Jeff C.
Yelp
Yesterday, my fiancée and I met up with a couple of friends for lunch at K Chicken & Beer in Monrovia. None of us had been there before, but with its solid online reviews, a menu boasting a variety of chicken dishes, beers on tap, and even Korean pizza, we were eager to check it out. Parking was a breeze thanks to a lot behind the building and around the corner, which is free -- a nice perk given how busy the street parking was.
When we got inside around 1 p.m., we were surprised to find it wasn't crowded at all. For a Saturday afternoon, we expected it to be busier, but we were seated right away. Service was friendly and prompt, and we got started with a couple of beers. They have a nice selection, offering small, medium, and large bottles, as well as different drafts. The beers were cold and hit the spot.
As we started to look through the menu, we were excited by the variety of options. However, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment when we noticed a sign on the menu: the pizza oven was broken, and no pizzas were available. This was a letdown. With pizza being one of their standout offerings, it was frustrating not to have any of it available. This wasn't just one or two pizzas missing --none of the pizzas could be ordered. My advice to ownership is to get the pizza oven fixed as soon as possible, ideally within a matter of days or a week. It would also be helpful to put an update on their website about the pizza situation, including an expected date for it to be fixed. This way, customers won't arrive expecting pizza, only to be disappointed when they sit down.
Despite that setback, we proceeded with our order. We kicked off with some cheese sticks, which were hot and flavorful -- a good start to the meal. My fiancée ordered the japchae. She said it was okay, not amazing but decent enough. I went with the 10-piece soy garlic chicken wings, which were packed with flavor and definitely hit the mark.
As we continued our meal, the service remained friendly and attentive. Even after we finished eating, we were able to sit and chat with our friends for several hours without feeling rushed, even as the place began to fill up heading into the evening hours. The location itself is in the charming, walkable downtown area of Monrovia, surrounded by shops and eateries, adding to the experience.
Now, here's a nice touch: at least as of the first week of October, they're offering a free Choco Pie with a Yelp check-in. Be sure to take advantage of that! We did, and while they're small, they were yummy and a great way to wrap up the meal.
Overall, K Chicken & Beer has a lot going for it. The interior is clean with an interesting layout, and the food, while not incredible, was satisfying. The pizza situation was the main drawback of our visit, and it's something I hope they resolve soon. We'll be sure to contact them to check if the pizza oven is fixed before our next visit. Other than that, I think this spot is worth a try for both lunch and dinner. They offer a unique menu, solid service, and a relaxed atmosphere that make it a cool place to hang out.