You don't judge a book by its cover, nor should you judge a restaurant by its name. But when two international restaurants with eerily identical names both open in the Dallas area within the same week, it calls for a this-versus-that comparison of what the two concepts represent.
We bring you Chi Chi versus Chocho:
Chi Chi Young Dabang
Korean gaming bar & karaoke experience is now open in Carrollton, at 3044 Old Denton Rd. #131, in the former Merkado Tex-Mex.
Chi Chi was founded in 2011 in the bustling nightlife district of Hongdae, Seoul. The goal was to create a bar that stood out from other pubs in the area. Instead of focusing solely on drinks, Chi Chi integrated gourmet small-plate dining, engaging entertainment, and a lively social environment.
In 2023, they opened their first U.S. location in Los Angeles, and now they're debuting in Dallas.
Chi Chi describes itself as an immersive social experience with food, drinks, and interactive entertainment. Chi Chi has gained popularity for its unique approach to nightlife, offering a combination of Korean cuisine, club ambiance, and a state-of-the-art digital entertainment system.
Each table is equipped with a tablet, allowing guests to order food and drinks, play games, chat with other tables, and win prizes. This innovative system transforms a typical night out into an interactive and unforgettable experience.
Their signature dish is Korean fried chicken and soju cocktails, combined with private karaoke rooms, and retro and modern Games.
Chocho Hot Pot
New all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant is now open in Frisco at 8250 Gaylord Pkwy. #5, in the former Irish Rover Pub.
Chocho is a sibling to The Dolar Shop, an international hot pot chain with locations in New York, Seattle, British Columbia, Canada, and Australia. The two concepts both do hot pot, with a modern, indulgent spin, in a classy setting.
Chocho debuted in Vancouver in 2023, and has two locations in British Columbia. plus a third location in the U.S., in the Houston area in Katy where it opened in June 2025.
Diners get their own personal hot pot, and can select ingredients from a rotating buffet with more than 50 items including vegetables, seafood, pulled noodles, and sauces. A dozen meat options include as ribeye and pork belly, plus vegan fish cake. You also choose your broth from a selection of 10 that includes pork, spicy Sichuan, sukiyaki, tom yum, mushroom, and tomato vegan.
One cool thing is that the pricing changes depending on time: Regular pricing is $49 per person, but it drops to $40 after 9 pm.
Another cool thing is that, if you order their "premium" all you can eat, they'll charge for leftovers.
