First time visiting Bonchon....here are my impressions: service is good...attentive and friendly. food: a)edamame for appetizer was a rather small portion, enough for two people, but not much there. What shocked me was they charge $6.95 for what amounts to be a $0.50 serving. Other than salt, was rather bland, so how can they justify that price? b)Japchae-very delicious...I enjoyed this dish. Having said that, the portion was rather small....not that much meat, yet, the price was $15.95. Not a great value at all in my opinion. c)Bull Dak: this was freaking spicy! I mean, really, really spicy! But the flavors and textures were good, and the portion size was generous. But be prepared....this one had my lips on fire for an hour after the meal! the rest.....a)the plastic cups used for beverages looked like they were bought at a yard sale...extremely crazed (plastic had fine cracks all throughout). b)the acoustics in the restaurant were terrible. Everyones voices seemed like they were yelling, and the waitress actually turned UP the volume on the sound system, making the soundscape sound terrible between very loud music and peoples voices echoing all over the place c) we asked for a takeout container as we had leftovers...they added $0.30 to our bill for the takeout container!!!!! I had never heard of this in my entire life being charged for a takeout container!!!
So, in conclusion, I don't think I will be returning. I think the food is very overpriced, and I did not enjoy the environment....they really should look at adding sound absorbing materials to address this. And stop charging customers for takeout containers...that...
Read moreHere Bonchon is a Korean fried chicken restaurant that has quickly become one of my go-to places for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal. They are best known for their famous Korean fried chicken wings which come coated in a light, crispy layer of garlic soy glaze or spicy chili garlic sauce. The wings are served fresh out of the fryer, hot and juicy. You really can't go wrong with any of the flavors.
Another standout on the menu is the bibimbap, a giant stone bowl filled with steamed rice, marinated beef, assorted vegetables, spicy gochujang paste, and a fried egg. The ingredients blend together as you mix everything in the bowl, making for a colorful and flavorful combination in each bite.
Despite the quality and portions, Bonchon has extremely reasonable prices. You can get out of there for well under $20 per person for a full meal. They are also focused on fast and friendly service, with most meals arriving within 10-15 minutes of ordering. The staff are all very attentive and helpful in navigating the menu for newcomers.
Overall, Bonchon hits all the right notes for a perfect casual meal out. With delicious food, low prices, speedy service, and a welcoming atmosphere, they have earned their place as one of my preferred Korean fried chicken destinations. If you're craving wings, bibimbap, or other classic Korean fare, drop by your nearest Bonchon. Just come hungry, leave full, and know you got your money's worth...
Read moreI recently visited Bonchon in Pleasanton and had a generally enjoyable dining experience. Overall, I would rate it 4 stars, largely due to the mixed quality of the food.
Starting with the positives, the restaurant itself is modern and inviting, with a clean and comfortable ambiance. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we were well taken care of throughout our meal.
The highlight of the menu was undoubtedly the fried chicken. Bonchon's signature Korean-style fried chicken was crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The soy garlic and spicy sauces were both delicious, providing a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. These dishes alone are worth the visit.
However, the rest of the menu was a bit hit or miss. While the Korean tacos and Bibimbap were tasty, they didn't quite match the standout quality of the fried chicken. Some of the side dishes, like the seasoned fries and coleslaw, were average and lacked the wow factor.
Despite these inconsistencies, Bonchon Pleasanton still offers a satisfying dining experience, especially if you're a fan of Korean fried chicken. With a bit of improvement on their other menu items, this place has the potential to be truly exceptional.
In conclusion, Bonchon Pleasanton is a great spot for enjoying some fantastic fried chicken in a pleasant atmosphere. While the quality of the food can be mixed, the excellent service and standout dishes make it a...
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