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312 Eats
Lincoln Square · Korean · $$

Dancen

4.5449 reviews ·Opens at 5 tomorrow
This hidden gem is a real treat for Korean food lovers
PjPj · 136 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Dancen — clean, consistent korean in Lincoln Square. Order the Fire Chicken. Modern space that photographs well but eats even better. [$$]

What 449 diners keep saying

RomanticCozyTrendyGreat cocktailsQuick biteHidden gem
Plan your visit
5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Lincoln Square
TodayClosed
Sun–Mon5PM-12AM
TueClosed
Wed–Thu5PM-12AM
Fri–Sat5PM-1AM
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What 449 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Joerge “Wiggly Sue” Jaemes
Jun 2026

I would literally die for these people. perfect restaurant

Joerge “Wiggly Sue” Jaemes

Joerge “Wiggly Sue” Jaemes

6 reviews on Google

Review photo by Minjin Kim
May 2026

This was honestly the best chicken feet I’ve had in Chicago! The flavor was so good that I know I’ll keep coming back just for the 숯불닭발 alone. We also ordered the clam soup, and the spicy yet refreshing broth was absolutely amazing. If you add udon noodles to the soup, it takes it to another level! 👍👍 The owner was incredibly kind, and the service was fast and attentive throughout the whole meal. Every visit here has been a great experience. Highly recommend!🔥👍

Minjin Kim

Minjin Kim

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jinyoung Jeong
May 2026

오랜만에 갔는데 역시 돼지껍데기는 시카고 최고예요.너무 맛있었습니다!!!!!! 골뱅이 무침도 자극적이지않고 하이볼에 딱맞는 조합이였어요.사장님도 너무 친절하시니 또 생각날것 같네염ㅋㅋㅋ 번창하세요!!!!!

Jinyoung Jeong

Jinyoung Jeong

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by M L.
Apr 2026

Love the fried pork skin, fired chicken is so good with the charcoal note, magelli cocktail is perfect, seafood pancake also great

M L.

M L.

243 reviews on Google

Review photo by Rebecca Swisher
Mar 2026

We visited Dancen on a Saturday night and it was super busy but we got seated at the bar immediately! Got a front row view to the grill and service was great. It was our first time here and we were blown away by the food - everything had so much flavor and want too spicy. Truly incredible, every dish was amazing. We got the fire chicken with cheese, spicy rice cakes, spicy pork skin, and the seafood pancake. The pancake was our favorite but you truly can’t go wrong. Will definitely be back!!

Rebecca Swisher

Rebecca Swisher

26 reviews on Google

Review photo by Aaron Dodson
Dec 2025

Amazing little place. I normally would have thought they were closed just on the outward appearance. But a friend of mind said we should go there. The Spicy chicken buldak w/cheese was my favorite. However the Spicy BBQ pork ribs were also extremely good. I could also have eaten probably 3 plates of the Tteokbokki if given the opportunity. Also give the chicken kabob a shot if you just want a little bit more without ordering another entree. We arrived at 5, right when they open. And almost immediately after we ordered this place became PACKED!. So plan ahead, this is a popular place. The atmosphere was interesting. They play K-pol on a TV and on a projector, and the lighting is kept very low. But it adds something to the experience that felt very cozy. When we went, they were only accepting cash and zelle, so keep that in mind. Cannot wait to go again because next time I'm going for the Budae-jjigae.

Aaron Dodson

Aaron Dodson

66 reviews on Google

Review photo by Daisy C
Sep 2025

If you want to experience truly authentic Korean food, this is the place to go! Every dish tastes just like it’s straight from Korea so flavorful and comforting. The staff are incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough it’s hands down one of the best Korean spots I’ve ever been to!

Daisy C

Daisy C

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Nancy M
Mar 2025

Food is always amazing here and service is great. Favorite dishes are the kimchi pancake and sweet marinaded pork rib. The fire chicken with cheese is also delicious and the rice balls help combat the heat. Portions are more than enough for two people, with leftovers.

Nancy M

Nancy M

45 reviews on Google

Review photo by Michael
Mar 2025

It's really good. Really good. They cater to those in the know, which seems odd for a place with such great food. But the whole menu is fantastic. If they moved to the heart of Lincoln Square, you'd never get in. It's that great.

Michael

Michael

60 reviews on Google

Review photo by Gianne L
Feb 2025

I enjoyed it here 👌🏼good food and vibes

Gianne L

Gianne L

64 reviews on Google

Review photo by Maggie Delaney
Jan 2025

Love this place. Perfect for when it’s cold out and you want hot delicious food. No reservations so I always recommend getting here when it opens if you have a larger group. I think 5 people would be the limit for the tables inside! 4 was absolutely perfect though with having enough room on the table and getting enough of shared dishes. The soju slushies that come in a pitcher are so fun, we like to do the strawberry flavor. Great to share!! We ordered the pork skins (which are a must….. SO flavorful and juicy), the seasoned rice balls we’re nice to offset all the saltiness and spiciness (you put on plastic gloves to mix up the rice and seasoning), the army stew (sooooo cozy, full of Kim chi, tofu, spam, hot dogs, and ramen WOW), and my favorite was the fire chicken with cheese. The flavor on the chicken is so incredible and who doesn’t love cheese????? All in all great cozy meal, at the end you can go up to the counter to grab your bill when it’s busy. And enjoy fun k-pop videos playing on the walls!

Maggie Delaney

Maggie Delaney

34 reviews on Google

Review photo by Summer C
Dec 2024

시카고, 서버브 통틀어서 제일 맛있는 술집 껍데기, 양념껍데기, 떡볶이, 불닭 맛이 없는게 없어요 나의 십년 추억이 살아있는 곳

Summer C

Summer C

4 reviews on Google

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