First Look: Dae Gee Korean BBQ Sizzles on Colorado Boulevard

Dae Gee, which means "pig" in Korean, opened its first location in Westminster and has since gained a loyal following -- and even a 2014 Best of Denver award for Best Korean Restaurant. Owner Joseph Kim's second location is now grilling up marinated pork, beef and more in Congress Park...

By Westword Staff

September 19, 2014

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Dae Gee, which means "pig" in Korean, opened its first location in Westminster and has since gained a loyal following -- and even a 2014 Best of Denver award for Best Korean Restaurant. Owner Joseph Kim's second location is now grilling up marinated pork, beef and more in Congress Park. Photographer Danielle Lirette stopped by to snap some scenes of Dae Gee's hip decor and sizzling cuisine.

Although the restaurant has yet to install the in-table grills that allow guests to cook their own bulgogi and galbi, the kitchen is more than happy to do it for you. In addition to the sizzling platters of thin-cut meats, the menu offers an array of dumplings, Korean-style stews and bee bim bhop -- the classic beef and rice dish topped with a fried egg.

"We try to fuse American culture with the Korean palate," says Kim. A spread of banchan -- tiny plates of condiments that accompany the entrees -- shows a devotion to tradition cooking, while the t-shirted staff, the modern pig logo and the super-sized wall art give the place a hip vibe.

Continue on for more photos of Dae Gee...

Follow @CafeWestword

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.