It is easy for some West Loopers on the east end of the West Loop to overlook Chef Bill Kim’s Urban Belly and its sister restaurant, Belly Q, when thinking about where to get dinner in the ‘hood. But these gems at the western edge of the West Loop (at 1400 W. Randolph) are worth the walk. In my recent visit to Urban Belly, billed on their web site as “unpretentious Asian fusion,” I was impressed with the yummy dishes and speedy service.
Their dumplings are fantastic (I’ve tried both the pork & cilantro ones as well as the sweet potato & maple version). I was disappointed to see that the half-portion of their Ramen noodles is only available at lunch. The dinner portion was hot and flavorful, but too much for me to eat in one sitting along with the dumplings. But their kid’s Ramen noodle soup is a good solution for someone with a smaller appetite.
Next time you are wondering which yummy place to try for lunch or dinner, but you aren’t in the mood to wrestle with the foodies from Cleveland or wait two hours for a seat by the bathrooms, look a little further west to Urban Belly, its worth the walk! And their speedy service makes up for any time you may have spent walking to their location. And, they have carry-out and delivery service for anyone in a big hurry.
By: June Kirchgatter, Neighbors of West Loop Board Member