Some people have the magic touch—everything they create turns to gold. Simon Kim is one of them. As the founder and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, Kim has built a culinary empire that began with Cote Korean Steakhouse, a groundbreaking concept with locations in New York, Miami, and Singapore. Since opening in 2017, Cote has earned a Michelin star every year, a testament to Kim’s vision and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Kim has expanded with other innovative concepts, including Naro—a refined, seasonal Korean restaurant located in the iconic Rockefeller Center, a new concept opening on the upper East Side, —and Coqodaq, his wildly popular fried chicken destination that I’m thrilled to spotlight.
Located at 12 E 22nd Street, Coqodaq might just be the hottest reservation in New York right now. From the moment it opened, it was an instant sensation, drawing a stylish, energetic crowd and redefining what fried chicken can be. The restaurant delivers impeccably sourced, pasture-raised chicken, that’s possibly the best you’ll ever taste.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a communal handwashing station stocked with high-end soaps—once rumored to include brands like Hermès, Christian Dior, and Chanel. While those have since been replaced by other luxury options, the attention to detail remains. A dedicated attendant offers towels so your hands are ready for the main event: the chicken.
The space itself is stunning—dark, moody, and dramatic, with a tunnel of arched golden lights leading you into the heart of the restaurant. There are three distinct seating areas: communal backless high-tops at the front for walk-ins, plush hunter-green booths and banquettes with lazy Susans for sharing, and a long bar with comfortable backed stools. In warm weather, garage doors open to a patio out front, adding yet another layer of charm. Rumor has it there’s even a private karaoke room tucked away in the back—by invitation only, of course.
Spanning 8,000 square feet and seating up to 190 guests, Coqodaq is a scene. The music pulses, the energy is electric, and while conversation can be a challenge, nobody seems to mind. Everyone is simply thrilled to be there.
The star of the show is The Bucket List—a signature fried chicken feast priced at a reasonable $42 per person. It begins with a clear, flavorful pasture-raised chicken consommé, followed by a generous bucket of classic fried chicken that’s gluten-free, fried in cultured non-seed oil, and made from certified humane, Amish-raised birds. The chicken arrives with house-made ban-chan (seasonal pickled vegetables), scallion salad, and four bold sauces: Verde, honey mustard, pepper farm, and BBQ. You also get to choose between soy garlic or gochujang-glazed pieces—or split both, which I highly recommend.
After the savory feast, your server delivers a refreshing bowl of cold perilla seed noodles to cleanse the palate, followed by a soft-serve frozen yogurt topped with a seasonal fruit sauce. It’s a perfectly balanced end to an indulgent meal.
Of course, you can elevate your meal with luxurious add-ons. We tried—and loved—the Golden Nugget: a crisp, juicy chicken nugget topped with your choice of trout roe, caviar, or seasonal truffles. We chose the caviar—at $26 a piece, it’s a splurge, but a decadent one. You’ll also find classic caviar service, oysters, tartare’s, inventive salads, and a selection of savory side dishes on offer.
The chicken is masterfully prepared: coated in rice flour and double or triple-fried to crispy perfection, yet miraculously not greasy. It’s clear that Coqodaq takes sourcing seriously—these are free-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free birds from Amish farms in Pennsylvania.
Service is warm and well-paced, with staff delivering each course in perfect rhythm. The beverage program is equally impressive, boasting the largest curated Champagne list in North America—over 400 selections, many available by the glass. I enjoyed a glass of Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut Rosé, which paired beautifully with the chicken, cutting through the richness with elegance. There’s also a smart selection of wines, “Coqtails,” non-alcoholic beverages, and beers.
This “temple of fried chicken” is far from your average chicken shack—Coqodaq is a bold, elevated take on comfort food, served in a luxurious, high-energy setting. The restaurant is now open for lunch, and brunch has recently launched with some finger-licking good options.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you’re in for a fun, delicious, and unforgettable experience.
Recommended enthusiastically!
Happy dining,
Shanea
05/08/2025
