Fuku

If there’s one thing David Chang does well, it’s fried chicken. And his prowess is on full display at Fuku, the kitschy fast-casual restaurant on Miracle Mile. The Coral Gables spot follows a dozen or so outposts in stadiums and arenas across the country, which popularized the secret off-menu sando originally served at Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC.

The simple menu centers on fried chicken and various sauces, starting with the OG Sando that features crispy brined chicken, Fuku mayo and pickles on a soft, butter-toasted potato roll. Things escalate from here with sweet-and-spicy glazes and sides-as-toppings, such as the Miso Ranch & Slaw sandwich—hands down the best thing on the menu, and a steal at $12.

Tenders with a choice of sauce (Fuku mayo, sweet & spicy, honey mustard and miso scallion ranch) and party fries (waffle fries loaded with said sauces and scallions) are easy to share, while sides are portioned and priced ($5) for one. Don’t skip the chicken garlic rice, which packs in flavor from the broth and texture with ginger and scallions. The cucumber salad, while tasty, is not for the spice-averse, while the rice vinegar slaw nails the ratio of tang to sweetness.

Soft drinks, beer, canned wine, fresh teas and yuzu lemonade are available, with sake to come soon. The refreshing coconut lime slushie is something you’ll reach for all summer long. Ube key lime pie (offered in partnership with Coconut Grove’s Fookem's Fabulous) and Milk Bar cookies round out the menu.

Fuku is casual and approachable but full of personality. Shelving near the counter is stocked with trinkets and merch—think a Miami-appropriate Don Shula bobblehead, a stack of David Chang cookbooks and plenty of Fuku gear to bring home. The hallway lined with past issues of Lucky Peach leads to two unisex restrooms bathed in fluorescent lights and decked with fun neon signage and logos. Selfies are encouraged, obviously.