CoCoRo Shabu de Fondue
3.8
from - Neighborhood: River North
- 668 N. Wells St.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-943-2220
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
CoCoRo (meaning "heart" in Japanese) is distinctive, according to management, on two fronts: It offers ramen noodle dishes and, more importantly, is one of only two places in the city that features shabu fondue--thinly sliced prime beef and veggies cooked using hot water, seaweed and salt rather than the traditional and more caloric oil or grease fondue. To facilitate this cook-your-own-meal experience, each of the 14 tables is equipped with a central burner on which the fondue pot is placed. Along with the shabu, CoCoRo is heavy on sushi. In general, management said, CoCoRo's menu is more extensive than most Japanese restaurants. A seven-seat sushi bar is at the rear, fronting the bar (not a full bar--mainly serving several types of sake, Sapporo and Asaki and some domestic beers and wines). With a sparsely appointed but smart interior and friendly waitstaff, this could be a great first-date restaurant. Cooking your own meal supplies entertainment while doubly acting as an ice-breaker.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Wells and Huron.
- Parking:
- Paid Lot and Street Parking Difficult. Pay lot with validation from CoCoRo.
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 37 Sedgwick. 156 LaSalle. Brown Line Train: Merchandise Mart. Green Line Train: Merchandise Mart.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Including restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday
Dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Cuisine:
- Japanese
- Meals Served:
- Dinner and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted
- Alcohol:
- Beer and Wine. Beer, wine and sake only.
- Smoking:
- No
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Features:
- No children's menu. Private parties for between 10-20 people; catering.
- Facilities:
- No on-site store.
- Specialties:
- Shabu-shabu fondue, sushi, tempura, ramen noodles, sake selection.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- Banquettes and tables, plus sushi bar.
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Rate CoCoRo Shabu de Fondue
"Authentic Japanese Food with Unique Service"
By wdt2613 from cjg1377, November 15, 2008
Yuko-san and Adam-san are a unique, attentive, and very friendly team serving up the most authentic sushi I have had in Chicago. This is not a pla...
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"not for everyone"
By evangeline from near west side, July 12, 2008
this isn't much of see and be seen place, this is a SUSHI restaurant. My first visit was so-so, thought it was kinda shabby shabby, but since then...
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"not what it used to be"
By adg from niles, May 2, 2008
This used to be a very good restaurant. The orginal owner passed away and now it has new owners. They try to pretend that nothing has changed. B...
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