Daybird
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
DAYBIRD

If you're in Los Angeles and on the hunt for something that's bold, unforgettable, and wildly satisfying, it's time to head straight to Daybird in Silver Lake. This isn't just another fried chicken joint—it’s a fiery fusion of Szechuan spice and Taiwanese-style crispy chicken, all wrapped up in a fast-casual concept that delivers serious flavor with every bite. Open just five days a week, this spot has quickly become a bucket-list stop for locals and tourists alike who want their chicken with an attitude.

Founded by Chef Mei Lin, a Top Chef champion, Daybird isn’t trying to do a thousand things. Instead, it’s perfected a tight, crave-worthy menu centered around its now-iconic Szechuan Hot Chicken Sandwich. From the first crunch to the final spice-fueled bite, it’s a culinary mic drop that sets this place apart in LA’s crowded food scene.

A Fried Chicken Sandwich Worth the Wait

Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of hype around fried chicken these days. But Daybird more than lives up to it. At the heart of the operation is Chef Mei Lin’s signature fried chicken, which features an impossibly crispy crust and juicy interior, seasoned with just the right punch of Szechuan spice. It’s that electric tingling heat, balanced by bold flavors and a slight sweetness, that makes each bite addictively delicious.

The star of the show is without a doubt the Super Crunchy Fried Chicken Sandwich. Served on a soft, buttery potato bun, the sandwich is a Taiwanese-style masterpiece with layers of texture and heat. Whether you're a heat-seeker or prefer to play it safe, Daybird offers a range of spice levels—from mellow to sweat-inducing—so you can customize your spice journey. Just be ready: even the "mild" has a bit of a kick.

This sandwich has become the talk of Silver Lake, and if you show up and see a line wrapped around the block, don’t be surprised. It’s just part of the experience—and trust us, it’s worth every minute of the wait.

Sides, Sips, and Simplicity

One of the things we love most about Daybird is the no-fuss menu. They’ve dialed in on what they do best and stuck to it, offering just a few carefully chosen items that complement the main dish. Alongside your chicken sandwich, you can order:

Tenders – Just as crispy and flavorful as the sandwich version, perfect if you want to skip the bun.

Crinkle-Cut Fries – Golden, salty, and absolutely essential for cooling down the spice.

Pickles & Slaw – A bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken; both are fresh and crunchy with just the right acidity.

Then there are the drinks—simple, but elevated. The rotating lemonade of the day is always a refreshing hit, while options like Mexican Coke, Topo Chico, and Hong Kong Milk Tea provide fun and flavorful alternatives that keep you cool while the chicken heats you up.

A Culinary Concept That’s Uniquely LA

Daybird operates with a laser focus: no fluff, no filler, just fire. Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6:30pm, it’s a tight window, but the limited hours only add to the mystique. That exclusivity, combined with the knockout flavors and cool, minimalist aesthetic, make it a Silver Lake essential. The place hums with energy—locals, foodies, and influencers alike all line up to get a taste.

There’s also something refreshing about how Daybird keeps it simple. No extensive menu, no confusing combos, just perfectly executed hot chicken with personality. It’s the kind of place where you come hungry, get your fix, and leave happy (and probably sweating a little).

Why Daybird Is a Must-Try

If you’re serious about hot chicken or just want to explore something a little different from the usual fast-casual fare, Daybird is calling your name. Chef Mei Lin’s fusion of Asian flavors with classic comfort food is both bold and approachable, and the whole experience—from the crispy chicken to the curated drink menu—feels dialed-in and deliberate.

Whether you're a diehard spicy food lover or just dipping your toes into the world of heat, Daybird lets you walk the line between comfort and thrill. And once you’ve had that first bite of Szechuan-fueled fried chicken, we guarantee you’ll be back.
Aired on October 13, 2023
Updated April 21, 2025

Address / Location

240 N Virgil Ave Suite 5
Los Angeles, CA 90004

@daybirdla website