Welcome to The K-Town Report, a regular feature that explores the action-packed Koreatown scene, where restaurants live and die by word of mouth. Here now, some of the latest openings and closures around town, with locations pinpointed by intersection.
[Inside Bak Kung 2 Korean BBQ, Koreatown]
3RD AND VERMONT— The barbecue game never ceases to grow in Koreatown, especially with the latest expansion by Arlington Heights-based Bak Kung, which doubled over to the corner of Third and Vermont. As of mid-March, Bak Kung has moved into the old Soot Bul Gui Rim spot. Located next to a bunch of other Southeast Asian restaurants and dingy slots in a sizable strip mall, Bak Kung is offering a sweet $11.99 lunchtime all-you-can-eat, as well as three other tiers of unlimited meat madness. 233 S Vermont Ave.
2ND AND WESTERN— Biergarten has plans to stretch its current beer and soju selection to include full liquor. Owner Neil Kwon is close to obtaining a 47 license that would allow him to serve a tightly curated list of Scotch and Japanese whiskies. He's also planning a remodel of the front bar to accommodate the upgrade. 206 N Western Ave.
6TH AND NORMANDIE— The former San Dong Won Chinese restaurant has been replaced by Shin Chon Hal Mae, a ddukboki specialist. For those unfamiliar with the after-school or late night snack, ddukboki is spicy rice cakes often served from street carts in Korea. Other dishes at Shin Chon Hal Mae include sushi-like kimbap rolls, dumplings, and fried fish cakes. 3603 W 6th St.
5TH AND WESTERN— The acai bowl trend is trickling into Koreatown, this time with Ubatuba Açai, which mixes up fruit bowls, smoothies, and even empanadas for a tasty mid-morning or afternoon snack. 549 S Western Ave.
·All Koreatown Coverage [~ELA~]
