"Being described as being a hole-in-the-wall leads to less than favorable connotations, but when that hole ends up on Forbes best new restaurant list, people tend to listen. Husband and wife duo, Kerrel and Nkem Thompson opened Bird in 2021 with not much more than a pickup window, a hanging sign, and a pizza oven. Order online and choose a pick-up time or take a chance and walk up to the window at this popular Optimist Park neighborhood spot. While this Black-owned pizza shop is cashless, the pizza is timeless. The East Coast-style pizza has vegan options and a simple menu with topping options such as pepperoni, Calabrian peppers, and hot honey. Simple add-ons like kale salad and bottled Mexican Coke make this literal hole-in-the-wall a Queen City destination." - Nikki Miller-Ka
