Beloved Seattle fried chicken spot Bok a Bok announced permanent closure

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Kelly Dougher

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  September 12, 2026

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One of Seattle’s most popular fried chicken spots is officially closing its doors for good.

Bok a Bok, the Capitol Hill restaurant known for Korean-inspired fried chicken, will not reopen after nearly a year of being temporarily closed. The restaurant built a loyal following with dishes including kimchi mac and cheese, sesame soy garlic fried chicken sandwiches, and an extensive selection of gluten-free options.

Bok a Bok first announced a temporary closure in October 2025 after a pipe broke, causing substantial damage and requiring repairs to the restaurant’s floors. At the time, fans hoped the popular chicken spot would eventually return. Now, those hopes have come to an end.

On August 15, 2026, chef Brian O’Connor announced on Facebook that Bok a Bok would not be reopening in a comment under the original closure post:

“Hey everyone. We’re not going to reopen, sorry for the bad news. Damage was substantial and lots has happened with our lives since the floor debacle so we are not going to be able to continue our Bokin’ adventure. Thanks for a great 10 years.”

The Capitol Hill restaurant was Bok a Bok’s final remaining location. The business had previously closed its University District, Kirkland, Burien, and White Center locations—the latter being the original—all in 2024.

Seattle customers quickly took to social media to mourn the loss. Hollis wrote in response to O’Connor’s Facebook comment: “devastated for the loss of gluten free chicken in my neighborhood. If y’all ever open a food truck or another spot I’ll be waiting with a hungry belly.”

Others echoed the sentiment, with Natalie writing, “Been trolling your sites for a year waiting and hoping. So sad to hear this. Wishing you all the best. Thank you for sharing your wonderful chicken with me.”

On Reddit, one Seattle commenter summed up the reaction simply: “Damn. Their bowl of shame saved me many Sunday mornings.” And another r/Seattle poster said, “This was the best Gluten Free fried chicken in Seattle and the greater Seattle area. I’m seriously bummed that all the locations closed down.”

After 10 years of serving Seattle, Bok a Bok has closed its final chapter—and locals will clearly miss its fried chicken, bowls, and gluten-free options. All we can do now is cross our fingers for a Bok a Bok food truck.