Go Go Bird

This stall inside Culver City’s Citizen Public Market serves mouthwatering gourmet fried chicken that delivers just a touch of heat—or none at all, if that’s more your style. Inspired by chef Brandon Kida’s childhood in Los Angeles, the deep-brown crust mimics that of classic, all-but-disappeared Pioneer Chicken, but the Japanese-leaning marinade nods to Little Tokyo with white soy, kombu, shiitake and bonito flakes. Finally, Go Go Bird invokes Chinatown by finishing off the chicken with Sichuan chili oil and a light dusting of chili pepper. The end result? An extremely craveworthy, only-in-L.A. fried chicken that’s worth trekking for—and navigating the traffic congestion and confusing bus lane configurations surrounding downtown Culver City.