Iconic Korean Fried Chicken Joint Returns to Original Houston Museum District Spot

Houston's famed Dak & Bop Korean fried chicken joint is staging a homecoming. The beloved local eatery, helmed by restaurateur Jason Cho, announced its return to its original Museum District location at 1801 Binz St., almost a decade after it first opened its doors to the city's food enthusiasts. Known for its crispy, twice-fried chicken, Dak & Bop had bid farewell to this location amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, it's back where it started.

In a report by the Houston Chronicle, Jason Cho expressed his sentiments on the return, stating, "It's emotional for me because I never wanted to leave." He added, "How many people leave a spot and can come back to a spot? I feel fortunate and blessed to have a chance to come back to where it all started." The move is an unusual step in the restaurant industry, which sees its fair share of openings and closures but seldom witnesses a revival at an old haunt.

On the flip side, the North Houston outpost situated on W. 18th Street has shut down. With its eye-catching graffiti and a giant chicken statue, the Timbergrove branch was initially an extension of the Dak & Bop brand. However, the location closed on Dec. 31, as stated in a Chron article. The company took to social media, thanking its patrons for their unwavering support and hinting at the Museum District's anticipated opening.

The reopened joint will not just serve nostalgic favorites like kimchi fries and bao bun sliders; it will also offer a taste of traditional Korean fare, which includes dishes like braised chicken (jjimdak) and bo ssam (pork belly). Cho, who initially feared his creations were "too Korean" for the area's diverse patrons, now embraces his heritage cuisine boldly. "I can now showcase Korean food as it is," he told the Houston Chronicle. 

Apart from reviving Dak & Bop, Cho has been far from idle in recent years, juggling his upscale Korean steakhouse, Karne, in the Heights. He even snagged the title of Houston's chicken king at the Best Damn Fried Chicken contest, according to a same Chron report. As Dak & Bop's Museum District location