There should have been a “Start here” sign because we, like others, gave ourselves away as first-timers at KBBQ Wings when we started to walk past two small kiosks where orders were meant to be placed; fortunately, the friendly owner was quick to notice and provided instructions.

                                                       The Menu

Although wings are the first item listed on the large, bright menu above those kiosks, they’re not all that’s available. Korean fare highlights the Asian offerings. Bulgogi in various renditions is available, as is kimchi. There are also dosirak boxes, which literally means lunchboxes.

Critic’s Tip

Pay close attention to the owner’s description of the different sauces for the wings; they all sounded good, but we inadvertently ordered the spiciest: yangnyeom. There’s a sweeter and less spicy version, which we should have requested. Ranch dressing was available to help temper the heat.

On the Table

One section of the menu offers “9 below Korean Street Food,” with nothing costing more than $9. This was the price of our five pieces of bulgogi mandu, aka dumplings. We had a choice of fried or steamed and opted for the crispy kind. These were packed with thinly sliced marinated beef and came with a small serving of soy sauce for dipping.

Given the restaurant’s name and their prominence on the menu, ordering wings was a given. Our order of six ($10) featured large pieces glistening with that spiciest of sauces. They were dusted with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. While the heat level was high, the wings were tender and juicy. The owner later told us he was surprised we ordered the yangnyeom sauce.

There were several choices for dosirak boxes, including bulgogi, kalbi, chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu and spicy pork. They range in price from $14 to $25.

Long, thin slices of chicken teriyaki filled one compartment of the bright red, lacquered box, with white rice, two small kimchi rolls, an egg roll and wonton filling the other sections. It was a generous, colorful and inviting plating. All of the elements complement one another. The chicken was rich with the sweet and slightly salty teriyaki marinade, and there was plenty of it!

                                               The Venue

The focus here was the food with little regard to ambiance.  There was a large mural on the south wall, but it was the meal that held our interest. The restaurant itself is long and narrow, with tables on one side of the room and a full bar on about half of the other side. The other space was ceded to the kiosks. Two large televisions at each end of the dining area with another over the bar aired sports and K-pop.

Afterthoughts

We enjoyed our meal and the owner’s attention throughout. We quickly learned to identify the newbies from the seasoned returning diners. KBBQ Wings had a steady stream of carryout orders. I like the idea of the dosirak boxes, so I suspect I’ll order one with bulgogi; the meat in the dumpling was good enough to have in other forms. It’s also available in a sandwich and atop french fries.

Know Before You Go

KBBQ Wings

Korean fast, casual cuisine

Location: 8029 N. Academy Blvd. 

Contact: 19-934-4042; kbbqwingstogo.com 

Prices: $5 to $25

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; closed Tuesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 .m. Sunday 

Details: Credit cards only. Alcohol. Wi-Fi. 

Favorite dishes: Bulgogi mandu and wings.

Other: Limited gluten-free and vegan options .

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: In compliance September 2025.