Cocoro Restaurant

For residents across Illinois seeking a truly authentic Japanese culinary experience that ventures beyond the commonly found Americanized sushi rolls, Cocoro Restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood offers a delightful surprise. This charming and long-standing establishment has carved out a niche for itself by providing traditional Japanese dishes with a homemade feel, reminiscent of the cozy eateries one might find in Japan itself. It's a place where you can explore the rich tapestry of Japanese flavors, from crispy Tonkatsu to perfectly grilled fish and savory curry, all served in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Cocoro Restaurant consistently draws in patrons who appreciate genuine Japanese cooking. Its longevity in the competitive Chicago dining scene is a testament to its commitment to quality and authenticity. While it may not be the flashiest or most trend-driven spot, its focus on traditional preparation and a diverse menu that extends far beyond just sushi makes it a cherished destination for those who truly understand and seek out the nuances of Japanese cuisine. For locals in Illinois desiring a taste of true Japan, Cocoro provides a comforting and satisfying culinary escape.

Cocoro Restaurant is conveniently located at 668 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, placing it in the heart of Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood. This area is well-known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, upscale boutiques, and a diverse range of dining options, making it a popular and bustling district in the city. Wells Street itself is a lively thoroughfare, easily identifiable and accessible.

Accessibility to Cocoro is generally good for residents across Illinois. For those utilizing Chicago's public transportation, the restaurant is easily reachable. The CTA Brown and Purple (during rush hours) Lines have a stop at Chicago Avenue, which is within a reasonable walking distance. Several CTA bus routes, including the #11 (Lincoln) and #66 (Chicago), also serve the immediate area, providing convenient connections from various parts of the city. While parking in River North can sometimes be a challenge, as is typical for popular urban areas, there are often paid parking garages and street parking meters available nearby. Its central location makes it a practical choice for a lunch break or an evening out, allowing diners to easily integrate a visit to Cocoro into their plans.

Cocoro Restaurant provides a range of services centered around offering an authentic and diverse Japanese dining experience for its patrons in Illinois.

• Dine-In Service: Cocoro offers a cozy and intimate dine-in experience. Despite its small size, the atmosphere is described as "home style" and inviting, making it a comfortable spot for enjoying traditional Japanese meals. They offer both lunch and dinner service.
• Extensive Traditional Japanese Menu: A key highlight is their menu, which goes "beyond the typical Americanized sushi offerings." While they do serve sushi and sashimi, they excel in a wider array of traditional Japanese dishes. This includes:
  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Such as Katsu Don (fried pork and eggs over rice) and Una Ju (grilled teriyaki freshwater eel over rice).
  • Curry Dishes: Popular options like Tonkatsu Curry (Japanese curry with breaded pork cutlet) and Curry Rice (beef-based Japanese curry).
  • Grilled Fish (Shioyaki): Including Saba Shioyaki (grilled mackerel) and Hokke (grilled whole hokke mackerel).
  • Noodles: Offering various ramen and udon options, with spicy variations available.
  • Appetizers & Small Plates: A wide selection including Agedashi Tofu (deep-fried tofu), Gyoza (pot stickers), Takoyaki (octopus puffs), Tatsuta-age (fried chicken), Ebi Shumai (shrimp dumplings), and traditional Japanese vegetables like Kinpira Renkon (sautéed lotus roots) and Hijiki-Ni (simmered seaweed).
  • Sushi & Sashimi: A selection of classic nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls are available, with emphasis on fresh, non-leftover fish.
  • Seiro Entrees: Dishes served in steamed bamboo containers, such as Eel Seiro and Salmon Seiro.
• Beverage Selection: Cocoro offers a variety of Japanese beers, sake, and original sake-inspired cocktails, providing suitable pairings for their diverse menu.
• Takeout Services: For convenience, Cocoro offers takeout options, allowing customers to enjoy their authentic Japanese dishes at home.
• Delivery Services: The restaurant partners with third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub, making it possible for residents in Chicago and surrounding areas to have their orders delivered directly.

Cocoro Restaurant has several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for locals in Illinois seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience:

• Authentic Japanese Cuisine Beyond Sushi: This is Cocoro's most celebrated feature. Customers are "pleasantly surprised" by a menu that extends far "beyond the typical Americanized sushi offerings." This includes traditional dishes like Tonkatsu Curry, Saba Shioyaki, and various Donburi, which are praised for their genuine flavors and preparation.
• "Cozy and Home Style" Ambiance: Despite being a small establishment, the restaurant is described as feeling "cozy and home style," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This makes it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal, reminiscent of smaller, traditional eateries in Japan.
• High Quality and Fresh Ingredients: Patrons consistently note the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. For instance, the Tonkatsu is described as "very nice and crispy," and the sushi fish is noted for being "very fresh and not left over."
• Efficient Food Service: Even during busy periods, food is often served "super fast," with many dishes arriving within "5-10 minutes," which is a significant plus for diners.
• Long-Standing Reputation for Authenticity: Cocoro has been around for a long time, and its continued patronage by a significant number of "Asian customers" is often seen as a strong indicator of its authenticity compared to other Japanese restaurants.
• Diverse Menu Variety: The menu offers a wide range of choices, ensuring that there's something for every palate, whether you're craving sushi, a hearty curry, grilled fish, or traditional appetizers.
• Friendly and Attentive Service: While not universally highlighted, some reviews indicate that the service can be very good, with staff being attentive and helpful, contributing positively to the overall experience.

Cocoro Restaurant, known for its authentic, cozy atmosphere and extensive traditional menu, tends to focus more on the quality and breadth of its culinary offerings rather than frequent, flashy promotions. However, they do offer dining opportunities that can be considered special or provide value for locals in Illinois:

• Daily Lunch Specials: Cocoro offers a dedicated lunch menu from Monday to Friday (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM), which often features various set meals and rice bowls at more accessible price points compared to dinner. These can include Katsu Don, Oyako Don, Chicken Teriyaki, and Tempura, often served with miso soup and rice.
• Happy Hour Specials: While not explicitly detailed in recent reviews, traditional Japanese izakayas (which Cocoro embodies in spirit) often have happy hour offerings on drinks and small plates. It's worth checking directly with the restaurant for any current happy hour promotions on their sake, beer, or appetizer selections.
• Bento Box Combinations: Their menu includes various Bento Box combinations (e.g., Chicken Box, Salmon Box), which offer a balanced meal with multiple components (main protein, tempura, California roll, salad, miso soup, rice) at a set price, providing good value and variety in one go.
• Seasonal Dishes: Authentic Japanese restaurants often feature seasonal ingredients and dishes that are available for a limited time. While not a discount, these "Today's Special" or seasonal offerings provide unique culinary experiences that aren't always on the regular menu.
• Party Trays: For gatherings at home, Cocoro offers party trays of sushi and sashimi, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to serve authentic Japanese food for groups.

Given the traditional nature of Cocoro, specific promotions might not be widely advertised on large public platforms. For the most up-to-date information on any current specials, lunch deals, or unique offerings, locals in Illinois are encouraged to visit Cocoro's official website (if available), check their social media, or call them directly. This ensures you get the most accurate details for planning your visit.

For those in Illinois looking to experience the authentic Japanese flavors of Cocoro Restaurant, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 668 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 943-2220

Cocoro is open for lunch from Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and for dinner from Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays. It is advisable to call ahead, especially for dinner, to inquire about table availability, given its "small yet authentic" nature and consistent popularity among those seeking genuine Japanese cuisine.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago area, Cocoro Restaurant stands out as an excellent choice for a genuinely authentic Japanese dining experience, making it highly suitable for locals. Its location in River North provides convenient access within a bustling and popular city district. What truly sets Cocoro apart and makes it appealing to local palates is its deliberate move beyond "Americanized sushi offerings." Instead, it provides a deep dive into traditional Japanese comfort food, offering a wide array of dishes like crispy Tonkatsu Curry, flavorful Saba, and various rice bowls and noodle dishes that transport diners directly to Japan.

The "cozy and home style" ambiance contributes significantly to its charm, providing a welcoming and unpretentious environment where locals can relax and savor their meals. The consistent presence of "a lot of Asian customers" further reinforces its reputation for authenticity, a quality highly valued by those seeking genuine culinary experiences. Despite some mentions of a higher price point for regular visits, the overall experience is seen as positive, with dishes prepared with precision and served remarkably fast. For Illinois residents who appreciate quality ingredients, diverse traditional Japanese flavors, and a comfortable, unhurried atmosphere that feels truly "authentic," Cocoro Restaurant offers a compelling and satisfying choice that will undoubtedly become a favored spot for a taste of real Japan in Chicago.

Cocoro Restaurant

668 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA