Go go to Go Go Bird! Brandon Kida, the executive chef of Hinoki & the Bird, launched Go Go Bird in Hollywood with takeout/delivery only, before moving into Citizen Public Market. Billed as “Los Angeles-style fried chicken,” Go Go Bird is a nod to the thickly battered Pioneer Chicken from my youth, blended with Szechuan spices and chili oil. You order at the counter, located in the back of the Citizen Public Market and wait for your number to be called.

You can choose chicken wings, tenders, sandwich or half a chicken, made from free-range organic poultry. I was worried that the Thunder Bird Wings ($14) would be too spicy, but they were just perfect, with a hint of heat. They were super crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

The meal came with some cooling coleslaw and the best biscuit I’ve ever eaten, flaky-layered perfection with an intoxicating drizzle of miso condensed milk.

There are several different sides available for $5 each. In an effort to not get more fried food, I chose mac & cheese, mad with sharp white cheddar, which I wasn’t initially impressed by and took my leftovers home. Maybe I was too full because when I got home I ate a couple more bites and then completely polished off the entire container.

WIth all the hot chicken places cropping up around Los Angeles, Go Go Bird definitely sets themselves apart from the rest. I just wish fried chicken would be declared a health food, so I can partake in LA-style fried chicken guilt-free.

Website – https://www.go-go-bird.com
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian Friendly – Some sides are available.
Gluten-Free Options – Sides only, no chicken.