Bonchon Preparing to Open Near Nationals Park for Baseball Season

The Korean fried chicken restaurant with a cult following will serve game day eats soon in Navy Yard.

Bonchon is aiming to open near the start of Major League Baseball season, co-owner Tom An said today as workers put the finishing touches on the restaurant and interviewed future staff.

“We’re going to do as much as we can to practice before Opening Day,” An said, declining to provide the exact opening date of Bonchon’s first restaurant in the District.

Job postings to craigslist say the 1015 Half St. SE restaurant will open next week, just before the Nationals’ home opener game Monday, April 6.

Bonchon serves fried chicken and beer in the Korean chimek tradition, An explained for the uninitiated.

“It’s double-fried, crispy, saucy and hand-glazed,” he said.

The kitchen of the 140-seat restaurant will stay open late on game days, until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and later on weekends. A happy hour 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday is in the works.

Bonchon will serve 16 beers on tap, including local brews from DC Brau, Port City Brewing Company and Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

Outdoor seating may be available soon. Bonchon is applying for permission to have 60 to 80 seats just north and east of the building, An said.

Food photos via Facebook/Bonchon Chicken