Hotbird

There’s been an explosion of fried chicken sandwiches in the Bay Area over the last couple years. And we’re not complaining, especially if it means Hotbird exists. The counter-service spot used to live in the Twitter building in SF, and recently moved to Uptown Oakland. Their Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches are an ideal way to break up the monotony of a tedious weekday. The juicy chicken breast has a light breading that stays crisp under a mountain of coleslaw and creamy comeback sauce that oozes out with every bite. There are five spice levels that you can opt for based on personal preference, from mild to burnin (finish one of those and you’ll end up on the restaurant’s Burnin Wall of Fame). Though the fried chicken is the main event, don’t overlook the fish and chips (waffle fries here)—the beer-battered fish is flaky excellence.