Dae Bak — Restaurant in Santa Clara

If you are not Korean or don’t have a Korean person in your group, don’t even come here. The staff is extremely racist. This was our second time here. The first time we had someone of Korean descent in our group and we had no problem. The staff were very nice and we had a great time. The second time here, we did not have anyone Korean with us. Instead we had a group comprised of Asian, south Asian and Caucasian. The staff was same as before. We walked in and we’re sat down but two members of our party was running late. There was only maybe two other tables filled in the restaurant at the time and one of the waitresses came over and took one of our chairs away and then asked if the rest of the group was coming or not. She spoke to us with an attitude but we kind of just shrugged it off as maybe she was having a bad day. But as the restaurant filled up, it was very very clear that both waitresses were very accommodating to the tables that had Korean customers. Throughout our stay at the restaurant, the waitress would come over and do some odd things. First she took away three of the spoons in our table even though we needed them. Then she came and took away the extra glasses we had so that one person in our group literally didn’t have a glass to drink with. We had barely finished eating when we were giving the check which had a 20% gratuity on it even though we were given attitudes the whole time and it was very evident they were being racist. After we signed the check, we were chatting and eating and the staff told us to leave because they needed the table. But strange thing is there were still some tables empty and there was a table behind us with some drunk people not asked to leave and they were of course Korean. We love Korean food and have never been experience this type of treatment at a restaurant before. The whole experience was extremely disappointing and we and everyone we know will never be...

I will not be going back to Dae Bak again for a long time. This used to be my go-to spot but things have changed. Yesterday, my friends and I decided we wanted some soju cocktail and fried chicken after we'd had lunch at Tong Soon Garden around 2pm. Inside there were only 2 booths occupied. The server (possibly the owner) seated us at a large table and spoke to me in Korean. All was well until we placed our order of one pineapple soju and one order of fried chicken. She tried to convince me that we should get another pineapple soju but I told her we'd start with one. Then she commented that had she'd know we weren't eating meals, she wouldn't have seated us there. So then I asked her if she'd like us to move elsewhere and she told us it was fine. I thought it was the end of that until she brought us the pineapple soju. In Korean with a sly smile on her face, she discreetly told me that we should go to a cafe next time and that Daebak was a restaurant. I would totally understand her reasoning if the place was packed but we were providing her with business. But that wasn't the end, when she brought us the fried chicken, she started to say something again in Korean but this time I told her to say it in English so everyone could understand. She said that there was usually a service fee for parties of 5 or more but she wouldn't charge it this time (there were 5 of us). I thought this was ridiculous because this notice wasn't posted anywhere and it's usually for parties for 8 or more. If the server/owner were nicer, I believe we would've ordered another pineapple soju and fried chicken (because they were both delicious) had she not dampened the mood. I hope good customer service returns back...

It's been awhile since I've been to my fav Korean comfort food late night hangout. I'm not sure why such low stars as I have not witnessed any issues with food quality and service. On busy nights ..yes you will need to sign in and get on a list and wait but Dae Bak is one of those places open past midnight (2am) that has great food and fun Korean vibes .

Bulgogi 5/5: Super moist , they don't go over board with onions or try to add cabbage fillers like other Korean joints. Expertly marinated and flowing with juices you can spoon over rice and eat w Bulgogi..just ..Yum!

Garlic fries 5/5 : Freshly minced garlic on top of fresh made fries..never once disappointed.

Cheesy corn: 5/5 : Served in a hot skillet plate. I'm not sure when cheese made it into Korean dishes but this is one I usually order when I come here . Dish is melted white cheese over corn. I'm guessing it mozzarella but never confirmed.

Watermelon soju 5/5 : Still one of my favs..they don't use the dry ice anymore in favor of sparklers..cool presentation to impress your guests/date. It's fresh watermelon juice mixed with soju. Refreshing and not too alochol-y in taste.

Interior: Simple cozy booth seating and tables/chairs scattered. String lights and screens playing kpop latest hits . There alot of big groups that come here to hangout w friends or celebrate special occasions.

Vibe : This is a high energy crowd. It's super busy at night , soju is flowing .. Korean music is pumping with a lot of friendly chatter. Just a cool experience and highly recommend!

*Tip: you don't need to be Korean to get good service. Don't be shy and raise your hand to get the attention of a server ..they will...