A Guide to the BEST Korean Fried Chicken in the DMV Area

October 6, 2025

10 Korean Fried Chicken Spots to Try in Maryland & DC

korean fried chicken

1) Kong Pocha (Columbia)
My ride-or-die in Maryland. The exterior stays super crispy even under sauce, and the meat is perfectly juicy. Sauces lean bold, and portions are great for sharing. Late-night vibes + cold beer = elite KFC experience.

📍 Address: 9350 Snowden River Pkwy UNIT J, Columbia, MD 21045
⏰ Hours: M, W, Su 4pm-1am, Th-Sa 4pm-2am

2) bb.q Chicken (Ellicott City)
Consistently solid and wildly dependable. You get textbook crunch with a clean fry, and an impressive sauce lineup. Great for takeout when you want zero surprises – just crispy, saucy goodness that travels well. One of Korea’s most popular KFC chains (for good reason).

📍 Address: 8801 Baltimore National Pike Suite K, Ellicott City, MD 21043
⏰ Hours: Su-Th 12-11pm, Fr-Sa 12-1am

3) KoHo BBQ (Hanover, inside Live! Casino Maryland)
A little bougie in the best way. Come for K-BBQ energy, stay for very respectable KFC with craft cocktails and ample seating.

📍 Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076
⏰ Hours: Su-Th 11-11pm, Fr-Sa 11-12am

4) Jong Kak KBBQ (Baltimore)
An OG that’s been feeding Baltimore forever. The K-fried chicken here is classic – crackly skin, juicy inside, great flavor. It’s the move when you’re craving something straightforward and satisfying after a grill-heavy meal.

📍 Address: 18 W 20th St, Baltimore, MD 21218

5) Seoul Pub (Ellicott City)
First impression: promising crunch, well-seasoned, and sauced just right. Casual hangout energy with TVs and shareable plates. I’m due for a deeper menu dive, but the chicken alone put it on my “return soon” list.

📍 Address: 9059 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042
⏰ Hours: Su + T-Th 4-10pm, Fr-Sa 4-11pm

6) Daraewon (Beltsville)
Order the lollipop chicken and thank me later. The flavor hits that sweet-savory-salty balance KFC fans chase. Great crunch, super snackable, and perfect with their famous jjajangmyun.

📍 Address: 5013 Garrett Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705
⏰ Hours: T-Sa 11-9pm, Su 11-6pm

7) Chicken Lab (Baltimore)
Saucy wings with legit Korean crunch. Good size, clean fry, and a nice variety of heat levels so everyone at the table’s happy. Easy crowd-pleaser for game days when you want a few flavors in rotation.

📍 Address: 1065 S Charles St Suite 147, Baltimore, MD 21230
⏰ Hours: M-Sa 11-8pm, Su 11-7pm

8) Rainpia (Ellicott City)
A longtime local fave with Korean street-food staples plus fried chicken, so you can build a full spread. Great for mixed cravings and casual pojangmacha vibes.

📍 Address: 10194 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
⏰ Hours: T-Th 5pm-1am, Fr-Sa 4pm-2am, Su 4pm-12am

DC Bonus Picks

9) Kochix (Washington, DC)
Fast-casual spot with a loyal following. Wings come out crackly and hot, with sauces that actually cling.

📍 Address: 400 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
⏰ Hours: M-Th 11-8:30pm, Fr 11-9:30om, Sa 12-9:30pm, Su 12-8pm

10) Anju (Washington, DC)
Refined take with chef-driven flavors and perfect texture. The fry is whisper-thin but mighty crisp, and the seasoning leans layered. They’re the best in DC for sure.

If you want Korean fried chicken at happy hour prices, Mandu DC runs a daily bar from 5 to 7PM with KFC as one of the must-try bites.

📍 Address: 1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
⏰ Hours: M-Th 5-9pm, Fr 5-10pm, Sa 11-1:30 & 5-10pm, Su 11-1:30pm & 5-9pm

How to Order Like a Pro

  • Split sauces if you can: Half soy-garlic, half spicy = balance.
  • Add pickled radish: Cleanses the palate and keeps you going. I personally need that acidity to make the meal.
  • Air Fry Leftovers @ Home: the best way to reheat if you need to <3

Have you guys tried any of these spots? Let me know by commenting below, and make sure you check out my MD and DC tabs for more nom eats.

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