These days, it can be hard for a casual burger place or plate of wings to stand out within the ever-growing variety of new burger joints that seem to pop up in every developing shopping center across the city. However, I am pleased to say my experience at K-Pop Burger in Frisco is one I am not likely to forget any time soon. In fact, I can still feel my throat tighten a bit when I think about just how spicy their Asian Fire wings are (heed the warning of the cashier when she tells you these three-fire-alarm wings are the spiciest thing on the menu)!
While K-Pop Burger in Frisco has only been open since December 2016, it stands as the second location of the franchise to come to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, with the original location having opened in Fort Worth in late Summer 2016. Upon entry, a very spacious seating area with large tables greets guests, perfect for families with small children or even colleagues meeting over lunch or dinner. The walls are lined with televisions, one of which even played Korean pop music videos. With 16 different burgers on the menu, a variety of Philly Cheesesteaks, wings with unique flavors and a selection of chili-cheese fries, French fries, fried jalapenos and more, it is not hard to see why the restaurant became popular enough to garner a second location. It is also worth mentioning that there is a kid’s menu available for little ones who may not be keen on trading in traditional hamburgers or the classic chicken nugget plate for Korean fusion dishes. I would advise first-time diners to check out the menu online beforehand. It can be a bit overwhelming at first glance!
In addition to their vast menu featuring all types of unique fusion dishes, K-Pop Burger’s biggest claim to fame is their signature Kimchi Burger, which includes mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, fresh angus beef, American cheese, grilled kimchi and a fried egg served on a sesame seed egg bun. For any big Food Network fans out there, you might recognize kimchi as the trendy new food chefs seem to be incorporating into all kinds of meals these days. Or if you are like me, you may have to “Google” what this food dish really is. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbages and Korean radishes, mixed with a range of spices for flavor. The side dish has gained popularity in more recent years for its noted health benefits. The fermented sauce is low-calorie and rich in vitamins A, B and C. However, even with this trendy, healthy item as an option, K-Pop Burger is definitely not somewhere to go for those counting calories. You want to eat at K-Pop Burger for a splurge meal — one that you can really go all out on and enjoy every bite.
While my friend was adventurous enough to try the famed Kimchi Burger, which falls at No. 2 on the menu, I myself decided to keep it a bit more traditional and ordered the No. 11 AOA Burger. This delightful burger featured fresh angus beef topped with grilled jalapenos, jalapeno ranch dressing and two heaping slices of pepper jack cheese, plus all the usual fixings. Although I may not have stepped out of my comfort zone, the AOA burger certainly did not disappoint. The burgers are cooked to order and the handmade patty was bursting with flavor. The burgers are large enough to split between two people, but I, for one, enjoyed taking my leftovers home, not to mention the burger was just as good a day later. To-go boxes are available next to the drink station, which includes Coca-Cola® products and three flavors of iced tea. The curly fries are also not to be missed, but be sure to let them cool before you dig in! They are served fresh from the fryer! My more daring friend raved about the Kimchi Burger, stating it was so different from anything she had ever tried before. Aside from the kimchi, she noted that the fried egg cooked just past runny added an interesting twist to the burger’s flavors.
The two of us also shared an order of 12-piece wings, which came with two flavors and two sides of ranch for dipping. Out of the six flavors available on the menu, we opted for the Mango Habanero and Asian Fire. As I said earlier, Asian Fire is marked with three fire icons next to its name, and it lives up to its reputation! While the wings were very tasty, I would advise only those who are true lovers of spicy food to make this selection. My friend and I preferred the Mango Habanero, as we thought it had a richer flavor. This unique menu item is marked with one spicy icon next to its name, and it is a much tamer option than the Asian Fire, if you still want something with a little kick. For those who prefer milder flavors, I would recommend one of the four flavors not designated as spicy, like the Korean BBQ, Sweet BBQ, Garlic Parmesan or Lemon Pepper. Regardless of your wing flavor choice, you will be immediately thankful for the roll of paper towels provided at each table when you dig into the messy plate that will have you licking your fingers and hungry for more.
We were quite stuffed by the time we began being able to see the bottom of our plates, but the expansive menu will keep me coming back for more. Another unique burger that caught my eye was the No. 4 2 AM Burger, which included mozzarella cheese, hash browns, a fried egg and barbecue sauce on Angus beef. Hamburger purists who are craving a more classic burger can find happiness in the No. 14 Girl Friends Burger, which is essentially a traditional cheeseburger. I would also be impressed to see anyone order the No. 9 Big Bang Burger, which includes three beef patties topped with bacon. On my next visit to K-Pop Burger, my meal choice will include tater tots, onion rings or fried mushrooms. I could not help but look on in envy to the table next to us as I saw the perfectly crispy fried mushrooms dipped in ranch. If I decide to step out of my comfort zone, maybe I will even opt for the Kimchi Wedge Fries!
This new Frisco restaurant is located at 2575 Main Street, Suite 350. Whether you are in the market for a new culinary experience with your family and friends or you are craving a burger that is not made from frozen beef and picked up from a drive-thru window, K-Pop Burger is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and eager to come back for more.
