daybird — Restaurant in Los Angeles

You're driving along Silver Lake with your neighbor one evening, waiting for the left turn, when you spot a strange store; despite being only 7 on a weekday, its already closed. Its storefront bears only a neon chicken head, and when asking your neighbor, she knows only that she's seen long lines in front at other days of the week and all you can think is "what is this place?" You, dear reader, already have the leg up in knowing that this is Daybird, and soon you will know that it serves some of the best fried chicken in LA.

Daybird is the brainchild of Top Chef winner Mei Lin, formerly the proprietor of high-end restaurant sensation Nightshade in the arts district, which she voluntarily shut down at the start of the Pandemic as she felt she couldn't operate it both profitably and safely. Surprisingly, articles say she turned away from the world of dinner courses the price of domestic flights on favor of more accessible fare the retained her signature quality, and that turned out to be Sichuanese fried chicken.

For those not in the know, Sichuanese spice is a numbing spice that combines a kind of dull tingly sensation on the tongue with an intense savory flavor that leaves you desperate for more, contrasting significantly with the stifling heat of your average chili pepper. Mei Lin's genius lies and realizing that this spice could be effectively combined with humble but pristinely prepared fried chicken tenders, for a culinary experience which is at once familiar and accessible, and mind-blowingly unique and delicious.

All of Daybird's 3 menu items feature the spice in some way. The most accessible are the chicken tenders available in packs of one two three or four. A single piece goes for a manageable $4, but be warned: those who purchase only one are destined to regret not having more. The tenders are breaded lightly and seasoned generously with the Sichuanese spice. (Note that those who are more mild of taste can easily request a lower or non-existent spice level; personally I recommend going either medium or high spice to get the full effect). The light breading ensures that each bite is crisp but not overly greasy, and the chicken is always juicy and tender, managing never to feel too chewy or dry.

The chicken is complimented by a truly remarkable fries. While spice level isn't adjustable for the fries the interplay of salt and seasoning makes for one of the best french fries in the city. The menu also features a special lemonade which rotates on a daily basis and features such excellent flavors as mint, blackberry, and even the classic Arnold Palmer.

All of this pales in comparison to the superstar of the daybird menu - its $14 chicken katsu sandwich. At first you might wonder what's justifying the exorbitant price for a single tender with buns and coleslaw. The sandwich looks unstable at first with the tender always drooping over to one side. But sometimes things truly must be eaten to be believed.

The chicken katsu's tender uses thicker breading and a stronger spice that lingers, making an even more splendid contrast with the still supple juicy white meat. The sandwich maintains its form with tremendous ease as you consume the savory tender, The heat building up with every bite. But the moment you dig into the coleslaw, everything changes. The refreshing bite of fresh cilantro and tart sauce flows like a cooling waterfall into the dry heat of the katsu. The journey of eating this sandwich, far from being worth just $14, maybe worth its weight in gold.

It's also very much worth the wait in time. On one such weight I observed an older lady drive into the lot pause in front of the store and ask "what do they sell here?" I smiled knowing exactly how to reply. "Chicken". And damn good...

Daybird is a vibrant and innovative dining establishment located in the trendy Silver Lake Plaza of Los Angeles. It stands out as a pioneer in the fast-casual dining scene, infusing Szechuan flavors into classic American comfort food. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing a culinary masterpiece known as the COD SANDO.

The COD SANDO is a true culinary triumph, featuring a tender, breaded, and fried cod fillet infused with the tantalizing heat of Szechuan chili oil. The delicate seasoning allows the fish's natural flavors to shine while providing a satisfying kick of spice. Nestled in a soft bun, the cod is accompanied by a slice of creamy American cheddar, adding a touch of indulgent richness, and enhanced by the zesty yuzu tartar sauce that elevates the entire sandwich to gourmet levels.

The accompanying fries were a perfect balance of golden crispiness and fluffy interior, serving as a delightful canvas for savoring the lingering flavors of chili oil and tartar sauce. Paired with a refreshingly tart strawberry lemonade, the entire meal felt like a harmonious symphony of flavors, each component enhancing the others.

The atmosphere at Daybird perfectly complements its daring menu, blending casual elegance with an energetic vibe that mirrors the creativity of the dishes. Whether you're seeking a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, Daybird offers a dining experience that transcends the typical fast-casual setting, introducing a unique and flavorful twist to the Silver Lake food scene.

For those in search of a fresh and unexpected culinary adventure, Daybird is an absolute must-visit. The COD SANDO isn't just a meal; it's a captivating exploration of flavors that lingers on the palate long after the last bite. This establishment effortlessly marries East and West in the most delectable way, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone yearning to experience something truly original in...

Overall: 4.3/5 (Postmates delivery)

The food came within 30-35 minutes and was packaged nicely. They did it in a way where the food was not squished and very presentable for pictures. They also positioned the food in a way that the oil didn't stain the paper bag. The food was filling but didn't make me feel oily or have food coma afterwards.

Mild Szechuan Hot Chicken Sando ($14.50): We got mild since we had Szechuan and peppercorn food before and they were spicy! However, we didn't taste any spiciness from the mild or medium spice level so this was not a "hot chicken sandwich" to us. As many people said, the sando comes with a huge piece of chicken that is bigger than the burger itself - love that they are consistent with their portion size. The chicken didn't taste like popcorn chicken as some people have referenced (no strong pepper taste) but had a more subtle flavor to it. The batter was the right amount and still very crispy/crunchy when we received our order. I definitely think it would be so much better if we had the Daybird sauce since the coleslaw didn't have much flavor. The downside is that the coleslaw made the potato buns super soggy at the bottom of the burger. I also wished they toasted the buns more since they were too soft. I like this Sando but think Howlin' Ray's is still #1 for hot chicken sandwiches.

Medium Spice Level Tender ($3.50): We got one tender to try since a lot of the Yelp review said that the tender is dry and not comparable to the chicken Sando. I strongly agree with that statement after trying it. The tender has a dry rub and the chicken tender meat is also dry inside. We got the Daybird sauce on the side but they forgot it! We tried other sauces like ketchup but they didn't help or pair well with the tender. Also the medium spice...