ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Ridgewood
Master Critic Review
Garlic to the Chicken
8.1
A Ridgewood counter spot built around Korean-style fried chicken and simple, repeatable combos—best when you order like a regular and keep it focused. The move is sauced wings plus one hearty rice-box lane, with fries as the only add-on that consistently travels well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy Wings, Beef Bulgogi Box, Seasoned Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Korean-style sauced fried chicken with reliable combo-box utility.
Who should go: Takeout loyalists and wing people
When to visit: Early dinner for fastest pickup
What to order: Soy wings, beef bulgogi box, seasoned fries
Insider tip: Choose one sauce lane for wings and skip extra sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on Forest Ave but gets tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Moderate but fast-paced; fine for quick conversation, not a linger spot.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; longer for takeout orders than dine-in.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides like fries or rice; not a strong vegetarian destination.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan mains; better to choose a different spot.
Gluten-free options: Limited—sauces and breading contain gluten; rice-based items without sauce may work but cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: Quick Korean fried chicken fixes, sauced wings, and dependable takeout combos.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full Korean menu, quieter dine-in experience, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.