Looking for fried chicken with a zestier bite? Jay Bird’s might be your next big indulgence.
Growing up in a small country town in northern California taught me the ins and outs of a good piece of fried chicken. It’s no shock that this food item is one of the leading menu options in popular chains like Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, Popeyes, or Wingstop. But as an American who craves a sharper jab of spice in her bite, I can only honestly say that Jay Bird’s Nashville Hot Chicken wins the battle in this pursuit.
The root of Jay Bird’s history stems from Chicago, where Chef Jay spent his summers visiting Nashville, Tenn., and frying chicken every Sunday as a family tradition. Upon the chain’s first opening in Long Beach, Calif. in 2019, Jay looks forward to opening 25 locations this year. There are currently five locations in southern California and one in Arizona.
As a restaurant that stresses unique flavors and culinary techniques, I admit that the menu options are outstanding. From the quirky item names to the flavorful sauces, you can’t go wrong with a chicken sandwich or some tenders.
The Chicken Sandwich and Fries
I had to try one of the most popular options on the menu, and as simple as the name sounds, the proportions were enormous. The chicken sandwich and fries meal comes with a seven-ounce fried chicken breast spiced to your liking, coleslaw, pickles, your choice of Jay Bird’s specialty sauce served on a brioche bun, and a side of spiced crinkle fries. What makes the flavors of this sandwich so unique is its sauce. You have the option to pick between the comeback or the big sexy sauce, as well as your level of desired spice. There are six different heat levels: plain jay, mild, medium, hot, extra hot, and fire. Among these six options, it’s fair to say your tongue may be unwell.
Mac Daddy and Fries
The mac daddy and fries meal is quite similar to the chicken sandwich and fries option, but the key difference lies in the wonderful addition of a mac and cheese topping. Now, if we are being completely honest here, let me warn you that this meal is not for the weak. Take a bite out of this sandwich, and you may need to use the restroom soon after. But the flavors are killer. I recommend the comeback sauce paired with a lower level of spice here to make for a delicious mix of flavors.
Two Tenders and Fries
This menu item features two jumbo chicken tenders flavored with your choice sauce and heat level, as well as sliced bread, dill pickles, and fries. As a main meal option, the proportions are smaller but perfectly filling. I’m a chicken tender gal, and this option did not disappoint. I found the mild spice level to feel greater on the tenders, but it was delicious when paired with the fries.
More Options
Aside from the three main menu favorites, Jay Bird’s features eight other options, including two chicken sandwiches, three chicken tenders, and a specialty option of chicken and waffles. There are also four side options: spicy fries, loaded potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. Each menu item is served in a wide paper pail and is easy to take home when you realize you’ll be having leftovers.
In addition to the chain’s yummy food, I enjoyed the restaurant aesthetic. Its primary colors are black, yellow, and white, and the inside features small tables and an island with bar stools where you can watch the cooks prepare the food. My first impression resonated with a chill, loungy vibe where all I wanted to do at that moment was relax and eat my chicken.
Jay Bird’s Nashville Hot Chicken indeed brings the heat and does not disappoint. Try it this week and check out their Instagram at @jaybirdschicken and visit their website at https://jaybirdschicken.com/#home.
The Beat @APU 