Kimchi Guys - Laclede's Landing — Restaurant in St. Louis

Gosh, I want to like this place. I've been a fan of Korean fried chicken for a long time, and was so happy when I heard about this place opening up in STL. The chicken almost never disappoints, but I can't help but notice a disappointing trend in lack of service.

If you're ordering from postmates, the texts telling you when you can pick up your food are highly inaccurate. I figured this out the first time I ordered when my food was cold, and the second time I went straight to Kimchi Guys after placing it and it was ready. I got the text telling me to come pick my food up over 30 minutes later.

I know the daikon radishes are a small part of the experience, but why even bother including them in the menu description if you're not going to include them as a side for the KFC? I love daikon radishes and look forward to them every time I order from Kimchi Guys. I'm disappointed more times than not when they aren't included in my takeout bag. And when I've pointed out that they're included with my meal to the staff, I get yelled at.

That brings me to my second point--I don't know where Kimchi Guys finds them, but they have some of the rudest employees I've ever met in St. Louis. They will argue with you over including the sides you've already paid for (see above). Tonight, I went in after ordering pickup from Postmates. It had been 30 minutes and I hadn't received any update on my order, so I decided to go in. I walk up to the counter and the guy there barely makes eye contact with me and gives me a "what?" look. Like he couldn't be bothered. I tell him I'm picking up an order and he tells me "I mean, if it's ready, it's probably one of those," while pointing to several orders on the counter. He said it in a tone like I had to be too stupid to realize there were bags of food on the counter. Zero customer service. How about next time, I just grab whichever bag is the biggest if you can't be bothered to help me?

Again, tonight of course they didn't include the daikon radishes. And I received the smallest chicken tender I've ever gotten with almost zero skin on it.

Also, charging $1.75 extra for lettuce and tomato on a $7 sandwich...

Kimchi Guys has a fun menu that ranges from Korean Fried Chicken wings to sandwiches, a few Korean classics, and even a Korean/Mexican fusion section to their menu.

Small but bustling restaurant with seating inside, offering a self-ordering experience (either at the kiosk or via your phone and a QR code at the table).

I ordered the 6 wing combo (comes with waffle fries, white radish kimchi and a drink). You can choose which sauce you’d like on your wings, this being my first time and no staff immediately available to talk to, I opted for 1/2 Spicy Original and 1/2 Garlic Soy. I ended up liking the Garlic Soy more.

The wings were made fresh to order, still piping hot when my order got called upon. The wings were tender, just about falling off the bone. Their waffle fries were crispy and salty, better than Chik-fil-A in my opinion. And I appreciated the small serving of the white radish.

Should also note that there is a small vegan section to the menu and plant-based protein as an option.

I enjoyed my meal and would definitely go back to try more of their menu. The reason I’m giving them 4 stars instead of 5 are for the following reasons:

For my taste, I would have liked the wings a tad saltier, and maybe that comes down to the sauces I ordered.

The restaurant was HOT, I’m not sure they have AC and the place was so hot that it may have been better to have done take out.

Service was not readily available because staff are doing their jobs processing orders (they get busy), and it was tough to find someone readily available for questions.

Price point. 6 wings, a drink, small serving of waffle fries and a small serving of kimchi radish for $18 is a little steep (that’s before tax).

I’d go back though, and that’s what...

There are three places in St. Louis who serve Korean style fried chicken that will truly make you want to slap your mama. O! Wing Plus, Fire Chicken, and Kimchi Guys. I’ve been coming here since the weekend they opened in 2019. I recall hearing about this place opening through the grapevine back then and I made it a mission to try it asap. It was love at first bite. I remember being with my cousin and when that chicken hit our mouths we just looked at each other and had a moment of silence. I always get the 10 wing combo. Back in 2019 this bad boy was only $14 and now it’s $21. That’s just the way she goes. Still worth every penny. The chicken itself is first-rate quality. They use an almost tempura-like batter that accompanies the various sauce options like a fine wine. My favorite is their “Original” sauce which is a little sweet and a little spicy. It’s a sticky, gochujang, soy sauce that can’t really be described in words. It transcends the vernacular of our feeble human minds. Runner up would be the “Honey Butter” sauce. This guy is just what it sounds like. A scrumptious symphony of honey and butter working together to make an irresistible finger licking concoction. If you get the 10 piece combo I recommend getting half original and half honey butter. Don’t fall into temptation by getting ranch for dipping because you won’t need it (it’s also like $2 for a side of ranch and it’s just store-bought, mass produced, low quality stuff so don’t waste your money). If you fancy yourself some chicken then come here the next time you have a hankerin’....