Jilli

Tucked into a cozy space on 6th Street, Jilli brings a fresh take on the traditional Korean sool jib to Koreatown. This intimate wine bar from the Chimmelier team manages to be versatile enough for almost any occasion—whether you’re unwinding after work with a beer and some fried chicken or settling into a candlelit date at the bar with a glass of natural wine.

The food here playfully blurs the lines between Korean bar snacks and global comfort food. The standout is undoubtedly the Chimmelier KFC, a double-fried boneless chicken that achieves that perfect crispy-outside, juicy-inside balance. The rigatoni alla kimchi vodka brings unexpected Italian flair to the menu, while the tteok twigim—rice cakes with gochujang, pistachios, and parmesan—sounds wild but absolutely works. Every dish feels like it was designed to pair perfectly with whatever you’re drinking.

The narrow room doesn’t offer much space to stretch out, but that somehow adds to the charm. A giant floral wreath hangs behind the bar, a projector plays vintage cartoons, and 2000s hip-hop provides the soundtrack as the night goes on. The vibe stays conversational rather than overwhelming, making it easy to settle in for a few hours.

If you’re planning a later evening visit, reservations are worth securing since the place fills up quickly. Jilli works equally well for a casual weeknight hang or the starting point of a bigger Koreatown adventure. Just make sure that fried chicken makes it to your table.