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Crisp
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Crisp
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Crisp is a counter-service Korean fried chicken shop in Lakeview East where jumbo Seoul Sassy wings, Buddha Bowls, and kimchi sides draw a constant local crowd. Thousands of reviews over many years make it the neighborhood’s most proven Korean option for both delivery and dine-in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seoul Sassy Wings, Buddha Bowl, Chi-Town Chicken Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume Korean fried chicken shop where bowls and jumbo wings dominate.
Who should go: Wing obsessives and groups craving fast, flavorful Korean chicken.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the fryers and dining room buzz.
What to order: Seoul Sassy wings, Buddha Bowl, Chi-Town Chicken Bowl.
Insider tip: Add an extra side of kimchi and sauce to stretch leftovers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway with limited availability at peak hours; nearby residential streets may have permit restrictions in the evening.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service spot where jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — order counter and dine-in chatter can be busy during rushes, but short conversations are still workable.
Weekend wait: 10–30 minutes depending on delivery volume and dine-in traffic; lines can spike during prime game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, aside from brief lunch rush surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several bowls and sides can be built vegetarian, especially Buddha Bowl variations.
Vegan options: Limited — some bowls and sides can be customized, but most core items are chicken-focused.
Gluten-free options: Partial — a few bowls can be tweaked, but sauces and fryers are not guaranteed gluten-free; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a romantic first date — counter service, shared wings, and a lively room keep it informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in and counter-service only. Seating turns over fairly quickly, but expect short waits during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common and portions are shareable; just note that seating is compact and the room can feel busy during rush periods.
Best For
Better for: Crispy Korean fried chicken with consistent flavors, large-format wings, and reliable takeout/delivery performance.
Skip if: You want a quiet, full-service Korean restaurant, an extended sit-down meal, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Crisp
8.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Crisp is a Lakeview East counter-service spot dedicated to Korean fried chicken, especially whole wings fried to an ultra-crisp shatter and glossed in sauces like Seoul Sassy. Most orders are wings and Buddha bowls, with quick service and a small communal dining area that rewards eating them straight out of the fryer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seoul Sassy whole wings, BBQ fried chicken wings, Original Korean fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Korean whole wings fried incredibly crisp and glazed to order.
Who should go: Wing obsessives craving Korean-style sauces and crisp whole wings.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when fresh-fried wings turn over fastest.
What to order: Seoul Sassy wings, half-and-half BBQ mix, original Korean fried chicken.
Insider tip: Ask for whole wings extra crispy and dine in for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; metered and can be tight during dinner rush, easier earlier in the day
Dress code: Casual — counter-service spot where jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are standard
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; fine for quick conversation but not linger-and-chat dining
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes from order to food during peak hours; short line at the counter is common
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; food comes out quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — Buddha bowls and salads can be built vegetarian; sauces may contain honey or dairy depending on choice
Vegan options: Limited — customizable bowls can be made vegan, but most signature chicken items are not
Gluten-free options: Limited — fried chicken is not gluten-free and sauces may contain soy/wheat; bowls without fried items are the safest option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meetup than a formal first date — it’s counter-service, seating is tight, and wings are messy but excellent if you’re both into great food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served with quick turnover; dining in is easiest outside of peak weekend evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like wings and casual spots; space is small and can be crowded, with limited stroller room and no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-crisp Korean whole wings served straight from the fryer, fast counter-service meals, and strong value for generous portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down restaurant with spacious seating, gluten-free fried options, or a more polished date-night setting.