I'm not sure why I waited so long to write this review. Perhaps I just assumed everyone loves Dirty Birds as much as I do... After all, I've been here now five times since they opened and I look forward to a sixth (and seventh and eighth and so on...) visit.
Because here's the thing with Dirty Birds: For being a "sports bar," they genuinely offer something for everyone. I've been here with everyone from coworkers to my 13-year-old nephew, for a happy hour with my team and most recently for a lunch with my parents. All of them loved it.
But I see you out there, humble Google user... You're not yet convinced. Plano has a lot of sports bars and places to grab wings from., so what makes Dirty Birds so special? I get it; I wandered in here the first time with some hesitancy after spotting it one night after leaving my favorite Chinese restaurant (also in the same parking lot). "'Dirty Birds'? What's that all about and why haven't I seen any advertising or marketing for it?"
I can't comment on the lack of hype but that didn't stop me from giving it a try. They're based out of California but have now set up their initial Texas roots here in Plano. And while I haven't been to any of their Cali locations, if they're anything like this one, then I'm going to assume they're an essential destination for anyone with an interest in good food, a chill atmosphere and excellent service.
Let's start with the food: Dirty Birds is known for their wings and the literal dozens of sauces they use. At the time I'm writing this, I believe I have tried nine of them (Mayan, Warrior and Ninja for the win), and all of them have been delicious. Wings are meaty, the "boneless" tender versions are plentiful, and the price point is solid. (Lunch time specials during the week are an absurdly good deal.)
They do appetizer tater tots that must be seen to be believed. When I came with my team, the four of us had to flex to finish the platter... not because it was bad (far from it!) but because it was so abundant. Nonetheless, when fueled by a few beers from the wide draft selection, anything is possible. One of my coworkers even had room for chocolate cake at the end of the meal, making me wonder if he might be part robot. (He finished the chocolate cake, too, and said it was awesome.)
The dining room and bar are very "what you see is what you get." No frills, no drama. Well, unless your team is losing across any of the dozens of TVs peppered throughout the place. It's a very laid-back atmosphere where no one is pretending to be something they're not (a rarity in Plano). And hey, on this latest visit, there's now a trio of arcade cabinets that didn't used to be there. Again, this is a relaxed place.
That goes for the servers, too, but not in a bad way. Everyone who has waited on me here has been friendly, attentive and eager to help out. There was a gentleman who gave me the rundown on the place and he was as excellent with his service as he was with his asides - he's right about the wings needing to be a bit spicier to meet the standards of "Texas spice" in comparison to "California spice." And on this most recent visit, the gal that took care of my parents and I provided the best service I've had there across multiple visits. (Because I'm the worst person on the planet with names, I'm going to put my foot in my mouth and say her name was... Becky? Maybe? Regardless, whoever works lunch on Friday was fantastic with her service.)
What else to say? I haven't tried the burgers but from three people I know who have, they all loved them. The fries are mighty tasty. Oh, and the bathroom is quite pleasant, which is always a plus when it comes to a sports bar.
Suffice it to say, Dirty Birds is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood and worthy of a visit. The food is delicious, the vibes are welcoming to anyone, and the staff is stellar. This is the easiest dining recommendation I've made in...
Read moreDirty Birds Bar & Grill in Plano: A Wing-Fueled, Sports-Loving Blast! Get ready for a wild ride at Dirty Birds Bar & Grill in Plano, where the wings are a flavor knockout, the TVs are practically part of the wallpaper, and the vibe is perfect for a night out with your posse. My crew of six stormed in, and let me tell you, this place is a touchdown for wing fanatics and sports nuts alike. Let’s dive into the main event: the wings. I went for the General Bird wings, and holy moly, they were a crispy, sticky, spicy-sweet masterpiece—like General Tso decided to retire and become a wing wizard. Each bite was a flavor explosion that had me ready to salute the kitchen. My wife, meanwhile, was living her best life with the Jalapeño Peach wings, which brought the perfect sweet-heat combo, and another sauce that tasted like pickles—yes, pickles, and it was unexpectedly AW _ESOME. Seriously, that pickle sauce needs its own fan club. The food hit the table faster than a running back dodging tackles, which was clutch because we were starving. The atmosphere? Spot-on. It’s got that chill sports-bar energy where you can actually hear your friends without yelling. With just 20-25 folks in the place, it felt cozy but buzzing, perfect for our table of six to trade stories and a few groan-worthy jokes. And the TVs? Oh, they’re everywhere. Wall-to-wall screens mean there’s no bad seat in the house for catching the game—whether it’s a game-winning three or a goal-line stand, you’re in the action from any angle. Now, the drink saga—buckle up. Our waitress was sweeter than the peach in those wings, but she had a bit of a memory glitch. I ordered a Blue Moon, and she forgot it faster than I forget my grocery list. She swung back to confirm, only to drop the bombshell that they were out of Blue Moon. So, I pivoted to a Shiner draft (Texas pride, y’all). Here’s the rub: it took a solid 15 minutes to get that beer, and with the place half-full, I was wondering if they were brewing it in the back. But when that Shiner finally landed, it was ice-cold perfection, and our waitress’s charm and apologies made it impossible to stay mad. Dirty Birds is a must-hit for wing lovers and sports fans. The General Bird and Jalapeño Peach wings (and that pickle sauce!) are worth the trip, the TV setup is a sports-watcher’s dream, and the vibe is just right for a fun night out. The drink service might take a hot minute, but the staff’s sweetness keeps you grinning. I’m already counting down to my next visit—here’s hoping the Blue Moon’s back in stock! Final Verdict: 4/5 stars—a cluckin’ fantastic spot for killer wings, epic sports vibes, and a side of patience...
Read moreThe food at Dirty Birds Plano is some of the most creative and delicious I've ever had. The wing sauces and rubs are uniquely vibrant and pack a serious punch. Specifically, the ones that are marked 'Texas Favorites' on the menu are to die for. I haven't had a chance to try all of them yet, but I will definitely make it a top priority to come back! Here are my thoughts so far:
The jalapeno peach is phenomenal! It's bright, sweet, and spicy. The heat will linger in the best way possible, and the peach adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the mix. It's a must-try for sure! The cowboy butter is so unique and rich in spices. You can tell that it's made with fresh herbs and the perfect amount of fiery heat. This is so insanely good I want to take it home and put it in every single meal I cook for the foreseeable future! The mayan is a smokey, sweet, rub that I got on wings and seasoned on top of some crispy tater tots. It is honestly the best dry rub I've ever had. The taste is incredible and the texture is the perfect complement to a great wing. Again, this is one of those flavors that I wish I could take home and sprinkle on top of every piece of food in my kitchen.
The vibes are great, the people are welcoming and fun, and the tvs are always on so you never miss a game. 1000000000/10 recommend giving this place a try. I hope you start bottling your chef's sauces soon - they would fly off...
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