. The kitchen lands best when you commit to a composed signature plate plus one sushi or small-plates lane instead of scattering across the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
AraOn Chef Special, AraOn Tower, Chili Garlic Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Korean-Japanese fusion in a Loop lounge setting built for drinks-plus-dinner pacing.
Who should go: After-work diners who want sushi plus warm plates.
When to visit: Weeknights at happy hour, then stay for dinner.
What to order: AraOn Chef Special; AraOn Tower; Chili Garlic Shrimp.
Insider tip: Order one signature platter, then add just one roll—keeps timing tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Loop setup—street parking is limited and unreliable at night; plan on nearby paid garages and give yourself an extra 10–15 minutes for the walk.
Dress code: Smart casual trending dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a better fit for a nice top/blazer and going-out shoes.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—good energy for dates and groups, but expect some bar-volume peaks later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without a reservation (shorter early, longest after 7pm).
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, but can spike during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward small plates and sushi-friendly choices work well if you order intentionally.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and sauce checks; expect fewer clearly vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Some options—best approach is to flag it early and avoid soy-heavy marinades/sauces unless they can confirm substitutions.
Best For
Better for: A ‘drinks + dinner’ night that blends Korean comfort and sushi lanes in one polished room—great when your group has split cravings and you want a trendier, going-out atmosphere.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a traditional Korean BBQ-focused meal, ultra-quiet conversation, or a budget-friendly feast—pick a more classic Korean spot (or a dedicated sushi bar) when you want one lane executed at maximum depth.