Grace Youpel took a generous sip of Boba tea, also known as bubble tea and smiled widely. Boba tea is a Taiwanese drink made with tea, milk or fruit, and chewy tapioca balls. The tapioca balls, also known as boba, are the drink’s signature ingredient and also, Youpel’s favorite.
“I love the Boba!” Grace, 6, of Beverly, said on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 7, at Cheese Mate, a must-visit destination for Korean street food lovers like herself.
Located at 2941 W. 95th Street in Evergreen Park, the stylish eatery delivers unbeatable delicious treats, including crispy Korean hotdogs, golden fried chicken, and refreshing bubble tea — all served up with speed and simplicity. The ordering process is seamless, and the Instagram-worthy ambiance adds to the experience, making Cheese Mate not just a meal but a moment worth savoring.
“The kids had the day off of school and we wanted to do something different,” Grace’s mother, Colleen, said. “This is our first time here, but we visited a similar restaurant in Chinatown one day and we all loved it. When we saw Cheese Mate opened, we knew we had to try it. Everything is amazing.”
Owner Jeffrey Chen said he knew right away that Evergreen Park was the perfect place to introduce Cheese Mate.
“I saw Evergreen Park as the perfect location because of its vibrant community and growing food scene,” Chen, of Chicago, said. “I wanted to bring something new and exciting to the area, and Cheese Mate’s concept of Korean-style corn dogs, fried chicken, and bubble tea felt like a great fit for the neighborhood.”
The Korean hotdog, also called a Korean corn dog, has quickly become a fan favorite at Cheese Mate.
“Our Korean-style corn dogs are definitely the fan favorite,” Chen said. “What makes them special is the fully customizable experience. It’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.”
A popular street food in South Korea, Korean hotdogs take a twist on the classic American corn dog. Instead of a plain battered sausage, they are coated in a slightly sweet, chewy rice-flour or wheat-flour batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and rolled in a variety of toppings.
Cheese Mate offers 10 different coatings for their hotdogs, from birthday cake to hot Cheetos to potato crust, and three different fillings for the inside of the corn dog: 100% all-beef hot dog, whole mozzarella cheese, or half & half (hotdog and cheese).
Chen’s personal favorite is the hot Cheetos flavor at the restaurant that officially opened its doors on Jan. 3, marking its first-ever location.
“We’re excited to build our brand here and grow with the local community,” Chen said.
Beyond the food, Chen said it’s the people of Evergreen Park who have made the experience special.
“We’ve received such a warm welcome, and it’s great to see customers excited to try something new,” he said. “The support from the community has been incredible.”
What makes Cheese Mate distinctive, according to Chen, is its playful approach to street food.
“Our menu is a fresh take on street food, blending authentic Korean flavors with fun, modern twists,” he said. “Plus, our made-to-order corndogs allow customers to create their own personalized perfect bite.”
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, giving customers plenty of time to stop by for a snack or a full meal.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with the community, whether through local events, collaborations, or special promotions,” Chen said. “We appreciate everyone’s support and can’t wait to serve more amazing food.”
With its flavorful menu, welcoming atmosphere, and strong ties to the neighborhood, Cheese Mate is quickly becoming a staple in Evergreen Park’s food scene.
Even better, Chen has invited anyone to bring this article to the Cheese Mate to receive a free corndog of their choosing.
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