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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Marina Del Rey
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.
Hours
Monday10:30am - 10pm
Tuesday10:30am - 10pm
Wednesday10:30am - 10pm
Thursday10:30am - 10pm
Friday10:30am - 10pm
Saturday10:30am - 10pm
Sunday10:30am - 9pm