Uncle R.
Yelp
Could Koko Wings be the best fried chicken in all of New York City? Maybe. But this is a big city, and fried chicken is big deal here. And by no means is fried chicken a singular sensation, experience, or flavor and textural profile. Some like it hot, naked, and extra crispy. Others, not so much. Fried chicken is as diverse and steeped in gastronomique history and tradition as the very hands who nurture and prepare the golden delicious birds for our nourishment. So we should just agree that the fried chicken bucket is a big ol bucket, and there is plenty o room for the vast crispity, crunchity, and finger lickin' (wash your hands!) truths available here in NYC; consider us blessed.
And many a chicken connoisseur know that when someone says KFC, they might very well mean "Korean Fried Chicken" - as Koreans are some of the best bird fryers in this modern culinary world. Being from Los Angeles, and having lived many years in its famed Koreatown, I enjoyed many ice cold steins of Hite bear at the infamous Korean tavern OB Bear, known for their whole bird, drumstick, and wing preparations of fried chicken, complete with refreshing banchan and kimchi. I also witnessed the birth of Kyonchon Chicken, a fast casual food chain that was responsible for sharing KFC with much of Los Angeles.
And so when I tried Koko Wings the other night, I was immediately transported to these favorite fried chicken havens of my past. Koko breaks away from the trope popular in this city among Korean Fried Chicken purveyors of big pieces and heavy sauces, and instead focuses on preparing smaller, vegetarian-diet-fed chickens with a restraint and touch that results in airy, buoyant pieces of chicken that shatter tenderly between your teeth with each mouth-watering bite. Each piece is cooked to perfection, with no signs of excessive grease or fat (are these air fried? I thought to myself), and leave your palette open to enjoying some of the well-done sides, like radish kimchi, coleslaw, or a seaweed salad. Complete the fried chicken trifecta with an ice cold pint of Kloud or Coors Light, Sapporo, Asahi, or rice beer (makgeolli), or even some soju. (Pitchers are served here!) There is also an intimate and exclusive backyard patio for your fried chicken adventure, too. The menu is expansive, and offers other unfried options. You can dine indoors, outside, pick up, or order delivery, and their website direct ordering system is clear, convenient, and very easy to use. Finally, servers are all safe and respectful, caring and attentive. The place is lovely.
So when you're itchin' for some fried chicken, and have decided that you want some KFC, consider Koko Wings for your next adventure. I do believe you will be rewarded for your curiosity and excitement.