I was pretty impressed with the food here. wasn't expecting anything too amazing from fried chicken, but was I wrong. I don't know what kind of crack mixed magic is in the marinade, but I loved it. Fresh chicken and friendly staff. Great for groups too, would definitely come again! read more

Bonchon Arlington - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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So as a big Bon Chon fan, I'd previously visited every one in the area. So I had certain expectations for this place. For a solid 30 minutes I kept calling and nobody picked up or it went to voicemail. Made me wonder if the number and Bon Chon Arlington's existence were all a big hoax. Finally, got through they said it would take about 40 minutes. The previous ordering issues seemed all resolved. Over the phone they repeated my order for me to confirm and when I went to pick it up, they opened to check and go over it. Looks like Bon Chon, smells like Bon Chon, tastes like Bon Chon, BUT I don't think the chicken size is up to Bon Chon standard. When I order a 20 piece, I usually get a box that is bursting at the seams with the staples barely holding the box together. This one seemed a little weak. At first I opened it up to count 18, 19, 20.. all there.. Yup, it's just smaller pieces of chicken. I'm not talking BW3's rinky dink size, but not the mutant size drumettes and wings I was used to. It's close, I'm glad there's one near me, but I'll still take some of the other locations. read more

So happy to have Bonchon in the neighborhood. This place is great, now clearly the best wings place in Arlington, possibly the DC area. It's Korean-style, so don't expect buffalo sauce. They've got two types: Hot - which are very spicy but not in the way where they're just pure heat, which I hate. They have a huge amount of flavor beyond just the fire. Soy Garlic - a very tasty alternative to the hot. I do half and half to cut down on the burning between each hot wing. They also have really good apps. I love the pork buns. They also have a respectable beer menu for this type of establishment. Oh a quick suggestion: stick to the wings. The legs are good too, but you get more surface area to meat with the wings. And let's be honest, that's what you want if you're there for delicious twice-fried chicken. This place can have a wait at peak times, as they don't take reservations. So I'd suggest getting there early or being patient. Oh and it has parking. Like honest-to-God parking. So you don't have to dodge horrible Arlington drivers while you're trying to parallel park in a space barely big enough for your car - or park 7 blocks away in the only space you can find. I really have no complaints about this place. read more

I really hope somebody opens a location in Denver! My cousin took me here when I went to visit her several weeks ago. We got the large combo of wings and drumsticks in the soy garlic sauce, and I can honestly say I've never eaten anything like this before. It was effing amazing. Luckily, this was the last place she took me and I got The Itis and slept like a baby for the plane ride home, not to mention that this allowed me to try several other restaurants in the area. Unluckily, this was the last place she took me so I was only able to eat it once. Will definitely go back next time I am out there! read more

I've seen this place across the street from Astor for a while now and, despite some less than stellar Yelp reviews, gave it a go a few nights ago in search of wings. Perhaps my experience was different because it was a fairly quiet Monday night around 6 o'clock, but I enjoyed it and would return. We started with an order of the zucchini fries. Really good (can you ever go wrong with fried anything?) - they were the size of fried mozzarella sticks, had a super crisp coating and were served hot. Dusted with parmesan, they were served with ketchup and a spicy mayo. They were $9.50, which seemed a bit high for an appetizer, but they give you a HUGE basket of them. I would definitely order them again in a group of four or more, but as a party of two I probably consumed way more fried food than a person should have in one sitting! For the chicken, we ordered a medium strips (10 total) of half spicy, half garlic-soy (for me) and a medium wings/legs of half spicy, half garlic-soy (for him). I've never eaten at a Bonchon before (nor had any Korean-style fried chicken), so I wasn't prepared for the tasty crisp-yet-delicate fried texture it has. All the pieces are also huge, probably the biggest chicken wings I've seen. I would have been more than stuffed with a small order. As to flavors, I loved the ginger-soy. The spicy was good as well, but it is NO JOKE. I consider myself pretty competent when it comes to spicy foods, but man, this was eyes-watering, sinus-clearing stuff. Husband agreed that it was probably burning through our stomach linings. I'll stick with garlic-soy next time just because I can't handle the heat! Our service was absolutely fine. The server was friendly and prompt with refills (we needed a lot - see eyes-watering spicy flavor notes above) and the appetizer arrived quickly. Food may have taken a hair longer than at other restaurants, and the husband did get his chicken about five minutes before mine, but I expect this when the food is being made to order. Excellent fried chicken in a sleek Arlington ambiance - I'll go back the next time the craving strikes. read more

As a native New Yorker, I like to think I know good chicken wings. I've been hearing a lot about Bonchon and how amazing their chicken is, and the waitress was sure to let us know that they are "known for their chicken." While it doesn't compare to good, Buffalo-style wings, the chicken was very good. It was high quality, fried well, and the two sauce choices were both very good. I appreciate a good hot sauce, and it had some kick. We also got the seasoned fries and they were great as well. Overall, for the price, it was great. In addition to great food, there also was free parking, no wait to sitt, and quick and prompt service. They must have topped our glasses of water off about 5-8 times despite only being there around 30 minutes - can't complain about that. For a Thursday night around 7pm, I was surprised when our food was out in under 5 minutes, especially since everyone had been talking about how long it would take to eat. I'd gladly go back, but do remember that Korean style fried chicken wings are a different, and still great, beast than classic Buffalo wings. With that in mind, enjoy! read more

Yummy in my tummy. I am more than grateful that Bonchon has come to Arlington. The style of chicken that they prepare is mouth watering. So the convenient location here in Arlington certainly helps. Thus far i've only picked up from Bonchon and every time the service is very efficient. It doesn't take all that long for the order to be prepared, usually 15 to 20 minutes. We've only had the soy garlic wings and soy garlic drumsticks thus far at this location. Lets just say it does not disappoint. The drumsticks are always super sized and taste delicious. The sides we've had are the pickled radish...one of my favorite things that they serve next to the chicken wings. Also the kimchi coleslaw is delicious, but has a slight kick to it. If you like spicy food, i'd go with the kimchi coleslaw. All in all a great take out experience. Will need to return for a sit down to judge their ambiance and service. read more

I have heard many people raving about Bonchon and I am glad that I finally get to try the deliciousness. This is my first time eating Korean style fried chicken and the texture is very different than what I'm used to (i.e. Popeyes). The skin is very lightly and crispy. I definitely overstuffed myself, but it certainly did not feel like it. I don't have anything else to add to what others are saying how delicious this place it so consider this review as a way for them to keep up their 4-star rating. The server was very polite and friendly. I showed up during lunch time with my co-workers and there was no wait. We didn't have any problem with finding parking. read more

A Poem for Bonchon: Twice Fried Wings and Legs Pick Spicy or Soy Garlic Either Way You Win. read more

I was staying at a hotel in the area. After a super long day of conference shenanigans, I just wanted to order takeout, get it delivered, and veg out to Netflix. Serious delivery fail. The wait time was over an hour, which I agreed to, but when my order was delivered there were no napkins or utensils! I had to wait an additional 20 minutes for it. In the meantime, I wised up and ran downstairs and asked the hotel employees for some. What?!! An hour wait is crazy, but then to not be able to eat the food?! I was the crazy one to think that waiting that long for delivery was okay. In any case, the ONLY redeeming factor was the general manager. I called to let them know I no longer needed utensils and to save the delivery guy a trip. The general manager (Greg, maybe?) was professional and apologized for the error and empathized with me about how frustrating not being able to eat after a long day. He credited my meal and that was absolutely the right thing to do. Way to go, general manager! Wish every employee had great customer service and care like he does. read more

The chicken is definitely tasty, but not as amazing as some of these cats claim. The ambience is clean cut and chill. Service was really good at the bar from Julia and gang. The trick is not to go during off-peak hours, because if the kitchen isnt in full swing it will take much longer for the whole double fried process. read more

First time going this weekend. The service was spot on. The place is clean, and the staff was amazing. The wings were delicious, and was so happy my sister said let's try it. Will definitely be going back when in town. I found one in Norfolk, so will have to check it out. read more

Best. Fried. Chicken. Ever...or whatever they call it. I give the chicken 5 stars. I could eat the chicken strips like once a week!! ;) I love that the chicken still tastes delicious and moist the next day. The fries are so-so. Unless you LOVE fries are are craving them, I don't think they're worth it. The best side is the kimchi coleslaw!! Also, every time I come here, I order the radishes (they're complimentary). Honestly, they are NOT good. They taste like they've been sitting too long and over-fermented (if that makes sense). Perhaps if you're not familiar with Asian food and pickling, you probably won't notice, but they are not my cup of tea. read more

The chicken here is delicious!! The pork bun and the dumplings are delicious too. The wait for the chicken wasn't too bad compared to the wait for a table, but we went the second week they were open. Will definitely be back! read more

Bonchon Arlington - Chicken strips and [giant] legs. Delish!!! - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Every time I've had chicken from this location, the spicy is completely inedible. The spiciness level is ridiculously higher than any of the other locations where just one bite into a spicy piece will force me to futilely attempt to put out the fire in my mouth with water and radishes. (BTW, I am no wuss when it comes to spicy food. All of my other friends with me also agreed that it was way too spicy & prefer the spiciness level of the other Bon Chons more :T) One of the times I was here, I was walking to the restroom and actually slipped and fell on my back because the floor was so slippery from all the grease on the floor. I fell right next to the host stand where a few employees were standing and instead of helping me up, they just stared at me. A nice diner nearby got out of his seat to help me up. Then after I got out of the restroom, I saw them mopping up the floor where I had just fallen. Gee, you guys couldn't have done that sooner to prevent my fall -_-;? read more

5 star chicken, 2 star menu. If you want incredible fried chicken, GO HERE and eat! They recently changed the menu and started charging 2.25 for minuscule sides, like 4 bites of coleslaw small. Not sure what caused this, as a medium order of wings and drumsticks is 24 bucks (includes a HUGE amount of chicken) so you would think free rice wouldn't be a struggle? Pork buns are also really good but really expensive at 12 bucks for 3 buns. Anyway, stick to the chicken, get a combo, and get half spicy half soy, and eat it IN the restaurant to get the maximum crispiness. read more

We had such a good experience here! My husband is not one to try different foods but my son and I love Korean food so we came. We were greeted right way by a very friendly and professional server he was informative and helpful as my husband struggled through what he could try. He ordered the fried rice with bulgogi beef, our son ordered the chicken strip (famous! With the garlic soy sauce and I ordered the bibimbap! Mine was fantastic, and my husband still was contemplating the chicken when the server brought him a sample without being asked. How sweet! Everyone was helpful, positive and friendly! Food was excellent and the beer selection sophisticated! I'll be back! read more

Great for chicken, but other entrees were a let down. Ordered a medium mixed wing plate with half soy garlic and half spicy....so yummy! It takes awhile so you can call ahead or just be ready to wait. Also ordered bibimbap, japchae, and Bulgogi fried rice. Bibimbap was pretty much just s big bowl of rice (not a lot of/good variety of veggies or ban chan), fried rice was "eh" but japchae was good! Would recommend if you're in the mood for some serious fried chicken...also really great place for kids/families!! read more

Bonchon Arlington - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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BonChon is like crack, and I'm the pusher, because I've gotten a bunch of friends addicted. All I have to do is say the word, and it's "Yes Please!". Who wants to be next? I'll bring the takeout to you. But be warned, once you've tasted it, you can never go back. You'll be hooked. I just want to understand how they are able to get the skin so crispy and crunchy. It just puffs away from the meat and is so incredibly delicious. If only fried chicken weren't so bad for you, I'd eat it all the time. I've never had a sit-down meal at this location, I've only gotten takeout. The only down side is the wait. Once I had to wait an hour before I could pick up the chicken. But it's worth it. It's sooo worth it. read more

I got half sweet chili and half soy garlic boneless strips and they were so flavorful! Fries were perfect: great change from normal chicken strips :) read more

Pretty good fried chicken. Super crispy with an asian sauce. I've only had soy garlic and it was a bit sweet for my liking. But the pickled radish really evens out the flavors. I think Bon Chon is over-hyped though. People rave about it to no end and I was expecting something breathtaking. It's not bad by any means but it's nothing to obsess over either. Tip: Don't get the bulgogi. It wasn't very flavorful and I was disappointed big time. Kimchi fried rice is pretty good though. read more

Considering that the state bird of DC is the fried chicken wing (w/ mumbo sauce), I'm kind of an expert on the subject.When my friends suggested that we get some wings and fries from "that Korean place," I had something a little different in mind. Bulletproof glass? No Bulletproof spindle/carousel thing to exchange food/money? No! Fridge full of Rock Creek Sodas or Mystics? No!! The food didn't even come in a styrofoam container. It was like eating in a third world or something. Anyway, we got an order of 20 wings, half spicy and mild, fried zucchini sticks, fries, and cole slaw. The wings were good, although I liked the spicy better. The coleslaw was just average to me, but my friend assured me that something was wrong with me. The zucchini fries were very good, as was the spicy mayo that I dipped them in. The regular fries were decent, but nothing memorable. I give the place 3 stars because, while it was good food, I don't feel like it was something I'd run back out to Arlington to get. The service was fast and prompt. Not a bad spot to eat at all. Perhaps I'm just jaded by the power of the mumbo sauce flowing through my veins. read more

Highly recommend this place. This place has a variety of beers, including Asian ones that you may not get easily in the US. Its Korean fried chicken tasted as great as those I had in Korea. Other Korean and Japanese appetizers were delicious too. Beyond the good quality of food, it also had fantastic service. This is a decent restaurant to hang out with friends! read more

Bonchon Arlington - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I just went for the pork buns and the onion rings. The onion rings were wonderful with the nice crisp batter and when you bit in to the onion ring the onion did not pull out of the batter. Ok now the pork buns. These things are awesome. I could eat six of them easily. I know this place is known for their chcicken but you really have to try these. read more

I only did carry out because like all Bon Chon locations you have to wait 40 minutes for your order, but it is sust as good as the Fairfax location. Their chicken is crack-alicious good! They are working out their kinks but after all, it IS their first day open. It's very dangerous to know there is a Bon Chon so close. The prices are apparently equivalent to the Centerville location, $8 for a small, $12..50 for a medium and $22 for a large with one free side per order. read more

I've eaten here at couple times and the food is great, but the service needs to a little step-up to compare to it's food quality. QUALITY FOOD, POOR SERVICE! I have waited a while to write this, but today's over-the-phone service proved the fact they need to be under new management. First incident: My family and I ate there and it happened to be on a day it was raining bad. The ceilings were leaking and it when I say "POUR", it poured on our table. We quickly moved to another table, but there was no compensation for what had happened. The chicken was saved, but I have worked in the food and beverage industry for 4 years, and if you want returning customers, a small gesture isn't too much to ask for. (i.e. Compliment fries or 10% off for the inconvenience) Next.. I still want to return and order from this establishment, but to order ahead before they open, they can't do. (TIP: Do not ORDER a platter for a party here before they open) They will not accomodate you. It wasn't the fact they couldn't do it, but the tone they had. The person who answered, Patrick, was more pleasant to talk to on the phone than the Manager (Jeff). Maybe the roles need to switch when it comes to customer service. As said and I will say it again... "QUALITY FOOD, POOR SERVICE!" read more

Bonchon will always be a favorite of mine. I recommend the Soy Garlic wings, I will never get tired of them. Our server came to check in with us an appropriate amount of times and was very friendly. Parking wise you have to find somewhere to park on the street and most likely will have to pay a meter. I don't believe there is a garage too close to the restaurant. read more

Bonchon is delicious - always go half and half on the wings with a side of seasoned fries and kimchi coleslaw. Service is prompt and courteous. read more

Bonchon Arlington - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Second time at this Bonchon location. The chicken here is still consistently good--we called ahead for a large order of the soy garlic with pickled radish and brown rice as sides. I love their pickled radish! I can't seem to replicate it at home. And the chicken came out hot, fresh, and delicious as usual. Even as leftovers the next day, Bonchon chicken's great (it's why we always order more than we can possibly finish). Service was okay--not exactly friendly, but still attentive. I don't think I've gotten spectacular or remarkable service at any Bonchon, really, but I'll give the waitress credit for being more attentive than other times I've gone. I've only ever been here on weeknights, so it's never been too noisy. Now after reading other Yelpers' reviews, I want to try the pork buns! read more

Ok location, but really nice building and build out. As for the food we had some really really good, and some not so good. The pork buns are delicious, but at $9.50 for two awfully steep. I'd recommend them to try, but would probably opt for something else next time. My wife and I split a medium wing and leg combo (half soy and half hot) with brown rice, and asked for the pickled radish. If we went back we would probably opt for just the legs (they are huge) and we preferred them to the wings, but both were very good. Really crunchy outside, and served piping hot. For the sauce we'd definitely go with just the soy. The hot was good, and I do love spicy food, but the spice was hot for hot's sake while adding little flavor. And they were too hot for the wife in general. The soy however was delicious. The side of brown rice is where things got iffy. It was just plain boring. Literally brown rice scooped into a bowl and placed on the side. Nothing on the table to season them, and not enough sauce on the wings to help much. Just a waste in general, not bad, but just not good. I'll chalk it up to a rookie mistake and get the coleslaw next time. I will however recommend the pickled radish. It's complementary, but must be requested. It was delicious and helped to extinguish the fire from the hot wings. When we go back we'll probably get some fries, or onion rings to try instead of the pork buns, even though they are a bit over priced at $7 for a basket of fries. They looked good, so I'd give em a shot, but $7 fries are tough to swallow. read more

I was so excited about this new location -- it was going to become our "go to" place when we needed a quick Korean fusion fix. I really wanted to like this place....but our second visit was so off-putting, I have had no desire to return. Our server was an older woman, and she meant well (I think), but niceness doesn't excuse messing up our order on several items. She couldn't get our side orders correct, and she forgot to bring out some of the daikon condiments. We were willing to put up with all of these screw ups and didn't complain. However, what was completely inexcusable was what she did with our money. We put in part cash as well as a credit card. She pocketed the cash (which was not a small amount to suggest that it was a tip), and then charged the entire bill on our credit card. When we asked her where the cash portion was -- she pulled it out of her pocket and gave it back to us. Huh?????? It wasn't just the server that made this such an unpleasant experience. The host at the entrance had no social skills and was completely detached and aloof. I really think the service and staffing here needs some serious scrutinizing and retraining by the management. Completely unacceptable. read more

Surprisingly elegant: We were expecting a more fast-casual order-at-the-counter place, like our beloved District Taco. Bonchon has full table service, a host podium, a full bar, and the food arrives on ceramic. The service was just very nice, very courteous and attentive, personable without being intrusive. Somebody is training the waitstaff well. Seems the morale of the place was good. The noise level inside was way too high (Friday night, full house) and we were lucky to get a table outside. The multiple tv screens in the bar area suggested a bit of a sports-bar setup. It's probably a fun place to watch a game and eat abnormally good wings. The beer selection is excellent. And yes, the food was very good. The chicken is clearly cooked to order, it comes out hot and crispy, juicy with a crunchy sweet/savory shell that we compared to caramel corn. The pieces are big. The spicy chicken was right on the edge of too-spicy, giving that intoxicating pleasure/pain cocktail. I was glad I got a half & half order. All spicy would have been too much. We split one order of pork buns (excellent) and I was unable to finish my medium order of wings & drumsticks. I'm a fairly big eater. It's not as crispy when eaten as leftovers but it's still tasty. I just had mine for breakfast. Four stars because the noise level was truly unpleasant, unfortunately. If you are curious about Korean fried chicken, I'd recommend you go. I would like to try their bulgogi but I'll probably just gorge myself on chicken next time. read more

First time takes: ordered signature chicken wings in both spicy and garlic versions. Liked the heat in the spicy kind. Accompanied with sides of kimchee slaw (unremarkable); but especially liked the pickled radishes (sweet and cool and crispy). Ordered the pork potstickers. Bland and greasy. So mixed reviews. Bonchon should offer potstickers in a steamed version. Likewise, the chicken in broiled or bar-b-cued varieties. Too many fried items; not enough alternatives. Pluses: good choices of draft/bottled beers and bar drinks. Ambience: clean, industrial interior design makes for an especially noisy atmosphere. read more

Love this place! The chicken is super crunchy and flavorful. I always get the soy garlic wings. It's not too sweet. The spicy is way too hot for me. The soy garlic chicken strips are very good also. I wish we can get extra sauce with the wings but I was told it was a secret sauce and that I couldn't extra on the sauce. read more

Bonchon in Arlington?! Yes, please!!! I know that they weren't formally open when we placed our order but the place was booming. I am so glad we called ahead (really, with these crowds you need to call ahead) and were able pick up our order right when it was supposed to be ready. We ordered both the mild and hot wings as well as tenders. The tenders were less than stellar but the wings were exactly up to expectations. Okay, and I gotta say that the kimchi coleslaw is an awesome addition. I love kimchi and I love coleslaw, so this is like the Reese Peanut combo that has me drooling about it as I write this. read more

I was so excited when they opened one close to my apartment because they are just the best fried chicken ever!!!!! They fry (double fry too!) your chicken as orders come in so the wait can be long (15-20 minutes) but it's so worth it. Just give me some soy garlic chicken with white rice and I am the happiest woman alive. :D Just writing this is making my mouth water again. Good thing it's just right around the corner ;) read more

Bonchon Arlington - Large order of soy garlic wings - Chicken Wings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

INA, she is the one!! We came through randomly on a sat night. We happened to get a table with INA, she kept up with everything. In terms of service 6/5, truly she came by every ten min and took care of us... the food... was excellent we had the chicken popcorn. The edamame was also very good. The salmon avacado sushi ball was the best thing!!! The chicken strips could use some spice but overall food and service was excellent!!!! read more

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Unless you've been living under a rock for the past five years, you already know what time it is when it comes to Korean fried chicken... Specifically, BonChon Chicken - the Korean fried chicken franchise that originated in the Motherland in the city of Busan, Korea. Since it first opened its doors in 2002, it has spawned over 50 locations all over the world - including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and the U.S. - drawing people into its stores with double-fried, sauceless wings in two magnificent flavors, Soy Garlic and Hot. Without a doubt, BonChon is THE source for the wildly successful Korean fried chicken commodity. The much-anticipated opening of BonChon Arlington most certainly lives up to its expectations, and in fact exceeds them. The sleek, contemporary interior design (rumored to be the same designers as Zaytinya and other D.C. restaurants) has trims of red and pretty lights that run the ceiling. These decorative details, along with the wood paneling, give the ambiance a fun, trendy feel. The bar is well stocked with all different types of draught and bottled beers. Bottles of soju and sake are also available, as are their house mojitos, martinis and margaritas. And, of course, the star of the show, yummy and decadent fried chicken. But much to our surprise, the real treasure here isn't a location closer to the city or the sexy new venue. It is actually the... (read more at http://cettebellelavie.com/post/56063523645/la-bella-bonchon for the entire review plus pictures) read more

Finally made it to Bonchon after weeks of debating. Firstly the service was amazing. Everyone from the host to my server was so nice and helpful. My server David nicely guided me through the menu and explained my wing options. The Spice wings weren't all that to me as they were more chili based hot and not buffalo "hooters" style hot. I was expecting flavor with the hotter style wings. The soy ginger wings were amazing! the glazing was right on point. The Kimchi coleslaw was a nice way to cool off with such spicy wings. If you are looking for a wing joint just head to hooters. But if you are looking for a nice fusion of Korean and american this is the place to go. BTW drinks are strong :) read more

I have conflicted review about this place. I love their seasoned fries but their place is too greasy and noisy the service is not that good. An waiter spill the trash over me but he did not say sorry just ignore me and the other serving is slow too plus I am vegetarian just there for my friend party. So I have conflicted review! read more

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