Twirling Bird — Restaurant in Portland

I'm a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef (retired) so I'm pretty picky when it comes to food. I popped in to Twirling Bird's food cart (complete with its own little courtyard for waiting) on a whim.

First thing when they saw my dog, an awesome bone-shaped dog treat drizzled with honey was presented on a small sheet pan before I even ordered. So we were off to a great start and things just got better from there.

I ordered a 1/2 bird with roasted vegetables and smashed fried potatoes (for the next day's dinner) and a burger for that night.

The burger was just what a great burger coming off the backyard grill should be. A big, obviously hand formed patty with fresh, crunchy veggies, Tillamook cheddar and a fresh pub bun make this worth every penny. There is no mystery sauce or gimmick to it. It's just a flat out perfect hamburger.

When I got home I decided to sample the veggies and fried potatoes. That put an instant end to the idea that I was going to save them for the next day. All too often sides like these serve as bland filler but not from these folks. The veggies were well seasoned, cooked perfectly and tasted like they came right off the grill. The potatoes came to life with Parmesan and garlic and I found myself wishing I had more.

The next day I reheated the chicken and it did not disappoint. Even after reheating the chicken was cooked just right so it was nice and juicy. The flavor was absolutely amazing! I've never had chicken that tasted so good and that includes any chicken I prepared myself.

What makes their food so good? Simplicity! They take good ingredients, season them just right and then let the food do the talking. There are no gimmicks to hide poorly prepped food. No ketchup, hot sauce and barbecue sauce needed (though they do have some side sauces for sale).

If these two items are any indication of the quality of the rest of the menu, then I am going to enjoy working my way through...

Had been on my list of places to try for quite a while, as grilled rotisserie chicken is pretty much my favorite food, but the hours + location never lined up for me. Struck by a pretty intense craving drove 30 min out of my way on a whim, so glad I did.

Was completely blown away by everything, all expectations were exceeded. Just had the grilled rotisserie and the smashed potatoes, and it was the most perfect chicken I've ever had. Grilled rotisserie is a nostalgic thing for me as I grew up with a regular place in my hometown that did it well, but this even trounced childhood nostalgia.

The owners were friendly and we got to try every sauce they offered, all which were unique takes on the classics. They were all great but I'd say don't skip the BBQ and the teriyaki, they were both super unique and some of the best versions I've had of them. I'd take the BBQ sauce over most BBQ sauces I've had in my life, and I'm from the south. I don't think I properly understood what the smash potatoes were when I ordered them but they were fantastic too. Pretty much French fries but way better.

They have sandwiches and burgers, which I'm sure are amazing because clearly these folks can cook, but I dunno if I'll ever try them, because I'm just gonna get chicken every time. Really looking forward to trying the veggie sides when...

I can't say enough about this place, it's spectacular! GO, support this local business.

They are friendly and make thoughtful food that is just so so good.

We as a group ordered two of the chicken sandwiches and ribs (they just happened to have a special order of them that day) and let me tell you, out of this world! The chicken was crispy in a way I didn't even know chicken could be, it was seasoned and crunchy and a 3D experience. The ribs were melt in your mouth and ALL of the different sauces delicious.

The crew is so sweet and lovely, happy to explain anything on the menu and the quiet but mysterious bear in the back makes the magic happen. They are a real duo! Thank you for doing what you do and I look forward to having everything on the menu and then ordering the same amazing thing forever lol.

A note for fans or ones wanting to try this place, they will be temporarily closed for a few weeks going into June but will be open...