98k Fried Chicken & Sandwich

I’ve tried this place twice, once dining in and once for takeout. The dine in experience was definitely better. The first time I had the chicken sandwich which I really enjoyed (unfortunately I don’t have any pictures). The second time I ordered takeout and tried the chicken wrap, two pieces of fried chicken, and popcorn chicken. Overall everything was okay but the fried chicken pieces were extremely oily and looked very dark almost as if they had been fried multiple times (except for the red spots from the spicy seasoning: I ordered them spicy and they definitely delivered, which I appreciated). Bonus points for being halal.

As someone who visits almost every Friday, I can confidently say this place delivers on flavor. Their cod burgers, cheeseburgers, and wraps are all great, but the fried chicken is the real standout and definitely a must-try. The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because the 5-piece mixed chicken combo feels a bit overpriced. Portion sizes can be inconsistent, and sometimes the smaller pieces don’t feel worth the price. I’d recommend going with the 3-piece mixed chicken combo instead for the best value. If you can handle the heat, I recommend getting the super spicy option.

I tried the 98k in Pittsburgh and loved it. I was surprised to know there was also a 98k in State College but I have never tried it before it was closed. I found the reopened 98k on DoorDash the other day and ordered it right away. However what I got was the worst fried chicken I have ever had. Super insipid, very dry on the outside, weirdly soft in the inside without juice as if the meat has been kept frozen forever with ton of STPP in it. Can frequent customers tell me if the reopened 98k the same as it was? Was my experience an outlier that only happens when the store has lots of stocked chicken to get rid of at the beginning of reopening and skilled staff are away during Winter? Shall I order from it again?

How can I describe this well? It tastes so good! As an international student from Asia, I find the flavors very comforting because they remind me of fast food restaurants back home. It's also really affordable, and I would say it tastes amazing because it’s just like the food from where I come from. Honestly, it’s way better than all the burgers at American fast-food chains!

The restaurant was delightful. I ordered a 5-piece chicken meal, but it was more than I could finish. Next time, I'll opt for the 3-piece chicken instead. The taste was excellent, and I found it even better than KFC.