Shy Bird is a cafe mini-chain known for rotisserie chicken and relative affordability. The Fenway location is its most recent, which opened in February, joining others in Kendall Square and South Boston. This location is bustling all day long, and with a full bar and multiple menus, suiting just about any occasion.
What to order
- The SB Dunks ($10 for six pieces, $16 for 12 pieces, $23 for 20 pieces) have a cult following. They’re like fancy nuggets: fried extra-crispy with buttermilk brine, herbs, and spices. Dunk them in one of four sauces ($1 each): pecorino ranch, spicy bird bath, chipotle barbecue, honey mustard, or sweet-and-sour. I recommend ordering a sauce flight ($4) and trying them all; it also works well with the rosemary-pepper fries ($8.32).
- The big chicken salad ($17.63) is a great way to pretend to be eating well while actually inhaling something delicious. It uses the rotisserie chicken (or substitute with fried chicken) with bacon, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all slathered in a tasty honey-mustard dressing.
- For a big appetite, try the piri piri chicken ($22.83), the half-chicken lathered in a tangy, spicy, and smoky piri piri sauce. It’s the only rotisserie chicken option that comes with fries.
The vibe
The Fenway location is a mix of young professionals from the nearby lab spaces and students cramming for exams. During the day, folks are either hunkered down to work or in and out during lunch breaks. In the evening, the cocktails begin to flow with more of a nightlife feel.
Insider tip
Shy Bird runs a remote work program during weekdays. For $20.75, you can camp out with your laptop and enjoy bottomless coffee, tea, or espresso beverages plus
a breakfast or lunch of your choice. The Wi-Fi is strong, and you can borrow office supplies like extra monitors, phones, and computer chargers.
