Mark SkinnerTracking down the best fried chickens in San Diego is honestly one of the tastiest missions you can take on around here.
The local food scene is packed, so you get everything from classic Southern crunch to bold, glaze-heavy Korean wings that hold their own against the popular wine tasting spots in San Diego.
Different neighborhoods bring their own spin on poultry, and the quality keeps climbing. So whether you want a fast weekday lunch or a full weekend food crawl, the spots below deliver that perfect crunch every time.
How much does fried chicken cost in San Diego?
Fried chicken in San Diego typically costs around $10 to $70+ per order, depending mostly on how many people you need to feed. A quick solo combo sits at the low end, while a family bucket or a big multi-side feast lands near the top.
| Meal Type | Price Range |
| Single sandwich combo or tender basket | $10 – $17 |
| Half-bird or medium boneless box | $21 – $25 |
| Whole chicken or family bucket | $35 – $45 |
| Large multi-side feast | $50 – $70+ |
1. The Crack Shack
Website: https://crackshack.com/
Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd
Contact: (877) 230-1835
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Stepping into this open-air coop in Little Italy feels less like grabbing lunch and more like crashing a backyard party.
The Crack Shack serves up Southern California-style fried chicken, and the crunch is genuinely impressive. The house-made sauces add a great kick to every bite.
On our last visit, we ordered some fried chicken and hung out by the lawn games, which made the whole meal feel relaxed and easy.
They use premium, locally sourced ingredients from boutique farms. They even have a gluten-free quinoa-flour option, which is a nice touch if you avoid wheat.
The place is also co-owned by Top Chef all-star Richard Blais, so no wonder the food is impressive.
The one catch is that there is no dedicated parking lot, so you will have to hunt for street spots before you eat.
Customer Reviews
Food is great
Their ambiance and food is great. Love their baja chop salad, fried chicken and biscuits are delicious. This is one of those rare spots that is equally great for adults hoping to enjoy food and drinks, as well as families with children. It is pet friendly.
- Luz Pinto | Google Review
Chicken is incredibly juicy and moist
Great place for plane watching. I’ve had some of the best fried chicken ever in my life at Crack Shack. Chicken is incredibly juicy and moist and the sides are also great complement to the mains. They also have very tasty and innovative cocktails
- Arman Hussain | Google Review
2. Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Website: https://www.crossstreetcnb.com/
Address: 4403 Convoy St
Contact: (858) 430-6001
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
If you want a dramatic crunch with a cold drink on the side, this Convoy hub is where a lot of locals end up.
Cross Street Chicken and Beer puts a Southern spin on traditional double-fried Korean chicken. It was founded by husband-and-wife duo Tommy Nguyen and Grace Chi, along with flavor master Wilson To.
They use a soda water and cornstarch batter that gives the wings an impossibly light, shatteringly crisp texture. You also get 13 different flavor tosses, so it’s easy to land on a favorite.
It’s a great place to unwind after a long day, especially if you like checking out local breweries in San Diego.
The only real downside is the limited parking at the Convoy branch, so it helps to come during off-peak hours to lock in a spot.
Customer Reviews
Best fried chicken in San Diego
Definitely get the Korean Fried Chicken. All the sauces are amazing. Best friend chicken in San Diego so far. Pro tip: don’t go with a white shirt 🤦🏻♂️ Parking was easy, staff was friendly. Atmosphere could use an upgrade but nothing bad at all.
– Peter Farsai | Google Review
The fried chicken is very good
I am a return customer. They are always busy but worth the wait. The fried chicken is very good and some of the best I’ve had. When I visit other wing places I am dreaming of Cross Street. Seoul Spicy is definitely my top favorite but beware it kicks. But you can wash it down with a variety of beers or beverages. Indoor and outdoor seating. Comes with slaw on the side. Service has always been prompt and good. Will be back.
– EmilyisHappy | Google Review
3. bb.q Chicken Convoy
Website: https://bbqchicken.com/
Address: 6061 El Cajon Blvd, Suite 4
Contact: (619) 432-1013
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
If you like a lighter, more traditional crunch, this globally loved Korean spot is worth a trip.
The kitchen at bb.q Chicken Convoy focuses on authentic Korean fried chicken made with a careful hand-brushing technique. They fry everything at lower temperatures to lock in the juices while keeping the skin grease-free.
You get a lot of flexibility too, since you can order whole birds or boneless portions.
Their sauce lineup includes authentic flavors like Gangjeong that will keep you coming back.
A friend of mine swore their Secret Sauce was the best thing she had ever tasted, and after stealing a bite, I immediately understood why.
The main catch is that everything is fried fresh to order, so you should plan on waiting at least 20 minutes for your food.
Customer Reviews
It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a casual meal. I tried their signature golden fried chicken, and it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a deliciously savory flavor. The spicy wings had just the right amount of heat and were incredibly tasty. The side dishes, like the pickled radish and coleslaw, complemented the chicken well. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better.
- Bao Nguyen | Google Review
Absolutely the best Korean fried chicken
bb.q is a bit expensive, but it’s worth the money. It’s absolutely the best Korean fried chicken I’ve had. We always get some Rose Ddeok-Bokki too. The rice cakes, fish cakes and sauce are delicious. Inside the store they always have multiple TVs on with some Korean shows and K-pop music show performances (the kind you find on Samsung TV). The staff is always great.
- Mark Haller | Google Review
4. Ali’s Chicken & Waffles
Website: https://alischickenandwaffles.com/
Address: 1139 Sixth Ave
Contact: (619) 635-1269
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Anyone chasing pure comfort food will love the massive plates at this welcoming diner.
Ali’s Chicken & Waffles pairs classic, crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles and serves it all in hearty, family-friendly portions. They also run a solid halal-friendly breakfast menu, which makes it a popular morning stop.
The casual dining room is built for hanging out with a big group of friends. Plus, the all-day breakfast means you can grab pancakes or a loaded breakfast burrito alongside your chicken whenever the craving hits.
That said, fans of traditional bone-in pieces should know this spot strictly serves boneless options. But if you love tender, juicy strips piled high on a fresh waffle, it absolutely hits the spot.
Customer Reviews
Fulfill your fried chicken cravings
Perfect HALAL spot to fulfill your fried chicken cravings. Super friendly staff and reasonably priced menu. If this is your first time there, try the 2 strips combo that comes with 2 chicken strips (super moist), soft waffle and fries. I loved the sweet and salty combo. Oh yes, don’t forget to order their Thai tea! Good job guys!
- Saad Nasim | Google Review
The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
Ali’s chicken is a must try! I was absolutely blown away by their spicy chicken sandwich! The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and had the right kick of spice. Don’t even get me started on the fries – they were golden, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. Definitely one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I’ve had so far. Can’t wait to go back and try more from their menu!
- sesen t | Google Review
5. Main Chick Hot Chicken
Website: http://www.eatmainchick.com/
Address: 4705 Clairemont Drive
Contact: (858) 352-6312
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Anyone who chases heat will feel right at home at this energetic neighborhood chicken joint.
Main Chick Hot Chicken grew out of a busy ghost kitchen and a popular night market stand. The team specializes in customizable Nashville-style hot chicken.
You can dial in your heat from a totally calm “No Spice” all the way up to the intense “Supreme” level.
They also package meals into easy combos that mix hefty sandwiches and crispy tenders, so ordering is simple. The crinkle-cut fries are perfectly seasoned, and the atmosphere brings real energy to the meal.
Just know the menu is pretty streamlined, focusing almost entirely on tenders and sandwiches. There are also very few alternative sauce options, so it’s not the spot if you like a long list of dipping choices.
Customer Reviews
This is one of my favorite
We have quite a few places in San Diego that serves fried chicken, but this is one of my favorite. They have five different levels of spiciness, and they cook the chicken just perfectly. It is crispy on the outside, and perfectly moist and juicy inside.
- Darryl Gordon | Google Review
It’s so worth it
Absolutely delicious fried chicken. Im talking maybe top 5 I’ve had all time. It’s on the pricier side but man, it’s so worth it especially if you only come once per month or every other month.
- Gray | Google Review
