Wabi-Q Bolingbrook, IL
Asian Barbecue and Hot Pot Restaurant
Ratings! Pew pew pew! Coming at ya!
Outside: 2/5
Inside: 3/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food Selection: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Washroom: 4/5
Price Point: 4/5 (1 means cheap and 5 means expensive)
Wabi-Q, located in Bolingbrook, IL, was a bit of a trek from my place, but luckily, I happened to be shopping nearby at the Chicago Premium Outlet.
As my nephew and I started to feel our stomachs rumble during our shopping spree, I craved some Korean BBQ. To my delight, I found a spot online that not only served BBQ but also had hot pot! This was a rare find, as not many local Korean BBQ joints offer hot pot alongside their grills.
Once we arrived, however, I realized that Wabi-Q wasn't exclusively a Korean restaurant but more of a general Asian eatery featuring Korean-style BBQ and hot pot. This became clear when I asked for banchan 반찬, those small side dishes you typically get at Korean places which they do not serve.
We were the first customers of the day, as Wabi-Q opens its doors at 1 PM on Saturdays.
Hours of operation: Weekdays (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri) 3 PM-11 PM, Weekends (Sat, Sun) 1 PM-11PM, and closed on Tuesdays.
Interestingly, the exterior of Wabi-Q resembles a classic American diner, the kind you might spot in the middle of nowhere on Route 66. Adding to the quirkiness, it's even surrounded by a white picket fence.
As soon as we arrived, a friendly staff member held the door open for us and we were seated right away. Our drink orders were promptly taken and served soon after, making for a delightful experience—quite a contrast to the American Pub where I'd recently had a less-than-stellar lunch.
The interior of Wabi-Q was pretty standard; nothing particularly stood out. It was just a well-maintained, clean, and inviting space. The atmosphere was spot-on, with music at a comfortable volume, and the staff managed to strike the perfect balance between being unobtrusive yet readily available when needed. The vibe was so warm and welcoming that it felt like we were at home enjoying a meal together. Usually, I like to observe how the staff handle an influx of customers, but this time I was too busy having a great time to pay attention.
Prices
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Prices 〰️
Buffet style.
Options
Hot Pot
Adults $25.99 Per Person
Children
8-12 $12.50
3-7 $7.50
Grill
Adults $29.99 Per Person
Children
8-12 $14.95
3-7 $7.50
Combo Grill & Hot Pot
Adults $35.99 Per Person
Children
8-12 $17.50
3-7 $7.50
Prices
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Prices 〰️
We placed our orders by checking off what we wanted on the large menu sheet.
Not long after we placed our order, our food arrived, and boy, did we order a lot! I took the lead in cooking the food on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd it. However, the kids couldn't wait and started munching as I cooked. They also wanted to try their hand at grilling, and my mom joined in, trying to cook as much as she could at once. Despite the different cooking approaches, everything cooked up quickly and tasted delicious, especially the marinated beef—it was truly outstanding!
I showed the kids how to mix and match the sauces for added flavor, emphasizing the importance of using separate plates for raw and cooked meats. I'd coat the raw meat in my preferred sauce, cook it, and then either enjoy it as is or dip it in the designated "cooked meat" sauce plate.
We loved the hot pot too! We tried both the pork-based and vegetarian versions, and both were excellent. True to form, my mom loaded the pork-based soup with so many veggies that it eventually tasted like a veggie soup, but it was still delicious.
There wasn't a single downside to our meal. While they do charge for uneaten food, the wonderful staff were lenient about it. They definitely deserved an extra tip. If only Wabi-Q was closer to my home, I'd dine there more often!
I assigned a fairly high price point to Wabi-Q because it can be pricey for some. With seven people in my party, I ended up paying well over $200. Splitting the bill might have been easier, but I didn't mind covering the cost for everyone. I suggest going with a smaller group.
In conclusion, Wabi-Q offered a delightful dining experience with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, efficient service, and scrumptious food, particularly the marinated beef and hot pot. Though the price point might be on the higher side, the fantastic staff and memorable meal made it well worth the cost. If Wabi-Q were closer to my home, it would undoubtedly become a regular dining spot for my family and me. Overall, it's a great place to bond over a delicious meal and create lasting memories with loved ones.
