The food and beer really hit the spot. Great vibes all around, the service was great, and I love the retractable roof. I'm already looking forward to coming back soon to try the rest of the menu! read more

We were told this place has gluten free fried chicken & french fries. We were busy packing & exhausted & didn't want to cook so we went here. My son & I have celiac disease. I am highly symptomatic but my son isn't. (Just FYI lack of symptoms does not equal lack of damage to your intestine) This food was absolutely NOT gluten free because both my son & I were highly symptomatic. Do not go here if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity to gluten. read more

This place is super dope!! From the moment we walked inside the bartender was super friendly greeted us and told us to order from the window in the front. While checking out the menu we were helped by Jerry asking what's good or what he recommended he gave two options of sandwiches we got one of each, and both were fire this place had a great atmosphere and I highly recommend checking them out. I will definitely be checking out the crack shack more often.! Thanks again Jerry wish we had more people like you in the industry! read more

The Crack Shack - Cali Drip Firebird - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My wife and I think this is THE BEST chicken place- hands down! My mouth is watering thinking about the Firebird. They have the crispiest, best seasoned french fries and a full self serve "bar" for a variety of sauces. If you're on the fence, do not pass on the Crack Shack. read more

The best chicken sandwich I've had and the fries were cooked to perfection! It was my first time here and the employees were helpful in explaining the most popular sandwiches. We went on a cold evening so we sat by the fireplace but I can see what a fun ambiance it would be during the day and on a warm day. Super clean! read more

The Crack Shack - Fries, spicy chicken, and katsu chicken sandwich - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Good food, everything was fresh, sandwiches are big and filling, place was clean, all the workers were friendly. Props for not charging extra for sauce. Also liked the hand washing station. Little on the pricey side. $15 after tax for one sandwich and it doesn't come with a drink or fries. read more

The Crack Shack - Firebird and Cali Drip - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Life changing chicken sandwiches I can't find enough good things to say about Crack Shack but once you eat it you can never go back. The Costa Mesa location has a back parking lot and you are able to walk into an outdoor/open seating area. I just remember it had a lot of natural light and very spacious. It has a lot of booth and bar seating, along with an upper deck that I haven't noticed before. But you can walk to the front of the cashier where the sauce bar is to order. Food Ordered: Firebird: for the spicy lovers out there, you need this. It's a spicy fried Jidori thigh with ranch, crispy onions (in the photo we got them on the side accidentally - which was a blessing in disguise), pickles (actually meant to put these on the side), and served in a potato roll. This sandwich has altered my brain chemistry since 2019 - it's juicy, it's flavorful, it's the best dang chicken sandwich I've ever had. Eat it on the tray because the sauce it's served with is generous. Since I got the crispy onions on the side I ended up dipping some in ranch and put a lot of them in my sandwich Downward Dog: this was a new item I tried with squash, cauliflower, granola, raisins, creamy, and hummus. The hummus is on the side of the bowl so I had to get a spoon and scrape it to mix with the quinoa. There's a lot of sauces including a hot sauce collection so it paired real well with the mango habanero sauce. Good to eat if you need to get away from the fried foods. Bowls are a flavorful and healthy alternative. I split the bowl and sandwich with my husband after a walk and it was perfect. The mini biscuits: great and reliable staple. The miso butter is so chefs kiss. Crack Shack, known for their amazing flavors tops it off with their sauce bar. Options include ranch (100/10), sriracha thousand island (good spicy Mayo reiteration), barbecue, ketchup, pineapple mustard ?, and more. It really elevates the meal for the sauce bosses out there Real easy to order at the cashier but I will note it was an inside order experience. It's usually outside near the big chicken statue and felt more organized that way but it was still great. Always a pleasure to eat here when I get the chance. read more

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First time here, and let me just say 10's across the board! Customer service was amazing, asked the guy taking our order what he recommended and it did not disappoint! We got the firebird and it was fantastic. Their pineapple mustard was great! Nice taste not too over powering. Place is super dope as well. Dog friendly which is awesome! Definitely coming back with our pup. read more

The Crack Shack - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Another lunch date at the crack shack never disappointed, great atmosphere great customer service dog, friendly family orientated we sat at the bar and enjoyed a nice cold glass of champagne. The food was great thank you. Be back soon. read more

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Came back for the sandwich this time, super yummy. I prefer the sandwich over the wings read more

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My husband and I got the firebird sandwich and it was delicious! The fries were SO good!! The sirrachia 1000 island sauce was absolutely delicious!! We would return! Lots of parking in rear and its border of Newport Beach/ Costa Mesa. Highly recommended! read more

The Crack Shack - Firebird Sandwich - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Today with a friend of mine went to Crack Shack and to my surprise, the food was great and served promptly by a very friendly server. By the way, potions were big and the side of sauces made the chicken more tasty to the palate. I want to give a shout-out to the GM Jerry who came to our table to see if we are enjoying the meal and if we need anything else which was very nice of him, when you go there ask for Jerry he is a friendly soul and a pleasant person to talk to. It also shows how much the upper management is involved in running the operation. I was also impressed by the cool casual ambiance, overall a pleasant experience, and I recommend that you give it a try if you haven't been there. Keep up the good work and keep serving the excellent chicken. read more

One of the best chicken sandwiches in OC! The chicken in the firebird sandwich was super juicy and flavorful with a nice crisp. They use a big thigh piece which is cooked perfectly and complemented well with the pickles and crispy onions (and I don't even like pickles). Fries were super crispy as well but a bit greasy. They do give a big portion though so it is heavy. The chicken oysters were good but nothing too special. Definitely try their various sauces as they are pretty unique. The restaurant is very open and has a nice beachy vibe to it so it's a great spot to hangout or catchup with friends. read more

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Great ambience, dog, friendly, interesting sauces that you can get on your own. Fun bathroom wallpaper.

Overpriced tiny portions. The food tastes great which keeps me coming back - only to be dissatisfied every time I go. This time I got the tenders and they are completely overcooked and crunchy (in a bad way). I think if the food was just a slightly better value I would feel taken advantage of each time I go there. read more

The foods here is decent but the service is terrible. Managers here have a bad chip on their shoulder. They don't want you to order foods to go during happy hours forcing you to eat there and order drinks from the their little semi bar. read more

Stopped by with my friend and had the best food and conversations with Jerry who brought us our food and made so many good moments to talk and laugh. My friend and I felt comfortable with him and shared some laughs. Food was so good and filling will for sure be back! read more

The Crack Shack - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I left an extremely bad review last time I tried this place. I don't exactly take it back, but rather would like to give an updated review and explain the former. The first time I tried this place I got plain fried chicken, fries, and biscuits. The fried chicken had no seasoning, quality jidori meat, and the breading was too brittle like peanut brittle. The fries I found greasy at the time and the biscuits were pretty good albeit a bit dry with a tasty butter that was outdone by standard cinnamon butter. But I gave it another shot. The chicken is still bland and unseasoned but the quality of the meat is great being jidori chciken. This time I got it dipped in a sauce-honey butter. The honey butter sauce was still a bit bland but added a delicious sweetness that made the chicken incredible. I'd imagine a more flavorful sauce could even be better. Honey butter works great though wish it was a little less bland... but that also allows me to appreciate the quality chicken meat. The too brittle breading turned in to a blessing because the chicken keeps its crunch even when drenched in sauce. The biscuits were richer and less dry this time. The schmaltz fries fried in real chicken fat didn't come across greasy this time, but rather rich and umami. Their pineapple mustard is a surprising hit and they have a good smokey bbq sauce for dipping. Overall, I improved my order and I also think this time they did a better job in preparation. I'm inclined to give a critical 4 but I'll give a 5 to compensate for the last bad review and because this is only yelp on a 0-5 scale. But I don't exactly take the last review back--my first order was disappointing and made me think the whole joint was just a fake trendy restaurant. See a lot of those these days. First order wasn't very good and it definitely came across that way. However, this time, the tides have shifted. Make sure you order right--get sauce on your chicken. That's the big shift. Without sauce it's way bland. The single best item on the menu is probably the boneless chicken thigh sauced in honey butter. Wow, that's a morsel. Normally it's for sandwiches but the filet on it's own is a gem of chicken meat. So yeah this place probably a critical 4 but a 5 for a recommend all day. I can't compare it to other, regular fried chicken. There are fried chickens with crispier breading, better seasoning, etc. But this place has the jidori goodness with the sauces and glazes. I think this time I could classify it among some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. But it's in it's own class more similar to Korean fried chicken. 5/5 read more

Quality free cage chicken in a busy restaurant so they are so fresh and tasty! The service was great even though you are supposed to go and order and pay and they'll bring it for you to your table. Everyone is friendly. The ambiance cool and the restaurant has two floors. Here is also pet friendly! Bring your pet and enjoy your chicken! There is a parking lot outside so no no worries for finding a spot! Price wise was lil bit high...For whole chicken ($38), cobb salad ($13) and a glass of beer ($10) plus tax $4.73 +%20 tip ($12.20) it came to $77.93! So if you want get quality chicken this is the place to be! The whole chicken is so big while the pieces are pretty large so think before ordering! read more

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Well, folks, I've officially traded in my suitcase for a new nest in town, and in doing so, I've managed to find myself in a new culinary territory. I recently wandered into this two-story establishment, which I'm convinced might secretly double as a 'Bird Watching' headquarters--complete with a bar ;P. Kudos for the décor; it's like they saw me coming and said, "Hey, let's make sure he has to climb stairs to burn off the calories!" The service was as warm as a fresh batch of cookies from Grandma's oven, and the ambiance made me feel like I was starring in my very own sitcom. But then came the main act: that elusive yard bird. I have to say, this bird seemed to be on a flavor diet! Maybe it was me, though, as I've been known to enjoy birds that come with a side of salty sass--thank you, Popeyes and Church's Chicken. It's not that it was terrible; it was just lacking that savory 'umph' that my taste buds are accustomed to. Alas, this bird and I won't be sharing a second date anytime soon, but I'll remember it fondly. Until then, you can find me either exploring more of what this town has to offer or missing my salty birds like an old flame. Here's to new beginnings, seasoned adventures, and the search for flavor! read more

We came on Thursday at 6PM but parking was really packed! We came specifically because we heard they had trivia nights (located upstairs) and it was a fun experience to have! They also had bean bag toss which made it feel like a family friendly place. Inside was really spacious and had plenty of seatings upstairs and downstairs. We ordered the Cali Drip, Katsu Lookin, and the fries. I thought the Katsu lookin was really filling but somewhat plain but I LOVED the Sriracha 1000 island sauce which made it really tasty! The fries also had a nice crisp. I'd love to come back and try their other food! read more

Why did you guys get rid of the downward dog?? Every housewife in Newport orders this on the reg! This was our go-to takeout with the kids meals being so well received but now having to reconsider since a staple is no longer on the menu. Kids meals are excellent and always loved by the kids. read more

Fresh food chicken was delish! Cocktails were very nice. Service was top notch. Kept checking in on us. And turned on the heater to keep our buns warm too. Will come back again! read more

Wow that Jidori chicken is so moist and almost silky in texture. The breading on their chicken is phenomenal, such a great crunch. Really flavorful sandwiches, I liked my chicken sausage sandwich (the royal chik' muffin) and my brother's the senor croque. Didn't try dad's, but he said the double peck was good. The fried chicken itself doesn't have much flavor, but that's what their sauces are for, and whew is the bbq sauce good! Some of the best I've had. Friendly staff and really clean restaurant with nice ambiance; the seating looks like a chicken coop! Super cute. Appreciated the sink in the dining room to wash your hands! You'll definitely get messy eating the chicken and sandwiches. I think their bathroom is hilarious because it's wallpapered with all their negative reviews lol. Their funny chicken pictures are entertaining too. Great place, it's not cheap, but it's a casual indulgence. read more

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Service was great. Atmosphere was chill. Cesar wrap and spicy chicken sandwich were excellent. Cookies on the kids meal were . Will come back. read more

Where to begin. First off chicken oysters? Revolutionary (I didn't try them because I'm not a fan of shellfish). Next. Lots of sauces. I'm a saucy gal & that hit the spot. I ended up choosing the firebird & it was 10/10. Very large portion so I've got lunch for tomorrow (yay). Lastly. The man who worked there in a stripped shirt who had blue eyes was super nice. He really sold the bathroom. It was worth it by the way. You should go just to check out the bathroom. Anyways. Definitely recommend! read more

One of my fave chicken place in the area. I'm glad Crack Shack opened in OC because I don't have to go to San Diego. I enjoy their fries. It's crispy and soft inside. Their firebird is also a must. Just the right amount of heat with lots of toppings. Their self served sauces is also a great addition. You can have many options. My favorites are their pineapple mustard and that bbq. Service is also great. You order and they bring your order at your table. The place is also big and spacious. Lots of TVs for you to watch sports and best of all.... Free parking. Lots of parking spaces! Definitely a must if you like fried chicken!!! read more

While the Coupe Devile can be an outstanding sandwich, recent trips to the Shack have been highly disappointing. $10 pints of IPA, for one. When you get over the sticker shock, (look at local sandwich place in HB on Adams and Beach, sell same exact beers for $7.50) ......and then receive an undercooked sandwich, twice!, and soggy fries, it's time to put the Crack Shack in the rear view mirror. I know they pride themselves on posting their bad reviews. Keep it up, and you won't have any wall to post your reviews on. read more

This place always has the best tasting chicken sandwiches I've ever had - very quite on a Sunday night but great food good selection of beers even though at the moment they did not have any stouts or porters available. The more double fried French fries are awesome nice and hot and crispy with lots of sauces to go with them. Wait staff was very attentive read more

The Crack Shack - Power Bowl with quinoa and Polla Asada - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've been here several times. The Chicken here is very good. But the cost , to me is just not worth the price. I understand the special steps they take in an attempt to make you experience the best ever. It's still a lot of Money and I have Money. That said, on occasion, I still stop by. I also Love thier Soda selection as they offer old time Sodas. Btw, if you do decide to splurge the Biscuits are a must. Fries are Hand Cut and are a must have. Y'allhollaatchaboy. read more

My husband wanted fried chicken for his bday with the family. So we dragged my family of health conscious eaters over here. We didn't expect to enjoy it as much as we did! Genuinely friendly and warm service, menu balances indulgent choices with healthy options. All delicious! The open air building is designed to spark joy: dog photo wall, fun artwork, games, sunshine, breeze, not overly loud. Everyone enjoyed their food! Thank you for a great experience. read more

Amazing food and phenomenal service and the GM was so kind and helpful and gave us free cookies. Amazing 10/10 would definitely recommend!

Bartender Manning was so nice and attentive. Offered great suggestions and educated us on the menu and options. 10/10 come sit and the bar and ask for Manning. They also have great hard seltzers, sandwiches and healthier options. Bussin'. read more

The Crack Shack - Huckleberry Seltzer and Two Towns Cider - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Foods good, but they struggle to deliver what you ordered. Hard to rate well when you don't get what you ordered.

Solid food except my son realized he doesn't like breast meat. Spicy chicken sandwiches were very good. Mild at first and then got spicer towards the end. Chicken strips are good as well and lots of sauce options. We got it delivered so can't say anything about the restaurant itself. read more

This place is HYPED up Biscuits were great but should've been offered with regular butter & or honey but you can keep the miso butter The chicken was tender & juicy HOWEVER no salt at all & when the wrong person comes across this chicken crust and cracks a tooth; stand by. I didnt think this was possible to say but the chicken batter was too crispy, matter of fact some bites tasted "stale". There were plenty sauces to chose from which was nice & they were good but just regular nothing special sauces. The Hotmess cocktail needed some sweetness to it and the bartender was on the "slow" side. Lastly, I guess y'all don't eat fried chicken with your fingers because someone was surprised when I asked for a wet nap. I did wonder what the silverware was for lol. I suggested a wet napkin and was told "I can give you a napkin & some water" whatever.... Overall not a trip I would make from LA again read more

We've been driving by for years and there was always a long line. Finally pulled the trigger. We were immediately greeted and the employee was patiently sharing the most popular dishes. Carefully prepared, soft toasted brioche bun, the napa slaw was perfect (crisp/crunchy, fresh, not overly dressed and the Fresno peppers give it a kick) and the protein, was well seasoned and cooked. Highly recommend the coop deville chicken. Their fries were amazing. They had plentiful dipping sauces for self serving. There's plenty of parking in the back and dine-in seating. We opted for take-out and the overall experience was fantastic. Happy eating my fellow yelpers! read more

Great place for good chicken sandwiches, beers, cocktails and more! Cool that they are dog friendly too! read more

The Crack Shack - Chicken Tenders - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Everything BUT the coop de ville was great. The firebird was great but I wish it was spicier!! Coop de ville is lackluster flavor wise. Fries are great and biscuits with the miso butter were amazinggg. 8 out of 10 times I'd rather go to Daves hot chicken for a spicy chicken sandwich.. Worth checking out once if youre in the area, but not to go out of your way to try. read more

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I wanted to like it but the chicken was so dry The seasoning tasted good but it didnt like stick to the chicken? hard to explain but overall was disappointed read more

The Crack Shack - family combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Costa Mesa, California