Get Cracked at The Crack Shack in San Diego
I’m going to be 100% honest… I didn’t want to go to The Crack Shack when it first opened. I felt like everyone was talking about how cool and hip it was, which made me feel like it couldn’t live up to the hype. Fast forward to last week when I finally went in and ordered lunch. And now, not only do I LOVE it, I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
The Crack Shack is a Southern California fried chicken and egg fare – located in Little Italy, San Diego. It’s the brainchild of Richard Blais (a la Top Chef) and Michael Rosen. It’s a “fast casual” eatery that celebrates everything chicken. Blais and Rosen also own the upscale restaurant, Juniper & Ivy next-door. Crack Shack is their take on J&I quality, but in a fun, outdoor environment.
Visit the Crack Shack
The Crack Shack is located in one of San Diego’s most popular and up and coming food scenes, Little Italy. Little Italy used to be home to San Diego’s tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea. Now, it’s a lively neighborhood filled with bars, cafes, breweries, art galleries, shops and restaurants. As one of San Diego’s most popular food and drink scenes, Little Italy is a great place to check out old school restaurants and new up and coming spots.
Specializing in all things chicken, The Crack Shack is a chicken restaurant concept known for its over-the-top menu items. They repurposed an old industrial metal storage shed at the intersection of Kettner & Juniper, bringing new life and energy to an otherwise dead corner in Little Italy.
They now have locations in San Diego, Encinitas and Costa Mesa, with locations in Pasadena and Century City opening soon!
What to Order at the Crack Shack in San Diego
My go to order at the Crack Shack is the California Dip – with Jalapeño Cheese Wiz. Just like in Philadelphia when you order a cheese steak, it’s important to note that you want your sandwich “with wiz”. The sandwich comes jam packed with pollo asado, schmaltz fries, avocado and pickled jalapeño on bolillo bread, served with posole broth.
Other “honorable mention” sandwiches include the Señor Croque (crispy chicken, bacon, fried egg, cheddar, miso-maple butter, brioche) and the Firebird (spicy fried thigh, cool ranch, crispy onions, pickles, potato roll)
If you’re a purist, you can also order their fried chicken – straight up.
I also recommend trying their Mexican Poutine (schmaltz fries, pollo asado, jalapeño cheese) and Mini Biscuits (served with miso-maple butter).
Looking For Other San Diego Recommendations?
LOCAL VIBE: HAMMOND’S ICE CREAM SHOP SAN DIEGO
TRAVEL DIARIES: STAYCATION AT RANCHO VALENCIA SPA
TAKE ME TO FUNKYTOWN: OVER THE TOP BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES
