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Urbanbelly
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Urbanbelly
8.5
Urbanbelly’s Wicker Park location is Chef Bill Kim’s Korean-inspired noodle and dumpling shop, blending Korean flavors with pan-Asian influences in a fast-casual setting. Dumplings, rice bowls, and ramen-style soups come out quickly, making it a dependable option for everything from solo lunches to family dinners and happy hour snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork & cilantro dumplings, Coconut curry pho, Lemongrass chicken fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef Bill Kim’s fast-casual dumpling and noodle shop with Korean roots and big flavors.
Who should go: Diners craving Korean-influenced dumplings, bowls, and ramen fast.
When to visit: Late afternoon for overlapping happy hour and early dinner.
What to order: Pork & cilantro dumplings, coconut curry pho, lemongrass chicken fried rice.
Insider tip: Order at the counter then settle near the windows for people-watching by the Damen stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots along Damen/Milwaukee can be tight during peak hours; allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — buzzy at peak times but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dumplings, bowls, and sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few bowls and sides work, but ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some rice bowls and dishes are gluten-free friendly, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s fast-casual counter service with great flavors, not a candlelit fine-dining vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is fairly quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, portions are shareable, and the casual setup makes it easy with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Creative dumplings, bold Korean-inspired flavors, and quick meals that still feel chef-driven.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering sit-down dinner or traditional Korean BBQ.
Urbanbelly
8.2
Urbanbelly’s Wicker Park location is a fast-casual Asian kitchen where ramen, coconut curry pho, and rice bowls share the spotlight with dumplings and crispy Korean fried chicken. It’s the move when you want slurpable, globally influenced noodles in a bright space that works for quick lunches, family dinners, or casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Ramen, Shoyu Mushroom Ramen, Korean BBQ Beef Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Fast-casual Asian kitchen where ramen, pho, and dumplings share space.
Who should go: Groups or families craving slurpable noodles and shareable snacks.
When to visit: Weekend lunches and early dinners before the counter line spikes.
What to order: Chicken Katsu Ramen, Shoyu Mushroom Ramen, Korean BBQ Beef Dumplings.
Insider tip: Order dumplings to share and customize spice levels on ramen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Milwaukee and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at most tables, but it can get lively during rush periods.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several noodle bowls and dumplings can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — ask staff for guidance on broths and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility — rice bowls are the safest choice; always confirm ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-pressure — it’s relaxed, affordable, and easy to share dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service seating, so no reservation is needed. Expect short waits at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and there are approachable options for younger eaters. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Fast, approachable Asian comfort food with globally influenced ramen and dumplings in a bright, casual space.
Skip if: You’re seeking very traditional Japanese ramen, a quiet date-night environment, or full table service.
Urbanbelly
8.4
Urbanbelly is chef Bill Kim’s casual Wicker Park spot for Korean- and pan-Asian-inspired bowls, dumplings, and noodles, with clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options. Counter service, communal tables, and a steady flow of locals make it an easy go-to for flavorful, veggie-forward comfort food before or after the Blue Line.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peanut Noodle Salad, Thai Fried Cauliflower, Edamame Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recommended fast-casual spot where vegetarian bowls and dumplings are headliners.
Who should go: Vegetarians craving bold, comforting Korean-leaning noodle and rice bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Peanut Noodle Salad, Thai Fried Cauliflower, Edamame Dumplings.
Insider tip: Mix and match a couple sides instead of one huge bowl to sample more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited during peak dining hours; allow extra time or consider nearby paid garages along Milwaukee Ave.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are in everyday clothes.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during rushes but conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes at peak times depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — many bowls and dumplings are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Good — several clearly labeled vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Some options are gluten-free, but confirm sauces and noodles at ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — it’s relaxed, counter-service, and lively without feeling formal or stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served counter service with communal seating, so tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the casual setup, shareable dumplings, and mild-option dishes work well for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-packed vegetarian-friendly bowls and dumplings where you can eat well without a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, lingering dinner or a full-service dining experience.