Vons Chicken

I was in town for a dentist appointment and wanted to eat something before my procedure since I knew I wouldn't be eating much afterward. I found a few options in the plaza but not all of them were open. I saw the sign for Vons and looked up their menu which looked really good! I've eaten at other similar Korean fried chicken restaurants (e.g. BonChon), and while they are good they are also pricey. There was a lunch special available so I decided to give that a try. I wasn't sure what kind of chicken to order, so the cashier, who I believe was the manager, ranked the most popular dishes and eventually recommended that I try the original since it was my first time there. But he also warned me that because everything is fresh, the food will take at least 20 minutes to cook. Since I was in no rush, I said it was fine. Another customer did walk in shortly after and wanted to order but did not have enough time so he was given a menu to hopefully order ahead next time. The food was served hot and fresh and while I chose mild, it was a little on the spicier side. But the chicken was crispy, the meat was juicy and delicious, the same with the fries. I also received a large portion of both so I wasn't even able to finish everything. The worker asked me how everything tasted and I gave him my compliments. He did mention how it's been a struggle because not everyone can wait that long for their food. There's a difference if a place is too busy and can't keep up with orders whereas, in this situation, they are focusing on quality and want to ensure that the food they provide is made to order and always fresh, which I commend them on. I sat at the restaurant for over an hour (working/waiting for the food, eating, and sitting). It wasn't until right before I left that another customer came in to pick up a food order. Growing up with parents that owned struggling restaurants, I couldn't help but feel for this one as well. I was there on a Tuesday, but the plaza itself doesn't seem to get too much foot traffic. I'm hoping this review will encourage others to have some patience and give Vons Chicken a chance!

Worst chicken I ever had. No idea how its rating is above 3. I realized recent reviews are all going under 2, and I should have checked that before coming. There are a couple of significant problems. There is Vons Chicken in Santa Clara, but seriously this is totally different place under the same name. 1. Taste They apparently marinated the chicken in way too long. It was worst ever salty taste that we gave up eating after trying half piece. I think the chicken was too old before serving. 2. Sanity This is a serious problem. I found a raw fur from the drumstick (see the photo I attached) and asked them about the fur. They told me that it is from local chicken and it is natural to have such furs. Are you kidding me? They didn’t definitely failed to remove furs before cooking, but never apologize for that. We still paid the full price, because they didn’t even know what the problem is. I would never visit the place again and strongly recommend NOT to try this place. Not worth for an even penny.

So first off the staff is great and walked me through the menu. The prices seemed high to me but when I saw the portions I quickly corrected my first thoughts. You get what you pay for and then some here. I ended up going with the spiciest thing on the menu and well it was spicy. Not at first but it came back to bite me about half way through my wings. The frys were also really good. Towering not to mention. Would recommend.