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Starbird Chicken
Master Critic Review
Starbird Chicken
7.9
Starbird Chicken at Waterside Marina del Rey focuses on crispy fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and salads with a modern, fast-casual feel. It’s the neighborhood stop for crunchy fillets, bold sauces, and app-friendly ordering before or after errands along Lincoln and Mindanao.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Star Chicken Sandwich, Nashville Hotbird Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Tenders & Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Crispy fried chicken sandwiches with modern flavors and tech-forward ordering.
Who should go: Chicken sandwich fans and families craving quick comfort
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for freshest fries and shortest waits
What to order: Big Star Sandwich, Nashville Hotbird, crispy tenders combo
Insider tip: Use the app or online ordering to skip the line during weekend rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free surface lot parking at Waterside is usually available, though it can tighten during peak weekend meal times and shopping hours.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, shorts, athleisure, and post-gym fits are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate for fast-casual; easy to talk at your table, but expect some hustle from takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush, especially when mobile orders stack up.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though online order pickups can create brief surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and sides are available, but core menu skews chicken-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—most items involve chicken or dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Several options—crispy tenders and sandwiches can be ordered grilled; salads offer easy gluten-conscious choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a super casual, low-pressure meetup. It’s more counter-service convenience than date-night atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in, fast-casual spot. Tables turn quickly, but peak weekend evenings may require hovering briefly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of indoor/outdoor seating, kid-friendly tenders, fries, and mild sauces. Easy for families with strollers or younger children.
Best For
Better for: Consistently crispy fillets, clean flavors, efficient mobile ordering, and a polished fast-casual experience that beats most chain chicken shops.
Skip if: You want slow-cooked Southern-style chicken, spicy heat beyond the Nashville Hotbird, or a sit-down meal with ambiance.