Jay Bird's

Excellent fried chicken and waffles. Chicken can be ordered with any level of spice and a selection of dipping sauces. Waffles are mini (2) per order and are served with butter and syrup.

I come here often. Chicken is fire. HOT: for a while the hot wasn't hitting and the next two levels were both insane. I've had them both a few times but they are for serious heat enthusiasts. Like serious. But recently the hot has been stepped up just enough to remind me why I love this place so much. Prices for quality are pretty much best in the land. My classic GO-To is the blazing fries! Healthy plate for under 10 bucks what?! Just careful If you're going extra or fire. Best paired with second tender that is plain or just hot. Old review: Food is great here. Went for extra hot chicken and waffles and got served the spice bad. My only complaint don't advertise maple syrup on the menu when it's sugar flavor. For those who know maple know when it's fake.

Spicy chicken sandwich is pretty good. Mac & cheese is very creamy and cheesy. I would come back again.

Crazy good! Mac and cheese on my chicken sandwich? Who does that? And Boy oh Boy, did they ever!

Great quality chicken, good service, nice scale of heat. Some of the sauces are amazing, but others are lacking (I'm looking at you smoked ketchup) they should really have a BBQ sauce option. A few fun and creative options on the menu, otherwise just a solid chicken option for munching desires. Fries are okay at best, love that it comes with pickles. The lemonade is not to shabby either, can't get enough!

This place was a total surprise. I was starving and just was nearby so thought I'd try it. I got the chicken sandwich that has Mac and cheese at medium spicy level and it was so damn good. I ended up eating it in 3 meals heating it in my air fryer the second two meals, but it was crispy and juicy and had a great combo of flavors and textures. The fries were great too, crunchy and tasty seasonings. The woman at the cash register was abrupt and succinct, the one giving out the food was friendly and kind though. I'll definitely be back for sure.

I tried Jays begrudgingly (work catering). I picked the Mac daddy because it seemed to be the most requested item amongst my colleagues. I was skeptical when I saw it was just a chicken sandwich with Mac and cheese but my oh my. That first bite, I almost died. It was the best thing I’ve eaten in years. The chicken was so crispy, juicy and perfectly spiced. The Mac and cheese was the perfect combination with the chicken and awesome bun. The fries were crispy, fresh but a tad too spicy. Still, I really enjoyed the food. Just decadent (fat laden) deliciousness. The second time I had it I was a tiny bit skeptical it wouldn’t love up to my first taste, it was just as amazing. I got the non spicy fries and ranch dip and it was honestly a perfect meal. So dang good. Best food I’ve had on the central coast since I moved here in 2021.

I’ve wanted to check out this place since their opening a week ago. I wish I had photos to share but the food was too good! We got a medium and extra hot chicken sandwich and fries, both were awesome! The medium was exactly like the description, “comfortably hot” and the extra hot brought my spice loving boyfriend to tears. Costumer service was top notch, I was super appreciative of them staying open way past closing time to accommodate the very long line. Food came out fast and hot! Overall a great meal and great service, especially for their first week open!

Jay Birds was worth the hype! it's a new business so of course people ran to try it out. yes the line was long but moved fast, the long line was expected and truly worth the wait. the taste of the chicken is incredible and far better them most chicken places I have gone too. And don't take the spice level lightly it gets hot fast! all staff were very nice despite them being so busy. I would definitely recommend this place if you're wanting some good spice and some good chicken.

I love everything I have had from Jay Birds. Fries are delicious, chicken sandwich is always juicy and crispy! I have only had the tenders in the chop or the blazin' fries and the blazin' fries are probably my favorite besides the sandwich, so far. I still haven't gotten the courage to go hotter than the medium heat. Definitely worth a try!

This place rocks. Spicy chicken all the way every time I come here. I'll admit I have a tendency to overeat a bit when I go here, but I regret nothing except the heartburn I have afterwards 😂. I usually have the mac daddy sandwich which is a spicy chicken tender sandwich with creamy mac and cheese on it. Their spicy fries are also quite delicious.

Chicken was top notch, high quality and cooked to order. I got the chicken sandwich, and I have to admit it was one of my favorites. Top 10 chicken sandwiches, the slaw on the sandwich was delicious and well flavored. The spice was not too hot, I will go hotter next time. The only thing I had any complaints about was the water. It tastes like it's fresh from a garden hose.

As a vegetarian I can only eat the sides here, but I'm perfectly fine with that. The mac and cheese is a white mac and definitely on the saucy side (but I love it). The spicy fries are super good, especially with the spicy/sweet bbq sauce. And the Arnold Palmer is great. It would be nice to have a couple more options but I really like this place when I'm not worried about health and want something tasty and quick.

This was an enjoyable time at SLO Public Market. Had a pretty good hot chicken sandwich and the spicy fries aren’t really spicy, but they have good flavor. The chicken was fried well and still juicy, the sauce had good flavor and nice under heat. Worth a shot if I’m the area and want some soul food.

I love beer. I love hot chicken sandos. I am a Hot Ones nut and have tried over a hundred of the hot sauces featured on the show. I’ve been to dozens of different hot chicken spots in Cali and I have to admit, Jay Bird’s is good! I ordered ‘fire,’ the hottest they had to offer. It made my nose run, but was delicious. If you’re a fan of trying the hottest chicken sandwiches, this one won’t kill you. If you’re a newbie, this is Carolina reaper hot. Take heed. My wife had the Mac and cheese topped chicken sandwich and loved it. Our kids love the Mac and cheese. Super creamy and cheesy. Did I mention there is beer right next door? There is! You can also order ‘big sexy style,’ which was described to me as a buffalo sauce. It resembles Hot zones own Buttery Buffalo Sauce. It is vinegar based, but the butter takes center stage.

This is one of the most popular places in the county to get fried chicken, and there is a good reason for that. The Fried Chicken here is delicious! The solo tender is an excellent value for lunch at $3.85 - it comes with a slice of bread, some pickles, and the sauce of your choice. I chose ranch dressing as my sauce, and I think they could improve by using a better quality ranch dressing. Otherwise, this place gets two thumbs up!

Great Atmosphere, Kind Staff, and some Awesome Hot Chicken. I used to go to Dave’s, but Jaybirds is better and theres a study area upstairs and free wifi. Their spice levels are more mild than Dave’s, (I regularly get extra hot here, but I only get hot at Daves), so consider going up a level.

One of our favorite spots in the SLO Public Market. Always quick/tasty and pairs well with a Bottlecraft craft beer in the Market nicely Recommend the Mac Daddy & 'Hot' spice level! Fun addition to SLO

Wow, Jay Bird's has taken Chicken to a new level! Due to my health issues and not being able to eat very much at one time I try to find something small in size. So, I ordered the Blazin Fries.... well just look at the pics and you will understand. I immediately asked for a to-go container. The order is huge! Crinkle Cut fries (my fav), Mac n Cheese, Chopped up Chicken Strips and the Sauces! D.E.L.I.S.H Chicken cooked perfect the fries as well and the Seasonings excellent and the sauces are super tasty! And the $price$ is great! I love the fact you have several heat choices...I chose medium this time but I will try Hot next time. 👍👍👍👍👍 The team there is super nice and very attentive and patient!

I heard great things about JayBirds so we were excited to try them out, albeit a little apprehensive after seeing consistent reviews mentioning a long wait. I went at 515pm and there was no line. A few mins after I ordered, there was a line of about 10 people at least so I got lucky! Food only took 10mins til I was called up. We ordered the Chicken Sandwich (my wife’s-mild) and the Mac Daddy Chicken Sandwich (mine-medium), and a side of Mac n cheese. Food was top-notch!! Super solid chicken breast, crispy fried skin, and just enough spicy for me. They label medium as “comfortably hot” and they’re right. The chicken sandwich had a delicious tang with the pickles and cole slaw, while the Mac daddy had a more savory-sweet taste. The fries were very well seasoned, and went well with all the sauces we got. Smoky ketchup, ranch and the comeback sauce — all delicious. The Mac and cheese was really good too, white cheese based and very creamy. Everything was so amazing!

Lived up to my expectations. Perfect crisp on the chicken, with just the right heft on the breaded exterior. "Hot" is indeed pretty hot, but if you like spicy it's probably just right. They offer surcharge sauces for the fries, but it's not really necessary. No need to gild the fry.

Loved the burgers 🍔 and the fries!! I ordered it "Hot" and it was perfect 🤤 Amazing service 👏🏻 🙌 👌 🥰 definitely going back! We also ordered the Blazing fries and they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥 ...

Inside the public market awaits this glorious chicken sandwich place. I got the chicken Sandwich with spicy fries and a side of the comeback sauce. Delicious and a big chicken breast on a brioche bun with crispy crinkly fries. 🍗

The Blazin Fry's are the best! They are mine and my wife's favorite. My son and daughter are crazy about the Fry's as well. It's the only we ever order. Don't forget to sign up for the rewards to earn free food.

I've been here quite a few times. The chicken sandwiches are so juicy and flavorful, I've never been a fan of crinkle cut fries, but they do an excellent job. Tip: you can ask for no spicy seasoning on your fries and/or ketchup. The first time I came here, I didn't know the fries and ketchup were both spicy and the sandwich I ordered was also spicy so I kind of regretted not asking for plain ketchup.

Visited 10-15-22 They know how to make a mean chicken sandwich. The chicken was seasoned well, super moist and had all the juices every time you took a bite. Located inside a public market that offered many other options, but you won’t want to miss this spot if you’re in the SLO area.

Thank you Mr Franco and his AMAZING TEAM for such delicious and FLAVORFUL SOUL food. So grateful to have your business in San Luis Obispo. Looking forward to enjoying more of your GREAT FOOD 🙌🏽✨🙌🏽✨🙌🏽✨🙌🏽♥️

Chris C

This was an enjoyable time at SLO Public Market. Had a pretty good hot chicken sandwich and the spicy fries aren’t really spicy, but they have good flavor. The chicken was fried well and still juicy, the sauce had good flavor and nice under heat. Worth a shot if I’m the area and want some soul food.

KDG

I love beer. I love hot chicken sandos. I am a Hot Ones nut and have tried over a hundred of the hot sauces featured on the show. I’ve been to dozens of different hot chicken spots in Cali and I have to admit, Jay Bird’s is good! I ordered ‘fire,’ the hottest they had to offer. It made my nose run, but was delicious. If you’re a fan of trying the hottest chicken sandwiches, this one won’t kill you. If you’re a newbie, this is Carolina reaper hot. Take heed. My wife had the Mac and cheese topped chicken sandwich and loved it. Our kids love the Mac and cheese. Super creamy and cheesy. Did I mention there is beer right next door? There is! You can also order ‘big sexy style,’ which was described to me as a buffalo sauce. It resembles Hot zones own Buttery Buffalo Sauce. It is vinegar based, but the butter takes center stage.

David Scott

This is one of the most popular places in the county to get fried chicken, and there is a good reason for that. The Fried Chicken here is delicious! The solo tender is an excellent value for lunch at $3.85 - it comes with a slice of bread, some pickles, and the sauce of your choice. I chose ranch dressing as my sauce, and I think they could improve by using a better quality ranch dressing. Otherwise, this place gets two thumbs up!

Nicolas R.

Great Atmosphere, Kind Staff, and some Awesome Hot Chicken. I used to go to Dave’s, but Jaybirds is better and theres a study area upstairs and free wifi. Their spice levels are more mild than Dave’s, (I regularly get extra hot here, but I only get hot at Daves), so consider going up a level.

Brennan Ronald

One of our favorite spots in the SLO Public Market. Always quick/tasty and pairs well with a Bottlecraft craft beer in the Market nicely Recommend the Mac Daddy & 'Hot' spice level! Fun addition to SLO

Cleona Bautista

Wow, Jay Bird's has taken Chicken to a new level! Due to my health issues and not being able to eat very much at one time I try to find something small in size. So, I ordered the Blazin Fries.... well just look at the pics and you will understand. I immediately asked for a to-go container. The order is huge! Crinkle Cut fries (my fav), Mac n Cheese, Chopped up Chicken Strips and the Sauces! D.E.L.I.S.H Chicken cooked perfect the fries as well and the Seasonings excellent and the sauces are super tasty! And the $price$ is great! I love the fact you have several heat choices...I chose medium this time but I will try Hot next time. 👍👍👍👍👍 The team there is super nice and very attentive and patient!

evan boaz

I heard great things about JayBirds so we were excited to try them out, albeit a little apprehensive after seeing consistent reviews mentioning a long wait. I went at 515pm and there was no line. A few mins after I ordered, there was a line of about 10 people at least so I got lucky! Food only took 10mins til I was called up. We ordered the Chicken Sandwich (my wife’s-mild) and the Mac Daddy Chicken Sandwich (mine-medium), and a side of Mac n cheese. Food was top-notch!! Super solid chicken breast, crispy fried skin, and just enough spicy for me. They label medium as “comfortably hot” and they’re right. The chicken sandwich had a delicious tang with the pickles and cole slaw, while the Mac daddy had a more savory-sweet taste. The fries were very well seasoned, and went well with all the sauces we got. Smoky ketchup, ranch and the comeback sauce — all delicious. The Mac and cheese was really good too, white cheese based and very creamy. Everything was so amazing!

Kevin B

Lived up to my expectations. Perfect crisp on the chicken, with just the right heft on the breaded exterior. "Hot" is indeed pretty hot, but if you like spicy it's probably just right. They offer surcharge sauces for the fries, but it's not really necessary. No need to gild the fry.

Gabriela

I've been here quite a few times. The chicken sandwiches are so juicy and flavorful, I've never been a fan of crinkle cut fries, but they do an excellent job. Tip: you can ask for no spicy seasoning on your fries and/or ketchup. The first time I came here, I didn't know the fries and ketchup were both spicy and the sandwich I ordered was also spicy so I kind of regretted not asking for plain ketchup.

Claudia Mora

Loved the burgers 🍔 and the fries!! I ordered it "Hot" and it was perfect 🤤 Amazing service 👏🏻 🙌 👌 🥰 definitely going back! We also ordered the Blazing fries and they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥 ...

Griffin R

Inside the public market awaits this glorious chicken sandwich place. I got the chicken Sandwich with spicy fries and a side of the comeback sauce. Delicious and a big chicken breast on a brioche bun with crispy crinkly fries. 🍗

Derek Olivas

The Blazin Fry's are the best! They are mine and my wife's favorite. My son and daughter are crazy about the Fry's as well. It's the only we ever order. Don't forget to sign up for the rewards to earn free food.

Gerson

Visited 10-15-22 They know how to make a mean chicken sandwich. The chicken was seasoned well, super moist and had all the juices every time you took a bite. Located inside a public market that offered many other options, but you won’t want to miss this spot if you’re in the SLO area.

Elaine C (Pismo Beach Weddings)

If I could, I would eat Jay Birds blazing fries at least once every week! Delicious. It is a huge appetizer- I usually have leftovers for lunch the next day

Loved the chicken sandwich but the fries were even better.

So yummy!! The lemonade is to die for!! I'm also a big wuss when it comes to spicy food and the mild was perfect for me. Not sweating buckets, only glistening sweat. Lol

We finally visited the Public market. Many options available for dining but we chose here for a quick bite. Pleasantly surprised but the taste of this joint. My husband and I shared our meals. We liked the sandwich better than the chicken and waffles. The waffle were smaller than expected and nothing spectacular to the taste ie pretty generic. The Mac daddy sandwich was saucy and flavorful. Would likely eat here again

I had the extra hot and the fire sandwiches. The fire sandwich was MUCH hotter than the extra hot. ORDER THE FIRE WITH CARE. The food was pretty food and, when I went, the wait was only a few minutes. The extra hot sandwich was definitely pretty good and I'll be getting that again. The fire? I will never order that again. The workers were absurdly nice and I'll definitely be returning!

Melinda Chris

We finally visited the Public market. Many options available for dining but we chose here for a quick bite. Pleasantly surprised but the taste of this joint. My husband and I shared our meals. We liked the sandwich better than the chicken and waffles. The waffle were smaller than expected and nothing spectacular to the taste ie pretty generic. The Mac daddy sandwich was saucy and flavorful. Would likely eat here again

Christopher Lee

Loved the chicken sandwich but the fries were even better.

Tried this place for the first time and was seriously impressed. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and super juicy inside, with just the right amount of heat and amazing flavor. The sides were just as good. Everything felt fresh and well-made, not just thrown together. If you're a fan of bold flavors and crispy, spicy chicken done right, this place is a must-try.

The chicken sandwich was honestly solid, really flaky and good. Sauce was good too. Fries were pretty good too although the amount they give you is a bit low, not a big deal though. The only thing I was disappointed on was the lemonade: it was terrible. To me it literally tasted IDENTICAL to honey lemon flavored cough drops. Made me feel like I was sick or something. Super sweet and I had to throw it out after having a few sips. Prices aren’t great here either.

E delman

Tried this place for the first time and was seriously impressed. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and super juicy inside, with just the right amount of heat and amazing flavor. The sides were just as good. Everything felt fresh and well-made, not just thrown together. If you're a fan of bold flavors and crispy, spicy chicken done right, this place is a must-try.

Chicken was dry and pretty bland I got the regular chicken sandwich and fries spice level hot and it was not spicy at all. When I'm craving a chicken sandwich I'll be going to Dave's Hot chicken they are better priced better flavor and have juicer chicken oh yea and they have a soda machine.

The reason we visited this place was due to the hype. It was a bit of a letdown. JayBird is located inside San Luis Obispo Public Market. It's an open building with various restaurants like a food court. The line was long and at least 30-40 min wait time. This is a franchise, and the menu is limited compared to their typical restaurant, and service was not up to par. Is the quality of food comparable to Chick-Fil-a? Yes, it is. Just for clarification, they don't offer fried Chicken, only Chicken fried sandwiches. 😁

First off, I was overcharged by $2 for some reason. Didn’t notice till after I left, but that sucks. I’ll add back two stars if that’s reconciled fairly. Food was otherwise solid - chicken was cooked perfectly and spice level was accurate to the menu’s descriptions. Fries were great too. It bothers me a bit with this new trend of charging extra for sauces, though, and they’re always so nonchalant about upcharging you as if they work on commission. Sauce isn’t a side, especially not when it comes in a tiny plastic container. And for goodness sake, at least offer some cheap ketchup free. If your special sauces are that good, fine.

Chicken was completely smothered in dry rib pepper seasoning (I got the "medium"). It's like they used more seasoning than chicken! All my napkins were completely orange by the time I was done. I had to peel off all the breading because of the over-seasoning. I've never seen anything like it. The fries had it too, but not to that extent, but it was still too much. Good concept, nice atmosphere, fair price, but if this is the norm, I'm out.

I was hyped to try Jay Birds after hearing that they would be joining the SLO public market. I am a huge Nashville style hot chicken fan and have wanted something local to open. But ultimately I was both disappointed with the quality and felt duped by what the menu had to offer vs what their Instagram advertised. The menu includes chicken strips and sandwiches, but no bone in fried chicken. While the sandwich was decent overall, the chicken strips highlighted the issue I found with labeling what they serve as Nashville style. All chicken appear to be breaded in the same mild batter. For Nashville style I would expect some seasoning and heat from the batter alone. Heat level was then determined by how much and what type of dry seasoning was applied to the strips after frying. The result was an uneven distribution of dry cayenne/ghost pepper seasoning that immediately stuck to your lips and tongue, rather than the wet combo of used cooking oil and seasoning that defines Nashville style. Hot level had a little kick, and then there was a large jump to X and XX hot, that really only marked an increase in tongue pain and not much in regards to flavor. Given that Nashville style is defined by seasoned batter and a wet sauce applied after frying, I'm not sure what makes Jay Birds Nashville style. I did hear they will be introducing bone in, but the dry seasoning approach doesn't leave me rushing to head back and try it. Kudos to the employees for handling a very steady stream of customers. Service was on point.

Roger Sherwood

Chicken was completely smothered in dry rib pepper seasoning (I got the "medium"). It's like they used more seasoning than chicken! All my napkins were completely orange by the time I was done. I had to peel off all the breading because of the over-seasoning. I've never seen anything like it. The fries had it too, but not to that extent, but it was still too much. Good concept, nice atmosphere, fair price, but if this is the norm, I'm out.

Sean Quigley

I was hyped to try Jay Birds after hearing that they would be joining the SLO public market. I am a huge Nashville style hot chicken fan and have wanted something local to open. But ultimately I was both disappointed with the quality and felt duped by what the menu had to offer vs what their Instagram advertised. The menu includes chicken strips and sandwiches, but no bone in fried chicken. While the sandwich was decent overall, the chicken strips highlighted the issue I found with labeling what they serve as Nashville style. All chicken appear to be breaded in the same mild batter. For Nashville style I would expect some seasoning and heat from the batter alone. Heat level was then determined by how much and what type of dry seasoning was applied to the strips after frying. The result was an uneven distribution of dry cayenne/ghost pepper seasoning that immediately stuck to your lips and tongue, rather than the wet combo of used cooking oil and seasoning that defines Nashville style. Hot level had a little kick, and then there was a large jump to X and XX hot, that really only marked an increase in tongue pain and not much in regards to flavor. Given that Nashville style is defined by seasoned batter and a wet sauce applied after frying, I'm not sure what makes Jay Birds Nashville style. I did hear they will be introducing bone in, but the dry seasoning approach doesn't leave me rushing to head back and try it. Kudos to the employees for handling a very steady stream of customers. Service was on point.

I placed an online order an hour in advance because I had to drive an hour to come pick up the food. I really usually enjoy the food and so to me it was worth it. I figured an hour was enough time for them to get the order ready because it said there was a 40 minute wait. I showed up a few minutes early and they had not even started preparing my food and they told me that it wasn’t due for pick up until 1 PM. They were very rude and short with me. I was very respectful and patient. When I went to leave , and get in my car to head back to work nearly an hour away I realized that the cheese had been added to my blaze and fries, even though I had requested that it was on the side because I wouldn’t be able to eat until I And I didn’t want my fries soggy I tried calling the store let them know and possibly get refunded or just have another order made at another time and there was no answer the two or three times that I called. I’m very disappointed because I won’t be able to enjoy my food And I don’t know how to get recourse to fix this. Their food is usually really good and I’ve never had this issue so hopefully someone can call me or send me an email to make it right.

Love the Mac daddy chicken sandwich here. The Mac & cheese and chicken together is so good. The spice level here is great. One of my regular spots whenever I visit SLO. Update: Came here 2/24/24 to pick up food. I was waiting for my food by the pick up area with other people. After waiting 20 minutes past what my food was quoted, the middle aged lady that handed me my food made a poor joke saying that she thought I was a stalker. I never stared at her or anything. I was just there on my phone waiting. My wife and I both felt sick after eating here this time too. Sadly it looks like this place that was once good is no longer good. After that tasteless joke, stomachache and horrible service I would recommend people do not support this place. There's so many other good food spots to try with better service.

Sky King

Amazing the owners must not be reading all the negative reviews about poor customer service. We walked away from ordering as the worker continued to ignore us for quite a while. I understand maybe you’re shorthanded,but there were three of you behind the counter. You lost 3 customers as well.