Korean Fried Chicken in New York is what Famous Pit Barbeque is in Texas. Due to the culturally rich and diverse Korean population in NYC, New Yorkers are lucky to be blessed with amazing fried chicken.
I had never tried Korean Fried Chicken until I was an adult, despite growing up in NYC. Let me tell you – it will make your jaw drop. This girl loves bougie fried chicken at ‘Sweet Chick’ and of course, Popeyes, but this is the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. And no, not just because it’s one dollar.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
MONOMONO is located at 116 East 4th Street, on a quiet side street of the East Village. Their hours are 4:30pm to 12:00am daily. It’s a great place to grab a bite for 30$ and under.
The menu is brief with a handful of tantalizing appetizers such as, shishito peppers topped with black pepper and umami sea salt. Another favorite include their wedge potatoes, that are served with cotija cheese, crispy parsley, and spicy mayo. I love to order these with my wings!
MONOMONO offers a wide variety of drinks from beer to cocktails that specializes in using their house aged Korean soju. I love the ‘Billie Holiday’ which is a mix of premium rice wine, soju, green apple, mint, and lime juice.
Currently, they are offering take out on many major delivery services in addition to limited curbside seating.
HO HO HO HAPPY HOUR
What MONOMONO is known best for is their incomparable happy hour. You have the choice between soy-garlic or spicy wings, with a minimum of an order of six wings, at one dollar a wing. That’s right, one dollar.
The wings are also huge. I’ve had Korean Fried Chicken at various establishments, and these wings are the biggest I’ve seen. During non-happy hour hours, the wings are six for twelve dollars or twelve for twenty four dollars. That’s half the price for a great deal.
In addition to the amazing wings, drinks are 20% off. Happy Hour is Tuesday-Sunday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, so go and experience bliss.
BEHIND THE CHICKEN
MONOMONO has been in existence for a long time, pre 2013 it was an East Village staple from when it opened in August 2010. A fire struck the restaurant and it shut its doors for five years.
It reopened in June 2018 at the same location with a new brand direction – it remained romantic and gothic but it was filled with flowers. During 2013-2018, the restaurant space was being used by a flower shop which definitely influenced the current aesthetic.
Now, MONOMONO operates as a flower shop by day and chic restaurant by night.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MOOD
One of the best aspects of this restaurant is the ambiance. The ceilings are high, clear glass walls are lined with a collection of over 30,000 records, and there is an abundance of plants. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the restaurant has transitioned to curbside dining.
The restaurant also has jazz music from the collection playing at all times for you to relax into the cozy gothic vibes. They also offered karaoke from time to time. MONOMONO is also known for concocting amazing designs for events. Pictured below are a few shots from an HBO event that give Midsommar meets Spooky Barn energy: and, I’m here for it!
Luckily, starting September 30th in NYC, restaurants are opening at twenty five percent capacity for dining. You don’t have to miss out! Enjoy the best Korean fried chicken the city has to offer.
