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bb.q Chicken Uptown MinneapolisBWorth Trying
1500 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
· Restaurant, Chicken restaurant, Korean restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (566 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Crispy Korean fried chicken with many sauces, solid value for fast-casual; expect waits at peak times and sweeter flavor profiles.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
bb.q Chicken Uptown delivers exceptional food quality with shatteringly crisp, juicy Korean fried chicken and creative sauce options that keep locals returning. Friendly, engaged service and an owner who actively resolves issues strengthen the experience. However, inconsistent execution with occasional undercooked batches and flavor variance, combined with typical 20–45 minute waits and a functional fast-casual format, prevent grade A territory—this is solid neighborhood dining rather than a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
Uptown locals pack in for Korean-style wings that land with a shatteringly crisp bite and a wide range of sauces. Staff are friendly and the owner often steps in to help, with one diner noting, "they fixed our order and made us feel welcome." It is fast-casual with counter ordering and a lively, informal vibe—just plan for a short wait since chicken is cooked to order. The cooking leans classic Korean fried chicken with a sweet-savory glaze spectrum and solid sides like kimchi fried rice and ddeok-bokki, plus bowls for variety. Expect crunch and juiciness more than extreme heat; some find the flavors sweeter than expected, while many rave about honey garlic, soy garlic, and the Caribbean spice bowl. Families do well here: boneless chicken, mild sauces, fries, and rice bowls give kid-friendly options. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu has plenty of simple choices. If your crew avoids sweetness, steer toward Golden Original, soy-garlic light, or a plain bowl.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally crispy, juicy Korean fried chicken with many sauce options
- Friendly counter team and engaged owner resolve issues
- Waits of 20–45 minutes common at peak times
- Flavor skew runs sweet; heat levels milder than some expect
- Fast-casual model (order-first, self-bus); not table service
What Sets It Apart
- many_sauce_flavors
- made_to_order_crunch
- owner_hands_on
What People Love
- That glassy crunch and juicy meat
- Sauce variety that encourages repeat visits
- Caribbean spice and kimchi rice bowls as sleeper hits
- Owner stepping in to make things right
- Big, satisfying wing pieces
Points of Concern
- Wait times of 20–45 minutes for fresh chicken; longer during rushes
- Flavor profiles trend sweet; some sauces read mild on spice
- Occasional quality dips (soggy or undercooked reports) amid otherwise strong consistency
- Review patterns show fast-casual realities (self-serve, pay-first) that surprise first-timers
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose an 8pc size to try two different flavors without surcharge issues
- Add pickled radish ($1.95) to cut sweetness and refresh the palate
Perfect For
- Casual chicken-and-fries cravings
- Takeout nights where crispness matters
- Groups sampling multiple wing flavors
- Quick solo lunch with a rice bowl
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Uptown corridor with young professionals, students, and nightlife; casual dining and takeout heavy.
Safety: Generally busy and patrolled; typical urban nuisances at night but broadly safe with foot traffic.
Nearby: Near bars, cafes, and retail along Lake St/Hennepin; walkable to lakes and apartment clusters.
UptownThe dining environment in Uptown is eclectic and casual, featuring a mix of fast-casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and bars. The area is known for its approachable, diverse food options catering to a youthful and energetic crowd, with a strong emphasis on social dining and convenience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:30
Tuesday11:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–21:30
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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