Rowdy Bird Chicken and Smash Burgers — Restaurant in Ajax

Update 21-07-2020: We have now re-visited Rowdy Bird after a lovely message from the owner (who is literally the sweetest) saying that he wanted redemption (not that our last visit wasn't still really good, it just wasn't ideal considering the order mix up).

Let me tell you... it was so freaking good. We were blown away. I'd suggest coming during their downtime for now until they figure out how to handle the rush, but definitely try this spot out - it's so worth it!!

Our first experience we came on a Friday which was also the first hockey game of the season and of course they were rammed. This time it was easy to see that they really care about their product and that they make some extremely tasty food.

I got the Big Rowdy and my sister in law got the wrap. We both gobbled the meals down. Huge crispy delicious fried chicken, perfect amount of sauce and toppings. I loved the pickles and coleslaw with the hot honey (extra rowdy). We were both STUFFED. The curly fries were perfectly golden crispy and just literally wonderful. The pictures I've included here do not do it justice.

I will 100% be back and be bringing people back. If you are on the fence... don't be. I can't wait to try to the wings next!! Old review: Ordered for 3 people on a Friday night over the phone for pickup - was told to come in half hour. We sauntered over a half hour later and following COVID rules waited our turn to go inside (only two inside at a time).

Our order was not ready, granted it was very busy - hockey is on again and it seems like everyone else had the same idea as us.

Took another 40 minutes to get our order. We weren't rushing and were okay to chat in the car while we waited.

First off, the gentleman working the cash was SO NICE. You could tell they're still getting into the swing of being open and he was stressed - yet he still had an amazing attitude. He said he had just hired more help. They were clearly still learning.

Disclaimer - double check your food as we ended up with a very different order. The only thing we got that was correct was the pop.

We had ordered 2 big rowdy combos and a wrap combo. 2 fries and a macaroni. All hot honey extra hot.

We got 1 big rowdy, 1 original rowdy, 1 veggie sandwhich. 2 poutine.

Again, not the biggest deal as we just divided each onto 3's and got to try each.

The veggie sandwich was pretty good for tofu fried chicken. Two of us are reformed vegetarians and said that in their former days they would be happy with the sandwich.

The rowdy sandwiches... very good! Worth it imho to get the big rowdy, it comes with coleslaw and is noticeably larger. Hot honey was not spicy... not even slightly.

The fries - I'm not sure if its because it was poutine but they were soggy. I was impressed with the use of cheese curds and the gravy (gravy is similar to kfc). They are curly fries which is fun - i just really wish they were deep fried for like 10 more minutes.

Overall I will be back again but when its not busy. Maybe over lunch or after the...

Poor customer service and long wait times will kill a business. I have been here a couple times now but not sure if i will get food from here again, due to the bad customer service/wait times/ covid ignorance. I called around 530pm to place an order for pickup and lady said it will be ready in 30 mins… i get there by 610… call from my CAR to make sure its ready before i go in the store. Its minus 20 outside so i leave my car running and go in store hoping for a quick pickup. There were two other customers inside and the lady advises me my order is being “packed” now. I say ok and start waiting. 10 mins go by, more people have now come in and picked up their orders, paid and left. Covid protocols not being followed either as there are 5-6 clients at a time picking up orders in their cramped small space. THIS IS WHY I CALLED FROM MY CAR TO CONFIRM IF ITS READY! I then hear the older cashier lady arguing with another kitchen lady in the back about mixing up some order and having someone else's order ready but they're not here yet. I then realize that she hasn't even put in my order yet! I was furious, all this time she was lying to my face. I then ask her how much longer and she again advises me “ohh few minutes”. I tel her im going back to wait in my car now, this was already 630 pm! Finally 10 minutes later i go back to check and order is finally ready… so i left at 640… waited a whole 30 minutes to get an order i placed an hour ago! Be prepared to wait at this place. I wouldnt have minded if they were just honest and upfront and hadnt lied or stalled me saying oh almost ready etc. I work and live nearby in the area but wont be recommending this place to family or coworkers. Its a shame as food is decent, but you cant treat your customers this way if you want them...

The chicken is very flavourful and we enjoyed the taste of the food each time we have ordered from the ajax location. There wings and regular chicken pieces are really good and my personal favorites! The ajax restaurant is still fairly new so there going through some growing pains. I have had the chance to visit the restaurant twice since they opened (the first time was during there opening week and the second time was about a week ago). The first visit they didnt have many things left on the menu but that may have been because i dropped by right around when they were about to close. The second visit was not pleasant as i had to wait almost 2 hours to get my meal, the taste of the food was good no complaints.... it just was not a 2 hr wait good lol. I want to emphasize though that the owner of the restaurant went above and beyond to make up for this bad experience of mine and personally hand delivered (socially distant lol) 2 free meals to my home the week after the visit. This was really refreshing to see as i have never experienced a restaurant owner going out of his way to this extent to rectify a valid bad customer experience. Thank you! The restaurant does need to work on getting more organized and cut down on the wait times for orders especially during peak times such as friday nights and weekends. In my opinion, there hours of operation should also be extended a bit(post covid) especially in the evening during busy times. Right now they close at 7pm as far as i know. I will definetly be visiting again once the restaurant is more stable and they rectify some of there wait time issues. They will do well in Ajax as long as they keep the quality and portions consistent and become a bit more...