Korean Restaurants near Saint Johns

“We have fond memories of having fantastic Korean fried chicken years ago when we lived in the DC suburbs. Everyone called it "Crack Chicken." Because it was addictive? Or because it was so crunchy? The places were all mom and pop businesses in a pretty large Korean community. The old places we used to frequent were all a bit better and maybe more authentic. And, like a typical Korean BBQ, they would serve a big spread of complementary banchan -- a variety of little side dishes like picked daikon radish, kimchi, rice, spinach, seasoned bean sprouts, cucumber salad, etc. for sharing as an appetizer or throughout the meal. Here in Jacksonville, our two Bonchon options are part of the same chain. Maybe not as fantastic of a crunch as we remember back in DC, but it's definitely not bad. My first experience with this chain was when the one at the Town Center opened a few years ago. It was right between lunch and dinner time, so I was a bit discouraged when the waiter told me it would be 40 minutes for chicken. Not because they were busy, but because they were unprepared, I guess? Now, this shouldn't be entirely surprising since you want your chicken cooked through and you want it "double-fried" crunchy. You can't always go in with the expectation that it's a fast food experience. But it wasn't a great experience, and for years, we never went back. Until a new one opened up at Durbin Pavillion, and we finally gave in to temptation and gave them another shot. So, for today's adventure, we each got the lunch 6-piece (2 wings, 2 drumettes, and 2 full-size drumsticks) with a mix of spicy, soy garlic, and Korean BBQ sauces. She got seasoned fries, and I got pickled daikon for a side. Just one side. No big spread of side dishes like a traditional Korean restaurant. After my first experience with this chain, we were a bit surprised at how fast the food came out. There must be a way to prep the chicken ahead of time and drop it to reheat and perform the magical second crisping. It was all very good. Her fries were really fantastic. The spicy chicken was the best. But the other two flavors were really pretty good, too. And the staff was great. There are a few other options on the menu. Your Korean standards like buns, shumai, potstickers, bulgogi, and bibimbop. Might be worth trying. But you're really there for the "crack chicken."“

“Beyond delicious ?. We have visited the St. John’s location and now this one….delicious is all. Korean dogs on point, Korean fried chicken delicious and crispy…bobas we got the yogurt ones with strawberries ? delicious and the original tea banging….Honey dew green tea…banging as well and the macarons sooo soft and really delicious. ? Love it!!!! For sure coming back…Thank you crew “

“Everything was perfect! We stopped on the way home from the vet with our beloved Lab, and worried about leaving him in the car. The fantastically sweet waitress let us put him on the side porch area, where it was safely closed in and shady. She also gave him a bone! My kimchi jigae was so good, such a welcome change from usual fare. Definitely will return.“