0 Followers
Kyochon Chicken
Master Critic Review
Kyochon Chicken
8.2
Part of a respected Korean chain founded in 1991, this Koreatown location serves antibiotic-free chicken with a signature double-frying technique that delivers exceptional crunch. The soy garlic flavor remains a perennial favorite, though recent ownership changes have led to some inconsistency concerns from longtime customers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy Garlic Wings, Honey Wings, Black Secret Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Established Korean chain with 30+ years of fried chicken expertise
Who should go: Families and groups seeking reliable Korean fried chicken
When to visit: Late night hours available, private lot parking convenient
What to order: Soy garlic wings, honey wings, and potato wedges combo
Insider tip: The honey flavor has cult following among regulars
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot available - rare convenience for Koreatown, street parking also doable
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are, athletic wear common
Noise level: Moderate to lively - groups get animated but conversation flows fine
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical, faster turnover than sit-down spots
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, in and out quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - fries and potato wedges only, this is a chicken house
Vegan options: Essentially no options - sides may have dairy/eggs
Gluten-free options: Very limited - fried chicken uses wheat coating, some plain sides possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both casual food lovers who bond over eating with your hands - the messy, finger-licking nature makes it better for 2nd-3rd dates when you're comfortable together
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Expect 15-30 min waits on weekend evenings, but turnover is steady since it's counter-service style
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the crispy chicken and sweet sauces, high chairs available, casual atmosphere means noise isn't an issue. The potato wedges are a great kid side
How does this compare to BBQ Chicken or Bonchon? Kyochon pioneered the double-frying technique all these chains use. The soy garlic here is the original, though post-ownership change some say Bonchon edges them out on consistency
What's the best value order? Combo deals pairing wings with potato wedges or fries give you the most bang - sharing family-sized orders makes it very reasonable at ~$15-20 per person
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting authentic Korean fried chicken heritage with convenient parking and late hours - the soy garlic and honey flavors here set the standard that others copy
Skip if: You want trendy ambiance or craft beer selection - this is straightforward counter-service focused purely on the chicken, or if you're seeking cutting-edge Korean fried chicken innovation (newer spots experiment more)