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Holdaak Fried Chicken - Highland Park
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Holdaak Fried Chicken - Highland Park
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
HOLDAAK’s Highland Park outpost is a counter-service Korean fried chicken specialist where crisp double-fried wings and spicy sandwiches lead the menu. With combo boxes that hover around ten dollars, it’s one of the best value plays in the area for serious wing cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
20 PCS Wings (Spicy or Caramel Soy), Spicy Holdaak Chicken Sandwich, Five-Piece Spicy Chicken Tender Box with Fries
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Double-fried Korean wings and combos deliver big crunch and flavor for surprisingly low prices.
Who should go: Takeout-focused wing fans and budget-minded locals.
When to visit: Midday or early evening to avoid delivery rushes.
What to order: 20-piece mixed-flavor wings, Spicy Holdaak Chicken Sandwich, spicy tender box.
Insider tip: Call in or order online for pickup—then eat at nearby York Boulevard parklets if the small indoor space is packed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd and side streets; usually easy before 6pm but can get tight during peak dinner hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Super casual—tees, hoodies, and whatever you wore to run errands all fly.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a small counter-service spot where you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for food during rushes, especially if delivery orders are stacked.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food comes out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—primarily sides like fries or pickled radish.
Vegan options: Essentially none besides basic sides; fried chicken is the star here.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal; wings and tenders are battered, and fryers are shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, messy, comfort-food hangs. It’s more ‘fun and chill’ than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is limited, so consider takeout if the small dine-in area is full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like fried chicken. No dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs, but it’s casual enough for families.
Best For
Better for: Crispy double-fried wings, spicy sandwiches, and excellent value—few competitors match the price-to-crunch ratio.
Skip if: You need a full-service meal, spacious seating, vegan options, or a quiet place to linger.
Holdaak Fried Chicken - Highland Park
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This Korean fried chicken specialist brings double-fried wings, tenders, and sandwiches to a tight counter space on York. Portions are hearty, sauces run from sweet to Seoul-spicy, and the pricing makes it an easy neighborhood go-to for takeout wings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Chicken Sandwich, Seoul Spicy Chicken Tenders Combo, 20 PCS Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Korean double-fried chicken with bold sauces in a compact counter spot.
Who should go: Fried chicken fans craving quick, saucy takeout on York.
When to visit: Weeknights before the dinner rush to avoid long takeout lines.
What to order: Original chicken sandwich, Seoul spicy tenders combo, 20-piece wings.
Insider tip: Ask for extra pickled daikon and sauce on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on York is the main option; it’s generally manageable before 6pm but can get tight during peak dinner hours and weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual — tees, jeans, gym clothes, anything goes.
Noise level: Moderate — it’s a small counter-service spot with steady foot traffic, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for food after ordering; expect a short line during primetime.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, orders come out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — mainly sides like fries, pickled daikon, or slaw.
Vegan options: Not really — most fried items contain dairy or egg in the batter.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — the chicken is not gluten-free, and there’s no separate fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your ideal first date is casual, quick, and centered around messy, delicious fried chicken. It’s tasty but not a romantic sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating. Most people take their food to go, so small parties can often grab a spot if you’re patient.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — the food is mild to spicy depending on what you order, and kids often like the tenders. Just note there’s limited seating and no changing tables.
Best For
Better for: Punchier Korean-style sauces, crispier double-fried texture, and lower prices than many wings spots nearby.
Skip if: You need a full-service dine-in experience, broad dietary accommodations, or a quieter, more linger-friendly environment.
Holdaak Fried Chicken - Highland Park
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Holdaak’s Highland Park outpost focuses on ultra-crispy Korean-style fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings with punchy sauces and excellent fries. It’s a counter-service spot popular with locals and nearby students for fast, filling meals that stay under the $15 mark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy fried chicken sandwich, Five-piece spicy chicken tender box with fries, Soy garlic wings
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Crispy, juicy Korean fried chicken with standout sauces at everyday prices.
Who should go: Fried chicken obsessives and budget-minded lunch regulars.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quickest service and freshest fry batches.
What to order: Spicy sandwich combo, tender box, waffle fries with extra sauce.
Insider tip: Ask for sauces on the side to keep the chicken ultra-crispy on takeout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally easy on side streets before 6pm, slightly tougher during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Super casual—hoodies, tees, and post-gym fits all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate—mostly kitchen sizzle and quick chatter; easy enough to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on student rush and takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited—mostly sides like waffle fries and slaws.
Vegan options: Not recommended—no vegan mains and sauces often contain dairy or egg.
Gluten-free options: Limited—fried chicken uses wheat flour; fries are gluten-friendly but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, messy, comfort-food energy. It’s more ‘fun and loud flavor’ than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in and counter-service. Seating is limited but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like fried chicken. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable and service is quick.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-crispy Korean-style fried chicken sandwiches at an unbeatable price; great for fast solo meals and reliable takeout.
Skip if: You want sit-down dining, expansive menus, vegetarian options, or a quieter, lingering meal.