Dirty Bird To-Go

First of all, this tiny place is half way between a take out joint and sit down restaurant.  If you’re lucky enough to find a seat, of which there are only two tables along with small counters on either side of the door, you’ll get real silver ware, cloth napkins, and a tiny candle.  If it’s packed like usual, you’ll be taking grub to go.  After all, you don’t come to Dirty Bird To-Go for the ambiance, you come here for the fried and rotisserie chicken that’s genuinely finger licking good!

Their free-range, non hormone raised birds imported straight from Pennsylvania’s Amish Country are brined, dipped in buttermilk and double-fried in olive oil for extra crunch.  This process produces exceptionally juicy meat and a greaseless coating.  The other mainstay here is rotisserie chicken with a crisp well-seasoned skin.  Even the white meat is moist and succulent right down to the bone.  Every order comes with jalapeno vinegar and honey mustard dipping sauce if you so choose.

Don’t forget the sides…they’re sturdy enough to hold their own with the stellar main dishes.  Just-right helpings of creamy white cheddar mac n’ cheese, seasoned mashed potatoes with real chucks of hearty potato, and veggies like roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli hit the spot.  My favorite, the simmered kale, is marinated in a lightly garlic infused olive oil instead of sopping in butter.

204 W 14th St. Chelsea