The best chicken sandwich I've had! (Yes! Even better than chik-fil-A) I tried The crack shack in downtown for the first time a few years ago and it was amazing. When I saw they opened one in PB I was thrilled since I'm in the area quite often. The chicken sandwich was just as good as I remembered it to be. Very big sandwich worth the price tag. I honestly had to take half of it to go because I couldn't finish it. They have a sauce bar, I loved the mustard and ranch the most. I got the coop deville and the slaw was perfect and I don't usually like slaw. There is plenty of seating and some lot parking available. Not to mention it's just steps from the beach. Service was also very kind and quick. Highly recommend 5/5! read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

We visited the new Crack Shack in San Diego on opening day and had a wonderful first impression. We even met the owner, who was genuinely kind and welcoming. We told him we would absolutely come back to support the business because we wanted to see them succeed. Unfortunately, our return visit tonight was the complete opposite experience. After arriving, there was essentially no service or acknowledgment, so we quietly decided to leave. As we were walking away, one of the employees actually chased us down outside. All I said was, "I wish you luck with your new business." Instead of handling the situation professionally, the employee confronted us and scolded us with, "Why are you being so rude?" That completely caught us off guard. We had not raised our voices, complained, or caused any scene whatsoever. We were simply disappointed customers trying to leave respectfully. What confuses me most is how a brand-new business trying to build a customer base could treat supportive first-time customers this way. First impressions matter, but so do second chances -- and sadly, this experience ensured we won't be returning. read more

Really loved the ambiance and feel of the restaurant, but I didnt love the chicken Caesar wrap. Not bad, but it was lacking the proper fillings! Load that thing up so there's more structure to the wrap. Still good enough to come back, and they have some fun drinks which I look forward to trying. read more

The employees are fantastic and the the venue is also a very nice and comfortable place to enjoy food. With the food unfortunately me and my friend that had our meal were a little disappointed. We got are tenders tossed in spicy sauce for flavor but when served the only taste we got was oil and bland chicken. All it really need was something as simple as salt or pepper to give it a little flavor. But instead to improvise we had to use the provided sauces to compliment the tasteless chicken. Hope in the future maybe the establishment might be able to figure a way to enhance the flavor of the tenders. read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

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I stopped at the Crack Shack for the "Coop Deville" fried chicken sandwich with all the fixings. The sandwich came on a toasted brioche bun and with juicy jidori chicken breast. The fried chicken sandwich was very delicious. The chicken was crispy on the outside, even with the thin crust, and tender and juicy on the inside. I liked the Fresno Chili's on the Napa cabbage slaw. The gave the slaw a good flavor. The lime mayo was great and you can't go wrong with tasty pickles with a fried chicken sandwich. I would say the brioche bun could have been toasted a little more. The you lady at the counter was very nice. She was in good spirits when I visited. The place was well organized and clean. read more

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BEST. FRIES. EVER!! This joint is pretty interesting because a majority of it is outdoors (with heaters of course!) and one small indoor seating area. The workers were super nice even though my friends and I were definitely all over the place & asking tons of questions / accidental sauce spills! Can't remember the name of the guy working there, but he was super helpful & nice!We chose this place at random because my friends and I were craving some chicken fried sandwiches, but honestly, if you get anything at all, make sure you get an order of the fries! They are so perfectly seasoned with a little bit of salty, spice and sweetness + they say crunchy for SO long. They also have a sauce station where you can have unlimited ranch, bbq sauce, ketchup, honey mayo & one other sauce that I can't remember off the top of my head, but it was super sweet and tangy too! I ordered the chicken sandwich w/ the honey burger, which pretty greasy but overflowing with ranch, coleslaw and pickles, and also absolutely gigantic. I had to eat half there & finish the rest afterwards! I thought the sandwich itself was just alright, didn't love the seasoning bc it just felt heavily caked on, but the chicken was nice and crispy. My friends both got the chicken patty sandwich, which they said was tasty, but didn't love the texture of since it was soft and pasty. I would totally return back if I was in the area! read more

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Such a great addition to PB! I love the location in Little Italy, but it can be a bit hectic when it comes to parking and this location has an attached lot! You can walk up and order, or they have a self serve option as well. Lots of tables outside which is amazing to enjoy the San Diego sun. My go-to is the Baja Chop, and I added grilled chicken. Not sure if the prices went up, but I probably wouldn't do that again since it was an additional 7.50$ and the portion was pretty small. I have the app and was able to get a free cookie. Love this place! read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Chocolate chip cookie - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

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This was the first of many more meals at this location. It was a convenient meeting spot suggested by a local because he knows I like GOOD fried chicken. I devoured the Katsu Lookin Chicken sando. It was prepared with panko crust, aioli, shredded cabbage on a potato bun. The meat was moist, the breading was light, flavorful, crispy, crunchy and not greasy. It was love from the first bite. Sauce: I added Pineapple Mustard to enhance the flavor. A+ My side dish was cole slaw that was incredible. I am not one to rave over a "simple" cabbage salad; however, this recipe tops others because of the dressing (lime mayo), plus minced pickled Fresno chili and sliced pickle chips. A+. The condiment and utensil station was a self-serve area with dipping sauces (Sriracha, Ranch, Pineapple Mustard, and Sweet BBQ). They proudly serve free-range, bone-in jidori fried chicken and it's Gluten-Free, available for putchase as a combo with hand-cut fries, whole bird, or half-bird. Menu boards are large with descriptions of each item from breakfast, sandwiches, salads, power bowls, to a children's menu (Little Cluckers) and beverages. I was more than satisfied and pleased with the service, quality and taste! The restaurant has ample patio dining and a small parking lot. Sincerely, Rosemary read more

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Now I know why they call this place the "crack" shack! Once you try it you are hooked, addicted whatever adjective you want to use if ya know what I mean The chicken here is so moist, tender & tasty! Fried is crunchy & crisp on the outside and very tender on the inside without being under cooked. The chicken sandwiches are yum! The salads are also very good. In fact, I don't think anything you order here will disappoint! Great service. Order at the counter, get a number and when it's ready it will be brought to your table. There is a condiment station that's is also stocked with to-go boxes & paper bags if you can't finish your meal. Generous portions. *Parking lot is small read more

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When I'm really craving Crack Shack, man it hits the spot! Other days I am really picky and the meat seems a bit dry for me but I'd say 9/10 times Firebird is my tried and true. read more

The Crack Shack in Pacific Beach is an absolute 5-star experience every time I go. If you're looking for incredible fried chicken with a creative twist, this place delivers in every way. First off, the chicken is just different--in the best possible way. It's crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor that you just don't get at most chicken spots. Everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully made, and you can tell they really care about the quality of their food. One thing you absolutely cannot skip are the chicken oysters. They are ridiculously addictive. Perfectly fried little bites of chicken that are tender, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating. Every time I order them I tell myself I'll share... and it never happens. The shakes are also amazing. Thick, creamy, and the perfect sweet finish after a savory meal. Pairing one with their chicken makes the whole experience feel like the ultimate comfort food combo. On top of the food, the customer service is fantastic. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and keeps things moving even when the place is busy. The atmosphere is laid-back and fun, which fits Pacific Beach perfectly. Great food, awesome shakes, addictive chicken oysters, and excellent service--The Crack Shack in PB is a must-visit if you love great chicken. read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Kid friendly, the extremly picky Leo Perez loves this place, loves the cookie monster milkshake - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

Crack Shack's Coastal Coop on Mission Blvd is a fun spot with great vibes and even better chicken. The open-air setup is perfect for a sunny day, and I loved that the patio is dog-friendly. TVs everywhere make it easy to catch the game while you eat. I tried the Firebird sandwich it has spicy Jidori thigh with cool ranch, crispy onions, and pickles on a soft potato roll. Perfect balance of heat and flavor. The Jidori Tender Combo came with five seasoned tenders and crispy shack fries is a solid choice if you want to sample their fried chicken straight-up. Music was upbeat, the atmosphere was lively, and the staff were friendly and provided quick service. Looking forward to trying one of their shakes next time. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area! read more

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Comfort food craving = activated. For context-I'm recovering from a gnarly injury, so comfort food is like my love language right now. I wanted to give this spot a shot after reading a few reviews. First off-this spot had me at the non-GMO chicken + locally sourced ingreditents. Love that! The staff was super sociable and informative. There's tons of outdoor seating, perfect for the fam or just hanging out with ur peeps. It stays open until 10 pm. Their chicken sandwich was perfectly seasoned and yummy. Their bowl was loaded with fresh greens. Their fries were delicious.  Their dishes are easy to share. I would recommend their big flock of chicken/fries/mini-biscuits/bunch of other stuff, it is basically happiness on a tray. Overall 5 stars. read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow! I had no idea what I was expecting when I came here but this blew me away! The fried chicken is so juicy and the crack dust is fantastic. The servers are super friendly and it has a super awesome vibe with plenty of seat outside plus tv's that have sports! They have a full sauce bar and they also serve alcohol. This place is bussin, would recommend! read more

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These were the most pathetic wings I have ever had. I have seen more meat on a pencil. Some pieces didn't even have enough chicken for a single bite. They were burnt, flavorless, and honestly embarrassing. If I were the owner, I would be mortified to serve these to anyone. These were not wings. They were a cry for help. Save your money, save your appetite, and choose anything else on the menu. read more

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Great spot for a fried chicken sandwich! We came in after reading some reviews. It's casual style, you order at the counter, they give you a number and he food is delivered to your table. The Firebird was delicious with spicy fried chicken thigh, crispy onions, pickles, ranch dressing on onion bun. The Coop Deville was also delicious with fried chicken breast, pickled Fresno chilies, pickles, Napa cabbage and brioche. I had a few bites of both and they are equally delicious! The condiments station is perfect - we tried all but the ranch sauce. The Sriracha 1000 sauce was our favorite! The bathroom wallpaper is funny! Go check it out! read more

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PB is the latest location of The Crack Shack franchise as the ownership razed a former sushi joint and taco shop along the main drag near the beachfront and constructed a new building with plenty of seating and some on-site parking spaces. The grand opening was earlier this month, and I was surprised that it wasn't very busy during my visit. The outdoor patio areas were less than half full, and there were even fewer customers in the inside dining room. The menu boards seemed to be the same as the Little Italy branch, however it has been a while since I visited that OG location. I picked two of the sandwiches for my to go order, the Sunny 'Daise and the Katsu Lookin'. The first was made up of chicken sausage, maple hollandaise, sunny egg, and American cheese on an English muffin. The second consisted of a panko breaded chicken cutlet, umami aioli, purple cabbage slaw, and namasu pickles on a potato bun. I liked the breakfast sando better because of the runny egg that made it gooier to eat. The crunchiness of the cutlet was very good though. The preparation time for my order wasn't lengthy as a server brought the food within 15 minutes to where I was waiting with a numbered placard. I enjoyed my experience at this newest branch of Crack Shack to give a four star rating. read more

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honestly, everyone in San Diego knows this food is fire. I wanted to complement the service I had tonight. And I should have ask the person's name, that's on me. The nicest human being greeted us and took care of us tonight. Very tall, braids 1/2 up 1/2 down, some really nice gold face piercings. This person radiated joy. I rolled up on my knee scooter to pick up a togo order but we decided to stay to eat our food. They were just kind and helpful. Got us our food, brought it over for us, got us some extra sauce, checked on us, and wished us well and me to heal up. I just really loved their vibe. Thank you! read more

Literally the best spot for a chicken sandwich after the beach. The PB vibe is so chill and the food is 10/10.

Went here on a Monday afternoon, around 4 pm. It was empty, so it was easy to find seating. I usually go to the Encinitas location, but this one was closer so we went here instead. There is a private parking lot, but we parked on a nearby street. Next time, we will use that parking lot! We had the Crack Shack app, so we got the free Firebird sandwich ($14.50) with a purchase. I got the Mexican Poutine fries ($14) while my friends got the Cali Drip ($14) and the Jidori Wings ($11) with honey butter. The Firebird sandwich was still as yummy as I remembered (it had been over a year since I last had Crack Shack). The crispy onions and pickles added a nice crunch, and the fried chicken breast (I substituted the fried chicken thigh) was juicy. The Mexican Poutine fries were good! The fries were crispy and seasoned well. The cheese, chicken, pickled jalapeños, and pico de gallo made the fries even better! I'd definitely get it again. The Jidori wings were good, but I was disappointed with the quantity, as it was like 6 small wings for $11. I probably wouldn't get it again considering the price. The sriracha 1000 island sauce was still as good as I remembered, and they have to-go boxes and bags at the sauce bar. Very convenient! They have both outdoor and indoor seating, and they have a sink near the cashier so you can easily wash your hands without having to go to the restroom. Overall, I'd definitely come back for my fried chicken fix. read more

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Food was ok, Vibe is great. Outdoor open air seatings with sauce station. But service from server was terrible... read more

This place was amazing. Very kid friendly, good food, good vibe for the family. The only nitpick is the drinks were just ok.

Chicken was dry and stringy and tasteless. Ironic. Everything else was ok-ish kind of.

Food was great! The cookie butter shake was amazing. Staff was super friendly and helpful. I would definitely eat here again when in San Diego. Food is pricey though lunch was 105 dollars for me and the family. I was on vacation so when in Rome however they say it but I wouldn't normally spend 105 dollars on lunch. To each there own but give em a try read more

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The service was fast and friendly as usual. Got the cookie butter shake and mini biscuits with the Senor Croquet and it was delicious but in grand total it's $38 with tip. The music has the vibes you can watch the sunset bring your dog to the patio and enjoy really good food. As long as the cookie butter shake stays on the menu we will return the ice cream is from afters so that helps with it being delicious. Didn't get a cookie this time but I recommend it. read more

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Hmmm.... Love the downtown location but ho hum in Mission. Same menu but a very different vibe and there's just something about take out fries that just doesn't work well. Chicken is fantastic! read more

Happy to see Crack Shack in PB! Lots of seating and an adjacent parking lot. Attentive staff. Food and service was on par and pleasantly surprised they worked out any newly opened kinks. Seating area is nice and clean and ample! read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Part of outdoor seating - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

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Got the flock meal, unfortunately, two pieces of chicken were undercooked. When we asked the staff, they told us the chicken wasn't bleached? See my pictures and judge for yourselves. Red and rubbery is raw in my book. read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Raw chicken? - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

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I had the Katsu Lookin' back in June and it was a horrible sandwich. The meat was dry and hard around the edges, was the slaw too wet and quickly made the bread ultra soggy, the pickles weren't tasty at all. I had visited the Little Italy location twice and the food was exceptional in both visits but this one was dreadful. read more

It had been several years since I last visited a Crack Shack, mostly due to having moved away for some time. But having come back to San Diego, I began craving it again. I had vague memories of Chicken Oysters and juicy, well seasoned chicken sandwiches. And so I went to the Pacific Beach location (it was also my first time at this one). The location is in a cool area, around all the other busyness of PB. It makes use of the outdoors which is great as well. When I entered, I was immediately greeted by a friendly team member who was named Fay. She helped me take my order, giving her recommendations on not just the food but the sauces I should use as well. I took her advice and helped myself to the many sauces and sat down at a table. It was not long before I got my meal: the Katsu Lookin' Sandwich with some extra maple butter, and a side of fries. The fries were genuinely so addicting, honestly among the best seasoned fries I've ever had. The chicken sandwich was also really good, and thought the maple butter is not normally a part of this particular item, I will say it worked nicely so I'm glad I got it :) Fay made sure to check in with me during my meal which I really appreciated. After I was done, I went to wash my hands at a conveniently located sink. Overall I would say this was a wonderful experience and I will certainly be back! Thank you read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Katsu Lookin' + Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

Crack Shack is honestly one of those places that surprises you in the best way. The chicken is insanely bussin, super flavorful, and just feels like it was made with way more care than your average spot. Every side actually tastes like something someone put thought into, not just filler. The vibe is relaxed but still feels put together, the kind of place you can come with friends and know you're getting something legit every time. And I have to shout out Fay, who took care of us and did a genuinely swell job. Super friendly, helpful, and made the whole experience even better. Overall, Crack Shack just nails it. Great food, great atmosphere, and the kind of meal that makes you want to come back the next day. read more

Excellent food, lots of flavor and hand-battered chicken. My favorite sauce was the sweet bbq sauce and a side bottle of the Carolina Reaper, the HEAT! Service was just as good as the food! Ryan and Brady were killing it. Wiping down tables, checking on us, and running food out. Hustling. We really appreciated the service. Lastly, great music, great environment in general. Lots of seating. Will be back! read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Five piece chicken, well seasoned and well cooked! - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

Excellent food, outstanding customer service, and we love the outdoor/indoor vibe. The food is always fresh and served quickly. The Mexican poutine fries are without a doubt my favorite--there is so much flavor to them. We also love the firebird sandwich, bone-in chicken with honey butter sauce, and the coleslaw which has a very unique combination of pickles and red jalapeño chili peppers--delicious! The best part about this place are the one star reviews used as wallpaper in their bathrooms. Hilarious and very entertaining! read more

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Went here on a whim while looking for food after walking around Pacific Beach for awhile. We needed something quick to take to go on our next stop. I wasn't too hungry so I got a kids chicken strip meal which was pretty big for the price. It came with a drink and I got some homemade lemonade which slapped and it came with a huge chocolate chip cookie which I devoured. I tried pineapple mustard for the first time which was very interesting. It's a place where you order outside and there's some TVs in the outdoor seating area which was nice. Very cool vibe to it with all the decor, and service was very friendly. I wouldn't say the service was fast but it was reasonable. I definitely recommend if you want some good chicken. read more

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH EVERRRR!!! IM OBSESSED WITH THIS RESTAURANT! Every single bite is so flavorful!! 10/10 service is awesome! And the place a block away from the beach I love to go orders and eat it at the beach! Ambiance good!! read more

The Crack Shack - Pacific Beach - Firebird - Chicken Shop Near Me - San Diego, California

Loved the Cali Drip! I got it with no bacon mayo and it still was delicious. I plan on going back soon with my friends. Never heard of the place until I spotted it while near Mission Beach. 5 stars forsure! read more

Food quality was good got two different kinds of chicken sandwiches. I feel like if you're local to the area I give the place a go regularly but someone that's a distance. I probably end up going to Dave's chicken. Respectfully read more

Service was good at the to go window. Food was expensive and nothing special. We spent $60 for two of the least expensive meals, fries and rolls and a tip. We both ate well but normally we have left overs the next day but we tossed everything we didn't eat.. One of the worst things about this place is that it displaced a wonderful taco shop where $60 would have fed us three times! read more

Waaaaay overpriced and the food was mediocre. Also, the eight foot tall painted aluminum chicken out front isnt bolted to the ground, it is wobbly and is an accident waiting to happen. read more

We had a busy vacation day. We were tired. We were hungry. We had a hangry kidlet. This place was perfect. Good fries. Good chicken tenders. Nice crunchy coleslaw (really good). Loved the pineapple mustard. Excellent lemonade and root beer. Outdoor seating. Nothin' fancy. Happy campers. read more