Lovebird Gluten Free Fried Chicken + More Opens in Fairfield

There’s a new fried chicken restaurant in town and it’s not like any other. 

Last summer Lovebird opened its first Connecticut eatery at 2385 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield on the heels of four successful Pennsylvania restaurants (Blue Bell, Bryn Mawr, Doylestown and Newtown.) 

Stephanie Wilson Paulson, a long- time friend of founder John Ordway, decided to bring the restaurant to Connecticut and thought Fairfield to be an ideal location. 

Lovebird is unique in that it is a celiac-friendly, gluten-free* restaurant that describes itself as a high quality chicken restaurant changing the way fried chicken is done, and redefining the way people are eating fried chicken. Free of GMO's, antibiotics, and unpronounceable ingredients, Lovebird uses only Gerber’s Amish Farm cage-free chicken for their made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and quinoa bowls, with vegetarian and vegan options. Diners shouldn’t overlook their sides, crispy Brussels, fried pickles and mac and cheese, all – of course – gluten-free! 

But don’t let the term gluten-free intimidate you if you aren’t. These flavorful, tender yet crispy birds appeal to everyone. Although there is seating for dining in, Lovebird is predominantly a take-out eatery. 

The food here is delicious and everything is made from the freshest ingredients and locally sourced whenever possible. The coleslaw is crisp and vibrant, the mac and cheese is decadently creamy and the fried pickle chips are truly the best I have ever had with a crunch that is unrivaled. (If you’re ordering them for take-out toss ‘em into the air fryer for a hot sec -  oh my God! Yes, they’re really that good!)

Now, let’s move on to the chicken. The chicken is some of the most tender, crispiest chicken I have ever had. Each mouthful bursts with flavor and none has the greasiness you often get when you bite into fried chicken.

The menu here is fairly extensive and there’s truly something here for everyone. Let’s start off with the sandwiches where you can select from fried, miso-garlic grilled or tofu – yes, vegans and vegetarians, there’s even something for you!

The Lovebird features Lovebird sauce, slaw, pickles and Bibb lettuce, while the All Natural features smoked bacon, tomato, mayo, avocado and Bibb lettuce. The Baja Bird comes with chipotle mayo, queso fesco, pico de gallo, cilantro and Bibb lettuce. The Buffalo Blue Bird is topped with Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese and slaw. There’s also the Rancher Bird with onion jam, bacon, cheddar and Bibb lettuce. Oh which to choose! And if for some reason none of these are your (onion) jam, you can create your own sandwich and customize it to your liking… Now, that actually sounds like a lot of fun!

Whether you’re ordering a sandwich, popcorn chicken or pieces, you must add an order of their tasty fries and pickle chips – did I mention how ridiculously good those were?

Kids LOVE their popcorn chicken and you can pick up a bucket to bring home – you’ll be the most popular home on the block if you do - just don’t forget to include their signature sauces which include the Lovebird, honey mustard, spiced honey, spicy buffalo, chipotle mayo and sweet chili. 

Now last and certainly not least there are the Lovebird salads -  and they are GOOD. 

There’s the Kale Caesar with gluten-free croutons and shaved Parmesan,  

I had The Bella – a spring mix with grilled asparagus, shaved beets, pumpkin seeds and a scallion vinaigrette. I added the fried chicken as my protein… because when in Rome. The salad was delicious! There are bowls made with quinoa for those who prefer.

Lovebird is a terrific family-friendly option for lunch or dinner for families constantly on the go, or for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

LoveBird 2385 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825 (203) 275-8219