The Crack Shack - Little Italy

The Crack Shack Is Expanding, Plus More New Openings in San Diego - Eater San Diego

"A fast-casual chicken chain featuring lawn games, a large-format video wall, and a menu including Jidori fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and bowls." - Candice Woo

Where to Eat and Drink in Little Italy

"Spot the giant rooster in Little Italy and you’ll find the flagship location for this chicken empire. The all-outdoor space includes tables, a bocce court, and cornholes. The menu features fried chicken and chicken sandwiches, made with organic Jidori chicken from small farms. The brainchild of the team behind Juniper & Ivy, the casual chicken spot has grown from the original Little Italy location to additional spots in Encinitas, Costa Mesa, and Las Vegas." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang

The Crack Shack Celebrates Eight Years in Little Italy | Eater San Diego

"Born in San Diego, the Crack Shack now has outposts as far-flung as Utah and Las Vegas and is celebrating the eighth anniversary of its Little Italy debut with a weekend-long party starting Friday, November 10; specials include loaded fries topped with chicken thigh al pastor, seasonal boozy milkshakes, beer from Societe Brewing Co., and giveaways for the first 50 customers (fanny packs on Friday, koozies on Saturday, and reusable tote bags on Sunday)." - Candice Woo

"The Crack Shack From Top Chef: All-Stars winner Richard Blais comes this Little Italy favorite, a fast-casual spot specializing in humanely raised chicken and eggs. Here, the fried chicken is crispy and not too greasy, and sandwiches like the Malibu Barbie Q (chicken thigh, cornmeal onion ring, pineapple mustard) are addictive. An almost entirely outdoor spot, the Crack Shack features a walk-up window, bocce ball court, and cocktail bar. For something more traditional, head next door to Blais’s second concept, Juniper & Ivy, where you can enjoy an ever-changing menu of seasonal shared plates.From time to time, the restaurant hosts a Farm Dinner centered on a special ingredient like lamb from a local purveyor, making for one of the best splurge meals in the city."

Essential Restaurants for Casual and Work Lunches in San Diego - Eater San Diego

"In 2014 Crack Shack put Little Italy on the map for something that wasn’t Italian food, and San Diego’s diners have been grateful ever since. This crowd favorite continues to serve its crispy, juicy chicken sandwiches, bone-in jidori fried chicken trays, and veggie-laden bowls to hungry lunch (and dinner) patrons in two whimsical locations: the original, on Kettner Boulevard, and a second spot in Encinitas, just off Interstate 5." - Roxana Popescu