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Pelicana Chicken

621 S Western Ave #116, Los Angeles, CA 90005
$$
Korean, Chicken Wings, Korean, Wings

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Pelicana Chicken 8.2
Koreatown
South Korean franchise serving double-fried wings with ultra-crispy texture and authentic sauces inside Madang Mall. The chain's specialty since 1982 involves precise frying techniques that create a distinctively crunchy exterior while keeping meat juicy, with standout flavors like smoky hot and original that draw steady crowds of Korean fried chicken enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes: Original Wings, Smoky Hot Wings, Crispy Boneless Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: South Korean chain's time-tested double-frying technique creates exceptionally crispy wings
Who should go: Korean fried chicken fans seeking authentic franchise quality
When to visit: Lunch or dinner, avoid Friday/Saturday peak hours
What to order: Original wings, smoky hot flavor, ddukbokki side
Insider tip: Parking validation available in Madang Mall lot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validation in Madang Mall lot - bring ticket inside, street parking also available
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, mall food court setting
Noise level: Moderate to loud - bustling mall environment but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 15-25 min during Friday/Saturday peak (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - order at counter and grab a table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - ddukbokki and sides available, but wings are the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - may find 1-2 rice cake or veggie side options
Gluten-free options: No - wings are breaded and fried, cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Casual first date yes, romantic dinner no - it's a lively mall food court with shared tables and finger food. Great for relaxed, fun vibes where you can bond over crispy wings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - no reservations needed. Order at counter, find seating in shared mall space. Weekday visits are easiest; Friday/Saturday expect 15-25 min wait during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual mall setting, shareable wings, familiar fried chicken appeal. High chairs available, and kids love the crispy texture. Just note spicy flavors run hot.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Korean double-fried technique at franchise consistency - better crunch-to-juice ratio than American wing chains, more affordable than upscale K-chicken spots, reliable quality backed by 40+ year Korean heritage
Skip if: You want sit-down restaurant service, quiet ambiance for conversation, creative fusion flavors, or sauce variety beyond Korean classics - try BBQ chicken spots or American wing restaurants instead
Pelicana Chicken 7.7
Koreatown
South Korean fried chicken franchise at Madang Mall delivers crispy double-fried wings with multiple sauce options including honey soy and smoky hot. Attentive service and big-screen TVs create casual atmosphere while shaken fries evoke nostalgic Korean fast-food flavors.
Must-Try Dishes: Original fried chicken, Honey soy wings, Smoky hot boneless chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Korean chain bringing Seoul's double-fried chicken tradition to LA
Who should go: KFC enthusiasts and groups watching sports with beer
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays or game nights on weekends
What to order: 18-piece original wings, honey soy sauce, shaken fries
Insider tip: Even mild spice has kick; order pickled radish to cool down
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Madang Mall shared lot - free parking with validation, usually spots available but can fill up weekend evenings
Dress code: Ultra casual - athletic wear and hoodies totally fine, it's a sports bar vibe
Noise level: Loud when games are on - TVs blasting, groups cheering, not ideal for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 15-20 min during big games, otherwise seats usually available
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - corn, pickled radish, shaken fries (check frying oil)
Vegan options: Essentially none - this is a fried chicken spot
Gluten-free options: No - double-fried batter is the whole point, celiac sufferers should skip
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love fried chicken and watching sports - it's loud, casual, and you'll smell like chicken after. Better for 3rd date or group hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Just walk in - worst case you wait 20 minutes during weekend prime time or big playoff games.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids love fried chicken, there's mild options, and the sports bar chaos means no one cares if they're loud. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Korean double-fry technique and variety of sauces beat generic American wing chains - this is the real Seoul street food experience with actual crunch
Skip if: You want romantic ambiance, quiet conversation, or healthy options - hit up a KBBQ spot or upscale Korean instead