In Denver, there’s no such thing as too much fried chicken. Case in point: The newest addition to Zeppelin Station—a market hall and office building opening at 38th Avenue and Blake Street later this year—is all about the bird (and, yes, other food, too). Injoi Korean Kitchen (pronounced “enjoy”) will offer creative takes on traditional Korean dishes and flavors, including Korean fried chicken.

Chef Bill Espiricueta (formerly of Oak at Fourteenth and Acorn) has been working to perfect his fried chicken recipe for his first restaurant, Smök BBQ, which will be housed in the upcoming Source Hotel, slated to open around March 2018. For Injoi, he’s “crossbreeding” that recipe with the traditional Korean preparation (cornstarch coating and a gochujang, or spicy chile paste, glaze).

Diners will be able to order the chicken—fried hot, regular, or with a Korean-inspired dry rub—on top of a salad, bibimbap, rice noodles, or in a bao bun. Not in the mood for chicken? You can opt for kalbi (bone-in beef short ribs) or bulgogi. The concise menu will also include classic kimchi, a seasonal house version, and kimchi fried rice.

“It’s a classic Korean barbecue idea, but each dish is composed [you don’t cook it yourself], and if you want to interchange things you can,” Espiricueta says. “It’s not really about trying to stick to being authentic. I’ve eaten a lot of Korean barbecue all around the country, and this is the way I feel about it and the things I like about it.”

Injoi joins previously announced Zeppelin Station tenants Mister Oso, Vinh Xuong Bakery, Aloha Poké Co., Dandy Lion Coffee, Fior Gelato, and Au Feu.

Menu Preview: Taste Espiricueta’s take on Korean eats during the Injoi pop-up at RiNo Yacht Club, inside the Source, from November 16 to 18. Food will be available from 5 p.m. until sell-out each evening.

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.