The Bird

"One of the best fried chicken sandwiches in SF lives blocks from Union Square. So prepare to push your way through the mass of backpack-wearing banker bros and tourists in Fisherman’s Wharf sweatshirts to get to this counter-service spot. The bun is soft and squishy. The fried chicken thigh drips with spicy, bright red juices you’ll lick right off your hand. And the apple slaw is a refreshing cool-off from the heat. Make sure to get some just-sweet-enough apple fritters for dessert or as a snack for later. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"This casual counter-service spot in SoMa has an excellent fried chicken sandwich that’s loaded with pickles, mayo, and sweet apple slaw. It comes in two ways: classic or spicy. Both forms are delicious, and the bright red spicy version packs some serious heat. Get a side of curly fries and some freshly-fried apple fritters for dessert, and enjoy it all somewhere sunny. " - julia chen 1, lani conway

"A meal at The Bird is all about fried chicken, which is why you’ll see it in salad, biscuit, and sandwich form, and even “naked” (aka just a fried thigh with slaw on the side). Go with the sandwich, and prepare to get messy—we’re pretty sure this place single handedly keeps the world’s napkin suppliers in business. The meat drips with spicy, bright red juices you’ll lick off your hand, and refreshing apple slaw spills out from the squishy bun. When you’re done making your way through the handheld behemoth, get some just-sweet-enough apple fritters for dessert." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway

"There are now two locations of The Bird: the original in SoMa, and a newer outpost in Hayes Valley. Both serve one of the best hot chicken sandwiches in the city. Massive chicken thighs are dipped in a bright red spicy sauce that will stain your fingers and lips in the best way. The sandwich is then topped with mayo, pickles, and a sweet apple slaw that cools your tongue down nicely. If you want something milder, get it “classic”—either way, adding on a few freshly fried apple fritters for dessert is non-negotiable." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway, Ricky Rodriguez

"This fried chicken sandwich-dedicated shop comes from the team behind Super Duper, and it’s doing what that local burger chain does so well, but this time, for chicken. The original location is downtown, ideal for lunch breaks, and there’s a new location in Hayes Valley. Their main sandwich offering is only eight bucks, prepared with a berbere spice rub in two heat levels, regular or spicy. Celery, apple slaw, mayo, and pickles provide some acid and added crunch." - Dianne de Guzman, Becky Duffett, Luke Tsai