Where to Get Your Fried Chicken Fix in San Diego

By Bryan Kittman | December 29, 2019

Juicy, crunchy, and savory. Fried chicken has it all, and that’s why it’s America’s favorite comfort food. If you’re looking to dig into some quality fried chicken, here are the place you need to visit in San Diego.

The Crack Shack – Encinitas 

This fast-casual dining spot is a favorite amongst San Diego locals, serving up some serious fried chicken sandwiches that will have you forgetting all about Chick-fil-A. Each piece is savory to the bone, with a top-notch crispy crunch. Dunk them in one of the six sauces available, with specialty flavors like Honey Butter or Sweet Heat.

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Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken – Kearny Mesa 

Korean-style fried chicken is a delicious spin on the usual fare, laying on a variety of flavors and heat profiles. Bonchon chicken is twice-fried to order and glazed with soy garlic or spicy glaze. Take your pick from chicken strips, drumsticks, or boneless wings.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken – Balboa Ave 

Serving up Cajun-style fried chicken, this joint is known for serving juicy and flavorful chicken. They offer wings, tenders, and a crispy chicken sandwich served in convenient combos making for a stellar lunch.

StreetCar Merchants Chicken Bar – North Park 

Purveyors of fine fried chicken, StreetCar Merchants has no boundaries on the many different flavors they offer. Customers can enjoy Southern fried chicken or twice-fried Korean style, served with a variety of sauces including Sriracha mayo and sweet Korean BBQ.

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Crispy Fried Chicken – National City 

Locals have no reason to be going to KFC when this fried chicken joint is in town. There’s no special fluff here, only good old fashioned fried chicken, seasoned to perfection for a reasonable price. Buy a bucket of 15 mixed pieces for just $20, and for a few more bucks, you can add on homestyle side dishes like mac & cheese, sweet potato fries, or cornbread.

Chicken Charlie’s FRYBQ – Balboa 

If you’re a fan of some fried Buffalo wings, then Chicken Charlie’s is the place to be. Enjoy reasonably priced hot wings tossed in house-made sauces, or grab a Fried Chicken plate with freshly made waffles.

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