Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » K Soul Chicken – San Francisco
K Soul Chicken - San Francisco
Photo from K Soul Chicken
K Soul Chicken at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#675 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
419
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious chicken
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Service issues
The restaurant K Soul Chicken, a vibrant Korean restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s lively Polk Gulch neighborhood, invites you to experience its trendy atmosphere. You can look forward to a casual yet stylish setting perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Whether you’re craving authentic Korean flavors or just a refreshing beer, this spot has you covered with convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Overview: Introducting K Soul Chicken
K Soul Chicken offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking well-prepared Korean fried chicken. Guests frequently praise the crispy texture and delicious flavors, often noting the generous portions.
The atmosphere is generally described as clean and cozy, providing a pleasant backdrop for a meal. However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies with food freshness, with a few reports of chicken not seeming freshly fried.
While service is largely commended for being friendly and attentive, there are isolated instances where staff attitude or specific policies caused frustration.
Good
8
out of 10
419
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
50
negative
26
neutral
343
positive
K Soul Chicken achieves a solid overall restaurant score of 8, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 81.9%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 343 positive remarks against 50 negative ones, out of a total of 419 customer comments.
The restaurant particularly shines in Service (8.4) and Food (8.1), which are clearly its strongest suits. The Ambience (7.0) also contributes positively to the experience, described as comfortable and clean.
While Value (6.7) is considered average, it still holds its own, suggesting that for many, the quality justifies the cost.
What people like
- Crispy, flavorful chicken
- Friendly, attentive service
- Clean, cozy setting
What people don't like
- Occasional stale chicken
- Soggy wing reports
- Inconsistent staff attitude
For those craving authentic and well-executed Korean fried chicken, K Soul Chicken is certainly worth considering. Its strengths in food quality and attentive service often lead to a satisfying visit, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of the occasional reports regarding food freshness or service inconsistencies. If you prioritize consistently fresh chicken and flawless service above all else, you might approach with tempered expectations, but for most, the positives outweigh these infrequent concerns.
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Verdict: Our expert take on K Soul Chicken
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 82.3%. Many rave about the crispy fried chicken, flavorful sauces, and generous portions, with 261 positive remarks out of 317 total, highlighting the variety and authentic dishes. However, 35 negative comments indicate some diners experienced issues like soggy or greasy chicken, and occasionally dry or undercooked meat.
While the sauces are usually a hit, a few found them weird-tasting or too sweet, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
317
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
35
negative
21
neutral
261
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy fried chicken
- Flavorful sauces
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Soggy chicken
- Greasy food
- Undercooked chicken
Often praised
- foodI ordered a half order with rice and kimchi, and it was so filling that I had to get a to-go box. I took home as much food as I ate!
- fried chickenfried chicken lover like my family is, definitely check this spot out. It was delicious
- Korean fried chickenMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I believe it's the best Korean fried chicken place in the city. Although the dining area is a bit humble, it turned out to be a good sign that this place offers authentic and great food.
- chickenThe chicken was crispy, seasoned well, tender, just fabulous.
- wingsWe enjoyed the #10 plan wings and the #1 Galbi boneless chicken, both of which were great. Our server, Will, a local of San Francisco, provided excellent assistance in helping us make our selections, and the wings were awesome! Our daughter absolutely loved the Korean corn dog, declaring it one of the best she's ever had, especially with the beef sausage.
- saucePouring the sauce over, closing the box, and shaking it resulted in perfectly sauced galbi fried chicken. We really enjoyed the flavors of their sauce, and the chicken remained moist, juicy, and very crispy! The only minor issue was receiving two random fruit juices instead of the Vitamin Water we ordered, but we actually liked the juice flavors, so it wasn't a big deal.
- chicken wingsI tried the Bibimbap for the first time and absolutely loved it. Their chicken wings are a must-try, being deliciously crispy.
- crispyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best wings I’ve ever tasted, with a perfect sauce and a wonderfully crispy texture. It's a shame I'm from out of town and can't visit more often.
- galbi chickenMy experience at this restaurant was great! I had corn dogs, ddeokbokki, galbi chicken, and spicy chicken. Everything was just great.
- Foodthey are as good as or better than ones that I get in Korea
Frequently criticized
- chickenthe chicken tasted like it was fried once yesterday and then fried again
- foodThe spicy wings I ordered were not particularly tasty or spicy. I would recommend ordering from Aria Korean Chicken instead, as it's significantly cheaper and offers tastier food with larger portions. Alternatively, consider The Bird or AWB for better spicy chicken options.
- sauceI wish they had sauce for them
- spicy wingsThe soggiest, softest wings I’ve ever eaten.
- ChickenChicken doesn’t seem freshly fried
- Korean fried chickenIt’s not super good
- Korean restaurantI wasted my money and couldn't even eat the food. This was the worst Korean restaurant experience I've had in America. Shockingly, the photos are unedited and were taken right after the food was served.
- chicken sandwichpretty sweet buns, which was pretty overpowering when in harmony with the sweet battered chicken
- chicken seemed oldchicken seemed old not fresh
- chicken wingsShockingly, the photos are unedited and were taken right after the food was served. The chicken wings had feathers on them. I was too disgusted to eat it.
If you're in the mood for delicious, crispy Korean fried chicken with a wide array of sauces and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just keep in mind that a small number of experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in food quality.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and a strong customer satisfaction of 87.5%. With 56 positive remarks out of 64, guests frequently praise the owner, friendly service, and staff for their hospitality. Many found the team very kind, attentive, and quick, often going the extra mile with recommendations and helpful advice.
However, it's not entirely without bumps, as 7 negative comments point to some issues. A few experiences mention a foul attitude from a cashier or owner, and concerns about conflicting rules. While these instances are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
64
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner/staff
- Excellent hospitality
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Occasional rude attitude
- Conflicting rules
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious chicken and the friendly service. There was lots of seating available.
- ownerBased on my standards, it's closer to authentic Korean chicken than any I've had abroad. It was incredibly delicious, and the owner is truly wonderful. We enjoyed a dine-in dinner with a price range of $10–20 per person.
- ServiceService was top notch
- friendly servicealongside friendly service
- staffI received two half orders and packed some to go. The service was superb, with very nice staff. I would definitely come back to try other flavors.
- JamesJames was awesome, he gave us taste samples
- WillWill, a local of San Francisco, helped us make a great selection
- best experienceThey want you to have the best experience and enjoy your meal
- customer serviceaslo costumer service to more the 100 percent
- deliveryI order delivery a lot
Frequently criticized
- DeliveryOrdered the spicy wings and rice cakes through DoorDash.
- cashierHowever, the service was a letdown, scoring only a 2 out of 5. I don't know why the cashier seemed so uninterested in selling it to me. The atmosphere was rated a 3, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- conflicting rulesrestaurant seems to make up conflicting rules
- enforce certain rulesseem to enforce certain rules onto certain people
- foul attitudeolder guy with the big glasses working up front has an foul attitude
- ownerOwner! Do you have any conscience?
- reviewsDo you delete bad reviews? I wasted my money trusting only the reviews.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm and helpful staff, this spot is largely a great bet. While there are a few isolated reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the overwhelming sentiment points to a positive service experience that enhances your meal.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Looking for a comfortable spot? This place generally hits the mark with its ambience, scoring a solid 7! Many folks, 20 out of 29 comments, really appreciated the casual spot feel, cleanliness, and lots of space for a nice sit-down experience.
There are definitely good vibes here, making it a pleasant place to hang out. However, its not perfect for everyone, as reflected in the 69% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag. A few voices, 5 comments to be exact, pointed out issues with the "location" and "parking, " and some even mentioned the "atmosphere" wasnt great or that it didn't smell good.
So, while mostly positive, there are some areas that could use a little polish.
Ambience
29
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and cozy
- Good vibes
- Plenty of seating
What people don't like
- Poor location
- Hard parking
- Bad smell
Often praised
- cleanlinessOur daughter absolutely loved the Korean corn dog, declaring it one of the best she's ever had, especially with the beef sausage. The restaurant itself is very clean and a cozy place to sit, with a quiet atmosphere that made conversation easy. We had a great time and appreciated the great hospitality in San Fran.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeOur daughter absolutely loved the Korean corn dog, declaring it one of the best she's ever had, especially with the beef sausage. The restaurant itself is very clean and a cozy place to sit, with a quiet atmosphere that made conversation easy. We had a great time and appreciated the great hospitality in San Fran.
- Convenient locationConvenient location in the Polk St.
- casual spotit's also a comfy casual spot to dine in.
- cleanbut very clean
- facilitythe facility was clean and well kept
- kpop music videoswith kpop music videos playing quietly.
- mom and pop placeGreat mom and pop place
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere is horrific
- locationalmost perfect except for the location
- parkinghard to park if you order take out
- smelldidn't smell good as well
Overall, if you prioritize a clean, casual spot with good vibes, youll find the ambience quite pleasant. However, be mindful of potential issues with the location, parking, or occasional smells. Its a solid choice for a relaxed visit, but not without a few minor quirks.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot hits the mark, especially with 6 positive opinions out of 9 total. People often rave about the price and how the food you get doesn’t break the bank, making it a great option for lunchtime. In fact, the overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.7, suggesting a generally good experience.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as reflected by a customer satisfaction of 66.7%, which is a bit mixed. Out of 3 negative opinions, some folks have pointed out concerns regarding the price of certain items, like an extra gochujang charge that felt excessive. A few even felt the food was a bit "cheap, " suggesting that for some, the value wasnt quite there.
Value
9
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunchtime meals
- Good food value
What people don't like
- Extra charges costly
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The half Yang nyum chicken was a pretty good serving for its price and it even comes with three pieces of rice cake 👍🏼. The sauce could be a bit more spicier though.
- 13 dollars a personfor only 13 dollars a person
- doesn’t break the bankit doesn’t break the bank
- foodfood was super affordable
- lunchtimeThe chicken is crispy and flavorful, the katsu sauce is also great. And for $11 at lunchtime, it's a lot of really good food.
Frequently criticized
- cheap foodMy experience at the restaurant was centered around the cheap food.
- extra gochujang2 bucks for extra gochujang seems excessive
- pricepaid $19 for what should have been 7-8 wings
If youre looking for an affordable meal, especially at lunchtime, this place often delivers good food without breaking the bank. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for add-ons, as thats where some diners felt the value dipped.
How are the prices at K Soul Chicken?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, most guests spend in the $11–$20 range, with a good portion also spending a bit more in the $21–$30 bracket. So, prices cluster nicely around that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Korean spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about K Soul Chicken
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Spicy Dish Was Sweet, Horrific Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant involved ordering and paying before tasting the food. I ordered a spicy dish but received a sweet dish instead. The food arrived quickly and was passable but not good.
The atmosphere was horrific and the restaurant also didn't smell good.
- food5
- Service7
- spicy dish2
- sweet dish2
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service, Great Value!
My experience at Korean Soul Chicken was absolutely delightful. I ordered the fried chicken, which was perfectly cooked, crispy, and incredibly flavorful. The BBQ pork was also a highlight – tender and bursting with flavor.
I was equally impressed with the potstickers; they were amazing, crisp, fresh, and not greasy at all. The service was excellent and the staff were very attentive. Furthermore, the food was super affordable, and everything tasted fresh and well-made.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
- fried chicken10
- BBQ pork9
- potstickers10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Tteokbokki and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the most flavorful Tteokbokki I've ever tasted. The wings were delicious, and the service was quick and friendly.
I would highly recommend this place if you're in the area.
- Tteokbokki10
- wings9
- service9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Fantastic Hot Dog, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was centered around an absolutely fantastic hot dog. The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5. However, the service was a letdown, scoring only a 2 out of 5.
I don't know why the cashier seemed so uninterested in selling it to me. The atmosphere was rated a 3, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- hot dog10
- cashier2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Gochu Jang Chicken and More!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the Gochu Jang chicken, which was amazing. The spicy rice cake was also a hit.
For those looking for something filling, the corn dogs are a great choice. The owner was also very nice, contributing to a positive experience.
- Gochu Jang chicken10
- spicy rice cake9
- corn dogs8
What K Soul Chicken offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at K Soul Chicken?
At K Soul Chicken, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Korean cuisine. You have the flexibility of choosing from convenient dine-in, takeout, or delivery services, making it easy to savor your favorite dishes wherever you are.
Is K Soul Chicken accessible, and what are the parking options in Polk Gulch?
Yes, K Soul Chicken is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. Parking in the Polk Gulch area can be somewhat difficult, but you can usually find free or paid street parking nearby.
What kind of food can I expect at K Soul Chicken?
K Soul Chicken is well-regarded for its crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken, with many customers praising its authentic taste and delicious sauces. Dishes are often noted for being filling and satisfying.
How is the atmosphere and service at K Soul Chicken?
The restaurant generally offers a clean, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, sometimes enhanced by K-pop music. Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and superb, with staff often going the extra mile for guests.
What is the overall rating for K Soul Chicken?
K Soul Chicken holds a good overall restaurant score of 8. It scores particularly well for Service (8.4) and Food (8.1), with Ambience (7.0) also rated positively. Value (6.7) is considered average.