Loyolans flock to Dak, a new Korean wing restaurant

By Cheryl Hwang

Loyola University Chicago students are flocking to Dak,  a new restaurant specializing in jumbo size Korean wings that recently opened near the school’s Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park.

Dak, which translates to “chicken” in Korean, is a Korean counter service restaurant that specializes in traditional KFC (Korean double fried chicken) wings, which is extremely popular in Seoul, Korea, and other street foods of Korea.  The restaurant at 1104 W. Granville Ave. uses hormone and antibiotic free chickens, top quality ribeye steak for Bulgogi, and no MSG.

“There’s a new player on the Korean chicken wing circuit – and their versions are among the best in town,” Chicago’s Hungry Hound said comparing Dak to Crisp, a Korean wing joint in the Lake View neighborhood.

Named top five wings in Chicago by Yahoo and featured on ABC7 News, Dak has received positive reviews from customers.

“These wings are unreal. First, they are enormous. Second, they are fried to be crispy on the outside but still moist and delicious on the inside. The steam that emerges from these after that first bite can attest to the moisture content.” Chelsea D. a Yelp reviewer said.

Dak has had many regular customers, some even coming in three to four times a week.

“I dream about [the wings] and wake up chewing. This is embarrassing.” Tonya T a Yelp reviewer said.

Fellow Loyola students seem to agree, some of them are already regulars.

“The food is awesome.  I think it’s healthy and I would always recommend healthy eats to others. It’s authentic Korean food.  I definitely recommend to any Loyola student.” Tina Nam, 19, a Korean English major said.

Not just the quality of food caught the Loyola students’ eyes at the restaurant.

“They give huge portions and the place is clean and simple.  I like simplicity.  The staff is helpful and approachable.  They also bring out the food for you… The biggest setback is how small it is.  You can’t have big groups.” Mackenzie Jennings, 20, nursing major said.

Daniel Ju, 30, owner and president of the family owned Dak, takes pride in his customer’s reviews and criticisms than those of media outlets. He also takes pride in making food that is made to order, the great service, and simply good food.

“My family and I have been in the restaurant industry for a while but we wanted to create and share our recipes and tastes with the masses in a way Korean food should be made. No fusion at Dak. Just good home Seoul Korean cooking,” Ju said.

There are many Korean wing joints in Chicago, but Dak promises genuine Korean food from the heart.

“We put a huge emphasis on quality of our food along with quality of our service.  Our food is simply put, no frills just good Korean cooking.  Korean food is now mainstream in most metropolitan cities and Dak will continue to stick to its integrity of no compromise of just good food that happens to be Korean,” Ju said.

When asked what Loyola students should expect, Ju was modest.

“Loyola students can expect good Korean comfort cooking by a family owned an operated restaurant.  We appreciate their patronage even though we view ourselves as a community restaurant than a campus eatery,” Ju said.