I’d walked past COQODAQ plenty of times without realizing they’d quietly launched a new brunch. Then I tried The Brucket List, their weekend prix-fixe brunch ($48 per person), and suddenly the restaurant wasn’t just a dinner spot anymore. Inspired by breakfasts around the world and the Korean idea of yayu—freedom in your heart—the menu balances sweet and savory in a way that invites indulgence at every course.
Set the Scene
Weekends at COQODAQ are lively without feeling crowded. Arches of warm light highlight the space, while the window-free back of the restaurant remains moody and intimate. Designed by the Rockwell Group as “the cathedral of fried chicken,” the space blends Korean influences with Art Nouveau details, creating a setting that feels both dramatic and welcoming.
The Food & Drink Assessment
The brunch opens with CQDQ d’Œuvres: beet-pickled deviled eggs, French Toast Soldiers with crème anglaise, Umma-style kimbap, and crispy hash browns topped with salmon rillette and trout roe.
Entrées are equally strong. Highlights include Chicken & Waffles with maple butter soy sauce; the Golden English Muffin (G.E.M.) with soft scrambled eggs and optional caviar, truffle, or smoked salmon; and Mandu en Brodo, chicken and mushroom agnolotti in consommé, finished tableside with Parmigiano Reggiano and black pepper.
The cocktail menu is inventive, featuring drinks like the Walk on By (Khee Soju, Second Sip Low Proof Gin, cucumber, lemon, and mint). Wine and Champagne are also available from one of the country’s largest selections, rounding out a brunch that is both playful and elevated.
Final Thoughts
COQODAQ lives up to its nickname, “The Cathedral of Fried Chicken.” Its foray into New York City’s brunch scene is confident and successful—a spot worth visiting whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time.
Fast Facts
Location: Flatiron, New York City
Cuisine: Weekend brunch, Korean
Brunch Vibe: The cathedral of fried chicken (and brunch)
Pricing: $48 per person
Reservations: Recommended—do so via Resy.
Standout Dishes: Hmmm… either the CQDQ d’Œuvres or the Golden English Muffin (with the caviar option, obviously)
Attire: Smart casual Hours: The sole slot for the restaurant’s brunch is 11:30am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
