South Bird

Music, fried chicken, spice and good vibes. They’re the four essential ingredients that make up South Bird. But make no mistake, the fried chicken might be the biggest tasty drawcard. Here, the Nashville-style chicken is coated with a breading that’s thick but ultra-crispy, with lots of crunch and plenty of heat, backed by cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chillies and paprika. True to form for Tennessee, mild is not an option, so the spice level starts at medium and works its way up.

Diners can choose between different cuts of chicken – thighs, tenders or wings. Chicken is served in picture-perfect red plastic baskets. Sides of crack salt fries, slaw, hush puppies, mac’n’cheese, potato and gravy, and buffalo cauliflower make for a soul-warming, Southern classic selection.

The drinks list has also been carefully considered. With an Americana focus, non-alcs include sarsaparilla and peach and lemon iced teas, with the option to spike them with a bit of booze. The cocktail list is small but punchy; local beers are served on-tap; and the earthiness and funkiness of Australian natty wines proves an apt pairing with the hot fried chicken.

The store, in the former home of now-closed North Bird Wine Store, has wood and earthy tones. Six wooden booths give the impression of a classic diner, a series of tables accommodates groups of three to six, and intimate window seating is the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by.

The venue is by Kabir Ramasary (The Bird, Ezra Pound) and long-time business partner Braeden La Marr (The Bird, Ezra Pound, North Bird).