Opening its first location in Long Beach, California, Jay Bird’s Chicken is a representation of Chef Jay’s upbringing in Chicago, IL where he would spend the summers visiting Nashville and frying chicken every Sunday as a family tradition. With a roadmap that entails the opening of 25 locations in 2022, Jay Bird’s strives to deliver the food that is layered with flavors and culinary techniques the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s your first visit, or you’re a long-time customer, our goal is to ensure you leave happy and full each time you join us!
Chris C
This was an enjoyable time at SLO Public Market. Had a pretty good hot chicken sandwich and the spicy fries aren’t really spicy, but they have good flavor. The chicken was fried well and still juicy, the sauce had good flavor and nice under heat. Worth a shot if I’m the area and want some soul food.
… moreJohn Wilhite
The chicken sandwich was honestly solid, really flaky and good. Sauce was good too. Fries were pretty good too although the amount they give you is a bit low, not a big deal though. The only thing I was disappointed on was the lemonade: it was terrible. To me it literally tasted IDENTICAL to honey lemon flavored cough drops. Made me feel like I was sick or something. Super sweet and I had to throw it out after having a few sips. Prices aren’t great here either.
… moreKDG
I love beer. I love hot chicken sandos. I am a Hot Ones nut and have tried over a hundred of the hot sauces featured on the show. I’ve been to dozens of different hot chicken spots in Cali and I have to admit, Jay Bird’s is good! I ordered ‘fire,’ the hottest they had to offer. It made my nose run, but was delicious. If you’re a fan of trying the hottest chicken sandwiches, this one won’t kill you. If you’re a newbie, this is Carolina reaper hot. Take heed. My wife had the Mac and cheese topped chicken sandwich and loved it. Our kids love the Mac and cheese. Super creamy and cheesy. Did I mention there is beer right next door? There is! You can also order ‘big sexy style,’ which was described to me as a buffalo sauce. It resembles Hot zones own Buttery Buffalo Sauce. It is vinegar based, but the butter takes center stage.
… moreDavid Scott
This is one of the most popular places in the county to get fried chicken, and there is a good reason for that. The Fried Chicken here is delicious!
The solo tender is an excellent value for lunch at $3.85 – it comes with a slice of bread, some pickles, and the sauce of your choice. I chose ranch dressing as my sauce, and I think they could improve by using a better quality ranch dressing. Otherwise, this place gets two thumbs up!
… moreNicolas R.
Great Atmosphere, Kind Staff, and some Awesome Hot Chicken. I used to go to Dave’s, but Jaybirds is better and theres a study area upstairs and free wifi. Their spice levels are more mild than Dave’s, (I regularly get extra hot here, but I only get hot at Daves), so consider going up a level.
… moreBrennan Ronald
One of our favorite spots in the SLO Public Market. Always quick/tasty and pairs well with a Bottlecraft craft beer in the Market nicely
Recommend the Mac Daddy & ‘Hot’ spice level! Fun addition to SLO
… moreCleona Bautista
Wow, Jay Bird’s has taken Chicken to a new level! Due to my health issues and not being able to eat very much at one time I try to find something small in size. So, I ordered the Blazin Fries…. well just look at the pics and you will understand. I immediately asked for a to-go container. The order is huge! Crinkle Cut fries (my fav), Mac n Cheese, Chopped up Chicken Strips and the Sauces! D.E.L.I.S.H
Chicken cooked perfect the fries as well and the Seasonings excellent and the sauces are super tasty! And the $price$ is great! I love the fact you have several heat choices…I chose medium this time but I will try Hot next time.
The team there is super nice and very attentive and patient!
… moreMelinda Chris
We finally visited the Public market. Many options available for dining but we chose here for a quick bite. Pleasantly surprised but the taste of this joint. My husband and I shared our meals. We liked the sandwich better than the chicken and waffles. The waffle were smaller than expected and nothing spectacular to the taste ie pretty generic. The Mac daddy sandwich was saucy and flavorful. Would likely eat here again
… moreRoger Sherwood
Chicken was completely smothered in dry rib pepper seasoning (I got the “medium”). It’s like they used more seasoning than chicken! All my napkins were completely orange by the time I was done. I had to peel off all the breading because of the over-seasoning. I’ve never seen anything like it. The fries had it too, but not to that extent, but it was still too much. Good concept, nice atmosphere, fair price, but if this is the norm, I’m out.
… moreevan boaz
I heard great things about JayBirds so we were excited to try them out, albeit a little apprehensive after seeing consistent reviews mentioning a long wait. I went at 515pm and there was no line. A few mins after I ordered, there was a line of about 10 people at least so I got lucky! Food only took 10mins til I was called up. We ordered the Chicken Sandwich (my wife’s-mild) and the Mac Daddy Chicken Sandwich (mine-medium), and a side of Mac n cheese.
Food was top-notch!! Super solid chicken breast, crispy fried skin, and just enough spicy for me. They label medium as “comfortably hot” and they’re right. The chicken sandwich had a delicious tang with the pickles and cole slaw, while the Mac daddy had a more savory-sweet taste. The fries were very well seasoned, and went well with all the sauces we got. Smoky ketchup, ranch and the comeback sauce — all delicious. The Mac and cheese was really good too, white cheese based and very creamy. Everything was so amazing!
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