Zhen C.
Yelp
History of Present Indulgence:
Roaming the streets of AdMo with my wife and a few friends and that sweet sweet craving Korean Fried Chicken, AKA the better KFC, hit deep.
Physical Exam:
Taste - The fried chicken itself was a bangin 10 out of 10. We got the sweet & spicy one but there are a couple sauce options and I'm dying to go back to try them all, especially the BUL one that allegedly will "fire in my mouth." The Kimchi pancake wasn't my favorite. Taste was a bit bland, not enough kimchi, and the texture was a lot doughier than I would've liked. Rest of our party of 5 agreed with that too. The Japchae was also a very okay version. A bit heavy on the sesame oil, under-seasoned, and in a pool of too much liquid. It works as a side if you're looking to have some noodles to accompany the meal. The corn cheese was basically just that. Buttery corn and melty mozzarella that was a nice side but nothing to write to your Korean grandmother about. Ending on a good note though, the Bulgogi Ssam was hearty plate of beef with that sweet, savory taste you look for in a Kbbq dish.
Service - It was as good as it can get for a place as busy as they were with only 1-2 servers managing everyone. We did have an order forgotten and our drinks took awhile to come out, but they were definitely working at max capacity.
Environment - Crowded and loud, but only because they're popular. It's not the biggest space and they really pack the sardines in the can there if you know what I mean. The atmosphere is fitting for small and medium-sized groups, hanging out with friends, and dining solo too at the bar seating. It's not a quiet, intimate date spot, but it's the type of place you come for the food.
Assessment/Plan:
Am I absolutely in love with this place and telling all my friends who like Korean food they HAVE to come here? Nah.
Was the KFC the exact thing I was looking for, and if I'm craving again would come back? 1000%.
Was the service amazing? Not exactly.
But was pounding down somaek (mixing soju and beer) with my friends over decent food a great way to spend a Friday night? You bet your ass it was.
Is this one of the most mixed reviews I've ever written? Sort of.
Am I gonna stop asking questions? Yes, but only after this next one because I think it's the important one if you've made it this far.
Should you come here and try it out yourself? YES.