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    Jay Bird's Chicken

    3.9 (157 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Jay Bird's Chicken Takeout or Delivery

    Jay Bird's Chicken Photos

    JAY BIRD'S CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Jay Bird's Chicken

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    Reviews With Photos

    Brian F.

    when ordering the food I asked for fresh chicken and fries as it appears the chicken and fries have been sitting on the rack for a while. The gentleman at the register told me now that they won't cook fresh chicken. It comes out every 10 to 15 minutes.

    The Chop photographed under an orange umbrella
    Saralee S.

    We got to the San Luis Obispo marketplace right before noon and we're able to find a parking space in the back. The best of all jaybird chickens didn't have a line so we ordered our usual chop with very mild spices and waited for the results. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Jay birds is a well oiled machine so within a few minutes our orders were out and we were able to take the to go boxes out to the shady patio where we feasted on the spicy mild chicken with the delicious comeback sauce on the side.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This place is popular, so come early and be prepared for a line but also for some of the best chicken you've eaten.

    Chicken Sandwich & Fries
    Edwin R.

    One of my favorite fried chicken places on the central coast! The staff are usually not too chatty but the food is awesome. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I really don't like the vibe of the location though.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I wish they had their own spot they could do more with and be the focal point.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love a good crinkle fry!

    Médium chicken Two Tenders &  Fries
    Brenda G.

    Located in a food hall with lots of other dining options Jays Birds chicken sure does stand out! Service was quick and efficient, employees were kind as well. The presentation of the food was perfect. There is also lots of seating indoor and outdoor and even on the rooftop. There is even a play area for kids on the top floor. As for the food, the chickens was so juicy with the perfect amount of spice! Fries were great as well, as for the sauces i do wish they had more options, the ketchup we got had some extra seasonings in it that we didn't expect but was still good.

    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.

    Jennie A.

    I ordered the hot chicken sandwich. The portion of chicken was generous, perfectly cooked and seasoned well. The crinkle fries were crisp and exactly what you hope for from a classic crinkle cut. The ranch was a pleasant surprise - it was very flavorful and a perfect pairing for the heat. Next time, I'll kick it up a notch with a spicier level, but overall, this was an above-standard chicken sandwich worth coming back for.

    Jerry H.

    Usually it's pretty good but they dropped the ball this time. I don't think the sandwich came out fresh - it wasn't piping hot and it seemed like the chicken was trying to run away from the batter/crust. It was also mega dry.

    Chicken Sandwich (Medium) & Fries
    Brennan R.

    One of our favorite spots in the SLO Public Market. Always quick service/tasty and pairs well with a craft beer from Bottlecraft in the Market nicely. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun environment for a quick meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Recommend the Mac Daddy & 'Hot' spice level! Fun addition to SLO overall

    Menu
    Jane S.

    The tenders were not great and the service was subpar. The cashier seemed annoyed having to explain the flavors of the two sauce options to me. Then when I got my food they gave me the wrong sauce. When I asked for the correct sauce she seemed annoyed. The fries were the only good part. Go to Dave's for better tenders and WAY better service.

    Sweet Tea
    Kristina C.

    Stopped by here for a quick bite and was quickly obsessed! Their hot chicken tender & regular chicken tender with fries were so good. Everything was super crispy and moist. I would highly suggest getting their sauces too to go along with the tenders. Totally worth it! PSA. I believe they have the best fries in SLO. Super crispy and salted perfectly! Also their house ketchup is pretty good with it too! Overall, Will definitely come back again to eat tenders here if I was ever in the area again!

    Two Tenders and Fries w/ Comeback sauce
    Tiffany L.

    I've been coming to Jay Birds for about a year now and honestly, every time I've paid a visit, the staff is always super kind and attentive. My usual order is either Two Tenders and fries or the Mac Daddy sandwich & fries- both are incredibly yummy and SO filling (sometimes I add a solo tender for fun). I tend to order take out and they're very accomodating to both eating in or taking out. There's always pickles added to the meal and I appreciate the fact that they're crisp and not super soggy. The wait time for Jay Bird's is honestly not bad- maybe 10-15 mins on a busy day but you're practically in and out in about 5 minutes. Jay Bird's is inside of SLO public market and there's plenty of seating. The parking can be a little difficult during lunch and dinner rush, but it's honestly not bad. There's also a tesla charging station in this parking lot. I know this isn't the only hot chicken spot in SLO, but I think the prices here are a little better than the other spot and the food is pretty yummy!

    Stephanie E.

    Enjoyed my first visit. Had the Mac and Cheese Bird Sandwich and it was delicious. Spicy fries were great too. Make sure to really think about how much heat you want on your sandwich because it is definitely spicy. Make sure to try the lemonade too. Highly recommend that you order in advance online too. They stay busy.

    Alex H.

    Jay's is located in the Public Market in SLO which has various other restaurants/businesses and ample seating (two floors) full of chairs, tables, couches, etc. You can take your food and go upstairs for some nice views so the location is surely a win. Ordered the chicken sandwich with fries and for someone that LOVES a really good hot chicken sandwich I would say that this was a very mediocre chicken sandwich, I would much rather recommend Nate's Hot Chicken! The chicken did not have much flavor and was didn't taste like it had any sauce or seasonings. Overall, I would personally probably not go here again but glad I gave it a try.

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    1 year ago

    The "birds" and fries are good. But the "fresh squeezed" lemonade does not taste lemon fresh but rather artificial and way too sweet.

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    11 months ago

    Amazing food every time omfgggg bestest hot chicken and Mac n cheeeeze love it yassss

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    9 months ago

    MacDaddy is Amazing but the Cashier is a total asshole. Her manners are unacceptable. I always click No-Tip because of her rude demeanor.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Jay Bird's Chicken

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    I walked into Dave's Hot Chicken as a normal human being and walked out a changed soul. The…read morechicken? Crispy. Juicy. Life-altering. But let me talk about the REAL main character: Skylar at the register. Skylar didn't just take my order -- she curated an EXPERIENCE. The energy. The vibes. The customer service so good I briefly considered updating my résumé and applying just to be in her presence again. The food was so good I forgot my own name for a second. The seasoning slapped me across the face and said "wake up, you've been eating mid chicken your whole life." The fries were golden, the tenders were CRUNCHY, and the sauce deserves its own Netflix special. But Skylar? Skylar deserves a raise, a promotion, a statue out front, and possibly a national holiday. If Dave's ever loses her, the company will collapse within 48 hours. 10/10. 5 stars. Would risk mild to severe spice levels again just to order from Skylar. This location is officially sacred ground.

    This is my first time checking out this amazing chicken restaurant…read more The store is spacious, neat, beautiful, and full of an artistic and creative atmosphere. Like so many American dreams, Dave's Hot Chicken had humble beginnings. I liked how this restaurant was presented and the storytelling was great too. After my first bite of the fried chicken, I made up my mind. I will definitely keep coming back for this addictive, crispy, and flavorful chicken tender from Dave's Hot Chicken. One negative point is that my chicken and fries were a little bit cold as my personal preference is to eat food at a hot temperature. Napoleon's shake was unique as it conquered the three major ice cream flavors in one. It is compelling. You must have the lucky charm topping because it brings good luck. We got an extra free milkshake because the staff accidentally put the Oreo instead of the Lucky Charms.

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    Biscuits are freshly made and they have a small display window where you can watch them make them,…read morethat's always entertaining. You also have a choice of a spread to come with your biscuits. There's a wide range of spreads to choose from, like apple butter, jalapeno, cinnamon, you name it! And 75¢ for any additional spreads. Because we happen to come during their blueberry festival, they had both original and blueberry biscuits to choose from. Our first order was blueberry then it was so good that we ordered plain biscuits to go! With a different spread, of course. Although it was a quick stop, I'd come back and try one of their plates because, boy! They looked delicious and very generous too.

    Honestly I wasn't feeling like writing a review today, but I feel moved by Baby Bear. Kind of a…read moresurprise because the only two other times I've been to SLO Ranch Baby Bear has been closed, so I was honestly surprised to see it open. I guess it is a Friday afternoon, and I mean, if a small restauranteur in a solo location can have limited hours I guess more power to them, hooray! I ordered the crispy chicken and grits and a side of fried okra, to go. I could have ordered anything on the menu and been pretty stoked to get my food, it all looks pretty good. Especially if you like pimento cheese, and I do. I ended up sitting at a table for a few minutes after my food was ready because I got a beer from a neighbor while I waited, and the okra looked too good to pass up while it was fresh. They clearly bread the okra on site, no Sysco bullshit here. And they dust it with some kinda seasoning that slaps. Plus the side of okra was enough to feed a small army if I wasn't the little piggy ya'll know me to be. 5 stars plus. GET. THE. OKRA. The crispy chicken is also breaded on site and fried to perfection. The menu said greens and silly me expected that to mean a mess of collards, cause it's a southern place, but it was a lightly dressed arugula with pickled onions, which I'm not mad at. I told you I'm a pimento cheese fan so no surprise I could have used one more spoon of it in the Chicken and Grits. No biggie, I'm a piggy. But the grits are kind of just an afterthought. Bland and boring and without the toppings would go straight in the trash. I've had amazing stone ground corn grits from the south... this ain't it. Maybe use corn broth to make them memorable or something? The bowl weighed probably 2.5 pounds, so those are some dense grits. Still, 5 stars for being open and making me happy. Would I get the grits again? Nah. Not at this point. But all those toppings are arranged together on several other menu items, and I'm looking forward to the next time I stumble on them while they are open. Kudos!

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    High Street Market & Deli

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    High Street Deli completely exceeded my expectations with their sandwiches. After trying it, I…read moretotally understand why it's so loved. After 4 PM, they offer the "420 Special," which makes their sandwiches only $9. They also have online ordering, which I attempted to use, but they had already reached their limit for online orders because they were so busy. And after visiting, I can see why! Despite the crowd, they've perfected their sandwich ordering system, it's super efficient. When you walk in, you fill out a small paper checklist with your order and hand it to one of the employees at the register. They submit your order, you pay, and then wait for your sandwich. Expect at least a 25-minute wait, especially during busy hours. I tried the Tropical Vacation sandwich: smoked turkey, jalapeño havarti, "the works," romaine, sprouts, avocado, honey mustard, cranberry sauce, and sliced sourdough. I swapped the sourdough for Dutch Crunch bread, and it was PERFECT. It was the thickest, juiciest, and most flavorful sandwich I've ever had. I'll be dreaming about it until I can have it again. The pictures truly don't do these sandwiches justice, they were massive. I also tried the Spring Club sandwich. It was just as thick and delicious, though not quite as juicy as the Tropical Vacation. Honestly, I want to try ALL of their sandwiches because I have no doubt they're all amazing. The shop itself is super cute with a vintage feel, and they also offer a wide variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Food: 10/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 9/10 Overall: 9/10

    Am I allowed to add my review to the pile? Delicious flavors and portions, you will not go hungry…read moreat this deli. Pick up orders are also so convenient and the cashiers are so friendly even with a big crowd: -Bread is so fresh and crunchy. yo mouth will be broke ya! -Discounts half off at 4:20pm till close!! ALL SANDOS -Wait times are 45 min at peak meal hours but worth it! -plenty of street parking You cannot visit SLO and not come get a doobie. High Street lives up to the tall tales!

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    Jay Bird's Chicken - chickenshop - Updated July 2026

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