Some of the best meals in Colorado Springs hide behind the most ordinary storefronts. A row of shops on the west side of town holds a small Korean fried chicken counter that locals keep talking about, and it has quietly earned a following that many big names would envy.
Families stop in after long days near Pikes Peak, newcomers find it in their first week, and longtime fans return so often the owners know their usual sauce. The menu is built around crispy chicken, a long list of house sauces, and a welcome that people remember long after the meal.
A national list even named it the top fried chicken pick for the whole state. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, when to go, and why so many diners say it beats the chains.
A Strip-Mall Address Worth Remembering
Great chicken does not need a fancy zip code. The spot in question is 92 Chicken Colorado Springs, found at 4431 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, in the United States.
It sits inside a regular strip mall, the kind of place many drivers pass without a second look. That modest setting is part of its charm, and part of why so many people call it a hidden find.
The restaurant is listed as a chicken restaurant, and Korean fried chicken is the star. Wings, tenders, and drumsticks make up the core choices, with a wide range of sauces layered on top.
The Centennial Boulevard location puts it on the west side of the city. That makes it a handy stop for people heading back from nearby sights or simply looking for dinner close to home.
With more than a thousand public opinions behind it and a 4.8 star standing, the little storefront carries real weight in local conversations. Not bad for a place that shares a parking lot with everyday errands.
Getting the address right is step one, and the rest of the story only gets more interesting from here.
The Family Behind the Counter
Ask regulars what they mention first, and the answer is often people, not plates. Friendly owners come up more than almost any other topic tied to the restaurant.
The business is run by a husband and wife team who are known for greeting guests warmly at the door. Many diners describe them as kind, patient, and genuinely grateful for every order.
The owner frequently walks first-timers through the long menu. She shares her own favorite sauces and points people toward options that match how much heat they enjoy.
Small gestures add up here. Newcomers to town have been handed a free side of rice as a welcome, and some guests have been offered a taste of a sauce before committing to it.
Staff and workers carry the same easygoing spirit. Several families talk about long, friendly conversations that made the visit feel more like dropping by a neighbor’s place.
That kind of care is hard to copy at scale. It may be the clearest reason so many locals say the chains simply cannot compete.
A Statewide Title on a Small Wall
Bragging rights can arrive in unexpected ways. An article from Finance Buzz titled Where to find the best fried chicken in every state picked 92 Chicken as its Colorado choice.
That recognition sends travelers out of their way to try it. Some returning tourists plan their Colorado Springs stops around this single counter because of that list.
The owner is proud of the honor and has been known to show guests the list while they order. It is a fun moment that sets expectations high before the first basket even lands.
Plenty of local fans agree with the pick. Phrases like best fried chicken in the state and best wings in Colorado Springs pop up again and again among regulars.
A national shout-out could have made the place feel crowded or rushed. Instead, the same welcoming routine seems to carry on, which keeps the title feeling earned rather than borrowed.
Of course, a list only opens the door. The chicken itself has to do the convincing, so that is where the story heads next.
Crunch That Survives the Drive Home
Crispy chicken is the second most talked about feature, right behind the Korean fried chicken label itself. That says a lot about how central the texture is to its reputation.
Diners describe the coating as super crispy outside while the meat stays moist. Many point out that the chicken does not come across as greasy, which keeps people coming back for another round.
Takeout fans have a favorite detail. One customer reported a 15 minute drive home and still found the chicken holding its crunch when the box opened.
Freshness is another common theme. Orders come out made to order, and the word fresh appears again and again when locals explain why they return.
Not every experience is perfect. One guest found the drumsticks dry, so first-timers who care most about crunch may want to start with wings or tenders, which earn steadier praise.
Texture is only half the formula, though. The sauces are where this kitchen really starts to show off.
Sweet Onion and the Sauce Lineup
Choosing a sauce here can take longer than eating. The menu features a vast selection, and the owner happily helps indecisive groups narrow it down.
Sweet onion sauce is a true fan favorite, earning dozens of mentions. Versions include a creamy onion style, a white onion option, and a red sweet onion that ranks as one of the hottest choices.
A milder take exists for anyone who loves the onion topping but not the heat. That flexibility makes it easy for mixed groups to share.
Green onion styles also show up, including soy garlic green onion and hot green onion chicken. Each one gives regulars another reason to try something new on the next trip.
Other names on the list include snow chicken, galbi wings, hot barbecue, red hot, and an original seasoned style. The hot barbecue reportedly packs a real punch, so spice fans take note.
With this many paths, ordering becomes a small adventure. Many tables solve it by getting two or three flavors and passing them around.
Bulgogi Chicken Steals the Spotlight
Sometimes the dish that sounds the most unusual becomes the house favorite. Bulgogi chicken, with more than forty mentions, has become exactly that.
The flavor is described as sweet and tangy, bringing a classic Korean barbecue profile to fried chicken. Some couples who split a combo say the bulgogi was the clear winner of the night.
The owner often nudges first-timers toward it. Groups visiting from out of state have ordered it on her advice and left calling it one of the strongest flavors on the menu.
It also works well for families. Kids have been known to enjoy the bulgogi alongside the classic yangnyeom, which helps when picky eaters are in the group.
Pairing it with something spicier is a popular move. A bulgogi and spicy garlic combo gives a table both a mellow option and a bolder one in the same order.
For anyone unsure where to begin, bulgogi is a safe and popular first pick. It may also be the one that turns a single visit into a habit.
Garlic in Every Direction
Garlic lovers get a whole lineup to themselves. Spicy garlic chicken and honey garlic chicken both rank among the most mentioned flavors at the restaurant.
Spicy garlic is described as a balanced sweet and spicy combination. Heat fans call the spice level just right, strong enough to notice without overwhelming the rest of the meal.
Honey garlic earns its own loyal crowd. Some wing fans call it one of the best recipes they have tried in a long time.
Soy garlic deserves a mention too. Regulars rank it among the finest soy garlic sauces they have found anywhere.
Hot garlic chicken rounds out the family for those who want a little more kick. It is a favorite with people who like heat but still want the garlic to lead.
Between these options, a table could order nothing but garlic and still get variety. That is a pretty good problem to have.
Wings, Tenders, or Drumsticks
Once the sauce is chosen, there is one more big decision. Chicken comes as tenders, wings, or drumsticks, and each style has its fans.
Wings get the most attention, with more than eighty mentions. They are described as big and juicy, and they arrive split for easier eating.
Wing fans who have tried spots across many states place these in their personal top three. Plenty of locals call them the best wings in Colorado Springs.
Tenders are a solid pick for those who want less work at the table. Even so, the owner has been known to suggest at least one wing order so guests do not miss out.
Drumsticks are notably large, with some diners saying they outsize those at well-known chains. Opinions are more mixed on this cut, as one guest found them dry.
A smart approach for a first trip is ordering a mix. That way the table learns its own favorite while still sharing everything.
Side Dishes With a Following
Chicken may headline the show, but the supporting cast has plenty of fans. The appetizer list is broad enough that some regulars always add at least one extra.
Tteokbokki earns praise for its sauce and its well-cooked rice cakes. House-made kimchi is another highlight that diners describe as fresh.
Fried gizzards and calamari have a loyal following among repeat guests. Pork fried dumplings, chicken dumplings, and steamed rice also come up often.
Pickled radish and pickled onion pair nicely with the spicier sauces. A salad option gets a nod as well, even from a diner who was less impressed by the drumsticks.
For something sweet, sesame balls are a treat. Insiders suggest asking for them with a honey drizzle.
The quirkiest item may be the junk fries. A staff member reportedly invented them one day out of boredom, and they have since become a must-try for many tables.
K-Pop on the Screens
Dinner comes with a soundtrack here. K-pop music videos play inside the dining room, giving the space a lively and playful energy.
The interior is described as clean and bright, with a cool look that surprises people expecting a basic strip-mall setup. Many call the overall feel comforting and authentic.
Guests often describe the setting as a fun slice of Korean culture. It adds personality without making the space feel like a theme park.
For some diners, the experience is personal. People who once served in South Korea say the food brings back memories of their time overseas.
The atmosphere works well for casual meals. It suits a relaxed family dinner, a quick weeknight bite, or a group meal after a big day out.
Fans of K-pop may find themselves lingering a little longer. Everyone else still gets a cheerful backdrop for a basket of wings.
Who Leaves Happiest
Hungry travelers with tired legs are a big part of the crowd. Groups returning from Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods have ended up here after failing to agree on anything else.
Families tend to do well too. Kids enjoy the milder flavors, and the variety means nobody has to settle.
New residents are another happy group. Several people who just moved to town call it one of their first great local finds.
Spice seekers have plenty to explore, from red hot to hot barbecue. Meanwhile, cautious eaters can stick with original, bulgogi, or no-heat onion options.
Fans of Korean food who miss the flavors of Korea also make the trip. The menu gives them familiar dishes beyond the chicken itself.
In short, it fits most anyone who likes casual food and friendly faces. Diners who expect a formal sit-down experience may want to adjust their plans.
Portions and the $10 to $20 Range
Bring an appetite, or bring containers. Portions here are known for being huge, and plenty of diners plan for leftovers.
Typical spending falls in the $10 to $20 range per person. That makes it a reasonable pick for a group meal or a weekly treat.
Generous servings help stretch the value. A single order can easily cover lunch the next day.
Combo orders are popular for couples who want two flavors at once. Splitting a few dishes is often the best way to sample more of the menu without overspending.
Drinks include a range of fun Korean beverages. The broader drink menu is something guests can browse when they arrive.
Value is not just about the bill. Freshly made chicken and warm hosts make the money feel well spent for many locals.
When the Doors Are Open
Timing a visit is easy once the schedule is clear. Every day starts at 11 am, so lunch is always an option.
Monday through Thursday, the doors close at 8:30 pm. Friday and Saturday run a bit later, until 9 pm.
Sunday is the shortest day, wrapping up at 8 pm. Sunday diners should plan a slightly earlier dinner.
Since chicken is cooked fresh, arriving well before closing gives the kitchen time to work. It also leaves room to chat with the owners about sauces.
The official website, 92kchicken.com, is a useful place to check details before heading out. Hours can change, so a quick look saves surprises.
Weekend evenings are a natural fit for those coming off a day of sightseeing. Those extra hours on Friday and Saturday give a little breathing room.
A Soft Verdict on the Chain Debate
So does a strip-mall counter really beat the big names? For a lot of Colorado Springs regulars, the answer is a confident yes.
Some diners compare it directly to well-known Korean chicken chains and say it comes out ahead. Bigger drumsticks and a warmer welcome get mentioned in those comparisons.
The strongest case rests on a few things. Crispy chicken, a deep sauce list, generous portions, and owners who treat guests like friends.
No place is flawless, and drumsticks have drawn at least one complaint. Wings and tenders remain the safer bet for a first order.
Still, a 4.8 star standing across more than a thousand voices is hard to ignore. Add a statewide fried chicken title, and the case grows stronger.
The best way to settle the debate is simple. Grab a few flavors, share them around, and let the chicken make its own argument.
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