Bonchon - Korean Fried Chicken

Finally got to Banchan in Glenview, in the same strip with a three other Korean places (So Dong Gong, Paik's Noodles, Soup Belly) as well as a couple labeled Japanese (Fish on Fire, and Mozu Sushi and Izakaya). They're really close, but they've been only open for dinner (still not sure lunch still is available), and had a lengthy soft opening when they weren't open every evening.

The menuincludes more than just fried chicken, including appetizers of pork buns and takoyaki; mains of bibim bap and bull dak; and a caesar salad. But we were there for the chicken. My son and I got a medium combo of 10 wings and 5 drumsticks (boneless strips also available) for $23.95, mix of garlic-soy and spicy. That's a pretty big upcharge from Buffalo Wildwings ($11.50 gets you 18 wings), but they're pretty big wings, cut as drummie and fling+tip (yes, there's a bit of meat on the tip piece).

The chicken is cooked perfectly (fried to order): juicy, crisp batter and not-too-sweet glazing. The spicy is certainly more exciting, but perhaps a little one-note; the garlic-soy seems dull at first, but is really very tasty. If it wasn't for the fact that the wings give you more crunch, I'd go straight for the drums which were really flavorful.

The included side we chose of pickled radish (slaw, kimchi or rice are the other options) was a little skimpy for a dinner for two -- we should have sprung for a second side, I'm intrigued about their onion rings, if they're battered the same way.

The online menu has $8-9 lunch specials, so perhaps they are open for lunch now. Not a bad deal for lunch, with 8 (instead of 10) wings for 4 bucks less.

Partially devoured combo plate, with bonus granddaughter (not on solid food yet):


1615 Milwaukee Ave #100
Glenview, IL 60025
(224) 567-8185

Google says they are only open for lunch on weekends.

On a recent trip I ordered a salmon puff (I think that's how it was identified) appetizer. It was thin strips of salmon wrapping a center of very light (almost whipped) avocado. Really nice surprise. Chicken is quite good.

The second Chicago outpost of Bonchon, the Korean restaurant that specializes in fried chicken, should open in either late July or August, according to a rep. Its signage is up at 1732 W. Division Street.

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/7/10/175 ... ood-report

There's also a location in Chinatown:

2163 S. Chinatown A
Chicago, IL 60616

Bonchon Glenview a few days ago, was surprised how much I liked the chicken. Tender, crunchy with two types of sauce neither of which necessitated a fire hose to clean up after eating unlike, say, the wings at Budacki's.

I'm a long time fan of Great Sea, the new style Korean wings I've tried have been ok, nothing I'd crave, though I like Zip's on Howard St as much for the (lack of) ambiance as what's on the plate.

Bonchon service was friendly, efficient, restaurant spotless, kimchi funky, diakon crunchy and side of rice filled in the cracks nicely.

Bonchon is not going to replace Great Sea but of of the new breed its the best I've encountered.


Bonchon Korean wings, count me a fan!

Bonchon
1615 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL

Dave148 wrote:

The second Chicago outpost of Bonchon, the Korean restaurant that specializes in fried chicken, should open in either late July or August, according to a rep. Its signage is up at 1732 W. Division Street.

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/7/10/175 ... ood-report

The signage has been up for almost a year, but it’s finally wing time in Wicker Park as Bonchon — the Korean chain that opened its first Chicago location last year in Chinatown — will open on Thursday on Division Street.

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/10/10/17 ... cken-wings

Signage appears on a building at 18305 s Lagrange, Tinley Park. It appears as if they sharing a building with a Cajun Seafood place called Jumbo Crab

G Wiv wrote:Bonchon is not going to replace Great Sea but of of the new breed its the best I've encountered.

Same today, though I'd now include Landbirds with Great Sea to the notgoingtoreplace mix. Glenview Bonchon is now open for lunch weekdays.

Bonchon
1615 N Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL
https://bonchon.com/korean-fried-chicken-glenview-il/

Went to the Schaumburg location of Bonchon yesterday and brought some items back to the office for myself & co-workers to try.

Takoyaki
Two types of boneless chicken strips (spicy and the soy garlic)
Pork buns

Pork buns were just ok, not a lot of pork, flavors really didn't pop

Takoyaki were out of sight, really enjoyed these and could see myself enjoying a serving of these for lunch.

Everyone really enjoyed the strips with the spicy being the most popular flavor, the crunch of the breading is quite enjoyable.

Bonchon
1408 E Golf Road (strip mall on NE corner of Golf & Meachum)
Schaumburg IL
847-466-7663
Hours are 11am-9:30pm, except Sun when they close at 9pm