Calvin&#x27;s Korean Hot Chicken

1

36

12

1 month ago

Straight GAS. No brakes. That's all I gotta say. Thank you. 85 characters. 85 characters. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Grace R.

Elite 26 All-Star

75

133

728

5 months ago

Good takeout spot. There are a few tables, but this is really more of a quick lunch place. Chicken is tasty--crispy, saucy, and they pointed us to add furikake on top, which was the move. Rice is solid, and the slaw isn't mayo-heavy--more crunchy, fresh, and balanced. We got the tender box for $14 and it was a pretty generous portion. Overall: great for takeout. You can sit, but the vibe is a little... random. Not why you're going anyway. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Tender box $14 - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 5

Thanks 1

Love this 2

Oh no 0

James G.

27

347

133

3 months ago

Down in La Jolla for a wedding and found this chicken place on Yelp. Gluten free (wife) so definitely had to try! Chicken was so good, we got chicken strip 10 piece tenders only and an order of onion rings (non-gluten free). Everything was SO good! I recommend Devil garlic - medium heat (super mild), and Garlicky soy. Will definitely order again while we are here! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Onion rings, not gluten free - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bernadette C.

136

204

1289

9 months ago

I've only been here twice within the past 4 yrs but after that first visit in 2021, I claimed them as my favorite--hands down--KFC place!! Coming back in 2025 just revived my soul once again after taking that first bite. The crunch that their chicken has is unreal even when it's drenched in sauce. Super flavorful with every bite no matter which flavor you get! You also must eat it when it's hot and fresh. The workers are chill and there's just a few tables inside and outside. I assume many ppl take it to-go? Because I didn't see much people sitting and eating. We don't live anywhere near the area so that's why it's not easily accessible and a go-to, but trust me, I never stop thinking about this chicken! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Satan's Kiss & Garlicky Soy - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 2

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Cryetti C.

Elite 26 All-Star

96

556

1356

1 year ago

Food: 4 Service: 4 Ambiance: 3 Got my kfc (Korean fried chicken) fix close to work! Yes! I ordered online and went to pick up. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was a fairly small, humble place. There was a man working who manned the register and I think also the cook? He was just fine and helped me when I walked in. There were few other customers inside too. My order was ready and he gave it to me with a smile. I ordered the wing box with the deviled garlic seasoning (it was not spicy at all). Everything was delicious and fresh... the wings were yummy and fries were warm and crispy. The coleslaw was ok. I do wish there was a bit more sauce on the wings. I'll be back! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - WING BOX - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Thu N.

2

47

103

1 year ago

Now that I'm going to UCSD I've been stuck eating mid dining hall food so my review right now might be a little biased But this place was so good. Located a short walk away from the Nobel Drive station, this place is pretty easy to get to as a UCSD student. It is a bit tucked away though. Staff were friendly and welcomed me in. I ordered 6 pieces of wings with the devilish garlic flavor. I ordered to dine-in and the staff handed me the food. I thought the wings were on the bigger end of the spectrum. The food came out hot. The meat was juicy and flavorful. Even though the wings are drenched in sauce, the coating still retains a delicious crunch even when you're on the last wing. The sauce is advertised to be spicy, but it was honestly a little mild in my opinion. I will definitely be getting the next level up next time. The coleslaw is sweet and refreshing. I will definitely be coming back and I hope to try one of the box deals. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - DEVIL GARLIC 6 Wings - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lauren B.

114

325

146

9 months ago

Good and friendly service. Was one of the only spots open on Christmas Day so we tried it out. Not bad, but wouldn't go back again. Tenders were fine but sauce lacked flavor. The fry oil tasted a bit old as well. The rice was really good. Overall meh. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - TENDER BOX - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Julianne B.

14

84

94

4 months ago

$15 is a GREAT deal for delicious chicken, rice, fries, and slaw. Seems unassuming in this strip mall- but definitely worth the visit. Loved the garlic soy flavor! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anna H.

155

43

69

4 months ago

Amazing and gluten-free!!! Pickles were standard American dill chips (I was expecting some Korean pickles). read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - "tenders" are massive - basically 1/2 a breast - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Myro T.

5

31

107

9 months ago

Probably the best Korean fried chicken in San Diego! Spicy garlic was my favorite. Chicken has a great crisp and it comes out fresh you can see the heat coming from it visibly. Service was good, takes a while to get it out since it's fresh so it's worth it. More of a hole in the wall place but there are tables to eat at just limited. That would be my one critique, because if the place is full you'd have to take it to go and the chicken can lose some of its crisp. But we order to go all the time and it is still delicious at home. Highly recommend! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Soy garlic, spicy garlic, furikake rice - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kolt K.

Elite 25

139

75

68

9 months ago

So good and such a great value! Tried Calvin's Korean Fried Chicken and it completely delivered. We ordered two sets and honestly, the portions were more than we expected -- the perfect amount for sharing and still leaving us completely satisfied. The chicken was crispy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Every bite was on point. You can really tell they care about quality and consistency. Great food, great portions, and a spot I'll definitely be coming back to. Highly recommend if you're craving top-tier Korean fried chicken. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Lvl 1 and 2 - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ryan M.

0

2

0

2 months ago

TRASH CUSTOMER SERVICE!! Guy running the place is so stingy. He has everything behind the counter and makes you ask him if you need it. He was COUNTING NAPKINS at a fried chicken place!!?? Food was super mid, onion rings sucked! DONT GO HERE, TERRIBLE OVERALL!! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Christy C.

97

203

476

1 year ago

What a great find! Tender, juicy chicken. The savory red sauce was nicely mild spice and the crunchiness of the chicken didn't get lost. We subbed onion rings for fries and they were delicious. Not a huge fan of the coleslaw but it was fresh. And the price is super reasonable! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - 2 piece tender box - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rhoda C.

0

18

7

3 months ago

Food: got the tenders with soy garlic. I liked the flavor and crispiness. Tenders were a tad dry, so maybe wings are better, since they wouldn't need to be fried for as long. Was surprised pickled radish isn't on the menu. Fries were great, I love that seasoning (that seems like old bay). Slaw was dry on top, but in a pool on the bottom, so I suggest they toss before serving, instead of leaving out in prepared cups. Service: the woman at the register wasn't actively rude, but we surely didn't feel welcomed. When I asked for knives, she looked over at the table to see if we already had some, before hesitantly giving us some. When we were done and I asked for a to-go box (we ripped ours so it would be easier for the kids). She handed me a medium one. I asked for a large, she said she couldn't hand those out. I ended up needing a second box! Ambiance: very basic no-frills. Essentially a take-out please with a few tables. If eating for here, you still get served in to-go containers. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ani D.

0

1

0

6 months ago

Food was amazing. Good price and a good portion for the price! The coleslaw was different than what an American would expect. But very good. The rice with furikake was fire. Wings were top tier. 2 drums 2 flats. Sauce was great not overdone. Crunch was supreme. When I'm in the area again i will return. Ambiance was not something I can speak on, as i went at like 2 pm on a Friday and I was the only customer at the time. The staff is friendly, this place deserves the good reviews and deserves the community's support. If you play Torrey pines golf course give this place a try. Not a far drive. They also do a bowl of pickles for like 3 bucks and so it's good to have read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kerry L.

0

14

23

7 months ago

got the $14.50 wing box combo - devil garlic flavor pretty small cozy spot, lowkey hole in the wall vibes. like what you expect a joint in an old mall food court, got like 2nd-3rd gen kpop playing in the background pretty good! devil garlic wasn't spicy at all to me, and honestly i was happy with my portion. slaw was more acidic/vinegar than mayo based and creamy, a lot more watery? is the way to put it. food was prepped fast enough, fries were a little on the larger like burger king and starchy. i forgot if they were salted but i don't think so. good meal! wings were soft with good size, bone in, i like their breading but not super crazy or craggly as say some other spots, but still very good. they also made sure to not close the box so it doesn't get soggy or steam itself. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - menu - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bella G.

0

3

1

1 year ago

Food: the food was ok , would recommend more flavor Service: was fine Ambiance: it was not the best but fine read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Paul L.

82

40

1

4 months ago

Garbage. I had to add bbq sauce just to make it edible. I've had Korean fried chicken and this ain't it.

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Fumie W.

30

374

915

9 months ago

the wing box is perfect for one person! honestly could go without the coleslaw but i love how they include both fries and rice. i recommend getting the devils garlic sauce for the wings! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Natania C.

9

193

407

1 year ago

I'm getting hungry writing this review. Their korean fried chicken is absolutely delicious. The sauces are savory and sauce-y, the texture is crispy and crunchy, and the chicken is hot and juicy. They closed at 7pm on the day that I went, but I believe they're normally open later. Great place to go after sports/gym or an eventful day. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michael G.

0

11

2

10 months ago

Great sized boneless tenders(ik I'm a boneless guy for fried chicken) Receptive staff generous people. Excellent food read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 2

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Socialwithsams S.

1

24

41

4 months ago

Gluten free fried chicken! Unheard of in san diego, very hard to come by. Super tasty and lots of different sauces/coatings. Side of fries, coleslaw, and rice with furikake. Service was super fast. Inside there is seating, I prefer to take it to go though since a bit of a small space inside. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jamie C.

108

314

488

2 years ago

When I come to California, I cannot miss getting Korean fried chicken at least once. Usually the chicken will be gluten-free, but the sauces are loaded with soy sauce and so I can't have anything but plain. Here, all of their sauces are gluten-free. The first time at a restaurant I like to order a little bit of everything to see what I would like the most. I like the wings here more for some reason but they're all good. Same with the fries. I would say, unless you're gonna finish it all in one sitting, order the sauce on the side. There was definitely a lot of sauce and I can't see it remaining crunchy after you heat it up again. I also would order like a little bit lighter sauce because these were covered. Don't forget to ask for dipping sauce if you want that. Overall, definitely the best Korean fried chicken I've had thus far and really appreciate that their sauce are gluten-free too. Seems like a place where you do takeout but you can eat inside. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jill L.

14

185

284

2 years ago

Wing combo box is a hearty size for one. I got soy garlicky flavor and wasn't actually that much of a fan because it didn't taste like soy or garlic. Just tasted like maple syrup which is tasty but not the flavor palette I was looking for or expecting from the name. Three group tables and two couple tables inside and one table outside for seating. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - WING BOX (GARLICKY SOY) - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Mei-Ling D.

1

40

7

7 months ago

This is my husband's favorite chicken place. The seasoning and flavors are very unique. Food is always consistently good. They have a great variety of sauces. Their sandos are bomb. We don't hate ourselves after we eat there unlike other chicken joints where you can feel the grease coating your insides. Highly recommend! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carlton R.

1

12

10

5 months ago

Best Korean wings in California for sure. Go eat here, you won't be disappointed. All of the flavors are great. My favorite is the savory red. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Susanne W.

0

5

0

3 months ago

This place sucks. Trash customer service. Trash food. DONT COME HERE. Girl at front desk is rude, sarcastic. The nerve of her to be like that when the food literally sucks. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brenda M.

1

10

6

6 months ago

We got 10 wings, garlic soy and savory red, and large fries. The fries were super crispy. Both sauce flavors were really good. I have a low spice tolerance and the savory red had a very light kick to it; garlic soy was not spicy. Decent amount of seating inside since it wasn't too busy when we went. The woman taking orders/cashier was a bit unfriendly, but not rude by any means. Overall, would definitely come again! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Makenna S.

0

2

0

3 months ago

Great gluten free options. everything is labeled on the menu and they are super knowledgeable! :)

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Natalia L.

0

8

5

1 year ago

The food is amazing! Chicken is crunchy and perfectly cooked. I got the devil garlic flavor, it has some kick but not too spicy! Definitely will try a spicier flavor next time! read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Devil garlic tender box - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Pedram B.

1

118

132

1 year ago

I'm beyond surprised that this place currently has a rating of 4.5/5. The place was a run down shack run by not the nicest lady who would skimp out on stuff like water and utensils going as far as asking why we needed an extra fork when she saw us accidentally drop one on the floor. The food was also quite overpriced (even by la jolla standards). I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because the chicken was decent. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

David J.

9

90

2

5 months ago

Great wings. Soy garlic and spicy wings are excellent. Crispy breading and crunchy as hell which I love. Sides are good too.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Abby V.

98

3

2

4 months ago

This place is my hidden gem. Their wing box is a staple in my week and truly has sooo much food for $15!! The rice, amazing. The wings, actually unreal delicious. The fries? Don't even get me started on how much I love these fries. And the cole slaw?! So crunchy. I accidentally walked in here one day 6 months ago on accident and it was the best mistake I have ever made. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Han L.

Elite 25

1075

1803

3292

2 years ago

It was not good today. The chicken quality went down a lot and breading was soggy. sad read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Jorge F.

16

119

27

1 year ago

Chicken was ok, ran out of chicken wings and had to get tenders for part of our order. Dry coleslaw and fries were bland.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Yiyi H.

11

120

321

2 years ago

Came back to try the chicken myself (after only having had the udon last time) and it is honestly horrible. The crust had a strange aftertaste to me and the taste of the fried chicken in general is nothing spectacular. read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Phil B.

16

553

39

2 years ago

Excellent fried chicken but drenched with a sauce that overwhelmed the crispy chicken. 3 tenders plus 2 wings plus french fries cost $25 plus tip read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Srey Y.

50

419

505

2 years ago

Ok uncle Calvin's chicken got it going on. A little shabby chicken shop run by a Korean family is exactly the place I expect to find amazing Korean chicken. We ordered the soy garlic chicken to go for a nice Torrey pines view and it was still bomb. Sweet and crunchy and addicting. My Korean family loved it. We will be back for more. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Nia S.

Elite 23

463

275

779

3 years ago

Really good Korean hot chicken! I've ordered on Uber eats twice and it travels really well. It's arrived crunchy and fresh both times. Devils Garlic: Nice subtle kick, great garlic slightly sweet flavor Satan's Kiss: I love spicy. This one had a nice heat level,definitely tolerable but also taste amazing. Pure Evil: Omg...this one was HOT. I ordered this one to call their bluff but they understood the assignment. The heat was there! Have a few heart burn pills nearby if you're feeling brave. Their amazing Ranch won't help. lol. read more

See all

Helpful 4

Thanks 1

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Cisca W.

8

122

273

2 years ago

Ever since I found this place, and whenever I'm in the area - I always try to stop by and get some gluten free fried chicken to go. It's so crunchy and flavorful. The plain/original one is flavorful - not like some other gluten free fried chicken places who offer gf but not with other sauces but meanwhile their original gf chicken does not have flavor. But it's not the case with Calvin's... Their OG is divine... I usually get the plain and garlicky soy flavor. The garlicky soy is not overly sweet and still crunchy and not spicy at all. You can heat it up in toaster oven or air fryer. The crunch will still be there. I recently tried their gluten free Tteokbokki. Oh wow...it just tastes like the regular one. It has some crispiness on the outside of the rice cake combined with the perfect softness. I tried it with medium spiciness level and wow I do eat spicy but I will order it milder level next time. But it's so good and spicy. It has some sliced cabbage mixed with the sauce on top of the rice cake. They have parking in the lot where they're located. There are tables outside and inside. read more

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Gluten Free Tteokbokki - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - Gluten free fried chicken - Original and Garlicky Soy - Chicken Wings Near Me - La Jolla, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 3

Oh no 1

Page 1 of 9

See more reviews

More info about Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken

3211 Holiday Ct
La Jolla, CA 92037
Directions
(858) 587-9848
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://calvinskhotchicken.square.site

Full menu

Hours

What time does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken open?

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken close?

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken serve alcohol?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken allow dogs?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken allows dogs.

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken have TVs?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken have outdoor seating?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken has outdoor seating options.

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken have parking?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken have free WiFi?

Yes, Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Easy online ordering available for all pick up orders. Just visit us at Calvinskhotchicken.square.site

More Info

Health Score

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Chicken Wings 10,101 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Kuljem Chicken & Beer

4.6(180 reviews)

1.6 mi•University City

Good thing about this place. Fried chicken was juicy and…read moreflavorful. That honey chicken sauce was real good. Bad part, at least for me. Cole slaw was boring. I mean, that's salad with dressing... And the kimchi pasta. That was crazy heavy. As a guy in mid 40's, I cannot handle that and fried chicken together. The pickled radish was not very crunchy and it was too sweet. Overall, I still give this place 5 stars, but this place was just not a perfect fit with my preference, thats all. Cuz fried chicken was great, and that's the most important obviously.

Their kimchi pasta is what I ordered and I thought it was delicious!…read more Husband got the wings and said they're fine, nothing to rave about but also nothing bad to say. There are better Korean fried chicken wings in the area.

Counter

Kimchi Pasta

See all

Rose Tteokbokki

Pho La Jolla

3.1(1.2k reviews)

0.0 mi

Made a takeout order with my roommate who is vegan and her soup was straight up water... My pho had…read moreno flavor whatsoever which is diabolical for a ~$20 pho. Can't speak much on the service but the staff who took our order was chill. The restaurant is located in a mini plaza right next to dominos and has plenty of seats and is open late. I wouldn't recommend this place if you can go elsewhere especially if you want authentic pho.

Needed some noodles and hot soup after my late round at Torrey Pines. Found Pho La Jolla about 10…read moreminutes away south on the 5 freeway. My beef flank and rare steak pho was delicious. The metal bowl was filled to the brim and tasty. A bit disappointed as they did not have the pork egg rolls, just the vegetarian egg rolls. They have a lot of other things on their menu as well. Service was good, waitress was friendly and had the World Cup on (Uzbek vs Colombia). She was like me, a futbol (soccer fan) like me every 4 years, lol. Plenty of parking, tons of table. Pho La Jolla was legit.

View of the restaurant

Chick-fil-A

See all

Pho Bo with ribs (Beef Ribs)

Regents Pizzeria

4.0(2.2k reviews)

0.9 mi

Hot sopressata is one of the best slices here…read more Had the Nashville hot chicken tenders and they were one of the spiciest things I've ever eaten! Beware!

Regents Pizzeria is our favorite Friday date-night tradition! My husband and I always get our…read morefavorites the half meat lovers pizza and the white pizza and they are always so delicious. The Parmesan wings, goat cheese salad, and Caesar salad are also some of my favorite things to order. Even though Regents is always packed, the service is consistently fast, friendly, and amazing. Once you try Regents, you honestly won't want any other pizza!

Interior

Rotating Flavors (Havana Slamma and Juanito)

See all

Greek salad

Dirty Birds

3.8(64 reviews)

0.7 mi

Went here for lunch on a friend's recommendation. I got 10 wings with a side of dirty ranch…read more The wings were excellent! I could tell they're cooked to order; they're really tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Flavors were really good and not too drenched. I got mango habanero and the Seoul flavor. They were relatively mild, which I was surprised by since mango habanero is usually pretty hot. The dirty ranch is a must! Inside was super casual, you order at a counter and bus your own table. Overall, I highly recommend this place for its wings!

So I can't speak for the entire menu, but I have to shout out the Dirty Chicken Fries Tots --…read morethey're absolutely amazing. I love the whole concept: crispy tots, seasoned chicken, ranch, and all the good stuff loaded together. It's messy, flavorful, and exactly what I crave when I want comfort food. I'd give those fries an easy 8.5/10, and honestly, they're the main reason I keep coming back. Now for the rest of the experience: I first visited Dirty Birds back in 2022 and tried their wings. I think they're often listed as a local favorite, but they just weren't it for me. Maybe it was the flavor I chose or just an off day -- not sure. Unless someone else gets them and I try a bite, I probably wouldn't go for them myself. Customer service was just okay. Not rude, just kind of... meh. The workers were young and It didn't feel like anyone was especially engaged or welcoming. On the bright side, the signs around the place are actually pretty funny (especially the water one), and there's plenty of seating, which is a big plus. One thing I didn't love was the shared restroom setup. Even though the door closes, I personally didn't feel super comfortable using it. If you're into sports, this is probably your vibe -- they had games playing and a group fully tuned in when I was there. Prices are fair, and I'd still be open to exploring more of the menu in the future. Bottom line: If you're gonna try anything here, make it the Dirty Chicken Fries Tots -- they're 100% the star of the show.

See all

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

3.5(907 reviews)

0.1 mi

I know people love this place. I've tried over the years and gone to different locations. I'm just…read morenot a fan and probably never will be. That being said my Bestie loves it here. It's her happy place. We were doing some pre-wedding shopping at Nordstrom Rack and all met up here for dinner and drinks. I did not order any anything to eat, but I did see a ceramic bathtub cocktail reminiscent of bobby Mcgee's Old bathtub/toilet drinks. This really excited me my mom threw my bathtub away. The bathtub that every Barbie doll took a bath in when I was a kid before getting way too excited I realize that this might be an acrylic or plastic tub. I asked the server and they told me it was ceramic my excitement level Rose again then I asked do I have to buy the sugary glow cube rubber, ducky Beverage or can I swap it out for another Beverage. The news was even better. I didn't need to buy the Beverage at all. I could buy the bathtub for 10 bucks. So yes, I ordered the bathtub and I also ordered a margarita on the side I managed to swipe a bite of my husband's food. What more do I need? The excitement of my BJ's ceramic bath bathtub remake of a bobby Mcgee's bathtub made my day. Thank you, BJ's I imagine my friend will force me to come back. Can you have a ceramic toilet by then please

Just not worth it. The pizza was like Pizza Hut but drier…read moreyet saucy as well. The dessert cookie was like pillsbury premade that'sbeen refroze then thawed and cooked. No good. Ice cream was good. Looooong wait for the food even though we preordered to go.

The bar area!

Hot Fudge Brownie Pizookie

See all

Prime Rib

BHC Chicken - Sorrento Valley

4.3(202 reviews)

2.4 mi•Sorrento Valley

Comparable to BHC in Korea!…read more Their speciality is the Bburinkle cheese powder which is pretty sweet, so you'll either love it or feel questionable. I got the wings which were HUGE pieces and batter was super crispy. They very generously coat the chicken and cheese ball in the cheese dust. The cheese balls are my favorite menu item, but I would prefer getting it without the powder to taste it on its own!! You must eat it fresh for the best cheese pull. I recommend getting the Bburing yogurt sauce to balance the sweetness from the powder. I went around early evening (~4ish) and place was pretty empty with a few walk ins here and there. Atmosphere was clean and felt sanitary as the workers constantly wiped the tables down around us throughout dining in. The servers were extremely nice, informative when asking questions, and they let us try a small sample of seasoning powder before ordering to see the spice level! Overall, great service and great food! BHC is one of the better Korean fried chicken chains in the states

BHC Chicken in Sorrento Valley is easily some of the best chicken I've ever had. The staff is…read morealways super friendly, and the food has been consistently amazing. I always get the wings, obviously. My favorite flavor is the Bburinkle wings. It's such a unique flavor, super savory, cheesy, and just ridiculously good. I also love the Bburinkle chips. Those things are dangerous. Their Macho King flavor is another favorite of mine when I want something a little different. One warning though: 16 wings is A LOT. These wings are heavy, rich, and decadent, so don't underestimate them. I always think I can crush the whole order and then halfway through I realize I may have made a mistake. Amazing chicken, great flavors, friendly staff, and absolutely worth it.

1.7 mi•La Jolla, La Jolla Shores

Inside the new BHC Chicken!

Stir-Spicy Rice Cakes

See all

Hot Fried

Dough Momma Pizzeria

4.2(320 reviews)

Outdoor seating

Vegetarian friendly

Dough mamma was a solid pizza spot with a great location just steps from the ocean. The view and…read moreatmosphere definitely added to the experience. The pizza was good, but nothing that really stood out compared to some of the other places we tried. It was a solid, classic pepperoni pizza, just not especially memorable. I'd still come back if I was in the area because the location is hard to beat.

Located in the heart of La Jolla Shores. Perfect place to…read moregrab a slice before or after hitting the beach. Service was nice and fast. Food came out quick and the pizza and salad were both delicious! Only downside is they only sold whatever was left on the rack for slices. The did not have a full selection of slices like most other places. So you had to buy what they had. Upside is, what we got was good so no complaints. Seating area is open and clean JB Approved.

Slice of pizza and buffalo wings

See all

Outdoor patio at Dough Momma Pizzeria.

bb.q Chicken Sorrento Valley

4.2(329 reviews)

2.3 mi•Sorrento Valley

The chicken is so incredibly crispy and juicy. I always get the rose tteokbokki and the chicken…read moretogether. The chicken is always so tender,sweet, and delicious. The staff here are so sweet , attentive, and kind. The vibe here is always chill and friendly. The restaurant itself is clean and tidy. Love going to BBQ chicken whenever I crave fried chicken with korean eats.

This was one of the most disgusting food experiences I've ever had. I ordered Honey Garlic wings…read morethrough DoorDash, and there was a long hair stuck to one of the wings. It made me feel sick immediately. There is no excuse for this level of poor hygiene. If basic food handling standards can't be maintained, customers shouldn't have to take the risk. I threw the rest of the food away and definitely won't be ordering from here again.

See all

Eureka!

3.9(2k reviews)

1.2 mi•University City

Outdoor seating

Casual dining

First time here recently and the bartender that helped me was amazing. He gave me a quick food…read moresuggestion which I decided to try and was glad I did. It was the Fresno Fig Burger and so delicious and a great size for me. Most burgers are way too big. This was great for lunch and I tried the sweet potato fries there which were also delicious. This is a great spot for a quick working lunch. I was able to get in and out quickly with help from the staff. I also enjoyed the music and atmosphere: The only thing I would change is the lighting but it seems most places are dark now for mood lighting. Thanks, would definitely return.

We went to Eureka! UTC during happy hour and had a great experience! The Korean Beef Frachos were…read moredelicious, and the service was really nice. The ambiance is also great--lively, welcoming, and perfect for a casual afternoon or evening out. Their happy hour runs every day from 3-6 PM, with cocktails and beers half price, which makes it an amazing deal. Definitely a great spot for drinks, food, and a fun atmosphere!

See all

Gravity Heights - Sorrento Valley

4.2(1.2k reviews)

3.2 mi•Sorrento Valley

Happy hour specials

Takes reservations

Great service at the bar and they have an extensive happy hour menu, drinks and tapas!…read more Food is elite, beer is elite, the vibe is great with good music to round out the experience. - my fiancé

Sophie was amazinggg! We loved our flights that she recommended, and the food was awesome as…read morealways. Love Gravity :)

Large marquee structure that houses extra seating.

Tinga Tacos. Tender chicken, great flavors.

See all

La Pizza (Pepperoni). Personal-sized with crispy little pepperoni cups and a soft chewy crust.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Calvin L.

Elite 25

24

58

104

3 years ago

My coworkers and I were craving some fried chicken, so we stopped by here on our lunch break and we were so glad we did. We were served quickly and with a smile. They don't have many seats inside, but there are a few tables outside that we sat at to eat. Their chicken is so crispy and tasty, and all at a very fair price. All of us really enjoyed it, and we look forward to returning. Just a heads up for anyone thinking of trying the spiciest sauce - the jump in spice level from Satan's kiss to pure evil is pretty big. Satan's kiss provides a good flavor and kick, whereas pure evil is exactly how it sounds. He warned me when I asked for pure evil, with a look of genuine concern for my well-being. I like to think I'm pretty good with spice so I told him I can handle it. Let me tell you, this one is no joke. You have been warned. read more

Erika V.

2

96

6

2 years ago

I was excited to try the chicken cheese fries, which were described as a combination of waffle fries, vinegar slaw, cheese, secret sauce, and jalapeños. Unfortunately, the dish I received fell short of expectations. The fries were shoestring style, not waffle, and the vinegar slaw was completely absent. Given my love for slaw and the enticing menu description, I was particularly disappointed. It's a good reminder to always verify your order to avoid such mishaps. read more

mal sun i.

0

1

6 years ago

For pick up orders go to their own website not thru yelp. Their site address is calvinskhotchicken.square.site can easily find it on Google. Ordering thru their website the prices are cheaper. read more

Wes J.

0

10

5

3 years ago

JUST DELIGHTFUL! Look at our silly little joyful expressions WE LOVE YOU CALVIN, and all of your flavors read more

Pat R.

0

7

0

5 years ago

Awesome.. that's the whole review.. but Yelp doesn't allow one word reviews, so I'll also add amazing.

John A.

0

75

0

5 years ago

Chicken is delicious, a little more than what I usually pay but worth it. Highly recommend

Ajeuz C.

2

74

17

3 years ago

Chicken is ok but the rice is not cook well.............................................

Nikolav W.

0

3

0

3 years ago

this chicken was amazing definitely will be coming back

Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken - chicken_wings - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Calvin's Korean Hot Chicken also viewed

bb.q Chicken Sorrento Valley

4.2

(329 reviews)

The chicken is so incredibly crispy and juicy. I always get the rose tteokbokki and the chicken…read moretogether. The chicken is always so tender,sweet, and delicious. The staff here are so sweet , attentive, and kind. The vibe here is always chill and friendly. The restaurant itself is clean and tidy. Love going to BBQ chicken whenever I crave fried chicken with korean eats.

This was one of the most disgusting food experiences I've ever had. I ordered Honey Garlic wings…read morethrough DoorDash, and there was a long hair stuck to one of the wings. It made me feel sick immediately. There is no excuse for this level of poor hygiene. If basic food handling standards can't be maintained, customers shouldn't have to take the risk. I threw the rest of the food away and definitely won't be ordering from here again.

Dirty Birds

3.8

(64 reviews)

Went here for lunch on a friend's recommendation. I got 10 wings with a side of dirty ranch…read more The wings were excellent! I could tell they're cooked to order; they're really tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Flavors were really good and not too drenched. I got mango habanero and the Seoul flavor. They were relatively mild, which I was surprised by since mango habanero is usually pretty hot. The dirty ranch is a must! Inside was super casual, you order at a counter and bus your own table. Overall, I highly recommend this place for its wings!

So I can't speak for the entire menu, but I have to shout out the Dirty Chicken Fries Tots --…read morethey're absolutely amazing. I love the whole concept: crispy tots, seasoned chicken, ranch, and all the good stuff loaded together. It's messy, flavorful, and exactly what I crave when I want comfort food. I'd give those fries an easy 8.5/10, and honestly, they're the main reason I keep coming back. Now for the rest of the experience: I first visited Dirty Birds back in 2022 and tried their wings. I think they're often listed as a local favorite, but they just weren't it for me. Maybe it was the flavor I chose or just an off day -- not sure. Unless someone else gets them and I try a bite, I probably wouldn't go for them myself. Customer service was just okay. Not rude, just kind of... meh. The workers were young and It didn't feel like anyone was especially engaged or welcoming. On the bright side, the signs around the place are actually pretty funny (especially the water one), and there's plenty of seating, which is a big plus. One thing I didn't love was the shared restroom setup. Even though the door closes, I personally didn't feel super comfortable using it. If you're into sports, this is probably your vibe -- they had games playing and a group fully tuned in when I was there. Prices are fair, and I'd still be open to exploring more of the menu in the future. Bottom line: If you're gonna try anything here, make it the Dirty Chicken Fries Tots -- they're 100% the star of the show.

Cluck N Sip

4.3

(351 reviews)

For those who said this is better than Jollibee, count your days! Lol JK. But in all seriousness,…read morethe chicken was just ok for me. Got the MWF special, 8 pieces for 15.99. They only had original flavor and it came with 3 small sauces to choose. I opted to get the sweet and spicy, ranch and garlic Parmesan. I also got the biscuits because the foodie vloggers kept raving about it. I didnt eat it at the location. Opted to take out and have rice with it. I dont think my mind would have changed its opinion if i ate it there or at home. It was good, however, i found the chicken to be really oily. The sauces didnt add to it, it would have been fine without it. The honey butter biscuits were just ok for me as well. It's decent, however, i doubt i will be craving this particular chicken spot. This location is inside the 99 ranch off balboa ave, plenty of parking and lots of tables to sit at in the food court. The employee on duty was nice as well.

I went here after work for some chicken and tried both the original and spicy. I must say, I liked…read morethe original better. I got the mixed chicken, which included two wings and a drumstick, along with potato wedges. The prices are reasonable, the service was fast and friendly, and there's plenty of seating in the food court. My only complaint is the size of the wings--they were a little too big for my liking.

Pho La Jolla

3.1

(1.2k reviews)

Made a takeout order with my roommate who is vegan and her soup was straight up water... My pho had…read moreno flavor whatsoever which is diabolical for a ~$20 pho. Can't speak much on the service but the staff who took our order was chill. The restaurant is located in a mini plaza right next to dominos and has plenty of seats and is open late. I wouldn't recommend this place if you can go elsewhere especially if you want authentic pho.

Needed some noodles and hot soup after my late round at Torrey Pines. Found Pho La Jolla about 10…read moreminutes away south on the 5 freeway. My beef flank and rare steak pho was delicious. The metal bowl was filled to the brim and tasty. A bit disappointed as they did not have the pork egg rolls, just the vegetarian egg rolls. They have a lot of other things on their menu as well. Service was good, waitress was friendly and had the World Cup on (Uzbek vs Colombia). She was like me, a futbol (soccer fan) like me every 4 years, lol. Plenty of parking, tons of table. Pho La Jolla was legit.

Shanghai Cafe

3.3

(282 reviews)

First time here. Few doors down from A good snow bubble drink place…read more We enjoyed sharing these with some other items for our last meal in La Jolla for this trip.

I never want to bash a mom and pop shop but this meal was almost inedible. They served half burnt…read moreand half undercooked chow mein that was clumped together. They served large delicious shrimp but all the other ingredients didn't taste good at all. Maybe it was just an off day for the chef. The dining room was small but could fit small to medium parties. Service was friendly. Plenty of parking.

Crispy Chicken n' Tomato Clairemont

4.3

(131 reviews)

Authentic Korean fried chicken and not KFC covered in ketchup like the other places…read more The people who work there are friendly AF too. I dunno why people complain about the bones in the whole fried chicken. Y'all know a whole chicken has bones right? We Koreans like our chickens whole with bones. Hell, I'd eat the feathers too if they served them

Spontaneously Came in here before going down the street to our comedy show…read more We order whole ahh chicken, and got the jalepeno sauce, and that honey butter, side of rice, and pickled ralish. The music was too loud for us to sit inside so we sat outside. Definitely was spacious place. We were the only ones there, and I hope this spots stays open and gets more people because their chicken was ffffflllaaaaaavooorrr. Juicy, crispy, some dry AF but still good. Service was cool, your typical gen alpha cat that was always on his phone either on social media or on discord chatting with his gaming friends but also helpful when he needed to be. Lol We'll come back if we're in the neighborhood!

Cross Street

4.3

(2.5k reviews)

Frank the manager was very helpful in terms of recommending items that I may have been craving…read more I've visited this location frequently and the food has always been on point in terms of quality and value. While I generally always get the Hot Chic sandwhich which is the best chicken sandwich I've ever had, I opened for the chili oil dumplings which was new on the menu. It did not disappoint and left me wanting to eat more. The environment along with their staff is always pleasant and I'm glad it's one of my top places to visit frequently when I'm having a craving for Korean food. The double fried chicken is always crispy and their Wing Wednesday special in which a particular set of wings are $1.00 each is such a great value. It's honestly one of the best values in terms of what you get for quality and bang for your buck. If you haven't given this spot a try please do so, Cross Street has never disappointed me. It's definitely a hidden gem and I solely recommend it.

Was craving for some Korean Fried Chicken and landed here. The food here is so good…read more Ordered the corn cheese (don't miss out), bulgogi fries, and multiple varieties of chicken (they come in orders of 5). There's seating inside and outside. Outside seating is also dog friendly. There's some plaza parking going on so feel free to take your car. Came on a Tuesday during lunch time and was able to get seated right away. This restaurant is great for groups and the service is fast and kind. The pika soju was also a pretty good drink. Tasted like a refreshing lemonade. Forgot it had soju at times.

Eat Crispy Burger La Jolla

4.4

(80 reviews)

Yum! Perfect post beach day meal…read more After a full day of swimming, snorkeling and missing lunch, we were all starving. Double burger, onion rings and a milkshake! Not an everyday meal, but perfect when you're craving some beefy goodness. We opted for a crispy burger since we hadn't been before. We got the double OG burger and the crispy cowboy western with onion rings, pickled jalapeños and BBQ sauce. Both were really good. The burgers were juicy and flavorful, and the house sauce was super tasty. The sleeper hit was the Oreo milkshake! So good. Lots of crunchy Oreo bits. The chocolate shake tastes like good chocolate not artificial. Onion rings and fries were good too. The onion rings have lots of crispy bits and the fries are basically like McDonald's fries. You order at a kiosk and they call your name when it's ready. Bathroom is outside around the corner. Ill be back.

Amazing restaurant! Easily some of the best smash burgers I've had in a while. The restaurant is…read morevery clean, the food tastes fresh, and the portions and quality are definitely worth the money. The only downside was the self-service ordering machines. They seem pretty outdated and were extremely slow and glitchy. A simple order took me over 10 minutes because the computer kept having issues. I eventually switched to the tablet next to it, but unfortunately had the same problem. Hopefully they upgrade their ordering system soon because it would make the experience much smoother. Other than that small issue, everything else was great. The food definitely made up for it, and I'd absolutely come back again!

Bowl To Go

4.2

(188 reviews)