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Korean Fried Chicken

Crisp

Lakeview, Chicago, IL 📍 Maps

Crisp, a Korean fried chicken haven, was founded by Chef Jae Lee, who merged his Korean upbringing with American culinary flair, initially to his mother's skepticism. This unassuming spot, with its simple green doors, has become a neighborhood icon, known for its communal dining style where rolls of paper towels sit on tables, ready for the messy, flavorful feast. Regulars know to embrace the lively atmosphere and the delicious, perfectly cooked chicken that keeps people coming back for more.

★ The Legend
Seoul Sassy Wings
These jumbo whole wings are twice-fried for an extra crunch, then thoroughly coated in Crisp's signature Seoul Sassy sauce. This sweet, sticky, soy-based glaze is an explosion of ginger, garlic, and other spices, a secret family recipe that Chef Lee perfected.
◆ Fan Favorite
Baby Buddha Bowl
This 'mini' adaptation of a traditional Korean Bibimbap offers a light yet satisfying meal with an American twist. It features four different freshly marinated and/or sautéed chilled vegetables on a bed of rice, topped with a fried egg and served with a side of Gochujang sauce.
● Chef's Pick
Crisp BBQ Wings
Chef Jae Lee personally describes the Crisp BBQ sauce as 'a little bit smoky, a little bit sweet, and it's got that tang of a barbecue sauce, but no tomato sauce involved,' emphasizing its unique Korean recipe that 'no one else does around here.' He also states that only three people know the recipe, highlighting his personal creation and pride in the sauce.
◇ Hidden Gem
Crispy Chicken Bowl
While most first-timers focus on the wings, regulars know to ask for this off-menu item (now transparently listed online). It features homemade crispy chicken breast chunks tossed in your choice of sauce, offering a different texture experience than the bone-in wings.
Insider Tip

First-timers often overlook the sauce options beyond the initial coating. Instead, make sure to utilize the free squeeze bottles of gochujang, sriracha, and Allison's Atomic Sauce available at the tables. This allows you to customize each bite and discover new flavor combinations throughout your meal.

Every restaurant has its legendary dishes.

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