Another option for Korean fried chicken is cooking in Annandale, and so far, it appears to be getting a thumbs up from patrons.
Bb.q Chicken opened its doors on March 18 at 7131 Little River Turnpike, where it shares a building with Cafe V. This is the chain’s fourth location in Fairfax County, joining locations in Idylwood, Centreville and Tysons.
The move puts bb.q Chicken in competition with a wide variety of other Korean restaurants — including rival Bonchon, which reopened on Columbia Pike in January. But the Annandale franchise’s owner says the area’s “vibrant Korean community” made it a natural fit for an expansion.
“While there are many chicken options available, our goal is to serve the best flavors by following bb.q Chicken’s official franchise recipes and cooking methods,” the franchise owner said in a statement. “This ensures that our food consistently delivers both high quality and great taste. We welcome everyone to visit and experience the true essence of authentic Korean fried chicken, and we look forward to sharing more of it with the community.”
Based in Seoul, South Korea, bb.q Chicken has more than 3,500 locations worldwide, including over 200 in the U.S. Its American flagship store opened in 2014 in New York City’s Koreatown, according to a press release.
The company says it utilizes a “signature cooking method” that differentiates its chicken from other chains.
“Unlike American-style fried chicken, bb.q Chicken fries at a lower temperature, creating a crispier, lighter, and less greasy texture while locking in the juiciness,” bb.q Chicken said in the release. “Each piece is then hand-tossed in bold, flavorful sauces.”
The menu features 14 different flavors of chicken, from the sauce-free golden original and honey garlic to galbi, cheesling, a black pepper sauce called Gangam Style, and wings of fire — the spiciest option.
Customers can also order kimchi fried rice, ddeok-bokki (a street food made out of fish cakes and rice cakes) and various side dishes, including steamed rice, fries, pickled radish and fried dumplings.
After less than two months of business, bb.q Chicken’s Annandale location has just four reviews on Yelp, but they’ve all been positive with four-star ratings.
The first reviewer described the food as “tasty” with smaller portions and less batter than other fried chicken eateries, though the ordering process created some confusion.
One commenter from April called the restaurant “a wonderful surprise,” praising the staff for quick, helpful service. Another recommended the spicy chicken options, while warning that the parking lot, which is shared with Cafe V and other businesses, is challenging to navigate.
Bb.q Chicken in Annandale is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
