The deep-fried offspring of The Eagle in OTR, Citybird is the latest addition to the Thunderdome Restaurant Group, dishing out cage-free, all-natural chicken paired with housemade craft sauces. The tender takeout officially opens its doors tomorrow, but we were able to score an early bite out of Citybird's menu this afternoon, sampling most of what their kitchen has to offer.
Citybird's "house-brined, fresh fried" chicken leans more toward tenderness than crispiness, but still packs a considerable punch paired with green chile hot sauce. The tenders boast a full-bodied flavor: mostly mellow and savory, but tinged with spice. They’re at their best wedged inside the Spicy sandwich, topped with Green Goddess slaw, Sriracha, mayo and a toasted potato bun.
Surprisingly, the chicken is almost eclipsed by the quality of their sides. Coleslaw is my favorite chicken partner, and Citybird does the dish justice with a recipe that eschews excess creaminess for a distinct, mustard-infused tang. The fries steal the show, though. Dusted with parmesan, parsley and sugar, they’re an addictive base that soaks up the tenders’ spice. Together, these flavors stick with you long after you’ve put down your fork.
More menu items include:
- Options for tenders in sizes ranging from 4 to 10 pieces, with prices starting at $7.49
- Sandwiches like the Citybird, with tenders, slaw, sauce and pickles on a toasted potato bun; and the Lemon Thyme, with shredded iceburg lettuce, lemon-thyme ranch, pickles and a toasted potato bun
- A salad with cabbage, black quinoa, sunflower seeds, golden raisins, almonds and your choice of housemade dressing
- And additional sauces, including hot honey and honey Dijon
CityBird officially opens at 11 a.m. Feb. 10 and is located at 1344 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine — right next door to The Eagle OTR; it's a chicken two-for. Get more details here.
