FireBirds Chicken

**** Firebirds Chicken has closed.

Almost a quarter century ago....though it seems even longer than that; I was in Nashville. I'd heard about Hot Chicken and on my first of two nights in the city, I sought it out. I was told that the place to try was Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, so with map in hand (Smartphones wouldn't be around for another almost another decade), I headed out and found Prince's, braved the line, got a leg quarter XHot….which was more than enough, served on a slice of white bread, which soaked up all of that lardy goodness that dripped off the chicken, and soothed my pain with coleslaw and potato salad. It was surprisingly crisp, moist, with some straight forward burning heat, slightly smokey, the dark meat had great flavor......it was without a doubt memorable. So when Dennis mentioned he was going to Nashville a few years back, I told he had to try some hot chicken, preferably from Prince's. You can read his post here (man, it's been eight years! Dennis, we miss you!).

So, when read that a Nashville Hot Chicken place was opening, I was intrigued. But, after looking at the photos....which, by the way, didn't look like Nashville Hot Chicken to me, I decided to wait until I got back from my trip before making my way to FireBirds.

If the location looks a bit familiar, it's because this is where Asmara was for many years and where Pho Saigon Alley was for a blink of an eye.

I arrived at right about 11am.....the place was empty. The set-up looks rather temporary and sparse.

The system is like most fast-casual/fast-foodish places; you order and pay at the counter,  take a number....though since I was the only customer in the place, they didn't need to give me one. Service was pleasant. There's one big difference with regards to the "fast" casual concept though.....there's nothing really "fast" about the place; at least on my visits. Wait time for my food was at over 25 minutes during each visit. At least everything is supposed to be made fresh.

I ordered the Big 'ol Chicken, with a single piece ($9.99). Not quite sure how the spice was, I went with medium.

Which was a mistake since this wasn't the least bit spicy....at...all. The fries were more spicy than the chicken. At Prince's I really enjoyed the fact that there was a dark meat option....even the quarter breast had the wing attached. And since it wasn't a "sandwich" per se....you got slices of white bread to sop up all the goodness oozing from the chicken. Here it looked like a typical Sysco fairly dry, boneless chicken breast. The batter was mushy and bland, the sandwich had coleslaw which added texture to the chicken breast. The mayo based sauce really detracted from any flavor the chicken would have. Pickles are always a nice touch for spicy food; but since this wasn't spicy......heck; I think even KFC's (no not that kind of KFC)Hot Chicken is spicier, crisp, and has more flavor than this.

The roll had a mild brioche sweetness to it; but was definitely not what I'd call a "Hawaiian Roll".

Like I mentioned earlier; the fries were spicier than the chicken; the dusting of cayenne assured that. Sadly, it either not fried at the right temp, or not long enough as it lacked crispness and was really dry.

And since it didn't seem to be salted at all; I had to add salt form the shakers on the table.

Well, that was that......it wasn't Nashville Hot Chicken as I recalled....though even if it wasn't close, if the flavors, prep, and cooking had been good, I'd be all for it.

Still I left wondering how spicy the "Hot" would be so I decided to return and this time went with the "sliders" ($10.99). These came with four "sliders" each with a good sized half tender in them.

I actually enjoyed this a bit more.....it was spicier; though still not even a Nashville Hot Chicken "mild" in my mind. While the tenders were on the dry side; at least the batter was a bit more crisp; though I think there's just way too much mayo on these. Just having coleslaw should do it...…. The mild sweetness of the rolls helped.

The fries were more crisp; though still needed salt added at the table to balance things out.

On this visit the place was two-thirds full and folks seemed to be enjoying Instagramming their food, if not thoroughly enjoying their meal. Such is the current state of things. To quote Billy Crystal quoting Fernando Lamas:

“It's more important to look good than to feel good." 

As a whole, okay prices, lower level fast-casual prep, quality, and flavor. As for being happy that we have something that is at least Hot Chicken......sorry; I just can't call it Nashville Hot Chicken..... You know how it goes with me. I'm not happy to "just to have something" available......

FireBirds Chicken
4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Tues - Thurs 1030am - 930pm
Fri - Sun    1030am - 1030pm
Closed on Mondays

Comments

[caninecologne]

:( (insert poo emojji here)

[kat]

:( bummer

[Kirk]

Oh my CC!

It was quite a disappointment Kat!

[Kirbie]

That's too bad. I haven't been able to find much good hot chicken outside of Nashville. The closest has been Howling Ray in LA but that line is just too crazy. Belated Merry Christmas!

[Kirk]

Happy Holidays Kirbie! Hope all is well. Sadly, this just really isn't Nashville Hot Chicken to me......

[Junichi]

I laughed out loud when I read the fries were spicier than the chicken. Liberty Station has one too. Wonder if that's any better.

[Kirk]

Yeah, those fries were more spicy than the chicken on that visit Junichi. I've heard mixed reactions on Liberty Chick......and it doesn't look like legit hot chicken either.

[Norm Man]

Be patient, better Nashville Hot Chicken is on the way to San Diego. Read in the Union Tribune that Dave's Hot Chicken (from Los Angeles) is opening in Pacific Beach. The "Dave" of Dave's Hot Chicken is Dave Kopushyan who trained at Thomas Keller's Bouchon restaurant. www.DavesHotChicken.com

Suggestion for Kirk, you have to try the Birria de res Taco with bone marrow at Tuetano Taqueria in San Ysidro, located near the Beyer Street Trolley Station. I hit Mariscos El Pescador food truck and Tuetano Taqueria the same very tasty day.

[Kirk]

You mean the 12 restaurant deal Norm (Jim?); yeah, I saw that....it's a wait and see for a chain for me on this one. Pedigree is nice, but... Been to Tuetano once; it was quite good....need to do a follow-up (or two) before I do a post. Happy New Year, hope you have a delici-yoso one!