Mono+Mono

Three and a half stars. It’s always mega-​embarrassing when my backlog sounds like a bad government joke: I took so damn long to finish fleshing it out that the place done and closed. Not as bad as Justin’s office having their Cinco De Mayo party on May 24^th, but almost.
The five of us trooped upstairs, slid past the bar, and settled in the lounge seating by the window. Industrial decorations surrounded us like a clubby, upscale version of Chipotle… wrought iron warped into artistic nuance, corrugated sheet metal beaten into obscurity. With so few customers in for lunch, a server swept by within minutes to collect our orders. Refreshments were quickly followed by two metal canisters dumped unceremoniously on our table for later bone disposal. Given our final tally of two full Mad For Chicken combos of half’n’half, these were emptied twice each throughout our meal.
The strawberry mojitos were sweet and minty, not too heavy on the alcohol. Chicken took surprisingly long considering the low traffic, but the meat (and marrow within) emerged from the kitchen cooked thoroughly. I personally preferred the soy garlic slightly more than the hot & spicy, and not just because the heat didn’t even break me into a sweat. Drummies and wings were similarly meaty. Between chicken orders we espied another table’s furikake rice cake order, and promptly decided to try it on our own. Beautiful plating, less than thrilling taste. Salad greens acceptably fresh. A strawberry, orange, lemon, and some imitation crab meat were artfully presented at the four corners of the plate. The hoisin overwhelmed the masago roe, and the rice cake bordered on bland. Too light on seaweed and everything else; I have more flavorful dried, ground fish in my cabinets. That’s a skip on those specials, but I’d have come back for a full order of drummies!

Don’t particularly care for the setting or the staff/​service, but the soy garlic korean chicken wings are out of this world! So perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and so perfectly full of garlicy goodness… mmmMMMM. I generally love spicy food, but the soy garlic wings are definitely far better than the spicy wings!
Oh! And they’re also cash or American Express only.

I used to like this place when it was Mad For Chicken. The people who are running it now are running it into the ground. I came here on a Friday night and sat down and ordered at 9:00PM. Then at 10:00PM, we asked where the food was and the waiter said they were busy and that it normally it takes 30 minutes but since they are busy it might take up to 40 minutes. When we noted that it’s been 1 hour, the guy just shrugged his shoulders. Also we noticed that no food was coming out of the kitchen at all. We paid for the 2 beers and 1 order of french fries that managed to make it out of hte kitchen and had a slice of pizza around the corner.
You know a restaurant is losing it when they can’t even cook the one dish they are famous for. I’ve learned my lesson and won’t bother again.

Someone wrote a review earlier about how the waitstaff is sort of awkward… and I wholeheartedly agree.
My friends and I had this bomb deal for free shots which we gladly redeemed. The server brought over 4 shots. There are 3 of us. After he passed them out he awkwardly looks at us and sticks his arm out to cheers. In regular circumstances it wouldn’t have been weird but the way he did it… smh.
ANYWAYS on to the food
We got an order of bonchon + lychee soju. Lychee soju was good and weak, which was expected, but horribly overpriced. Bonchon was the usual.
Had to flag the waiter down 94 358 457 times for water (which we never received) but I guess redemption factor: interior design?

This place is kind of hard to find. You have to go up some tight narrow stairs and it will be on the second floor. Inside is pretty small and it gets very packed, I had to wait an hour before I got seated. While waiting we ordered drinks martini was ok, soju was great very tasty with a nice presentation. This is a great place to hang out with a group of friends and grab some drinks.
Food: Chicken wings are by far my favorite from all the places I have tried. Fried perfectly which gave it a nice crisp texture. The seafood pancake was ok, wasn’t that impressed. I also tried the rice paste (Dduck Bok Gi) and didn’t like it that much.
Price: It is about $ 22 for 24 wings. Price are ok a little on the expensive side for other stuff.
Overall I will come here next time for the perfectly made wings and drinks.

Chicken is MAD good.
Service is MAD horrible.
If you don’t have to talk to the waiter/​waitress, don’t cause they are ya know.
Just stuff yo face w chicken is all you need to know.
Best Korean fried chicken I’ve had so far.
This place is literally word of mouth only, you would never know it was on the 2^nd floor of a normal building (no signs either!). It is like a hole in the wall but on the 2^nd floor.
PS: They are open at 5:30pm. Do not attempt to go there any earlier because they will NOT serve you and tell you to GTFO. Srsly.

This joint used to be called Mad For Chicken, which used to be called Bön Chon.
Things That Are The Same:
It’s still on the second floor, past the guard who hates his life and you.
The chicken is still crispy and delicious.
The rosemary fries are still tasty and overpriced.
I still ignore everything else on the menu.
You’re still the one I run to, the one that I belong to.
The service is still abysmal.
Things That Are Different:
The loud club beats have been replaced by soft elevator music.
The chicken is no longer accompanied by pickled radish cubes.
I’m old, and the abysmal service bothers me now.
It’s cash only.

trying to follow all the name changes here can be a little dizzying, especially when intoxicated. when i tell my friends that bonchon has been renamed a third time, there is always the inevitable chorus of «WHAT! AGAIN?!» this newest rendition, mono+mono, is a bit of a weird name, at least to me (is there some meaning for it in korean that i’m missing?). the mention of mono always reminds me of the disease. but anyways.
the freakin korean fried chicken.
it comes in two flavors: soy garlic and hot&spicy. this isn’t your typical american-​style buffalo wings, no way. while the meat is premarinated, all the flavors are infused into the skin as it is double-​fried, leaving a nice crispy exterior instead of a gooey saucy one. that double-​fried skin is a whole other world. it’s so crispy, yet takes absolutely nothing away from the juicy meat inside.
personally, i prefer the hot&spicy over the soy garlic, but both flavors are very light, leaving you to taste the pure chicken goodness in all its glory. the large platters come with about 15 pieces of either drumsticks, wings, or a combo — and they will probably be some of the largest pieces of chicken you’ve ever seen. our table of 12 was satisfied with only 3 large platters after a night of drinking, so don’t underestimate size here.
the fried chicken is pretty much made to order here, so expect to wait for your food. it took about 20 mins after we ordered each platter for it to arrive at our table, though the restaurant WAS completely packed at the time.

Really Cool décor and banging chicken but service was a bit off both times ive been here
4 solid stars for décor and food
2 for service and price
Also their yogurt soju is soo watered down and overpriced. Its almost like virgin ! that’s a big nono !

So you walk into a seemingly random office-​building and up some random-​looking stairs, and you’re asking the people you’re with whether they know where they’re going, because restaurants usually have, like, signs and, y’know, storefronts and whatnot – and then suddenly you’re in a dim, reasonably hip-​looking establishment, with a bar and a waitstaff and, like, sections, and then you sit down, and before you know it, you have a side of pickled radish, a pint of Killians, and a big plate of Korean fried chicken. Frankly, I don’t see anything to complain about.
They have a menu that goes beyond beer and wings, but I didn’t try any of it. I’d come back.

Formerly known as Mad for Chicken (which was formerly known as BonChon), this spot has a classy name again. Even with the perpetual name changes, this stylish venue still draws a crowd, so arrive early to secure a table; being tucked away above a pizza shop doesn’t seem to confuse anyone but first-​timers.
Their famous Korean fried chicken wings are still tops, crispy and marinated to perfection[1]. A few orders of spicy chicken, flanked by ddeokbokki with cheese and a plate of calamari, and we had enough to take on an onslaught of beer, flavored sojus, and shots[2].
Mono + Mono is a decent value, more so since someone knew a manager. Leave your Visa/​MasterCard at home; they only take cash and AmEx.
[1] If you want pickled radishes, that’ll be extra.
[2] I lost track of the myriad of shots we took.

This place supposed to be MAD FOR CHICKEN. Not sure why they changed the Name. But everything is the same (what people told me).
This Fried chicken wings are out of the ordinary. How can a thin layer of Crunchy skin can be so moist and juicy on the inside???, they offer 2 different types of flavor (Spicy and non). You can Choose if you want only wings, Or Drums, or a Combo.
Aside from that they also serve other entrees, My partner in crime (AKA Stella D.) and I decided to share a massago fried rice. It tasted like you were eating a sushi roll!
I have tried other KFC and this place has the best Fried chicken wings By far in NYC.
Price is a tad more than Other KFC places. But with a mix of other dishes it’s not that bad. I will have to come back again with a bigger gang to try out their drinks and PLUS other Dishes.
OH… they only take AMEX and Cash (Finally I can Whip out my Black card… SUCKA!!)

Found out they changed their name from Mad For Chicken to Mono Mono. Either way it all the same except the name so I copied my MFC review here where this place deserve a good review.
Crazy Koreans! You really got some great recipes. If I knew how good your wings really were to begin with I would’ve ordered more! It’s juicy on the outside and crispy at the same time and also juicy on the inside and the flavor is intense! It’s like diamond wrapped in gold, and then wrapped in cash money! If it was possible I’ll bet they could make the bones taste delicious too! This ain’t no KFC fried chicken or Louisiana vinegar drenched hot wings. These are the world’s best chicken! Both styles of wings I got was perfectly flavored, fried and coated with deliciousness. Their spicy wings were just spicy enough to give youa tingle and leave you wanting more without that pain that cause you to wonder if you should have another.
We also got a flaming volcano roll which was literally flaming! Every bite was followed by a «ohhhhhhhhhhh oh oh oh» face! The rolls were towered over an cantaloupe, and flowing with a lava of delicious toppings.
The staff was very nice despite what seemed to have been a busy shift. out drinks were refilled promptly without have to ask. And over flowing bones/​trash was emptied the second it got a little full.
Thank you NYC. Forget stupid overrated Time Square and other tourist sights/​sites. MFC will be my first stop each time I visit!

Coming from California, one of the largest diasporas of Korean people outside of Korea, I’ve had my share of excellent Korean food, and most of all, «oriental style» friend Chicken. At most, I’ve give this place a 3.5 stars* for the following reasons:
(1) Food is average. Their famed fried chicken isn’t all that great. Perhaps, I’m picky, but I’ve had the best friend Chicken at this joint in Berkeley, CA and ever since then, nowhere else has compared… EVER. But, Mad for Chicken’s a lot better than KyoChon down the street. I’ve come here twice, and the chicken hasn’t really been cripsy enough, a little on the soggy side. That’s a No No for any fried chicken. Flavors were pretty good.
(2) Service is spotty. Each time I come here, my friends and I seem to be served by the same Korean guy, girl, and Mexican wait staff. Perhaps they’re understaffed, but they’re running around and always forgetting to bring things (i.e. water). Spicy food (like their dukbokgi) requires plenty of water. If you’re smart, you’d remember to bring more water to the tables to calm down the spiciness of the food. But, alas no.
(3) Décor is pretty nice. It’s like going to a nightclub.
(4) Pricing… is more on the expensive side. But, hey you’re in NYC and you only live once, so deal with it.
Overall, my experiences here were pretty good — I got full fast and fairly content. The fried chicken here could be a little bit better. Their service can also be a little better too. But Mad For Chicken is one of the better places in NYC. If you the best fried chicken, though, come out to California for that!
But for now, this will do.

MUST GO!
Korean fried chicken doesn’t have its hype for no reason! I won’t comment on any of the other food or the service or the décor. The chicken is like a drug! Totally worth waiting 15 minutes for!
The skin was crispy but not greasy. The soy garlic sauce was sweet and savory at the same time. But it wasn’t messy either! When you bite into it, the meat is oh so tender inside. Though, if it were up to me, I’d just wanna eat 5 pounds of the skin. The skin was sooooo good!
Go get yourself some awesome fried chicken!

*Mobile Review*
Came here cause the boys were craving korean fried chicken and the new BonChon location on 5^th Ave had very crappy service.
Actual Rating: 3.5 of 5
Décor: 3.5÷5
–Mature décor design compared to KyoChon and BonChon.
Service: ³⁄₅
–Service was about average.
Food Presentation: ⁴⁄₅
Taste: ⁴⁄₅
–The soy garlic chicken were crispy and crunchy though I left feeling a bit sick. Too much oil makes my tummy sad.
–The wait for food was about 25 – 30 minutes.
–Medium has about 14 pieces. Large has about 22 pieces.
Unsure if I’ll be back…

My friends and I came here on late night for some grub after the musical. We heard WONDERS about the chicken and so that was the only thing we ordered. No joke but this is seriously the BEST BEST BEST fried chicken you and I will ever taste in our lives… seriously– fried twice to remove ALL excess fat. The skin is as light and crisp as chips and the meat as tender and juicy as a video vixen!
Other than the chicken, there is nothing else really spectacular about the place. It was dimly lit but still gave off a festive vibe. Many people come here for the liters of beer that come in its only dispenser – pretty legit! The service was decent and the food was a bit pricey. They didn’t have that many on staff and so you have to wait around a bit before they service you. I definitely recommend trying the chicken if you ever visit NY or live in the area – it’s very unique and certainly worth the experience.

I thought my friend was secretly trying to ambush me when he led me up the shady stairway to this hidden spot.
I’ve eaten a lot of wings, but none like this! The magically delicious (and plump) wings here are fried, but the skin is paper thin and melts in your mouth. The technique employed here is different than what you get at a standard wing joint. The batter doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. And don’t even think of dunking these into ranch, that’s disrespect! BUT, the wings take a long time to come out so be ready to wait.
The popcorn/​raisin mix was different, and the spicy fries were also very good. We had the berry fusion Soju which came out in a very nice set up with crushed ice and shot glasses. Elegant touch! It’s pricey though. The beer carafes looked interesting, so if you’re a beer drinker I would recommend that avenue.
This is a classy little gem with good service and nice ambiance. Highly recommend it!

Come hungry, leave druuuunk.
We arrived at 7pm on a Thursday night with a party of 11. This is a BAD idea since this is a very popular spot in K-​town.
No matter, there’s a bar area where you can chill while you wait. There are different soju cocktails (peach anyone?) to calm your nerves or you can also order apps to munch on.
So, we waited.
And waited.
The host informed us that since we had a child with us, we’d have to wait for the enclosed/​semi-​private area towards the back of the resto. It took TWO hours before we finally got seated and all that time I was seriously questioning my friend’s decision of eating here since she indicated that they have the BEST fried chicken wings. Ever.
After putting in our orders, it took another 20 – 25 minutes before we received our fried chicken. Meanwhile, we noshed on rosemary garlic fries (not the best), california and spicy tuna rolls (good) and complimentary ice cream for our little customer. (she loved the ice cream so much, they gave her a second helping!)
Now, the fried chicken. Impressively crispy, juicy and tasty! We ordered three batches — 2 Hot N Spicy and 1 garlic soy. These are fried twice in soybean oil so no worries about trans fats! I highly enjoyed both flavors but have to admit that the Hot N Spicy was well, too HOT and SPICY! (we asked the server what they put in it and he says Sriracha and hot sauce)
Service was okay and even though they spilled ranch sauce on my boyfriend’s coat, it wasn’t a big deal. Especially since they kept the shots coming for FREE and they let us stay at our table for 3+ hours. Jay is an awesome bartender and if you come here, you should ask for him.
I couldn’t be more happier to finally meet a good Unilocal friend, Sarah W. thanks for coming out and partying with us. Since this place is open until 4am, I would definitely come back for late night eats so I wouldn’t have to wait because I’m mad for their chicken!

«There’s this place called Bön Chon. Have you heard of it? It’s like, this hidden Korean fried chicken place near K-​town, and it’s like, a club and restaurant in one! It’s a total diamond in the rough!»
Years ago, my Bön Chon babbling would follow a similar script. I’d shill for the place to any willing ear. I joined a Facebook page dedicated to all things Bön Chon. I was a regular.
Ever since the owners defected from the Bön Chon franchise, it hasn’t been the same. The soy marinade of the chicken is missing a key flavor ingredient that alludes me. (To be fair, the original crispiness of the breading is still there) The heat of the spicy wings has been tamed from feverish to merely a blush.
MFC management, free from the patronage of the Bön Chon franchise, has also made questionable aesthetic moves. The original Bön Chon was enough of a dinner and a show — club like atmosphere, trippy K-​pop dance music, hot waitresses, etc.
MFC has taken the concept from «cool» to all out gaudy. Our heavily watered down and overpriced lychee soju was served with a side of — and I wish I was joking — fresh flowers and paper umbrellas. Additionally, our table top beer dispenser came in a glowing and bubbling vessel. The presentation of our booze was tactless, gauche, and undoubtedly cost a few extra dollars. If the booze didn’t make me vomit, then the Vegas sideshow would eventually do the trick.
Through boneheaded moves by management, my beloved diamond in the rough is lost. It’s moissanite, cubic zirconia, an imposter, a fake.

We went there for their lunch experience, which, judging from the number of people there on a Monday (one to none) and the Unilocal reviews, isn’t really the trendiest hour to go. Whatever; I’m there for the wings, people.
For those not in the know, in the realm of Asian-​infused American fast food, Koreans are supposedly really good at cooking wings. So naturally, we ordered… wings. The large plate. They come in two flavors: spicy and soy garlic. The spicy burns subtly, and this is coming from someone who regularly orders medium or hot wings at the American places. The soy garlic has a great taste. Now if they could only make soy garlic spicy…
To go along with that, we also ordered a Kimchi pancake (more sour than I’m accustomed to, but as a fan of sour, I was a fan of the pancake) and a bowl of spicy ramen soup (which was absolutely delicious, as they added what appeared to be cheese). Both were healthy appetizers, which was helpful, since the wings took 30 minutes to come. Fair warning: it says that on their menu.
For four of us, it came out to about $ 15 a piece, which isn’t bad for wings and appetizers at all. Fair warning: they apparently accept only American Express, so cash it was for us. Luckily we had enough.
This place is open late night; we went there expressly because a friend said we «gotta get it for a midnight snack.» Turns out we went 12 hours earlier, but it was still positively delicious.

While I did state earlier that nothing was different, I came back 3 times (yes, count em!) in the last month since this spot happens to be a central location for guests and KTown groupies alike, and it was during my second visit when it dawned on me — something truly IS different.
The Soy Garlic Chicken combo had a different taste, something I couldn’t pinpoint right away. The texture of the chicken was harder and the snap of the crisp was significantly more than the previous BonChon version. And finally as confirmed by the waitress, the BonChon «sauce» was the missing element. And while it may have seemed like a surprise to us, it looked as if she had been asked the same question 20 times too many.
That doesn’t mean the chicken is bad by any stretch. It just gives Mad for Chicken it’s own unique identity, with it’s own distinctive brand of chicken.
Regardless of what people think, it’s a place that serves as a fun destination for alternative spin on Korean food and a spot for post party gluttony.