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Gol Tong Chicken
Master Critic Review
Gol Tong Chicken
8.6
Run single-handedly by former Korean horror film director Kil Chae Jeong, this quirky one-man operation delivers some of Koreatown's most unique fried chicken. Each made-to-order platter arrives topped with an unexpected rainbow of fresh fruits including pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, and kiwi, creating a visually stunning and surprisingly delicious combination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Director's Cut (All Three Flavors), Soy Garlic Chicken, Sweet Chili Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: One-man operation by a film director serving fruit-topped Korean fried chicken
Who should go: Adventure seekers and Korean fried chicken enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Director's Cut with all three sauces, boneless thigh meat
Insider tip: Be patient—everything is fried to order by the owner himself
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont/Olympic can be challenging. Small paid lot nearby on Vermont ($5-8). Arrive 10 minutes early to circle for spots.
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are. T-shirts, sweats totally fine. This is a no-frills counter-service spot.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - tiny space with minimal seating, easy conversation. Solo diners often work on laptops here.
Weekend wait: 20-35 min wait for food (everything fried to order). Space fills up fast, limited seating.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait for food, usually seats available immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - this is a fried chicken specialist. Literally only serves chicken.
Vegan options: No options - chicken-only menu with dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - chicken is breaded and fried. Cross-contamination likely in single-person kitchen. Not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates quirky, off-beat experiences. The fruit-topped chicken is a conversation starter, but it's casual counter service with minimal seating. Better for adventurous couples or a unique second/third date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's walk-in only. Seating is extremely limited (think 6-8 seats max), but turnover is decent since it's quick-service style. Go during off-peak hours (2-5pm) for best chance at a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, surprisingly great for kids. The colorful fruit presentation appeals to children, portions are generous, and the casual vibe means noise isn't an issue. Just manage expectations on the 20+ minute wait time for fresh-fried chicken.
Best For
Better for: Instagram-worthy presentation, truly unique flavor combinations, supporting a passionate solo entrepreneur, getting perfectly fresh fried-to-order chicken with a personal touch you won't find at chains. Also ideal for solo diners who want quality without the formality.
Skip if: You're in a rush (everything takes 20+ min), need vegetarian options, want traditional Korean fried chicken without fruit, prefer full-service dining with servers, or are dining with a large group (seating is very limited).