Honeybird — Restaurant in East Providence

As part of my seemingly never-ending quest to finally find some good fried chicken up here in New England, after being spoiled for choice living in the south, I was thrilled to hear Honeybird was open, and moreso to try it since it's apparently well-regarded.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend them... I ordered their blue plate offering, which consists of two sides (I chose grits, which were alright, and their pulled pork baked beans, which were the highlight of the meal), Texas toast, a drumstick, and a thigh piece. I ordered them in what they're generously calling "Nashville hot"... even though it was clearly a Buffalo sauce. It arrived, and the chicken was only fine in flavor and texture, certainly not bad, but nothing special. However, it WAS cold in the middle - not undercooked, mind you, but cold, implying that their chicken, the ONE thing they should be doing fresh, is pre-made and reheated... and as a small nitpick as well, the thigh was boneless, which is always a disappointment.

But you know, I'm really not that picky - the food was fine, if expensive for the quality, and I'd have enjoyed it and relegated them to a modestly alright takeout chicken joint if it weren't for the true failing they had, which was the absolute indifference of the server we had. She seemed like she had anything better to do than actually check up on us. We interacted three times - when we ordered our drinks (cocktails, in this case), when we ordered our food (an irksome but not inconceivably long time later), and after having to literally flag her down to get the check. We never got a water refill, nor were we ever asked if we wanted a second cocktail (we did!!), and the whole time watching the server flit between other tables and on several occasions, genuinely standing around taking a break two feet from where we were sat.

I'm no tough customer, I would think, and I generally get great service when I go out. Frankly, service rarely factors in for me when reviewing a place because my bar for what's alright is so low that few ever even get close. But when it takes 20 minutes AFTER I've finished eating to get the servers attention to get the check (long since having decided I didn't want that second drink on the back of her poor service...), by flagging her down of my own accord no less, well... it just really bugs me.

I would not go back to Honey Bird. Most parts of the trip were, at best, middling, but boy how it gets worse when your server is as blatantly incompetent as she was. Maybe bar service is better, I don't know, but I doubt I'll be back to try...

Here are 3 instructions for adequate preparation of eating at Honeybird. Number 1: Remember to go with friends you like, so you can share the experience together, BECAUSE THE FOOD IS THAT GOOD. Number 2: Be patient with East Providence road construction, your patience will reward you, BECAUSE THE FOOD IS THAT GOOD. Go to Costco, and get a 6 pack of socks, as the quality and the flavor will knock your socks off, BECAUSE THE FOOD IS THAT GOOD.

Honeybird is in what used to be either a former gas station, or a car mechanic's business, as it is located in a very industrial section of East Providence, just off of the Henderson Bridge. You know which bridge, the one that is not a highway and connects the East Side of Providence with the city of East Providence. Anyways, it is on Massasoit Avenue. And remember that the East Side of the City of Providence, and the city of East Providence are two different places separated by a beautiful river.

Anyways, Like many of the better restaurants in today's food economy, Honeybird focuses on many flavorful combinations of some main ingredients. In this case, it is fried or grilled chicken, and a smattering of decadent sides.

My experience was delightful. I asked the server if the foods could be prepared gluten-free, as I was invited by a friend and forgot to look at the menu. The server was very knowledgeable about allergens and if they didn't know, they checked with the kitchen to see what was available. I ordered the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Tenders and they were amazing. The Garlic Parmesan seasoning almost gave the chicken a sensation of breading on the outside, and the sides were excellent. The potlicker collard greens I ordered wasn't some side dish thrown together like every other lazy option, it was thoughtful. The dill pickle potato salad was chilled, and had a bite to it along with the creamy goodness of cooled baked potato pieces.

For a cocktail, I ordered the "Chicken Scratch." It was a salty and spicy cocktail that hid the smoky flavor of the mezcal very well. The flavor was so well put together that it was easy to order one more.

Honeybird is a true contender for any of Rhode Island's bests, any kinds of food award. I recommend coming here, and bringing friends, this is the kind of food you'd want to have at a party,...

I had been driving past this spot for a while before curiosity finally got the better of me. Unfortunately, I chose to stop by after work on a Friday, around 6:30 pm, and the place was buzzing with activity.

The establishment is small, but it's evident they've revitalized what may have been a tired spot into a modern and airy space. Parking in front is limited, but there's an additional space right next to it, accessible down a few steps.

Although it was busy, there seemed to be an efficient system in place, ensuring patrons were seated within 15-20 minutes if no reservation was made. I would recommend calling ahead for takeout orders or reservations if you plan to dine in. Opting for a to-go order, I was pleased with the quick service.

The two female owners were welcoming and helpful. It turns out I visited only a few months after they opened, and I was glad to see them enjoying a healthy crowd. Hopefully, it's not just a trend but a sustained success.

Now, let's talk about the highlight-- the food. I'm all in. They have an impressive selection of chicken dishes with a Southern-inspired twist. The Pickle Cheddar Spring Rolls with Comeback sauce? Simply delightful. And Fried Green Tomatoes--rarely seen in any Rhode Island restaurant, if ever. It reminded me of the fantastic book and movie that shares the same name. Overall, I'm delighted to have this spot around, bringing good Southern flavors into a modern setting. Consider dishes like Roasted Sweet Corn soup with pork cracklings (yum!), Shrimp & Grit Fritters, Fried Oysters, and Crispy Catfish Sliders. None of these are chicken, but that's the beauty--coming in for the chicken and leaving with so much more. I did order a dozen wings, half flavored with Parmesan Garlic and half Nashville Hot--finger-lickin' good.

Since the place boasts "Chicken + Cocktails," my plan is to return and try their drinks. While the prices aren't inexpensive, they are reasonable for the quality and type of...