Pho and wings-pho nam cali 2 — Restaurant in San Diego

I stopped by Uncle Chicken recently after hearing a few good things, and I’m glad I finally made the trip. It’s a cozy, clean little spot with a friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff—right from the start, it felt like a place that takes pride in both their food and service.

Now, onto the star of the show: the wings. I ordered 4, and to my surprise, they gave me 6—always a great way to win someone over. The wings were incredibly crispy on the outside, with a satisfying crunch that didn’t feel greasy or heavy. Inside, they were juicy and tender, with every bite packed with that rich, deep umami flavour that’s so signature to Korean fried chicken. It’s clear they know what they’re doing in the kitchen.

That said, while the wings were definitely delicious, they didn’t quite have that wow factor that would push the experience into 5-star territory for me. I expected the food to taste the way it did for the price I paid—solid, high-quality, but not particularly memorable or unique. There wasn’t that one standout element that made me think, “I’ve never had anything like this before.” Still, the food hit the spot, and it was cooked really well.

The portion sizes are a little on the smaller side, especially compared to some other wing places, but they’re still satisfying. For reference, the wings are about the same size as what you’d get at Wingstop. But where Uncle Chicken stands out is in the variety. They’ve got more than just wings and tenders, and I’m genuinely excited to come back and explore the rest of the menu. It feels like one of those spots that rewards repeat visits.

Overall, I’m giving Uncle Chicken a strong 4 stars. I know a lot of people have rated it 5 stars—and I can definitely see why—but I don’t hand out 5-star reviews easily. For me, a perfect score means something truly exceptional or unforgettable. Uncle Chicken came very close. The food was delicious, the service was great, and I’m genuinely looking forward to coming back and trying more of what they have to offer. With a bit more of a unique twist or standout flavour, it could absolutely get there. Still, this place is more than worth a visit—and one I’ll...

Drinks are 2-3 times more expensive than supermarkets. The chicken is pre-cooked and heated up before serving. I ordered 20 chicken wings and 3 tenders, and they were ready in 5 minutes. The spiciness level was wrong, too. It was greasy and not crispy. The chili seemed to be too high in chemical ingredients. Of the 20 chicken wings, less than 8 were wings; the rest were drumsticks, which resulted in a huge amount of food waste. I suggest you pay more attention to the quality of the food, otherwise no Asians will buy it. The spiciness and flavor of Korean fried chicken should not be...

Easily me and my boyfriend's favorite Korean fried chicken place in SD! We both usually order a Tender Box each- Garlicky Soy for me, Devil Garlic for him. The portion sizes are always generous (the 3-4 tenders are large) and the slaw, furikake rice, and fries are delicious as well. The food here tastes way LESS oily compared to Dave's Hot Chicken. If you're looking for an alternative to Dave's and like to support small businesses, look no further. The owner of Uncle Chicken is a sweet lady and I hope Uncle Chicken continues to be a fixture in...