Chicken burger places are having a moment lately, so I went to try one that people say is actually good. It’s a spot called ckbg.lab, run by the Yoo Yong-wook Barbecue Lab. I’d heard that the Yoo Yong-wook Barbecue Lab is nearly impossible to get a reservation at, so I’d never even considered going (nobody invites me, and I have nobody to go with…). Anyway, I’m just glad they’ve opened a separate standalone place where I can finally get a taste.

Basement level 2

It’s down on the second basement level, so I assumed it would be dark and gloomy, but there’s an enormous picture window that lets in plenty of light and gives a good view, and there’s a long counter too, so the atmosphere is great. Underground but not underground, if that’s the concept… It’s a nice enough space to come to on a date.

The menu

I added bacon to the chicken burger.

Drinks menu

For your reference…

The pick of the day

I ordered a Sprite Zero.

The chicken burger

The chicken is genuinely delicious — thick, juicy chicken fried up nice and crisp. The fresh cabbage and the spicy sauce both go well with the chicken that’s the star here. I picked spice level 2, which turned out to be only mildly hot. The spicy sauce does run a bit, though, so it pays to be careful while you eat.

Take a bite and…

It’s all good, but I can’t really taste the bacon. It might be better to skip the topping and order a side instead.

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