If you're in the mood for some seriously delicious Korean fried chicken, Chicken on Fire is a hidden gem you don't want to miss. This tiny spot does one thing -- and they do it incredibly well. Their menu is simple: crispy, juicy fried chicken paired with rice and a side of tangy, refreshing coleslaw. But don't let the simplicity fool you; each bite is packed with flavor! The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. You can tell they've mastered the art of frying. And with the price being so reasonable, you'll definitely feel like you're getting more than your money's worth. The rice and slaw balance out the heat and richness of the chicken beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal that leaves you craving more. My fave flavors are spicy Medium and sweet and sour! This hole-in-the-wall spot might not have all the bells and whistles, but it has heart, great food, and a welcoming vibe. If you're in the Castro valley area, I highly recommend! read more

We ordered our food to go. The staff packed everything nicely, our order was accurate and also looked very presentable for a to go order. Since we got it to go, I can't speak to the location nor its vibe. The order: Soy Garlic chicken wings -These wings are currently the Standard Bar which other Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken Wings are compared to. It has a well seasoned batter that is not too thick, has crunch and flavor even with the soy garlic sauce. The soy garlic sauce is Garlic forward with a nice amount of sweetness. Medium Spicy Chicken Wings -The batter was well seasoned, and the spice takes a second or two to kick in. The spice level of medium is probably as hot as I would enjoy (normal enjoyable max spice level is hot Cheetos). To me, it is soy garlic with a kick up underlying spice. Sweet Potato Fries -A nice toasted sweetness on the outside and a very soft sweet potato inside. Goes great with the sweet and sour dipping sauce. Onion Rings -The batter on these were surprisingly tasty with a nice crunch to them. They weren't soggy and they had a delicious like taste to them (maybe corn batter). If you like onion rings, then these are worth a taste. Rice -Their rice was as perfect as rice can be. I always enjoy eating some rice with my chicken. The rice also came in handy to cool things down when eating the spicier wings. read more

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Came with my buddy for lunch on a Saturday. The owner was working and was super nice. We had biked over, and found there isn't really any convenient area to lock our bikes, but the owner let us leave them inside at the front of the store, out of the way. We ordered a medium order of soy garlic wings, with rice and salad for sides. The salad was like a thinly sliced cole slaw which paired niced with the wings. The wings were awesome, crispy and sauced nicely. Nice folks and great food--I'd definitely come back! read more

Currently my standard and top pick for fried chicken. Got a large order of drumettes/flats in soy garlic and sweet sour with pickled radish as sides. The sweet sour was really good. Soy garlic was okay, it used to be better. Highly recommend the fries. The fries had a coating on it and was super crispy and tender inside. Comes with a side of ketchup. The hype is real for this place. When I went to pickup my order, there were two dine in tables on a Sunday evening and the two staff members were super busy answering phone calls. I tried to order online but site was not accepting orders and the link on YELP is incorrect. The website is https://thechickenonfire.menu11.com/castro/order. I called three times and got a voice message. Luckily the staff called me back after three missed calls. read more

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Chicken On Fire in Castro Valley is a true mom-and-pop gem that we've been coming back to for years. The chicken is always perfectly crispy and crunchy and made fresh every time. The side of fries are always hot and crispy and make a great side order. The side salad is also helpful at keeping your mouth cooled down from the heat of the freshly fried chicken as well as the spicy sauces! My wife and I usually split a medium order of wings and do half medium spicy and half spicy hot, which is the perfect balance for us. The owner is incredibly kind and always checks in to make sure everything is good, in our lives as well as the food, which really adds to the experience. Consistently fresh, crunchy, and delicious--this place never disappoints! read more

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The only problem I have with this place is that it's not close to my home. But I do make sure to get my chicken here if I'm enjoying a festive occasion in Castro valley. Good party food. read more

This is probably one of the best Korean fried chicken places I've had. The first time, I asked my coworker to pick up an order for me. The last time I went after a massage appointment. I like how the slightly vent thr container so the chicken doesn't get soggy. The guy at the counter made sure to warn me that it was hot and to wait a little bit. Which to me means, by the time I drive back home, they'll be ready. I've definitely recommended this place to folks including one of my foodie bosses. The flavors are really good and that crispness has me drowling right now thinking about it. Get to Chicken on Fire right now! read more

The Chicken On Fire - The store front. Parking is scarce in the front. - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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The food is excellent and very fresh! My family has been coming here for years and are always welcomed with open arms from the owner and the staff. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone in the Bay Area looking for good chicken for a great price read more

The Chicken On Fire - Soy Garlic L2.Wings & Drumsticks (LARGE) - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Chicken is solid! It's made to order and very crisp. Their sauces are pretty good and not as salty as some of the other Korean fried chicken places I've been to. Fries are super good and crispy! read more

The Chicken On Fire - L1.Wings/flats&drumettes (LARGE) soy garlic - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Chicken on Fire is my go too take out chicken. Always tasty, temperature appropriate and plentiful. Everyone working there is personable and so helpful. French fries and onion rings are always tasty and crispy. Give them a go you won't be disappointed. read more

Love the chicken here. Like the medium spicy and the curry. Love the salad and radish pickles. The people are nice.

I've been here many times and have tried a lot of other chicken places, but this one is the best so far. The chicken is always crispy and delicious, and the prices are great. The service is friendly and the food comes out really fast. Definitely one of my favorite spots! read more

The Chicken On Fire - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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The chicken was cooked sooooo good!!! The flavors were really nice, I preferred the garlic soy and I'd really like to try the spicy curry next. The "salad" was chill but come on just tell me it's slaw, it was just kind of funny when it came out I'm like oh wow that's a lot of cabbage. Not bad tho! Also the daikon was super yummy. Pretty simple fanfare and maybe a touch more expensive than I prefer, but the staff is very kind and clearly well-loved by their regulars. read more

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Came here recently for dinner with a group of friends. I was the first in my party to arrive right when the restaurant opened up. It seems like there's limited parking, but there's actually a lot out back for people to park instead of the street. Since I came at opening, I tried to grab a table for 5 but had to wait until my party arrived in order to be seated. By the time everyone was present, we were seated at a table for 6 right in the front. We got a good amount of natural lighting and the convenience if being near the door. We had a large order of chicken with spicy and soy garlic sauces on the side. Chicken came out so well fried when it was served -- crisp on the outside as well as hot and warm on the inside. Quality was solid. Service took a while, but overall our early dinner was fulfilling. Next time I hope to try other flavors for the chicken! read more

The chicken and rice are still amazing. The crispy texture, fully flavored chicken and perfectly cooked rice, all make this place delicious and memorable. I am still coming here after all these years. read more

Hi hello, this is THE spot for Korean fried chicken. The wings are fresh, delectable, and so completely flavorful, it's almost too explosive and euphoric as a human experience. Truly, a five out of five joint. One note, my party did a takeout order rather than dine in so this review will be only for the takeout food. My party and I arrived around 5:30 and placed an order as a walk-in. The restaurant is small and cozy, but there are strict rules to abide by. For example, upon entering a sign dictates that you can only have a max party of six. Not really sure why but i guess rules are rules *shrug*. The wait for the wings took around 30 to almost 40 minutes after ordering. There are a few chairs to sit and wait by the window. When the order was ready, and they passed the food over, they specified to keep the bag open so that the wings maintain a crispness and freshness for later eatage. It was a cold and breezy day, so seeing the steam waft from the bag, and the smells of soy garlic and curry (both medium spice and regular) swirl through the air was undeniably mouthwatering. The first bite was glorious. The second bite was heavenly. The third bite, dare I say-- ecstasy. All the flavors that we ordered were so very delicious. The medium spice curry was actually not that spicy at all, which I personally liked. The soy garlic leaned more on the soy with a smattering of garlic flavor, infused, and the textures of the wings, even after bringing them back home which took around 20 minutes, was perfect. The portion of the large serving was very satisfying. Our order also included rice and some white radish. Love this place would come again. read more

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The wings come with sides but the sides here are limited. I do wish the pickled radishes were unlimited only because they're my favorite side dish. Our waitress wasn't particularly friendly to us, but I did see her with a different attitude towards a pick up order which I'm assuming is one of their regulars. The wings themselves are good & I've been back a few times for the wings. The sweet potato fries aren't made in house, they're just frozen ones. (Not fried in tempura batter in case anyone was wondering) Not sure if I've just been unlucky, but they also tend to be late on their pick up times with online orders. read more

The Chicken On Fire - Soy Garlic & Mild Spicy Wings and Drumsticks / Medium - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Everything about this place is basically perfect. The staff are super nice, the place is clean and quiet. And the wings... they get better every time I try them. The soy garlic wings are my all time favorite. Recently I started getting half and half and asked for the spicy curry on the side to dip the wings in and it was the perfect combo. I can't stress it enough that these really are the best wings anywhere in the Bay Area and it's not even close. read more

The Chicken On Fire - Soy garlic wings - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Typically very picky with Korean fried chicken but this restaurant is a hidden gem in Castro Valley. The restaurant has a plain interior and they have a simple menu with simple flavors... but have y'all seen the size of their chicken?! The drumsticks are huge! The crispiness texture was pretty decent too. The owner lady seems very nice too. I like how friendly she is to all customers. She even advised people on not closing their takeout containers to not ruin the crispiness. read more

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The chicken wings are to die for. We were greeted by a gentlemen on a Sunday afternoon after 3 cross church and I can say the service and the kindness is very up to par. Nice old school calming music and great place to take the kids very clean place and cute. read more

Been here many times, first tried it during the pandemic and the food is always steaming hot! Tried the spicy hot, soy garlic, and tried the curry. Soy garlic is very light, but the spicy hot is really hot so beware. The service has always been nice, we have always taken to-go but there is some seating. Overall love the food. read more

This is the first time I've seen big drumsticks at a Korean fried chicken restaurant :o I normally get boneless if it's an option, but since it wasn't, I was still pleasantly surprised by the portion size! I got soy garlic and spicy curry. Soy garlic will always be my favorite, but spicy curry was still great. Every single piece was flawlessly crispy and flavorful. I would absolutely return if I'm in the area! read more

The Chicken On Fire - Menu - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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CHICKEN BIGGER THAN AN IPHONE 15 PRO MAX!!! This staple has been my favorite spot to eat chicken. I always have a great time and alot of leftovers to go home. I rarely see people inside the restaurant. I think their service and food is unparalleled in terms of a fried chicken. You gotta try the spicy and order the drumsticks only. Its the only way you'll get the best bang for buck!! read more

This has been the best find for the new year so far. Tried this place for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. Have been hesitant to try it thinking it was strictly a Korean chicken restaurant. Not that I dislike Korean food, but thought it might be overly spicy. But decided to give it a go and I'm glad I did. The chicken is truly remarkable. Tried the garlic and also the sweet and sour sauces. Both fantastic. Will be back soon. read more

I've come here many times, but more recently we put in an order for Super Bowl Sunday and was quoted 2 hours which worked out. The smarter thing would have been to pre-order. Next time, forsure! Dine-in was closed for the day, so they were only doing pick-up orders. We got an order of large chicken wings (feeds 4-5 people) (half soy garlic, half spicy medium). This also comes with cabbage salad, rice, and/or pickled radish. The wings were still crunchy and hot when we got home and everything tasted amazing, as usual! read more

If you're craving Korean fried chicken but have been burned by the San Leandro Bonchon location like I have (the recipe seems off vs. other locations), Chicken on Fire is a solid alternative. Their chicken quality is impressive, and while it's a bit on the pricey side, it's worth it if you're looking for a reliable fix. The chicken here reminds me of Bonchon at its best--crispy with that signature caramelized coating--but Chicken on Fire takes a slightly saucier approach. Don't get me wrong, it's not saucy-saucy, just a touch more moist compared to Bonchon's ultra-crisp shell. I found it to be a nice twist, though Bonchon purists might notice the difference. As for flavors, their soy garlic didn't hit the same high notes as Bonchon's soy garlic (which is still my gold standard). However, their medium spicy was a standout. It's not very spicy--more like a mild, flavorful kick--but it's the flavor I'd come back for and order for sure. So, if Bonchon's SL recipe feels off to you, Chicken on Fire is a great option to scratch that itch. I'd stick with the medium spicy for the best experience IMO. read more

Visited with a friend on a weeknight and it was pretty quiet. Food itself was great. We ordered the medium soy garlic chicken drumsticks along with a side of rice. The portions are LARGE, so be prepared to take leftovers home. We ordered onion rings and fries as well, and had no complaints about either. Parking is a bit of a weird situation. There's an narrow alley that you can go through, but it's only wide enough for one vehicle, so just use some caution when you're pulling in or leaving. read more

Omg, the chicken here is fireeee! Not in the spicy sense because it was not spicy but the crispy ess and moist inside was so good, I tried two different flavors the spice and the garlic and both was delicious. Also got he sweet potato fries and it was cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. Would definitely go back and recommend it was a korean fried chicken place to go. The person who helped us out gave us the recommendations as well as told us not to order more because it was more than enough food for two, I always appreciate restaurants that do this because they definitely know better than me when it comes to portion. Place was cozy and had a parking lot, you might miss the lot because its in an alley way. Overall awesome experience! read more

The Chicken On Fire - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Ugh I hate to be the one! A friend of mine sent me an article in which this place is listed as one of the top chicken wing spots in the Bay. And I wanted to love it because I've just moved to CV, would like to find a good chicken spot nearby. So, I ordered some for lunch take-out on a day I was headed to work late. It smelled so good that I had to stop and take a few bites before heading to my office. Those first few piping hot bites were delectable. Couldn't wait to dig in once I got to work, and it was cool enough to handle so I went in! To my dismay the quality of the chicken took me by surprise, the sauces and flavors and temperatures were so delicious, fresh and hot before that I had not noticed. Everything about this chicken is good except the actual chicken they use, it's got a bad aftertaste, it's pumped up GMO wings and drumsticks that leave much to be desired. That is all. Wanted to love it read more

Came here with my wife and we were both blown away. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Right away they let us know how big the portions were so we wouldn't end up overordering (which we definitely would've done otherwise). We got the soy garlic and spicy drumsticks, and man, they were huge. Like, each one was basically the size of a phone. Super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some of the best Korean-style fried chicken we've had in the Bay. The soy garlic was rich and savory, and the spicy had a nice kick without being overwhelming. Everything that came with the meal was solid--crispy fries, fluffy rice, fresh salad, and the pickled radish was a nice touch. The portions are generous, and honestly, one combo was enough for the both of us. The space is clean and chill. Parking is tucked in the back, so don't miss it. We'll definitely be coming back here often. This place is a hidden gem in Castro Valley. read more

Love this spot, but last visit, a couple of days ago, we were so bummed. Our soy garlic chicken hardly had any sauce on them. I think they forgot it? Very dry. Fries are better than ever. Highly suggest pairing them with their ranch and a side of ketchup. I'm going to leave the five star review up, because mistakes happen, but hoping we have a better experience next time. read more

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I have wanted to eat here since they opened nine years ago. I finally got my act together and showed up during business hours. I have lived in Ashland for 40 years. Parking is in the back, and there is lots of nice spaces to park. Diane, the owner, greeted me as I walked in. I told her I was eating alone. She asked me what I wanted and I said a glass of cold water. It was 587 out and hot. She brought me a carafe and set it on a table and I sat down with a menu. The eating space is cool, shades are drawn and it brings a sense of professional intimacy. There are chairs for the folks who are either picking up or delivery folks. Diane keeps track of everything and pays attention to all. I knew what I wanted. I ordered a 4.5 ABV half liter lager which was the perfect choice for what came for dinner. With beer I ordered Pot Stickers (10). Chicken Tenders (4), Pickled Radish (12), and Pickled Jalapeno (12). The sauces she offered were the medium spicy garlic and medium spicy curry. I asked her for chopsticks. I had considered fries and onion rings and Diane wisely counseled sme to reconsider, since that is just too much for one. She was right. The medium sauce is medium. On my next visit I will get hot, but not the extra hot. The sauces are home made and spectacular. Subtle flavors enhanced by the heat. The combination with the pickling spices and the gyoza, jalapeno, cubed daikon, and chicken tender dance lightly in your mouth and pirouette on your tongue. Really memorable. I picked each piece separately. Each was perfect, freshly prepared and perfection. My tummy is happy. My mouth feels great, and I am enjoying my meal. I finished it off with Marie's Ube Chocolate frozen Macaroon. Portions are all you want to eat and are delightful. We talked for a few minutes. Diane brought me some hot sauce to sample with the last bites. She could tell by my Cheshire Smile that I was in Heavenly Gustatory Bliss. Perfection. If you are in the vicinity, order, and prepare to eat the best food you taste the day you come. read more

This is one of the hidden gems of Castro valley and some of the Best KFC you'll have. Everything was so fresh and clean. No pics of the bathroom but it was very clean as well. One of the few places that does chicken potstickers and they were so delicious it's a great appetizer. The chicken is always so fresh and flavorful. If you have not been here before you simply must. I had an experience here a few years ago with very rude customer service and seems like that issue has since been resolved. my wife and I were treated very well with a lot of attention and care! This place is now one of my wife's favorite spots. Depending on your line of work the hours are kinda inconvenient and parking is troublesome but if you can make it here it's well worth it! Also must try the Macaroon ice cream!!! read more

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Amazing. Food was delicious and the customer service is great. Always love coming here.

One of my favorite chicken places, especially here in Castro Valley. I'll be honest , the only thing I only order here is the wings, especially when I'm craving them. I personally don't eat the spicy, but my partner does and he loves them so 4.5/5 read more

For some reason I thought I had already left a review of this place ! I've been coming here for years since I first discovered it . The staff are so nice and always remember us . We always get soy garlic which is my fav , the salad , radish, fries and rice ahah . It never fails to amaze me and hits the spot every time ! read more

Wow, I have not been back to The Chicken On Fire in years! My friend recently bought some of their Korean fried chicken from here to share. I was hesitant to try it again after my last visit, as it was burnt / dry, but I was surprised how good and juicy their chicken has gotten compared to my last experience at least. She bought a mix of Soy Garlic and Spicy Medium wings & drumsticks. I enjoyed the Soy Garlic drumsticks the best, as that is usually my to go flavor and style. Overall, I usually enjoy my Korean fried chicken plain with the soy garlic on the side, but their soy garlic was not too much or overpowering, which I enjoyed. read more

The waiter is such a hard worker. I hope this kid gets a raise because the owner kept asking him to do everything - she was too. It was a busy day since it was Valentine's Day. The fries were delicious, the side dishes we got were a salad, fries, pickled jalapeño and pickled radish, everything was delicious. The wings as well, crunchy, saucy, and meaty. Haha. The place is nice, quiet, and , clean. read more

The Chicken On Fire - Chicken Wings Near Me - Castro Valley, California

5 years later and chicken on fire is still an amazing local restaurant! You genuinely feel like you're family here with a nice warm hello as soon as you walk in. The chicken is so crispy and never fails to make us say YUM! Chicken on fire has been a staple in my family for the last 5 years and we're hoping for many more years to come! read more

I came at 7:32pm for dine-in and the waitress kept reiterating to me they stop taking dine-in at 8pm. I asked if they were closing soon and she let me know they close at 8:30pm. I asked if it was still fine because if not, I won't impose - she said it was ok but continued to remind me even after I sat down which made me feel extremely unwelcomed. I ordered the medium portion of wings and drums with soy garlic and spicy medium flavors. Soy garlic was ok at best and spicy medium had no spice or flavor. The batter they used on the skin did not fry to a crispy crunchy texture but was instead hard and thick. It was a shame that I ordered the size medium because I hate wasting food but I could not get myself to continue eating it. read more