Cincinnati has officially caught Korean fried chicken fever, and the Hyde Park Plaza newcomer is the spark behind the obsession.
CM Chicken rolled into Oakley in March 2026 as the second local outpost of a chain born in South Korea, and locals haven’t stopped talking since.
Expect double-fried, shatter-crisp wings, wildly creative sauces, and Korean street snacks that turn a quick lunch into a small adventure.
How CM Chicken won Cincinnati hearts
The hype started long before the Paxton Avenue doors swung open. CM Chicken built its Cincinnati reputation at the Liberty Township original, where the brand was reportedly named the best fried chicken in Ohio, drawing fans willing to drive across the metro for a taste.
That kind of buzz travels fast, and when owner Peter Kim announced a second location at Hyde Park Plaza, east-siders were already lining up in their heads.
What sealed the deal once the Oakley shop opened was the food itself. Locals on social media gushed about a 9/10 overall rating after their first visit, with the Korean corn dog earning a perfect 10.
The combination of generous portions, that signature double-fried crunch, and bold sauces you simply can’t get anywhere else in town turned first-timers into regulars almost overnight.
Food Highlights 🍗
- Garlic Soy Chicken: The signature dish of CM Chicken, a sweet soy glaze with a gentle hint of spice — fans call it the gateway flavor that gets you hooked on the whole menu.
- Snow Onion Chicken: Crispy chicken topped with freshly sliced onions in a creamy white sauce that’s helped the brand grow worldwide, and it’s the flavor everyone photographs first.
- Korean Hotdog: A TikTok favorite that scored a perfect 10/10 from a Hyde Park reviewer, with options like mozzarella and sausage rolled in sugar, or all-cheese with a crispy potato coating.
- Garlic Spicy Chicken (Wings): Reviewers call them crispy, flavorful and sticky — sweet meets heat in the most addictive way possible.
- Tikkudak: Chicken that’s fried and then baked for extra crispiness, available in Soy Garlic or Red Hot Pepper, and a must for serious crunch-chasers.
- Curry Chicken: Tender, juicy pieces coated in a rich curry sauce with just enough warmth to keep you reaching for the next bite. 🌶️
Atmosphere 🪑
The Hyde Park Plaza space is modern, casual, and built for sharing.
The dining room sits inside a busy 5,659 square-foot space alongside Kroger and Kohl’s anchors, making it an easy weeknight stop.
Expect a fast-casual flow with friendly staff who’ll happily walk you through the sauces. It’s energetic, easygoing, and great for groups, families, or a solo crunch session.
Bottom Line 🍴
Come for the best Korean fried chicken in town, stay for the wildly inventive sauces, perfect-10 Korean corn dogs, generous shareable portions, and a fun fast-casual vibe that makes Hyde Park Plaza feel a little more exciting after dark. 🔥
Address: 3804 Paxton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209
📞 (513) 376-7442
🕔 Open Tue–Sat, 11:30 AM–10 PM, Sun 11:30 AM–9 PM (closed Mon)