Seemor
bb.q Chicken St. PaulBWorth Trying
1328 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
· Restaurant, Chicken restaurant, Korean restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (469 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Excellent Korean-style fried chicken with many sauces and strong owner engagement; dine-in vibe is basic and prices add up with sauce surcharges.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
bb.q Chicken St. Paul delivers excellent fried chicken with crispy texture and flavorful sauces, backed by attentive, friendly counter service and visible owner engagement. However, inconsistent execution—with reports of saltiness, variable spice levels, and occasional overcooking—prevents a higher grade, while the basic dining room with minimal ambiance appeal limits destination appeal. A solid neighborhood choice for quality Korean fried chicken, best enjoyed as takeout.
Restaurant Summary
On Grand Avenue, the room reads fast-casual and bustling with counter ordering, trays landing hot, and a friendly team that many call out by name. One diner put it simply: "The chicken came super crispy and still juicy," though others mention a noticeable oil aroma and basic decor. Owner engagement is visible at the counter and in follow-ups, which helps the place feel neighborly despite the quick-service model. The cooking leans classic Korean fried chicken with a wide sauce lineup—from soy-garlic to spicy galbi—plus K-sides like kimchi fried rice and rose tteok-bokki. Most praise the crunch and flavor, while a minority report saltiness or toned-down heat on some visits. Pricing is mid-to-high for fast casual once you factor sauce surcharges; expect cooked-to-order waits and prioritize the bone-in chicken for that shattering crust. For families, this is a solid kid option thanks to plain fried chicken, fries, and rice. There is no kids menu, but simple items travel well for takeout. If your crew is spice-shy, choose milder sauces or go Golden Original. Seating is functional rather than cozy; many families opt for takeout to skip the smoky dining room on busy nights.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally crispy, juicy Korean-style fried chicken with many sauce options
- Engaged owner and friendly counter team
- Prices add up with sauce surcharges and portion perceptions
- Dining room feel is basic with occasional oil smell
- Inconsistent spice/salt levels reported across visits
What Sets It Apart
- crispy_double_fry_style
- broad_sauce_lineup
- hands_on_owner_presence
What People Love
- Shattering crisp skin and juicy meat
- Spicy Galbi and Gang-Jeong sauces
- Cooked-to-order freshness
- Attentive, personable owner presence
- Korean sides that round out the meal
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($15–$20 for 8pc plus $2.50 sauce) which may surprise casual diners
- Saltiness and heat levels vary; a few report old-oil aroma or dryness
- Strict sauce policy and surcharges frustrate some guests
- Occasional order errors or waits past quoted pickup times
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (enthusiastic marketing-style language, templated owner replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Go Golden Original bone-in plus a side of Spicy Galbi to keep the crust crisp
- Pair wings with kimchi fried rice or classic fries for a balanced meal
- If sensitive to salt, start with Soy Garlic or sauce-on-the-side
Perfect For
- Casual chicken cravings with bold sauces
- Takeout nights when you want it crispy and hot
- Small groups sampling multiple flavors
- Solo quick meals on Grand Avenue
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Grand Avenue corridor with students, families, and shoppers; casual neighborhood feel.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; occasional parking and bus stop congestion noted.
Nearby: Near other restaurants and shops; transit stop out front and limited immediate parking.
Macalester-GrovelandMacalester-Groveland is a well-established residential neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is popular for its walkability, historic homes, and proximity to Macalester College, fostering a diverse and engaged dining crowd.
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, Outdoor seating
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