"Spend your birthday ordering way too much at Daebak, a Korean BBQ spot in Chinatown. It has a fun industrial atmosphere with K-pop music videos projected all over the walls, and it works for a wide range of group sizes. The attentive servers are very good about turning your meat over the gas grill, which is a relief, because birthdays are no time to DIY. Get plenty of refills on the excellent banchan and don’t leave without ordering a kimchi pancake–maybe put a candle in it too." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor
"Also on the second floor of Chinatown Square is Daebak, a solid Korean barbecue spot. This place is only a few years old, and feels like it—it has an industrial atmosphere and K-pop music videos projected all over the walls. The attentive servers are very good about turning your meat over the gas grill and refilling your banchan—and refills are very important, because everything is fantastic. Don’t leave without ordering a kimchi pancake." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Welcome to the opposite of Perilla. Daebak is a loud, busy Korean barbecue spot in Chinatown that has an industrial atmosphere and K-pop music videos projected all over the walls. The attentive servers are very good about turning your meat over the gas grill (they do most of the cooking) and refilling your banchan—and refills are very important, because everything is fantastic. Don’t leave without ordering a kimchi pancake." - adrian kane, john ringor
"For years, Daebak has been a quality Korean barbecue in Chinatown with dependable service and a menu of classic marinated meats. The tradition has moved north with a second location in Wicker Park. From prime boneless short rib to tomahawk kalbi, there’s a variety of cuts to pick from. The conventional wisdom is to order from a set — beef and pork combos are available for big groups." - Ashok Selvam
"One of the best Korean barbecues in the city, with locations in Chinatown and Wicker Park, Daebak is known for its combos, giving customers an easier way of ordering. Don’t be afraid of going rogue and ordering kimchi stew or augmenting your order by adding on. They’re open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and Day at both locations." - Eater Staff