[Food Review] The Coop

A cousin of mine reached out to recently and suggested meeting up at The Coop. I had heard of The Coop before as trendy and hip for young people to gather. It's marketed as a bar and restaurant known for its fried chicken. So what's so special about their fried chicken and cuisine?

The location we visited is situated at One Fulton Square, a building newly refurbished in Flushing as a spot for appealing eateries. I can't even remember what the spot originally was as Flushing's many businesses came and go in a snap of a finger. Even now, parts of the building is still under renovation for new businesses to come.

My cousin recommended The Coop because she said she enjoyed the atmosphere there. It was different from the usual establishments I attended. The evening was rainy so there was very little customers when I walked in. Even when it settled into night, it wasn't too busy. It's hard not to notice that it's also very loud. The volume isn't coming from the people, it's coming from the music. I'm going to assume that many bars typically play loud music unless it's specified that it's a lounge bar. I know restaurants can get loud with the sheer amount of customers in one room, but I felt that the music was just overwhelmingly loud to me. Lighting is on the dim side and once it's officially considered night time, the lights get even more darker. It doesn't help with my photos. :(

Price wise, the menu items are standard for a Korean bar and restaurant. I tried a mojito ($12) for the first time with really no idea how it'll taste or how strong it will be. A yelper described their mixed drinks as weak which I'll have to agree.  I can taste the alcohol, but it's only a spritz. However, I did enjoy the taste of the drink over all.

Both of us agreed on the small set of soy garlic chicken wings ($14 at 12 pcs), truffle Parmesan fries ($8), and hot spicy cakes ($12). Advertised as the best chicken wings possible, I had high expectations. What it essentially was, was fried chicken. The crunchy garlicky exterior had a well marinated interior beneath. I was very pleased. Between two people, 12 pieces will suffice when you have other dishes to try. I would recommend the 20 piece set for a larger party.

Next was the fries. The menu said that these were fries tossed in truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. Sadly, I could taste neither. It was just a plate of well seasoned fries to me. I couldn't taste the distinctive taste of Parmesan so I only assume that the saltiness of the fries came from the powder. As for the truffle oil, I think it's only a gimmick. I have never tasted truffle before, but everyone that has tried the real thing has said that it has an overpowering fragrance. Since everyone has come to the same conclusion, shouldn't its fragrance be recognizable from the moment I bite into my fries?

The entree that I proposed having was the spicy rice cakes. These are Korean log-shaped rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce. It was served with a scant  amount of carrot and onion and topped with ramen noodles. It tasted good and I'm reminded again that I can't handle spicy. That night since there were few customers, it wasn't hard to flag down a waiter. They were attentive in refilling our waters and giving us extra napkins. I left The Coop feeling very full. Would I come back here again? I might if a friend wants to go, but I'll order some other things on the menu. Their wings however will be on my list again.