A New Flavor on Freret Street
Chi Chi’s Chicken and Beer, a new restaurant specializing in Korean fried chicken, has recently opened its doors at 4714 Freret St. in New Orleans. Launched just two weeks ago on September 7, the eatery is the brainchild of local couple Adolfo Garcia and Sophia Petrou, who both come from families deeply rooted in the city’s restaurant scene. The name “Chi Chi’s” is derived from the Korean term “chimaek,” a blend of “chicken” and “maekju” (beer), a popular pairing in Korean dining culture. At Chi Chi’s, customers can enjoy their crispy fried chicken with a cold beer, or even opt for a beer tower to share with friends. There’s also a wide selection of sake and cocktails, adding variety to the drink menu.
Korean vs. American Fried Chicken
What sets Korean fried chicken apart from its American counterpart is the cooking method. Instead of a thick breading, the chicken is coated in a thin batter and then double-fried to achieve a signature crunch. While New Orleans is known for its vibrant culinary scene, the selection of Asian restaurants has been relatively limited compared to other cuisines. Chi Chi’s proudly claims the title of the first Korean fried chicken restaurant in the city, bringing a new flavor to Uptown.
As a fan of Korean fried chicken and an Asian-American student familiar with the taste of home, I was eager to try Chi Chi’s. Just a short walk from campus, it’s an exciting addition to the neighborhood.
Cozy Atmosphere and Signature Dishes
Upon entering the small but cozy space, customers are greeted by a fun ambiance, with Chi Chi’s signature chicken mascot displayed in various poses on the wall. The menu features a few creative twists on their signature fried chicken. Guests can choose from six, 12, or 20 wings in two bold flavors: garlic soy and gochujang. For those seeking more carbs, the fried chicken sandwich is available in both classic Southern and Korean styles, proving to be one of the most popular items on the menu.
Chi Chi’s also offers onigirazu, a Japanese sushi sandwich, in unique options such as tuna, salmon, veggies, or Korean fried chicken, all wrapped in rice, pickled vegetables, and nori. Sides include fries, cucumber salad, and kimchi fried rice, and for dessert, diners can try kakigori, a Korean-style shaved ice available in matcha, melon, or strawberries and cream.
A Tasting Experience
Eager to sample a range of dishes, I ordered three wings of each flavor, a Korean fried chicken onigirazu, the cucumber salad, and the strawberries and cream kakigori. The smallest order of wings (priced at $12) comes with pickled radishes, a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the chicken. The gochujang wings were a standout—saucy, spicy, and a little sweet, with a satisfying crunch and tender meat. The sharp, tangy pickled radishes were a refreshing palate cleanser that enhanced the flavor experience. The garlic soy wings, while mild and flavorful, didn’t pack the same punch but were still enjoyable.
The cucumber salad ($5) was another refreshing side dish, offering a perfect balance of spice and acidity, topped with crunchy fried garlic that added texture to the light salad.
However, the Korean fried chicken onigirazu—one of the restaurant’s most advertised dishes—didn’t quite meet expectations. Priced at $14, it had too much sushi rice relative to the other ingredients, resulting in a somewhat bland taste. While it wasn’t unpleasant, it wasn’t as filling or flavorful as hoped, especially when compared to the wings.
The dessert, strawberries and cream kakigori ($7), was a nice way to finish the meal, but it was underwhelming in size and taste, particularly when compared to the traditional New Orleans sno-ball. Though it was fresh and sweet, it didn’t feel worth the price.
A Fun Spot for Fried Chicken Lovers
While Chi Chi’s didn’t deliver a jaw-dropping experience, it’s still a fun, cozy spot to grab some great Korean fried chicken. The wings alone are reason enough to return, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it an enjoyable place to dine with friends. For anyone interested in trying something new, Chi Chi’s Chicken and Beer offers a fresh take on comfort food with a unique Korean twist. And with New Orleans’ relatively limited selection of Asian cuisine, it’s exciting to see this addition to the local dining scene. Hopefully, Chi Chi’s will inspire more restaurant-goers to branch out and explore the flavors of Korean fried chicken.