The Thirsty Chicken — Restaurant in Leander

I’ve heard my friend hype up The Thirsty Chicken like it was the second coming of fried food, so I finally caved. Walked in ready to be wowed… and was greeted with all the enthusiasm of a teenager being forced to do chores. I mentioned I’d never been there before and was excited to try a few things, but honestly, it felt like they couldn’t care less. The vibe? Flatlined. Seriously, this place had all the energy of a hospital waiting room.

Then came the real kicker 30 minutes for five wings. Five. I’m not sure if they were hand raising the chickens out back or just forgot we existed, but I was about ready to give up. When the wings finally arrived, it felt like they threw them into an oil pit and prayed for the best. They were overcooked and absolutely drowned in sauce like someone said, ‘Who needs balance when you’ve got buckets of sauce?’ And the fries? Cold. The chicken? Lukewarm, if we’re being optimistic. $17 for this? I’ve had better meals in the frozen aisle. Honestly, the Dr. Pepper was the MVP of the night, and I’m not even exaggerating.

Because I have a habit of giving places a second chance (for some reason), we tried again. More wings. More waiting. This time, Parmesan wings that tasted like they were seasoned with sidewalk chalk. It was honestly impressive how bad it was.

Look, I want to like this place. It’s got some fun flavors on the menu, but the execution is a total disaster. They need to figure out how to make food that doesn’t taste like a punishment and how to serve it in less time than it takes to binge-watch a TV show. Until then, save your $17 and hit up literally any other spot for wings.

Areas of Opportunity:

Speed It Up, Already: 30 minutes for wings? Either they’re raising the chickens fresh or there’s a serious problem in the kitchen. Speed it up before customers start fleeing to faster options or bring a tent for the wait.

Learn to Cook, Please: Overcooked, soggy wings and cold fries? You’re running a restaurant, not a sad high school cafeteria. Step up the quality control or get out of the kitchen.

Care a Little: Your staff looks like they’d rather be anywhere else. Train them to actually engage with customers or at least fake it better. Enthusiasm goes a long way in keeping...

Tonight was the first time my family and I tried The Thirsty Chicken. It was my daughter's choice for her birthday. We made the order online and were notified when it was ready for pickup. The order took about 20 minutes longer than the expected time. When we got home we noticed that we were not given our entire order. I called the business and got the voicemail. The voicemail states that they are busy and may not be able to get back to us today, rather, I could come back and enjoy my time at their business (paraphrasing of course). First of all, I was not very impressed with the food. And the prices are fairly high for chicken. I understand that in order to make the business work, the prices need to be increased right now due to inflation. With that being said, if I don't get overpriced chicken tenders in my to go order and no one answers the phone when I call multiple times, my money also doesn't go as far as it did last year. I know that there is a shortage of staff as well because people these days don't want to work. I completely understand. I understand I may be lazy for ordering food and having someone else make it for me. But if you are going to run a business and be short staffed, look at the quality of product and service you are giving compared to the financial gains you may be able to earn. I will say this as well, I do not go out to eat often. I smoke and grill most of my food at home. Most of the food I make is very healthy. The reason we ordered out tonight was in celebration of my daughter's birthday, and this was the place she chose because she has heard so much about it. I hope for continued success for this business because I want local businesses to succeed here in Leander. This is nothing more than a review of my experience. I love getting constructive criticism from my co-workers because it helps me improve my performance. I hope the owners see this as constructive criticism. By no means do I want people to avoid this place. My experience just...

Customer service is nonexistent, wings are overpriced and anemic. First and last time there. Forgot our drinks and then argued about whether or not we received them. I went up to counter, for the third time and they started making them ... no apologies. Disgusted at their treatment and attitude I returned to the back of the bar and lit a cigarette away from all of the other customers ... THIS THEY NOTICE! Apparently my lighting a cigarette was more important than them getting our order correct ... they weren't even crowded ! There were more people working (or pretending to work) than customers! I asked for my money back and they refused to give it back for the food (after we left a generous 20% tip at time of ordering! Got attitude from supposed manager when I complained as well. In these times of illness and lack of staff, my son and I continue to try and do business locally and leave a minimum 20% tip (even for pick up) but to be treated so rudely by owners management and staff, and recieve sub par food and drinks was the final straw. After I told them it was my first and last time going there I was informed I could never come back ... I wouldn't go back if I was paid to ... but, considering the overpriced unappetizing product (finally) delivered with such poor attitude i don't feel they will be in business long enough to impact our dining experience in town! Go anywhere BUT HERE!

As to your reply, someone has apparently misinformed you. I did, in fact, have to go back a third time before our drinks were even started. I NEVER used profanity, as to insulting your restaurant ... everything I stated was true. I WAS NEVER OFFERED A REFUND, but had to insist on one. My smoking was out of line, but it did have the desired effect of getting some sort of service (sarcasm). No need to worry, I will never return to your mismanaged restaurant as there are plenty of other places that I am happy to spend my money at. Good luck,...