By Sophie Oberstein

The mission of chain restaurant, Bonchon, is “to share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.” The Bonchon located on the far Eastern edge of Lyon Park has been sharing that joy for 13 years. Says the manager, who’s been there for ten of those years, “We’ve been here since the building we’re in opened and we stay here because everyone loves us—and we love everyone.” The owner of Bonchon Arlington (which translates to ‘my hometown; my roots”) also owns a location in Navy Yard, the only two
DC area locations. On a beautiful Spring Tuesday evening, the manager’s words were apt, as we witnessed a brisk takeout business and plenty of diners both inside the spacious dining and bar areas, as well as in the outdoor patio area in front.

They’re especially busy on Mondays and Tuesdays at the moment because of their new dine-in only special, $1 Korean fried chicken wings all day. They also have $2 beer and $3 wine Happy Hour specials, and kids eat free with a paying adult on Sundays.

The menu has three designations: Spicy, Fiery Spicy, and Must Try! My “Must Try” item was the Japchae, stir-fried glass noodles, with carrots, spinach, mushrooms, scallions and Bulgogi. The Soy Garlic sauce gave it excellent flavor and texture. Portions were generous and I took half of it home. When you place an order—by scanning a bar code on the table—you can add or subtract whichever ingredients you wish (for instance, I opted for no red pepper and extra scallion).

The star of the show at Bonchon is the Korean Fried Chicken, served with a complimentary side of pickled radish or coleslaw and one of five signature flavors (including the traditional Korean favorite, Yangnyeom, Korean BBQ, and Classic Crunch). The menu and website proclaim, “The Secret Behind Our Korean Fried Chicken? Hand battered, Double fried, and Hand brushed for the perfect crunch and flavor” (Not so secret, I guess). But the recipe must be worth it, as we overheard rave reviews from tables all around us.

There were few options for my vegetarian husband (Several sides, including a new Korean cucumber salad, Korean Street Corn, Edamame and Pickled Radish, Kimchi were available). He went with the Bibimbap with Tofu, expecting it to come in the sizzling hot stone bowl. It instead it came a room temperature bowl and was less flavorful than he hoped, but there was plenty of tasty hot sauce available which really enhanced the dish. The only dessert on the menu is the Korean donuts coated in sugar-cinnamon and served with sweet cream dipping sauce. One donut is 190 calories, which I know because calorie counts are included on the menu, for those who wish.

If you’re looking for some good casual dining with reasonable prices, fresh fare, and friendly service, try Bonchon Arlington in person or to go. They also make party bundles and “K-Meals” for sharing at gatherings.

Bonchon Arlington (2201 N. Pershing Drive, Suite E): Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone number: 703-528-1011. Visit https://restaurants.bonchon.com/locations/va/arlington/2201-n-pershing-dr-suite-e.com for additional information.