Blazing Bird (Downtown) — Restaurant in Denver

When I first walked in I noticed that it was nice and clean, and almost immediately I was greeted with enthusiasm. The young lady behind the counter was very nice and quick to take my order. When I told her the spice level I desired she double checked if I was sure I wanted it that hot, to which I replied absolutely. I noticed that the kitchen was neat, organized, clean, and the lady preparing my food was wearing gloves. So far so good. I appreciate that they bread their chicken strips a bit on the thicker side (which a preference of mine as well), however just a little too thick even for me. The meat of the chicken was not dry, but cooked a bit more than it should have been; the thickness of the breading could potentially be a reason the chicken was slightly overcooked. I definitely liked that they were honest in how spicy that particular spice level was because I absolutely love spicy food, however I would have liked a bit more support in the overall flavor profile such as garlic, onion etc. All things considered it was still a decent enough chicken strip. The comeback sauce was perfect and I wouldn’t change it. Finally, I would suggest that they prep an oil and seasoning mixture as opposed to sprinkling a dry spice onto the strips for two reasons: 1) because in Nashville it is done this way, and 2) because as I walked out and began to enjoy my meal a gust of wind blew the seasoning into my right eye and burned it something fierce. Also the oil will help the flavors permeate through the breading and into the chicken itself, and again it is how Nashville Hot chicken was created and done in the city it was born in. If the breading can be reduced just a touch, some supportive flavors added to that amazing spice, and the dipping of the chicken into a spice infused oil as opposed to the the dry version would certainly earn a 5...

One of the best places in downtown to get Nashville hot style chicken. While your order won't be out as fast as something like KFC, I think that's a testament to the amount of craftsmanship that goes into each meal here. There's no doubt that every that every sandwich is made with real chicken. But it wasn't tossed with sauce with the full intention of coating your entire mouth in that wonderful pain. And they did all this without sacrificing portions. Now that does mean it's a bit more expensive than your average spicy chicken sandwich. However, considering your average spicy chicken sandwich doesn't have the same amount of thought and passion put into it, I'd say it's a fair trade. Thermal checks can leave a little bit to be desired, however, that could just be because I'm spoiled. There are so many places that can do a good shake these days. It's hard to keep up. I've never seen this place packed, however I've also never felt comfortable in there so maybe there's a connection. I don't hate the aesthetic, it has a very industrial brutalist design. Lots of shiny metal. I'd recommend ordering in person however, as every time I've tried to get this stuff ordered it seems to come to me cold and soggy. I could just have bad luck with drivers, but I work right around the corner so I find it unlikely. Also, I don't know if this is something I can put in the review, but I really like their mascot. I know, I know, another fire breathing chicken. But I mean, could it be anything else? Customer service seems to be on par with most fast food these days, so don't expect any...

I’ll start by saying I really wanted to like this place. I live across the street and can see it from my apartment window. Now I understand why I never see anyone inside.

I walked in 45 minutes prior to close and it was clear the staff was ready to leave. Out of 18 tables inside, 14 already had their chairs stacked/put away. One table was seemingly reserved for a staff member to hang out on his phone, leaving two tables by the door and one under an aggressive heat vent available.

The only guy working front of house was on a phone call on his AirPods, which he remained on the entire time I was at the counter ordering.

Food came quickly, and it was clear it hadn’t been sitting on a warmer all night, so that was a positive. The FOH was nice, albeit still on his phone call, and brought the food to be in a to-go bag. But for $17, I expected more than a single chicken strip on a bun combo. The taste was great, though, and the “medium” dry rub was good.

It was rather quiet inside, with no music, and my dinner was serenaded by the sound of the Uber Eats/Doordash order alert noise going off in the kitchen incessantly and the FOH guy sweeping around me and stacking the remaining 3 tables of chairs.

As I was eating, someone walked in and remarked “Oh, are you still open?” as all the tables and chairs were stacked and the FOH guy was sweeping at the front door at 7:30, when they closed the bathrooms as well.

I went to refill my drink 20 minutes before they closed for the night and the machine had already been turned off.

It’s a wonder they’re still...