COQODAQ — Restaurant in New York

EVERYTHING WE DREAMT OF AND MORE! This is truly the perfect new NYC restaurant. Yes we were skeptical after hearing it was a TikTok sensation, but the fact is-- this is an incredible restaurant.

Details: Reservations: YES it is hard to get a reservation. But, duh. It is a hot NYC opening. And we don't ALL have to eat at 7pm people - be flexible! Be cool! We ate after a show, and it felt like pre-pandemic NYC, when a dining room would be buzzing and full of life even at 11pm! Plus when you arrive the hosts and maitre'd are so helpful and warm. You can tell they are being attacked from all sides (there was this wild woman that started yelling at one of them to seat her even though she didn't have a reservation, luckily my husband stepped in to defend the host! She seemed awful. Why are people so entitled!?). The genius of this place is that Simon Kim, who is Korean but I think also American, made a place that is accessible but also hard to get into, like his other restaurant, COTE. We met him once there a few years ago and he was so nice and humble, you can tell that is the success here too.

Food: we are used to southern style of Fried Chicken, so this was our first "Korean style," and I don't think I ever want to go back. It is so light and airy, is it even bad for you?! I think not! Plus with the crunchy and tart sides of pickles, it was refreshing. The chef here used to be at Jean Georges for over ten years our server told us and you can tell. This isn't just FANCY fried chicken it is WELL MADE and you can tell only uses the best ingredients. The menu says "better fried chicken" and better for us and the planet. I can get behind that. Sorry Popeye's. Step it up! The Golden Nuggets sound cheesy and overpriced, yes it is caviar on chicken nuggets but they are inarguably delicious and quite honestly a steal. We go out to eat all the time in NYC and I have never seen a huge lump of caviar for that price. Plus they use Petrossian. again, the best ingredients and pricing here. You can tell they probably had a bunch of meetings about it all.

Cocktails: get the egg. So cute and cool. The rest of their drinks really are outstanding. Bar team is anti-snobby, lovely and chic. The guy Matt that makes the bar menu is maybe the nicest guy ever. We started at the bar, and would recommend that to anyone if they can. The Alaska my husband had and it is a THROWBACK but the best ever.

Wine: they are really pushing the Champagne thing here, and again like the Golden Nuggets I was hesitant that it was a gimmick. But wow, no. Next level. They truly have the largest Champagne list in America, and definitely the best. We are huge fans of bubbles and the sommelier helped us find a nice bottle around $250 on the list, we then looked on Vivino and the wine is SO reasonably priced at COQODAQ, I don't even know how they are making money. If you don't order Champagne here you are losing money. It legit was the best pairing ever with the chicken. I lost my mind. The sommelier was this super fun guy that was like a teddy bear, he made the whole thing great. We looked for Victoria but they said she was at COTE Singapore, their sister Michelin-starred steakhouse. But honestly her whole team is the best, they even poured us a little Champagne digestif at the end.

Dessert: We are big dessert people. Shockers. And when we learned there wasn't a menu we were a little sad but that soon ended because they gave us FREE dessert. A little soft serve that was yogurty and tangy. Amazing.

REVIEW: 100/10. You read that right. This is a perfect restaurant. The only thing I would say is don't go with a date, bring like 4 people here so you can try everything. We didn't get to the curry which looked cool or the tartare, but next time! We...

We recently were able to ‘experience’ COQODAQ on Saturday evening in celebration of our friend’s birthday. We arrived 30 minutes early in hopes of possibly grabbing a drink at the bar, but were instead greeted by a line that stretched all the way down the block. We proceeded to wait in this line for a half an hour, while a second line started to stretch down the opposite direction of the block. There was no staff directing the line, and there is no differentiation within the line for people with reservations versus those that do not. I repeat, you are waiting in line with those who do not have reservations, in our case - in the pouring rain. There are also NO staff members directing the guests or regulating the line. (Think Lord of the Flies or Broadway Chorus Call- chaos and line-cutters) Around the time our reservation was to begin, we finally reached the host desk, to be cut off by a gentleman that felt that he was more important than the two lines that were generated, and proceeded to take the attention of all staff members at the front desk asking his questions. Since our entire party was completely soaked through the bottom half of our wardrobes, embarrassed by their line experience, and generally pissed- we tried to explain to the young Maitre D that the gentleman was being disrespectful to those of us waiting. We were patronized with a dramatic “Don’t worry everybody! We are all here now! We are all going to eat tonight! Everybody calm down.” The reason we weren’t calm was because of the reservation policies pushing this unpleasant experience onto the guests, and lack of a stanchion or rope suggesting which direction of the block the line was supposed to choke off entrances from the rest of the businesses and residences on the block. To be “tolerated” with our disappointment and greeted in such a manner unfortunately created quite the “hole” for the FOH staff to crawl out from. Usually the entitlement is on the guest side of the table- not when it comes to THIS host stand. The food was great, service was great too- I haven’t seen that many staff on the floor of any place recently since New Years and service reflected this. The Somms, our waitress Christy, and the Jamaican Food Runner who brought the delicious sauces were memorable. The sauces with the Bucket menu were great, Mac and cheese was ok, the chicken itself was fluffy yet crunchy- allowed me to crush a bunch of them between the OG and the glazed. Noodle pallet cleanser wasn’t for me, but the girls liked it along with their additional Fish (cod) and chips. Dessert was a soft serve Greek yogurt with berry puree. That’s the only choice. Our bday guest didn’t eat Greek Yogurt. No other options- easy way to get a group out quickly. We asked to take our time and we were able to stretch the experience to 1.5 hours. Clothes and shoes still wet from waiting in the rain. There is no coat check, or at least none was mentioned to us. Missed opportunity there.

A great General Manager once always reminded his staff every day before service- “Good food is the price of admission for NYC. You aren’t unique by offering this. It is HOW each PERSON within the restaurant provides the experience of hospitality while the guests dine- that makes ALL the difference, and creates repeat diners.”

Wishing this place well, but also that it’s leadership realizes that despite its current popularity, a restaurant’s long term endurance and growth in NYC depend on more than IG, TikTok, and what’s on the menu. It starts at the front (and even before that with available reservations that are ‘honored’ when entering the...

COQODAQ in New York City offers an elevated experience for lovers of Korean fried chicken with an unexpected upscale twist. Known for pairing its bold and delicious fried chicken with an extensive Champagne list, COQODAQ has created a unique fusion of casual and high-end dining, perfect for foodies looking for something a little different.

Atmosphere: Stepping into COQODAQ, you immediately sense the stylish, modern vibe that sets it apart from your typical fried chicken joint. The decor is a blend of sleek contemporary design with subtle nods to Korean culture, creating an ambiance that feels both trendy and welcoming. With plush seating, warm lighting, and carefully curated art, the space is perfect for an intimate meal or a night out with friends. It’s easy to see COQODAQ as a venue suited for special occasions, thanks to its sophisticated yet laid-back vibe.

Food and Drink: COQODAQ’s Korean fried chicken is the highlight here, and it’s as flavorful as it is crispy. Each piece is perfectly fried to achieve that thin, ultra-crispy skin, while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. Their menu includes a range of flavors, from classic soy garlic and spicy gochujang to more unique options like honey butter, offering something for every palate.

One of the standout aspects of COQODAQ is their emphasis on luxury with their impressive Champagne list. Pairing fried chicken with Champagne may sound unconventional, but it’s a surprisingly harmonious combination that balances the richness of the fried chicken with the effervescence of fine bubbles. Their Champagne menu is extensive, featuring premium selections from renowned Champagne houses as well as lesser-known gems. If you’re unsure of what to pair, the staff is happy to recommend a Champagne that will complement your chosen flavor of chicken.

Aside from the main dishes, COQODAQ offers a variety of upscale sides, including truffle fries, kimchi mac and cheese, and sweet potato tempura, all of which make excellent accompaniments. The appetizers, like their spicy garlic wings and cheese corn, are perfect for sharing and add an extra layer of flavor to the meal.

Service: Service at COQODAQ is polished and attentive, adding to the upscale feel. The staff is knowledgeable about both the menu and Champagne list, and they’re more than willing to help you navigate pairings for the perfect meal experience. The food arrives promptly, even during busier times, and the team does a great job of creating a welcoming environment that enhances the dining experience.

Pricing: COQODAQ is on the pricier side compared to typical fried chicken spots, but the quality of food, Champagne selection, and the overall experience make it well worth the investment. This isn’t fast-food fried chicken; it’s a refined take that brings a unique culinary approach, and the prices reflect that. The Champagne selections add a luxury touch, making it a memorable treat for those willing to splurge a bit.

Overall: COQODAQ is redefining what it means to enjoy fried chicken in New York City, bringing sophistication and flavor to every aspect of the dining experience. With its upscale ambiance, creative menu, and thoughtfully curated Champagne list, COQODAQ is perfect for those looking to elevate their night out, whether you’re celebrating or simply in the mood for something unique. It’s a must-visit for lovers of Korean cuisine and for anyone curious to see how well Champagne and fried chicken can...