After soft opening over Valentine’s weekend, Gangchu—Tampa’s new Korean fried chicken restaurant—is officially opening in Seminole Heights on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.
The new restaurant from Noel Cruz, the owner of Ichicoro Ramen, is located at 6618 N Nebraska Ave. just across the street from 7venth Sun Brewery,and made its phase one opening announcement on social media on Monday night.
“The Gangchu Team appreciates all the patience and is pumped to bring you good times with chicken, beer and then some. Come by and experience all the hard work to make 2021 the best EVER,” the post said. “We will be continually updating our website and social feed with info as we launch into the crunchy chicken stratosphere. Come along for the ride. Gamsahabnida!”
Gangchu (“강추”) basically means, “it rocks” or “it’s the shit” according to badasskorean.com.
The Gangchu menu includes both boneless and “Gangchu chicken” wings ($10-$16) served with daikon pickles and Gangchu perilla ranch. Seven other sauces like gochujang Buffalo, Korean BBQ, sweet chilli garlic, Korean dry rub and more are also available along with sandwiches like the beef bulgogi wrap and Gangchu cheesesteak ($12-$14). Entrees ($10-$14) include beef bulgogi, kimchi pancake or fried rice and tteokbokki (aka spice rice cakes).
A nine-item cocktail list with names inspired by local thoroughfares (Nebraska, Hanna, Knollwood, Shadowlawn, Minnehaha and more)—together with a wine plus draft and canned beer list—make up the beverage options ($3-$48). 7venth Sun’s K-hop IPA is naturally available, too.
Gangchu in Seminole Heights is closed on Mondays, but opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and is open until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. It closes at 1 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Happy hour runs from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
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