Chris W.
Yelp
BB.Q is a rapidly growing Korean fried chicken chain featured quite prominently in K-dramas and anywhere sizable Asian populations are found - in this case, on Westheimer between Westchase, the Galleria, and Chinatown. I believe my first experience with the chain was on a visit to South Korea in 2016; though I can't remember the storefront's name, the distinct quirk of frying their birds in olive oil makes me think here and there were one and the same.
Take-out: In December, we swung by to pick up the half & half golden original and secret spicy combo, along with a side order of spicy tteokbokki. On first impression, the packaging was thoughtful and the food was still warm, though the size of the chicken seemed a little small. Its petite appearance belied an amazing flavor, juicy & fried deftly, as good as takeout chicken could be. The fiery rice cakes were a suitable side standing up to poultry perfection. I resolved to come back once in-person dining was available - I could not in good conscience leave a take-out only review!
Dine-in: More recently our bubble was craving KFC and found the time to try BB.Q in person. Having poorly planned for Houston traffic, I told my friends to order ahead without me so they wouldn't have to wait even longer for their dinner. I sat down to three baskets of pristine, crackly bone-in pieces and wings, which surpassed even my initial expectations. The food was screaming hot, yet lacking any feeling of greasiness or heaviness. My friend J. remarked that the sauces stuck well to the skin, which in turn stuck well to the meat, ensuring a cohesive mix of each layer with every bite. The favorite among us was the soy garlic flavor, though none disappointed. Do note that most of the "cool" flavors (e.g. honey garlic, Gangnam, and cheesling) are only available for wings or boneless preparations, and not the split whole chicken.
Parking in the strip mall is a piece of cake, and until Bonchon opens in Midtown it'll be the closest KFC spot for me. I'll definitely be back to try the lunch specials and maybe sample all the wing flavors!