Did you know that San Diego serves some of the best fried chicken? The Union Tribune has listed 25 restaurants that serve the best fried chicken in town! We chose OUR top 10 from their list! Which are your go-to restaurants for fried chicken?
1. The Crack Shack “Chicken comes a multitude of ways at this stylish outdoor eatery, but the best is the signature fried chicken plate. Five pieces of juicy, flavorful Jidori chicken (organic, free-range, California-raised) are dredged in a tongue-tickling secret seasoning and fried to a not-too-thick, not-too-crunchy finish ($15). Make room for the buttery biscuits or sample the creamy chicken oysters, served on skewers. 2266 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. $7 valet parking. (619) 795-3299 or crack-shack.com”
2. StreetCar Merchants “This trendy North Park corner cafe serves some of the finest fried chicken anywhere. Prepare to wait a half-hour for the made-to-order dish, but we promise it’s worth it. The savory, almost bakery-fine crust has a nice salty crunch, and there’s zero grease underneath. The Mary’s free-range chicken is juicy, sweet and tender. There are twice-fried Korean and Nashville hot and spicy varieties, buy my money’s on the traditional Southern Fried, which can be dressed up with a honey pecan glaze, if you like. 4002 30th St., North Park. (619) 546-9010 or streetcarmerchants.com”
3. Carnitas Shack “Most diners come for the pork on chef Hanis Cavins’ menu, but the Fried Chicken Sandwich is a nice diversion. The juicy and flavorful chicken, raised cage-free at Tzaddik Farm in Alpine, is served on a fluffy Amish bun with house-made tri-pepper marmalade and chive aioli. $8.50-$9. 2632 University Ave., North Park. 12873 El Camino Real, Del Mar Heights. carnitassnackshack.com”
4. Rakiraki Ramen “Chef Junya Watanebe’s chicken karaage (a traditional Japanese pub appetizer) is unfortunately addictive. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and curry extract, then dipped in egg batter, rolled in wheat starch and fried in canola oil. It’s ultra-tender and savory and has a saft but satisfying crunch. The house dipping sauces (ponzu and spicy mayo) add some kick. A $6.25 starter order will feed a hungry crew. 4646 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa. (858) 573-2400 or rakirakiramen.com”
5. Tender Greens “The Southern Fried Chicken is surely the most fattening thing on this healthy eatery’s menu, but it’s also the best. Ultra-tender boneless white and dark meat is marinated in buttermilk and rolled in a savory seasoning with rosemary and thyme. It’s available as part of an entree spinach salad or plated with mashed potatoes and small side salad. $11.50. Multiple locations. tendergreens.com”
6. Tiger! Tiger! “Brunch-lovers swear by this tavern’s sumptuous twist on chicken and waffles. Fried Mary’s chicken is layered over slices of beer-battered, house-baked brioche French toast and served with sides of maple syrup and Sriracha-honey butter. Mmmm-mmmm good. $13. 3025 El Cajon Blvd., North Park (619) 487-0401 or tigertigertavern.blogspot.com”
7. Waypoint Public “Waypoint’s Chicken & Biscuit is one of the best (and heartiest) breakfast sndwiches in town. Buttermilk-marinated fried chicken is served on a square house-made cheddar-garlic biscuit topped with fried egg, applewood bacon, arugula and a drizzle of spiced maple reduction sauce, with a small side of herbed potatoes. $13. 3794 30th St., North Park. (619) 255-8778 or waypointpublic.com”
8. Sister Pee Wee’s Soul Food “For more than 50 years, Sister Pee Wee (the petite grandma Barbara Harris) has been serving homestyle fried chicken along with a handful of other daily specials at her folksy Logan Heights lunch counter. Pick your protein off the whiteboard on the wall and in 10 minutes it arrives with rice, country gravy, a side du jour (hopefully candied yams) and your cchoice of water or punch. The chicken is simple, with a very light crust and mild seasoning. Meals are $10 and cash only, and they’re closed on Sundays. Doors open at 11:30am and stay open until the food runs out. It’s chicken like Grandma used to make. 2971 Imperial Ave., San Diego. (619) 253-6455 or sistersoulfoodca.com”
9. Crispy Fried Chicken “This popular soul-food takeout shop isn’t much to look at, but its light golden-fried chicken is sweet, tender, piping hot and not too greasy. The shop’s a bit run-down, but that doesn’t stop the customers who continuously arrive for fresh cornbead, catfish and fried livers and gizzards. 4919 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. (619) 582-3938 Crispy Fried Chicken”
10. Chicken Charlie’s FRYBQ “Although it’s better known for its deep-fried Twinkie and Snickers booth at the San Diego County Fair, Chicken Charlie’s is the master of quick-service fried chicken. The chicken is high-quality, the seasoning is not over-powering, and the deep-brown crust is divine for those who like a lot of crunch. Word to the wise: The best side for the two-piece meal ($5.99) is the onion rings. 5407 Balboa Ave., Clairemont. (858) 279-1111 or chickencharlies.com”