chimmelier

Stopped by for an elite event to try the K Chicken Sandwich combo and had a great first visit! I got the calamansi spicy water, seasoned fries, and of course, the k chicken sandwich. Chris, the manager, took our order and gave us the full menu rundown. He is super friendly and helpful! Great customer service, that really stood out! The chicken was fried and well-seasoned, but personally I could have used some sauce and heat to bring it to life. Still tasty though. And my wife made a comment that the fries tasted like Voodoo Chips. Now, we love those chips, so this was a bang! All around, it was a solid first visit. The Buldak Chicken Burger and those spicy dry rub wings are calling my name. Looking forward to coming back and giving this spot a full try before giving my final verdict. So far, so good! Great vibes and solid service all around!

had the seasoned fries and the Buldak chicken burger. Not only is the Buldak sauce on the burger taste amazing (perfect amount of spice for the Buldak label!), but also the sauce is made in house. The chicken itself is great as well.

We really enjoyed our Jr chicken burger with seasoned fries and our single burger with caramelized onions, lettuce and cheese. It was a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon! We enjoyed the tteokboki, but not sure we'd order again since you can get a burger for the same price! Portions are generous and good value, highly recommend a visit when you're in the area. Free metered parking on Sunday.

The fried chicken is really good in all its forms, but big warning on the Buldak Ramen. I thought as a Korean American who grew up with spicy Tex Mex and loves eating Thai food I thought I could handle anything, but damn this place does NOT mess around, that buldak ramen is the spiciest thing I’ve eaten in the Bay Area, completely exhausting but also amazing. Way spicier than the buldak instant ramen you can buy in stores. Buyer beware!

팝콘치킨(허니버터맛), 오리지널 윙 8조각, 콘치즈, 무피클을 주문했습니다. 윙과 무피클은 맛있었으나, 가격에 비해 무피클 양이 너무 적어 아쉬웠습니다. 팝콘치킨은 단맛만 강해 입맛에 맞지 않았고, 바닥에 흥건한 기름으로 조금만 먹어도 느끼하게 느껴졌습니다. 가장 아쉬웠던 건 콘치즈였습니다. 건파슬리 맛 외엔 풍미가 없었고, 먹성 좋은 남편조차 거의 먹지 못해 결국 전부 버렸습니다. 시작 단계이신 것 같아 별점은 네개 드렸습니다. 다만, 개선의 여지는 있다고 생각되어 조심스럽게 의견 남깁니다.

My brother goes, "There's this popular Korean fried chicken spot from L.A. that just opened in Berkeley--it's called Chimmelier. (1823 Solano Ave) Let's try it!" And honestly? So glad we did. The star of the show? That CRUNCH. We're talking next-level crispy--like, shatter-in-your-mouth perfection that gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken. That was a damn good crunch. You can go for their signature fried chicken burgers (highly recommend), or keep it simple with popcorn chicken (kids loved it) and seasoned fries. Either way, you're winning. The service was top notch, they gave my nieces coloring pages and even put their favorite cartoon Daniel Tiger on their enormous flat screen tv. It's a small yet charming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy their food, they also have outside seating! Wishing the folks at Chimmelier all the best--because that was one hell of a chicken sandwich.

Always down 4 chicken! I know some of us prefer bone in wings, but their k-popcorn chicken is the best value out there. You get more for $20 for 1 order compared to the other KFC options out there. The crispiness isn't bad either. I do think they could do better with the flavors. The sauce didn't seem to stick well to the pieces, and the pieces weren't fully covered either. This is like the missing quality for 5*. Overall, a great casual spots for KFC. I'd come back to try the OhG Burgers options. The owner/staff was very nice to all customers. There are a good amount of seating indoor and outdoor. Limited amount of beer on tap. Really nice casual spots for dates!

This was my second time visiting, and it won't be the last. My kids are obsessed with the original flavor popcorn chicken -- it's crispy, flavorful, and always a hit. The seasoned fries and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are also really tasty and satisfying. Pick-up service is quick and efficient, which I really appreciate as a busy mom. The location is great, and the ambience is clean, modern, and inviting. It's on the smaller side, but there's plenty of open seating and it doesn't feel cramped at all

I always gotta try every KFC spot I find out here :D Not my first time here, and it's cool that they offer a honey butter flavor of chicken, like the chip flavor! This time, I decided to just go for my usual favourite flavor of soy garlic. First of all, the medium size popcorn chicken for $20 has a very generous portion size. Although my favourite KFC spot is still BB.Q, that place would easily cost double for the same amount of food without being twice as good. The crunch at Chimmelier hits the spot very well, and the chicken is well seasoned for sure. I believe I tasted hints of honey butter underneath the soy garlic sauce actually, which was interesting. The staff have always been very friendly and helpful, and I have nothing to complain about here!

The inside of the restaurant is super cool! I love the fun murals on the wall, and the bar seating reminds me of a diner. I got the K-chicken burger with seasoned fries. The seasoning on the chicken was spot on- perfectly spiced with the right amount of heat. The sauce was flavorful and creamy. The bun was toasted beautifully and nice and soft. I had to take away one star because the chicken piece was a bit thin. The fries were mind blowing. Think elevated nacho fries from Taco Bell. Perfect crispy texture, and the seasoning was so yummy. Y'all should do some fun dishes with the fries like loaded fries!!!! Because the sauce is bomb and again... some of the best fries I've ever had. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Very clean restaurant inside. Definitely recommend this place if you're craving spicy chicken or yummy fries!

Might I say one of the best fried chicken I have ever had? I have been meaning to try this place seeing it on my way to work, but with their recent blow-up on social media, I was so happy to get some wings on a Saturday afternoon. It is a little small shop that shares with Oh G Burger, and there are a few table seats. We walked in and were greeted by the cashier. He was super kind and helped guide us through which items he liked best. We got our food about ten minutes after, The wings were delicious! They were crispy, and juicy, and super flavorful. It didn't even need any other dipping sauce. My favorites were OMG and Galbi. Their other popular flavor was Honey Butter, but it honestly was not my flavor, just a little too buttery for me. Their fried chicken sandwich was also super flavorful! The chicken was generous and their toppings helped complement the texture and heaviness of the chicken. Overall, I was surprised by how the meal overall was not too greasy. Though it is a little more pricey, I will definitely come back when I am craving korean fried chicken!

Wonderful, helpful service and good food. Smash burger, chicken wings, and chicken sandwich are on point. There are too many sauces and rubs to choose from!

Hidden cripsy korean chicken! This place is such a vibe. I finally got the chance to eat here after watching an Instagram reel about an influencer reviewing this place. I was greeted from what looks like the owner. He managed to handle incoming orders and people who were curious about this place. In order to try different flavors, you must pay for two orders. I got soy garlic & honey butter with a side of corn cheese. Iced water is provided. I must say, you are given with gloves if you do not want to get your hands sticky. The chicken was crispy and the corn cheese was very cheesy that it was delicious with the chicken! I ended up finishing the chicken with my girlfriend and her cousins. This was great, thanks! Located on a busy street with street parking depending on availability.

Great Korean street food place with locations all over the East Bay (and soon to be SF)! The street menu is the best for me. Try all of their sauces even though the food is already very flavorful. The location on Solano Ave has bar seating and even a TV to watch sports with beer on tap!

10/10 Recommend - Best Burgers in the Bay! I usually go for the OG burger, but I decided to switch it up and try the Bulgogi burger--and WOW, it did not disappoint! The flavors were on point, the meat was perfectly crisp, and best of all, I didn't have to wait long. Fast and efficient service every time. The vibe is always on point too--the music sets the mood just right with a tasteful playlist that makes the space feel warm and welcoming. Let's talk about the customer service: the gentleman at the front never forgets a face and always greets you like family. That kind of personal touch goes a long way. If you're looking for flavor, good vibes, and top-tier service--this is the spot. Don't miss out!

My wife and I picked up an order of 24 wings from Chimmelier for a pot luck and the wings were a huge hit. With this size order, you can pick three different flavors. The available flavors all sounded so good but ultimately, we ended up going with three flavors recommended by the person taking our order over the phone: OMG -- their signature dry rub, Honey Butter, and Yang'Yum' -- a sweet gochujang sauce. The flavors are all unique, distinguishable and pack a punch. They go heavy with the seasoning here, in the best way possible. The wings are fried to perfection -- crispy, not oily at all, and every piece was incredibly juicy. If you're craving Korean Fried Chicken, look no further than Chimmelier.

I was asked if I tried this place because it was new and the answer was no, now it's yes. So the Galbi wings that I got were just alright, could've been better, could've been worse. They're super flavorful but they require some sort of blander food item (rice or fries) or a beverage because they do get rich. The breading, however, kept falling off the chicken and seemed a little mushy. Don't get me wrong, there was still some crunch, but I feel like it could've been crispier. I'm not really accustomed to having breading fall of the wing as I'm taking a bite. The tteokbokki flavor was nice, savory and slightly spicy. However the texture was the issue. It seemed like they tried to pan fry the rice cakes to give them a crispy edge, but that made them tough to chew. It felt like the rice cakes dried up sitting in the pan because they weren't soft. Service is super nice. They give some gloves for the chicken and a skewer for the tteokbokki. Inside is small with 3 small tables and a bar that can sit around 10. Parking is street/meter which is free after 6pm M-Sat. Seeing how it's on Solano, weekend nights might get busy for parking. Overall, this place didn't wow me or anything. I've had better chicken elsewhere, but maybe they're still smoothing out some kinks.

Super excited to try out this Korean fried chicken spot! It shares a location/kitchen with Oh G Burger which I will have to try another time. Great service. There's limited table seating but also bar seating inside. Outside there are tables shared with the Peet's next door. After tip, our order was $100 which felt a little high but fully fed 4 adults with leftovers. I would come back! The food really hit the spot and was delicious. -8 piece wings in soy garlic: super crunchy and flavorful! One flavor per 8 pieces -Medium popcorn chicken in OMG (signature dry rub): really enjoyed this flavor and you get a big portion of the popcorn chicken -Corn cheese: super cheesy and delicious. Good portion size -Tteokboki: not favorite flavor (personal preference) but still tasty -Shrimp toast: served cut up in bite size pieces and perfect for sharing. Perfectly toasted and flavored -Seasoned fries: good fries

Part of OhG Burger, I love Korean fried chicken and this spot cooks it in that flavor that just hits the spot. The sauces definitely make the chicken and I like the breading and crust doesn't overpower the chicken. You are still getting a lot of quality meat in the dish. Definitely recommend if you love KFC and need another spot to satisfy that craving!

Really fantastic Korean Fried Chicken. In the location that Von's chicken used to occupy. You order and sit at the bar or tables. The IPA was out but they offer Pilsner and Cider. Very popular Thin Mint milkshake made-to-order from the cashier. They gave out tastes but we did not receive any samples. Very good KFC and seasoned fries. A lot of take-out orders and everything was made fresh which is very pleasant. No real wait service or chit-chat from the staff. They checked in but seemed very busy. Not a restaurant to have a sit-down meal to linger. A lot of waygu burgers were ordered to go. Made-to-order as well.

The Korean fried chicken wings and the four different sauces, as well as the seasoned fries and shrimp toast were absolutely delicious. We also received prompt and courteous service from Chris. Chris was gracious to everyone and many seemed to be repeat customers. The interior was well maintained/clean, had a fun and cool ambiance. Strongly recommend and will definitely return for another chicken wing feast.

The vibes of the restaurant were good. I had the K-Chicken Burger Jr. and it was definitely and adequate, filling size. Here's where they lost a star for me.... the fries were too overly seasoned for me. It was very overwhelming and I couldn't finish them. They also did not have many drink options besides soda. Although I am eating a lot of grease, I try to balance things out with a non-carbonated drink so having that option would've been great as well. I will follow up with pics soon!

Great chicken. The fries had too much cajun spice for me but I suggest holding it next time. The fries themselves are great. Same goes for the chicken. Chicken is great , dipping sauces are great, I feel they just need to go very much lighter on the Cajun and the whole menu levels up.

Chimmelier/Oh G Burger replaced the prior eatery that also had Korean fried chicken. The chicken comes in many flavors and heat levels. We tried the original and soy garlic. Portions were great and the chicken was flavorful. The sando was also a good size and the bun was very soft. The fries were a surprise. They had some sort of seasoning on them that I made them extra addicting.

Was craving chicken wings and found this place close by on solano ave. They have been open for only a week now. Ordered on the phone to pick up and the person was very nice and patient to help me with the order! When arrived I was greeted with a hello and a smile. The place is small inside but there is outdoor seating! Love the art of the wall. We didn't want spicy chicken so ordered the honey butter chicken it was good and crispy next time will try the dry rub we couldn't get it because you have to order a 16 piece of chicken wings to get 2flavors! The TTeokboki spice level was perfect will definitely have to try the burger with cajun fries next time!

Was so excited to come try their new Berkeley location after their pop up at the 2024 Chimaek festival, where I had some of the best and crispiest Korean fried chicken I've tasted in the Bay. Unfortunately it did not live up to what I remembered. The wings were cooked well, still juicy and tender inside. My disappointment was with the crust -- mushy in some places and barely crispy. The seasoning was very flavorful, but the galbi (soy garlic) flavor bordered on too salty. Honey butter was more well balanced. Also, I was disappointed that there were no pickled radishes to counter the oilyness of the fried chicken. The shrimp toast was super crunchy and delicious, but just also too salty. Also, no dipping sauces included. It doesn't say on the menu but it costs $1 extra for each sauce. Overall, it feels like they are still ironing out some kinks as they just opened. On a weekend evening it was busy with lots of takeout orders and they seemed very understaffed, so perhaps the cooking was rushed and not up to standard quality. There's a decent amount of places nearby for great Korean fried chicken so for the relatively higher price at Chimmelier, it doesn't feel up to par.

The medium popcorn chicken gives a lot of chicken in a box, enough for 2-4 people! We got the spicy powder flavor and it was good/very crunchy. The only thing with the chicken is that the meat is super dry. Some of the pieces were hard to bite into because they were so dry it was almost like jerky. If the meat were a bit softer/juicier this would be some really solid popcorn chicken.

I came here with my boss for a quick work lunch and had an amazing meal. We ordered the smash burger from the spot connected to Chimmelier and also tried the fried chicken and shrimp toast -- everything was delicious! The woman at the front was super friendly and helpful. She walked us through all the seasoning options, and we ended up going with the OMG dry rub -- highly recommend! It wasn't spicy, just a little sweet and full of flavor. It's so great to see popular spots from SoCal popping up here. We'll definitely be back!

Local favorite. Love the ValueMeal for lunch in the neighborhood. Takes care of all I need for crispy spicy yummy.

My new favorite spot for wings. They are so so good. It's a little bit expensive, but the wings are huge. We have been twice. Each time we bought a 16 pack. Once we got all of the sweet Korean wings, and the next time I split the order and got the sweet Korean and soy garlic. Dreams are Meade of these chicken wings. They also have burgers Korean fried rice and lots of other items. I love the space and their packaging is so clever. Anyway, give them a try - good stuff.

Just delicious. How it's so good I have no idea. The fried chicken is freaking amazing. The burgers at the associated Oh G are the best in Berkeley. And the Duk bok ki is ridiculous - crispy, spicy, chewy, so so good. Go here tonight!

Went on grand opening day and it was pretty busy during dinner time. We got the chicken wings and burger which is an absolute must. And the shrimp toast is amazing as well. Definitely recommend kimchi fried rice though it is on the spicier side. The staff was super nice. Food took a while probably because of grand opening dinner rush but not too bad. The interior is a bit small so seating can be limited. Overall definitely must try!

Probably my favorite Korean fried chicken spot I've had in the Bay Area! And I've been to a TON of spots. The skin is so crispy and crunchy and the meat is so juicy. All of their side dishes were great too, their corn cheese is one of the best I've ever had!

recent article read online & noticing someone's ig post resulted with my curiosity satisfied with this new addition to the east bay foodie adventure tables outside and inside with a counter also available to taste the delicious items on the menu. Lady at the registe was helpful to assist with questions I had with the menu. She also suggested what beer from the different drafts. I had to check receipt to confirm my order of the K-Chicken Burger was not the spicy option indicated on the menu. The K-Chicken had a surprising lil heat but not overbearing. The thigh was crispy and delicious. The wings already looked crunchy and I heard about the shrimp toast and definitely will return to order that. Thank goodness my appetite was not disappointed with this spot

Great food, good service. I got the popcorn chicken with the OMG seasoning. Lots of chicken for $20 -- you could definitely share this with another person (I'll be enjoying my leftovers tomorrow). Knocked it down a .5 star for skimping on the fries. $6 is pricey for a side of fries especially when you don't get that many. Also knocked .5 a star off for charging for dipping sauce. They give you a bucket of chicken but make you pay for a dipping sauce? Only a dollar but it doesn't even say that it's extra $ on the menu. Overall good food and mostly fair pricing. Definitely some of the best fried chicken around this part of the bay.

Coming into Chimmelier and right of the bat we was welcomed by cashier, he helped with our order because of how many things on the menu we wanted to try . also was surprised to find out that there was a burger options also in the menu , ordered the honey butter and soy garlic wings I must say there were very well with out any sauce needed . Seasonings fries was very flavorful and as for the burger was good as well. We sat done and ate there and they had beer on tap so that was plus .

I've really been looking forward to trying this place out since it opened not too long ago. It didn't disappoint. I asked the cashier what they were known for and I ended up ordering a double cheeseburger with everything and an 8 piece chicken with the OMG dry rub (I was quite hungry and wanted to try their signature entrees). The burger was perfectly cooked and juicy (I find a lot of smash burgers to be too dry but not this one) . Either the patty or grilled onion tasted like it was marinated in Worcestershire sauce with a slight hint of sweetness, which I loved. The chicken wings were super seasoned with a great umami flavor. I think the dry rub chicken wings would have paired perfectly with their ramen, as I got pretty thirsty half way through the chicken. The only cons are that the chicken portion wasn't as large as I hoped for the price but the flavor more than made up for that. And if I'm to be picky, the burger buns were a little too flimsy. It was hard to eat the burger as the bun just fell apart even though I ate it immediately. Perhaps toasting it more would have held it together better but the ratio of bun to burger fillings was perfect. Ambiance was chill and the service was great. Glad to see this addition to the area.

I was very excited to try this new Korean fried chicken spot but was disappointed by the chicken itself. We ordered the chicken sandwich and popcorn chicken for takeout. Unfortunately, the popcorn chicken was very, very dry. If they can figure out how to cook the chicken so it stays juicy and not overcooked, then I think they will do very well. The OMG dry rub on the chicken had great flavor though!

Soy garlic wings were amazing . Let's see if they have a chance to open in Sacramento

Best spot for Korean fried chicken in the Bay, lived up to the hype from other reviews. Service was fantastic and staff made sure customers were well attended to, and the ambiance in the restaurant was something I'll be coming back for! Loved the corn cheese, honey butter wings which were super crispy and juicy, and Oreo milkshake!

the best fried chicken i've ever had. great balance of flavors surrounding location's ugly but interior is welcoming

Huge and yummy chicken sandwich! Loved the shrimp toast. Great service. Maybe a more substantial bun would be nice?

Absolutely terrible and flavors were so bad that I forgot that I ordered fried chicken.

I believe they are also part of Oh g burger and man this guys' chicken is amazing, Compared to any American based wings, it got that distinct Asian flavor you can't find anywhere else, never thought I'd able to eat galbi flavored wings but man it hits the spot every time. Ps* Look for Chris, he's there almost everyday, great guy! He suggested what I should get when I first went anything he offered, it was great. Will be coming back surely for food and ofcourse for Chris! They deserve more crowd here show some love !

had the seasoned fries and the Buldak chicken burger. Not only is the Buldak sauce on the burger taste amazing (perfect amount of spice for the Buldak label!), but also the sauce is made in house. The chicken itself is great as well.

I really liked bop shop so had a lot of expectations for this place. The owner was really nice, the food came out quick, and looks like more space/seating was added to the place. However the shrimp toast was raw... and the chicken rice was disappointing with lettuce drenched in a very salty mayo. Maybe I'll try a different thing next time

Great service and food. I really like that you can order from two menus in case people are craving different things.

Chimmelier USA is a must-visit for chimichurri lovers! Their sauces are fresh, flavorful, and bursting with authenticity--perfect for elevating any meal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even better.

Came and visited from Oregon with my family and to our surprise they had a Korean fried chicken menu as well! We ordered the Buldak Chicken burger. Chris said it was dangerously spicy but we wanted to try it anyways. If you're a spice lover you'll love this! We also ordered off the K street menu!Kauliflower Nuggs, Shrimp toast, and tteokboki with an Oreo Milkshake! All sooo good! Thank you Chris!

I was so excited to find out Chimmelier was coming to NorCal! I visited on their opening day. I got their k chicken burger, galbi wings, honey butter wings, seasoned fries, and kimchi fried rice. I really liked their k chicken burger. It was crispy, juicy and the sauce was really flavorful. The wings were good. My nephew and I agreed we liked the Honey Butter flavor the most. The galbi wings had too much black pepper for my taste. The fries were generously coated with a delicious spicy seasoning and very crispy. A family that came in while we were eating asked what we ordered because it looked so good. The kimchi fried rice was a good choice as well. It came it a shin ramyun cup, how cute! The staff was very friendly and helpful with any questions we had about their menu. There's some bar seating and about 3 or 4 small tables. More of a takeout spot if you have a larger party than 2. I'm definitely coming back when I have a craving for korean fried chicken.

The fried chicken wings tasted too sweet with a lot of msg on them and the seasoned French fries was ramen seasoning poured on the fried. They don't have chicken radish either. I spent over $40 and my husband and I had one piece of chicken and gave the rest to the homeless. I was truly disappointed. I was rooting for them. Oh well another Korean food business that is subpar.

Wonderful service and even better food ! Tried this spot at the behest of my uncle who found this place out of nowhere and I'm glad he did because this place is Satiating.