The Salem location is very rarely open it seems, there have been 2-3 instances where we've tried to get Bonchon from the one on Essex st. and it wasn't open. Food is great when it is open, though. Bulgogi is primo read more

The Good: Once again, the food was great. The menu is a mix of Korean cuisine and chicken. Because of that, the menu is quite different than other restaurants around the area, and that is a big plus! We ordered some combo chicken (wings and drumsticks) and we also our first experience with bibimbap! We elected for the seafood variation of bibimbap (shrimp, scallops, octopus), and it was amazing! Great flavor, textures, and colors in it. The chicken was crispy, cooked almost perfect, and had just the right amount of sauce with it. They had a solid selection of local brews, and it is such a great location in downtown Salem. The Bad: Two major points here. First is the service is fucking terrible. We were there during a slow time and for the entirety of our visit, there were no more than two other parties seated. In spite of this, the servers, there was one server and a bartender, were more interested in their phones and watching the World Cup than doing their jobs. After they took our order, not once did they come over to check on us. They did come over when we called upon them, but this should not be happening. ( I have seen this happen many times in my career, but never so blatantly in front of customers.). The second thing is they have NO dessert. They tried to recommend some nearby shops, but after a good meal, it was a big disappointment to not have the option for something sweet. The Ugly: So the big thing here stems from them being a corporate chain. There is no wiggle room for any special orders or customization (hopefully outside of any allergies.). No sauce on side allowed for the chicken, and no upgrade on the standard sides for any of the dishes. You need to purchase a totally separate side, which is annoying. Did not ruin of experience by any means, just something to be aware of. Final Word: Overall, it is worth giving a try. The food is fantastic, and with the location it's in, you could easily walk it off if you wanted to (or walk to one of the many nearby bakeries/ sweet shops nearby for dessert. ). Just hope your not someone who loves to customize! 3.5 stars read more

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i have eaten at bonchon at multiple locations in two states, and this one was by far the best. my partner and i arrived shortly after they open (around 11:30 am) on an october weekday. in terms of crowds we weren't sure what to expect, as downtown salem is super busy in october, but we were sat immediately. our server was very polite and attentive! our drinks and food all came out pretty quickly, but not rushed. my boneless chicken was super crispy, hot, and fresh and the soy garlic sauce is delicious. while i do eat meat and poultry, i can be super picky about it, and i appreciate that i can always rely on bonchon to have good white meat with no "weird pieces" (if you get it you get it.) i typically don't go to korean restaurants to order french fries, but i was really in the mood for them on this particular day so decided to get them as my side, and i was so surprised how PERFECT they were! i think bonchon just really knows how to make things the right level of crisp. i think about those fries all the time. the restaurant itself is small but not cramped. it's also extremely clean! i used their restroom and it was super bright, clean and tidy. note that it was the beginning of the day, so i cannot attest to how clean the restaurant and restrooms are after a long day of many customers, but i was impressed. i saw another review talking about a "garbage or sewage" smell in the restaurant, which almost deterred me from going. upon being at the restaurant for a few minutes, i realized this reviewer was definitely smelling the pickled radish. unfortunately it is what it is-- that's what the pickled radish is *supposed* to smell like due to fermentation. pickled radish it's a very typical, traditional side at korean restaurants, especially with fried chicken, it would be odd if they didn't have it. i think it's impossible for the smell to not be a little noticeable, but its certainly not garbage or sewage, and i think that's a very important distinction to make. read more

I personally like this location rather than the one in Allston. Wings seems smaller and enough for a bite. The flavor and texture are also better. Half and half is always in my list. That's the best combination for the tongue. Ps: I hope the can fix the door. It's way to heavy for me to open it. read more

Had a taste for wings so we stopped in for a Kate lunch on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Started with the vegetable potstickers. Damn! Crunchy and a depth of flavor that left me wanting more. Kinda glad they were out of the pork potstickers. We both had the crunchy strips. More like nuggets in size but tasty and filling. 12 pieces in a small order. The star of the meal was the slaw, which can be hit or miss (slaw in general). Definitely a hit. Thanks, Bonchon. Coming back for the bulgogi soon. read more

Bonchon Salem - That's some good slaw! - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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After countless trips (and takeout from) both the Cambridge and Allston Bonchon locations, I was psyched to learn of a Salem Bonchon location opening up, meaning we're able to get the best Korean fried chicken around without having to venture into the city. Score! We came here at a Friday night around 6 PM, and there were only a few tables occupied - this was refreshing to see, since the Cambridge and Allston locations seem to often have a wait on the weekends. My husband and I split the seasoned fries (yummy!), which were topped with Parmesan cheese and other spices. They were a little pricey at $7, compared to the non-seasoned version which I think was only $4, but we enjoyed them. The chicken itself (we split a medium soy garlic combo - drumsticks and wings) was wonderful as usual. It came with a side of white rice, which was great for balancing out the strong flavor of the chicken. I felt the chicken was a little saltier than usual, unfortunately - but my husband didn't notice much of a difference from what we've had at the other locations... so maybe it was all in my head. In any case, we devoured it. Our server seemed new-ish, but she was friendly. We'll definitely be back the next time we get a Korean fried chicken craving (which, let's face it, will probably be pretty soon). read more

Bonchon Salem - Soy garlic chicken (drumstick / wing combo), white rice, & seasoned fries. - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Let me begin this review by stating I am a HUGE fan of Korean Fried Chicken and I stop by Bon Chon's whenever I'm near them. That being said, this location is very clean and has good service. The portion size has seems to have gone down in recent months though. The chicken strips have always been a little on the small side but with recent visits they are noticeably smaller. They're more like nuggets. Also, I'm a stupid American lol. I just want French fries with my chicken. They've recently switched from clear coated straight cut fries to cheaper crinkle cut fries that become soggy very quickly. Overall, I'm not opposed to paying more for quality food but this Bon Chon is making it hard to me to justify coming back. There are a lot of good restaurants in the area where you can find great food with more bang for your buck read more

Bonchon Salem - Lunchtime combo - 8 spicy chicken wings w/ side of fries. Very good! - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I made a big order today that was up to 112 dollars. I ordered through Uber eats. Everything was good except the bulgolgi. It cost 17.95 but the portion was so small. It should not cost that amount. I ate at bonchon before and the portion for it is never this small. I need a manager to contact me. This is unacceptable especially when I paid a lot. read more

Bonchon Salem - It's literally on the bottom. That's not how much I usually get at bonchon. Very upset. - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Ordered mixed chicken wings and drumsticks for take out. The chicken was clearly stale, dry and almost inedible. The spicy sauce is hot but lacks flavor! read more

Love the food here - the fries chicken is delicious - as is almost everything I've tried. Service can be slightly variable depending on who seduces you but has always been good if a little slow at times. The space is nice and clean and comfortable. read more

The special bundle was perfect for small size family meal. I ordered two different flavors one soy and one spicy. It came with a choice of fried rice or white rice I picked white rice and two sides I picked two ordered of fries. I love, love this place. This order was placed as a to go read more

Avoid. Food sub par. Food was over cooked and poorly flavored. Restaurant was deserted which should have been an indication.

This is a substitute for the bon Chon in Allston. I really miss the appetizers and the menus over there but I can't complain the chicken the same.... Except slightly smaller? This also delivers to my apartment so, I will have to make due with what Salem has to offer. Chicken is smaller but sauces are similar. Often I find my chicken to be overly cooked... But I like it that way. Others may not. read more

I've been literally dying for a Korean restaurant to open up somewhere in the Peabody/Beverly/Salem area for quite some time and so when I used the yelp search for "Hot and New" and BonChon popped up, I thought I was hallucinating. I've been to BonChon in Allston before and couldn't believe one had opened up so close to home. I was a little disappointed that the menu didn't offer any Korean soups, but they served many of the traditional Korean staples. We started off with a chicken wing appetizer and did the half/half (half spicy and half soy garlic). I found the chicken to be moist, the breading to be just the right amount of crispy deliciousness, cooked to perfection. We also split a Tteokbokki appetizer (spicy chewy rice cakes that look like little logs in a generous portion of red sauce.) I've never before had it with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top, and I can't say that the cheese was a necessary addition. There was also vermicelli noodles mixed into the sauce, which I just found bizarre. Certainly Bon Chon has its own spin on this dish. The sauce and the spice in this dish is something I crave, and I'm so happy I can now get it on a regular basis. My husband had the Beef Bulgogi. The meat, rice and vegetables were delicious. I had the Stone Pot Bibim Bap. I've eaten this dish at a number of restaurants over the years and I would rank this as "pretty good" in comparison, but not the best I've had. Our stone pot was actually so hot that instead of just crisping the rice, it actually burnt it! I am not Korean, but I don't think that is supposed to happen. I did like that they gave me my own bottle of the spicy sauce to mix into the dish, as normally when I ask the waitress for extra of this sauce (and I always do) they seem annoyed at other restaurants. The service was impeccable. We had a pleasant waitress who was upbeat, friendly, and acoommodating. We also had our water glasses filled by other employees at the slightest hint of getting too low on water. I found the interior of the restaurant to be very casual. The tables are somewhat close together, so if you're not comfortable with people next to you hearing your conversation, this might not be the best place to go on a busy night. I think the one in Allston has a much more upscale feel to it, this is brightly lit with more of a cafeteria feel to it. Still no liquor license at this time but from what I can tell, it sounds like it's coming soon. I'm sure I will become a regular at this place, and am so thankful for finally having Korean food in my backyard! read more

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I mean all you need in this life of sin is fried chicken and a bowl of rice, right? Started with the pork belly sliders + small order of comb sauce chicken wings and my sister and I were fighting over the last pieces. The spicy is soo soo good and the garlic even better. I would recommend trying both if this is your first time. There is nothing else much like Korean fried chicken- trust me. Except when you have Bimbimbap as your second course! I love the authenticity of this restaurant and cannot wait to come back to try more Korean dishes. It's a casual environment with good food and don't worry, just walk around Salem after if you get full because you won't be able to stop eating! read more

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That chicken it's so crunch crunch! Mmmmmmmm Bonchon. If you don't like spicy food definitely order the garlic soy, I like ghost pepper wings and their wings are HOT AF in a wonderful way. read more

Their food is yummy. Street parking sucks a bit. When we went back then, it was limited items on menu and they don't serve alcohol. Not sure if that changed. read more

Bonchon Salem - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Great food. Variety of wings fried to perfection. Bonus menu off favorite Korean dishes.

This bonchon is alright. It's not phenomenal but it the only bonchon in the area so that's a plus when you just need some wings. I usually go for lunch because the deals are better. read more

We happened in off the street for lunch after reviewing the menu they had posted on the sidewalk (good move!). The salmon avocado ball was great, the bulgogi sliders delicious, the shrimp appetizer just "ok". Service was excellent and server was very friendly. The atmosphere is quiet and reminds me a little of a sports bar (probably themed for the wings they serve). Overall very good experience. read more

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Loved the wings!! We tried the chicken strips and the normal wings, half and half of each. Spicy is spicy so watch out but we loved them! I really liked the normal soy/garlic sauce which is their mild. Definitely going back!! We had the food To-go but look forward to going back and dining in:) Their bar isn't up and running yet but looks like they'll have a few beers on tap eventually read more

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Delicious crispy wings, the Spicy ones can definitely sneak up on you. I get a craving for them every now and then and have to have them. Pickled radishes are great too. read more

Thank you, I regularly get takeout there normally someone just hand me my takeout as soon as it comes out of the kitchen. I really love your restaurant and I love the food there. read more

My first time at the Salem location, and I must say it was quiet. Came during lunch. Has only two tables. Service was great! Lol food as I remembered from the Allston location, good! Love their spicy wings. I suggest if you can't handle spicy to not get them. Everything we ordered was devoured in about 20 minutes lol read more

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Very good! Small menu but the food and service were excellent! I had the chicken katsu and my boyfriend had the takoyaki and udon soup. I recommend! read more

Bonchon Salem - Takoyaki yummy - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

By far one of the best chicken wing that i had its very crispy and the spicy sauce has very good flavor just the way i like it service is great this is and update review . read more

This was my second try so I did give them a chance. I was really hoping the food and atmosphere would improve since they have been open for a bit now. By far the worst Korean food or really any Asian food I've ever had and I love all types of Asian food. Wings were crispy but no taste, thankfully I asked for ranch. I got the Bibimbap this time and it had no taste except the seaweed strips were a bit fishy and the lettuce they threw in was just wilted. I even had to ask for salt! Ewwww. This is my absolute favorite Korean dish so I've had it a few places now and this was just awful. I even added bulgogi and still no taste. I paid extra for actual eggs that came hard fried and added no taste it was like no seasoning was used in the dish. I really wanted to love it. The staff seems pleasant, they seem to be trying to figure things out. I didn't see one Korean or any Asian people there working or eating, so I should have taken that as a sign. Going back to my other usual authentic places! read more

The chicken here was amazing. My only wish would be that the chicken was bigger. For what you pay I think the value could be better. What I'm trying to say is that I'm addicted to this chicken and I wanted to order more of it. So much so that I had it for lunch and then dinner on the same day. read more

I love grabbing lunch to go here, it's so tasty and a pretty good deal. For 10$ you get 8 pieces (wings tenders or some combo) and nice fries. It only takes them a few minutes to whip up and it's sooo delicious. I love the spicy and garlic soy, that other option isn't my cup of tea, too sweet. Anyways I love bon chon and this one is no different. The spicy is pretty spicy and it's always really crispy. read more

I originally gave this place two stars because of the wings were not comparable to ones I've had in other Bonchon locations. I am happy to say they must've changed their technique or chef because everything here is incredible. I am now back to being addicted to them their wings. Nice job people! read more

It used to be so good, we ordered takeout regularly. The last few times we tried the food was inedible. The chicken was incredibly dry and hard, it was and tough and chewy. We've had to give up on it. So disappointing. read more

I love BonChon, and their food is delicious. I haven't had any issues with ordering online/picking up. Food was ready fairly quickly as well. I love their spicy chicken. read more

This is a good change of pace from everything else that available in this area. Go for the soy garlic chicken. read more

Bonchon Salem - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Bonchon addict here. So yes, there is some bias ;-) The food was up to par..... up to delicious delicious spicy orgasmic par. The chicken came out quickly. Ideally I wouldve liked to have enjoyed the apps first but everything came out at once. That wasnt a big deal though because we proceeded to suck up the chicken, potstickers, rice and onion rings like vacuums. Service was attentive. Decor is sleek and modern. I will say the wood plank bench and chairs look nice but they are not especially comfortable. read more

Horrible experience, was willing to order and was turned away... shooed out. Never a recommending to anyone.

Cool place. Basic service. Awesome chicken wings though!!! The waitress was decent, she didn't seem like she was enthusiastic about the menu or excited to even be at work. If someone has questions, she should really sell it and with some type of life. She may have been having a bad day but she did her job so it is what it is. You can tell this spot is a corporate/franchised Asian chain restaurant but it's pretty good. read more

Bonchon Salem - Most amazing crispy wings I've had thus far. These are soy garlic. - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I love Korean fried chicken, so when my family & I decided to go on a progressive dinner out, while in Salem, I knew we needed to hit up Bonchon! This is global chain with locations all over from the Philippines to NYC and yes, one right in Salem, Mass! The menu was simply laid out with photos accompanying each dish (yup, super helpful)! We ordered the drumsticks with the soy garlic glaze and the Korean tacos with the bulgogi. The chicken came out entirely too fast, but was warm and the skin was crispy; however, the chicken did not seem fresh at all. The tacos came out soon after that and those were good, but I was not blown away - too much ranch dressing on it and the flavor of the bulgogi did not amaze me. Anyway, I was thoroughly impressed with service and don't get me wrong, the food was still delicious, but my favorite Korean fried chicken spot is still in Houston, TX. I will be trying Bonchon in other cities worldwide given we do travel a lot! Thanks for a pleasant dining experience! read more

Bonchon Salem - All locations worldwide - Chicken Wings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Awesome food. Small portions so getting 5-6 different things to share really is the move. Great bar and beautiful atmosphere. Highly recommend! read more

Fabulous restaurant! The ambience is very cool, and the service is terrific ("they certainly kept us hydrated," as my friend remarked). We came here with five of us, and the large strips platter was just the right size for us. Both the sweet soya garlic and the spicy chicken were incredibly delicious. The batter is particularly good--very thin but crisp and not too oily. The pickled daikon that came on the side was perfect to cut the spice. We also got a side of fries, which were perfect: pillowy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Overall, highly recommend as an ideal lunch spot. read more

When I first moved to a new job in Salem, I was really excited when I saw that BonChon would be opening. I waited for weeks for them to open, became distracted by my new work and forgot all about them, and then recently remembered them on a lunch break and walked down to see if they were ready for business. To my delight they were, and I had a lovely lunch here. As a solo female I felt quite comfortable sitting at the bar for lunch here. The restaurant has an industrial chic vibe and the staff were very friendly. The owner went out of his way to greet me, explain the menu, and make recommendations for my first meal. I decided to go with the boneless chicken in soy garlic sauce with white rice and it was delicious. They have a lot of affordable lunch options if you want to try a few things. Next time I'd like to try the bim bim bop. It looked yummy when the person next to me ordered it. I'm looking forward to trying other things on their menu! read more