OB Bear: Best Fried Chicken in Koreatown?

Some might call it a travesty that after more than a decade in LA, this self-proclaimed Koreatown pro hasn't yet ventured into OB Bear, a veritable institution. It is known as the embodiment of old school K-town watering hole and for serving the crunchiest fried chicken you could ever want to wash down with your Korean beer.

And embodiment it was. I felt completely transported to a dingy "hof" (beer halls modeled after German ones but really nothing like them) on the edges of Shinchon in front of Yonsei University, complete with the ubiquitous shredded cabbage salad served with a huge dollop of Thousand Island dressing. Definitely doesn't get points for ambiance. The only difference from the old school joints back in the homeland is the gigantic flatscreen blasting the latest games.

The fried chicken was excellent although the white meat parts did get a bit dry. For the most part, thought, the skin was crispy and the flesh was moist and served piping hot. The pickled radish cubes helped to balance out some of the heaviness from the fact that it was fried. Best pairing ever.

Now for the beer. I like my microbrews as much as the next person, but nothing beats a refreshing glass of Hite (yes, the place was called OB Bear but served its rival beer brand, Hite. The name OB Bear is likely a take on the name of the OB beer brand's sports team, OB Bears, but maybe it's just one of those lost in translation type of adaptation or the equivalent of Cucci or Ghanel.). And for reason, I never feel as full although I wondered if that was because they dilute it so much with water.

Now for the less successful. The spicy chicken wings are also raved about in message boards so I was excited to try them. Boy did they disappoint. They looked so promising -- check out at that seriously glistening exterior. The chicken wasn't fully cooked and the sauce was just meh.

The pajeon, or scallion pancake, was burnt and not too flavorful. It was nothing special. It could do a lot better.