I ordered sandwiches for pick up. The bun for Coop Deville was old and hard. The chicken was dry. Very disappointing as they used to be a good restaurant. read more

The chicken nuggets are always cooked to perfection with their fantastic pineapple mustard to go along with it.

Chicken fingers were good. Half chicken was ok. . Chicken salad was horrible. I expected better chicken sandwiches for some reason given the hype. read more

Great chicken! Loved the Chipotle 1000 island sauce Very cool ambience and good drink choices as well...kid and pet friendly too! read more

The Crack Shack - Coupe DeVille sandwich was delish - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Very good food and excellent customer service . I can't wait to go back :) the full bar is also a great touch. !!!! Cookie was nice and fresh too read more

The Crack Shack - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Delicious chicken, fun vibe, great for families--kids loved it! We'll be back soon. Thanks read more

The Crack Shack - SoCal Cobb Salad with Pollo Asado - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

We've been going here for years and lately it just seems to have gone down hill a little. We came for dinner last night and thankfully barely anyone was there (normally it's nuts with a very long line to order and only one register open). So since it was abnormally quiet you would think it would be clean and the staff would be more helpful. There was a young man sitting on the counter in the kitchen talking to two female employees. I felt like I was bothering their conversation to ask for a water cup. The restaurant itself was pretty dirty with the sauce station a mess, trash on and under the tables. Plus, the restrooms were pretty gross and out of toilet paper. I think you guys can do a little better just like you did in the first few years after you opened. read more

Solid chicken, delicious sauces and biscuits - the butter/biscuit combo alone makes this place visiting. Prices are higher than I'd pay, but you get good quality for the cost. Service is great and the visual design of the restaurant is pretty cool - they actually have their 1 star reviews on the walls of their bathroom. Fun place to go with family or friends. read more

The crack shack lives up to its name. Believe it or not -- this place was our first dinner as newly weds (no regrets)! Stopped by 30 minutes before closing and the food still tasted fresh. Both sandwiches, french fries and oyster chicken came out piping hot and crispy. I surprisingly liked the oyster chicken nuggies the most. I loved the texture and tenderness in each bite. They have cool sauces to dip them in. I love the pineapple mustard sauce! Not too sweet but with a tangy kick. Service was excellent and fast. I love the open space here. Looks like there was an area for kids to play as well. Lots of tvs to watch sports. read more

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When I tell you Crack Shack has the best spicy chicken sandwiches, I mean CRACK SHACK HAD THE BEST SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICHES!! I first got to try Crack Shack when the pandemic hit and they were only doing togo orders. I also went to the Little Italy location, but once places started opening up, as expected, parking was terrible here. Then I found out about the Encinitas location and I'm so glad I did because everything about this place is better! The location is bigger, there is so much more parking, and I think their seating options are much better, too. They have plenty of seating indoors, but if you're feeling like sitting outside, they have plenty outside too and there's a cozy fireplace if it's a little chilly. You order at the register in the front and they give you a number and someone brings out your order to you. I imagine that when it's busy this might not be very convenient, but whenever I've went it's never been a problem. They also have a variety of beers and drinks like cocktails if you're feeling like having a drink, too. Their fries are so crispy and they have variety of sauces you can try that I can't remember off the top of my head. I always get a little bit of each, except ketchup, because they all are unique and tasty! But the main act..... the FIREBIRD!!! I fell in love with this sandwich when I first tried it and I've fallen in love each time I've had this sandwich. I will not try any other sandwich they have (although I probably should) until I have grown tired of the Firebird. The buns are nice and soft, the chicken is so juicy, tender, and drenched in sauce. Yes, I know it's a bit pricey for a chicken sandwich but it's worth the money swearrrr. I don't care where you say has the best spicy chicken sandwich, but I know in my heart and soul, that it is Crack Shack. Every person that I have brought with me has agreed with me and I'm sure once you try it, you will too. (I've edited this review three times because I keep on thinking of new amazing things to add) read more

The Crack Shack - Firebird Sandwich & Fries - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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We wanted to love this place, but everything landed in the "just okay" zone--food, service, and seating. Portions and flavors were fine, not great; staff was polite but not attentive; tables felt cramped. With the higher prices, the value just isn't there. Not a bad meal, but not worth the cost. read more

Finally made it out and tried this place. Definitely nothing I expected. But in a good way. Parking was easy. There was ample parking because it's located at the end of a strip mall. You order outside the building by the entrance, take a number and find a seat. The self-serve soda fountain & other drinks are located at the front, right when you enter, as well as the various sauces (station). Inside, it's very airy & open. there's ample seating on benches, tables or at a long counter on the perimeter of the building. There's also an outdoor patio with tables where kids can play. Or, if you just want cocktails you can sit at the bar. Happy hour is from 3-5 Monday-Thursday. It's a very family friendly place, great for groups. Has a lively vibe. The staff are friendly, and the food, delicious! A bit pricey in that the sandwiches didn't come with anything else. So fries were a separate charge. We tried the Firebird, Cali Drip, Fries and the Mini Biscuits. I had to trade with my hubby and give him my Firebird because it was the spiciest chicken sandwich I have ever had (that wasn't Korean). I was sad because it was absolutely delicious but I couldn't tolerate the spice. But it was to my husband's liking & spice level so he thoroughly enjoyed it. The Cali Drip was delicious, full of flavor, pressed like a panini but with a torta. I dipped it in Ranch and it was even more tasty! The mini biscuits were the perfect side-almost like a dessert to us. They were more like a dense mini-roll which we loved, rather than a flaky biscuit. The miso-maple butter that came with it was alright. We would've preferred it without the miso, but it wasn't bad, just different. The only thing that was lacking was there wasn't a lot of staff around to ask for to-go containers, more paper-towel (they use these instead of napkins at the table), or even where the restrooms are (they're outside the building). Overall, it was a good experience. Definitely worth checking out if you like good chicken! read more

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Tried this spot out on the way home from San Diego. Every staff member was pretty friendly. I like that they have self seating, while still feeling nicer than a fast food spot. We went with the Mexican poutine and Ehor Senor Croque Sandwich. Both were really good. The poutine was different with the chicken, but the flavors were good. They were enough fries with the poutine that we didn't order a side of fries. The sodas were a bit different, but water is always the safe choice. Didn't try the alcoholic drinks, but they looked delicious. Wouldn't mind stopping here again to order new options. read more

The Crack Shack - Ehor Senor Croque Sandwich - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Order at the counter and they give you a number. Seat yourself and they bring your food. read more

The Crack Shack - Bar - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Visiting from Oregon, and oh my gosh! This was the best chicken I have ever had in the US. Absolutely delicious! Spend about $78 for 4 meals, and we had leftovers. This was a great experience. I have two kids with celiac disease and they enjoyed the GF chicken. The coleslaw was the only item that I totally didn't love, but it was still good. It's different, I'm used to sweater coleslaw and this one is more spicy, savory with pickles. Great staff, great everything. Thank you! read more

Love this spot. Lotsa of space. Chicken oysters are our favorite. I love getting the Downward Dog salad/bowl. My bf will usually get half chicken. Everything is so good here. read more

The Crack Shack - 5 piece Come hicken, Chicken Oysters and Downward Dog bowl - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Lovely ambience. Great fries and salads. Great craft beer and cocktails. Easy parking. Comfortable. mostly friendly customer facing staff. Very consistent chicken and chicken dishes. I love the quinoa anti salad power bowl with smoked chicken. French fries can be amazing some days. I wish they could do something about all the crazy children running around screaming like it's a video arcade. Maybe they need to put a video arcade out back to siphon their chaos away from the dining room. Maybe a quiet patio? Condiment system for sauces needs some work. Often out of the best sauces like the Kimchee . Online ordering might help ease the queue but then they would run out of tables since no hostess. Make sure to use the functional farmhouse sink in the dining room. read more

The Crack Shack - Crosswalk to giant cock. - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Please bring back the DEVILED EGGS Food and service great Ambiance is fun and unique read more

This place was way better than the Little Italy location. It's located in a plaza that's on the corner of a busy intersection and then within the plaza it's located on the corner. There's tons of traffic and it's a headache getting in and out. People turn the corner really quickly there so be mindful. It's located across from an In n Out so it's even more hectic around there. It's open seating so you order at the counter, grab your number, and sit yourself. There's room at the bar. There's room at tables. They bring the food to you. Came on a Saturday night around 630pm. It wasn't popping but wasn't dead. Seemed like a good time to go so you can feel some of the energy of people having a good time but not have to wait forever for service. Service was quick and responsive. Food came out rather quickly and was pretty solid. Above average. The sandwich was definitely better than the chicken. I ordered the Senor Croque and a half bird. Bird was a little dry. Wished they had more sauces to try but I liked the honey mustard on mine. read more

We stopped in to the Crack Shack, spur of the moment, and were delighted with great food and great service. Our server Ricky was so friendly, cheerful, and attentive. Far exceeded our expectations!! read more

My husband absolutely loves chicken sandwiches and will order one at any restaurant we go if they have one on the menu! We both were so impressed with The Crack Shack! We only had sandwiches - no sides, and we were glad we did because the sandwiches were pretty big! I had the All American Chick which was very saucy (as it should be) and had great flavor. I don't like spice, so this was perfect for me. My husband had The Fire Bird and loved the flavor + spice level. The restaurant itself was really cool with an open feel, lots of TVs, fire pits, etc. Definitely recommend checking this place out!! read more

The Crack Shack - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Overpriced Crap Service Taps always Empty Sticky tables Always Ratchet Kids making noise The "Bar Stools" were chosen to make you wanna leave quick. Pro: No Tipping required, all self service Pro: Entitled Children can steal dipping sauce Pro: Run dope in their Public Bathroom read more

Love the food... hate that the restaurant serves as a playground for wild children. I get you have kids. You want them to run out their energy. But guess what... some of us would like to eat without your children running and screaming all over the place. It's not an enjoyable ambiance. Really wish management would lock it down a bit. We were there tonight and kids were screaming at the top of their lungs playing tag right around our table. Not fun for us. read more

Great food and an awesome atmosphere. The whole family loves this place! The service was good too.

We ordered full bird takeout. I'm not into superlatives but it truly is one of the very best fried chickens I have tried. Very crunchy with no chicken odor you sometimes have with other fried chicken recipes. read more

Went for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, the sandwich was great. Loved the heat level, it was perfect. The crunch from the chicken, slaw, and crispy onions was really good oh and the chocolate chip cookie! read more

The Crack Shack - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Best fried chicken anywhere. The coleslaw too! We love the open atmosphere at the restaurant in Encinitas. Helpful, nice bar workers. Since it's a pick window, no need for servers. But the window workers and people working the kitchen are quick, efficient and friendly. Go here to eat in or take out! It's a great place for either read more

Great food, good service and nice and ample sitting areas. Family friendly. Our food took a long time hence the 4 star review but otherwise great. read more

Very cool little "shack" that serves fried chicken and other elevated chicken sandwiches and sides. You order at a window, before coming in, and then sit down with a table number and they bring you your food. The staff we all friendly and quick and overall service was 5 stars. We had the Mexican Poutine (amazing!), the Firebird Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tender Combos, and a shake. The Mexican Poutine was the stand out for us. Chunks of chicken and French fries with a creamy white cheese, cortina cheese, and some good old fashion cheese whiz. We would come back for this. Note this is a large portion so it's definitely for sharing. The Firebird chicken sandwich was nice, but I feel like the balance of spicy to sweet was a bit off. Too much spice and not enough sweet. The chicken was fried perfectly and juicy and the ranch/sauce was also very good. If I came back here, it would probably try something else on the menu ... so for the sandwich it was probably a 3 star for me. Overall a cool, fun and casual, spot to check out. We will come again. read more

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First time here in Encinitas and yelp did not disappoint when it came to finding a great lunch spot! We both ordered the firebird sandwich with their large fries and it was delicious! The sandwich is spicy, the chicken is cooked to perfection and they have these crispy onions on it that complement it so well. Most definitely worth the 5 stars! read more

The Crack Shack - Firebird Sandwich - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

We've been here before and had to come back because the chicken sandwiches are so good! We all order something different and loved every meal. They have a good kids menu selection with healthier alternatives. Everybody was so nice and quick to help and clean up. This place is great for families! They had a small indoor "grass" patch its chalk for the kids to play. They have tables right next the space. So you can enjoy your meal while still keeping an eye on your little one. read more

The Crack Shack - Indoor play patch - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

I absolutely love coming here! The chicken is always cooked perfectly, and the fries are super tasty. Their cocktails are delicious too. Sometimes the line looks long, but it actually moves pretty quickly, and we always get our food and drinks fast once we order. My absolute favorite thing here is the chicken oysters; they're a must-try! read more

The good ol' crack shake is great! Very fun and cool place that my girlfriend and I enjoy from time to time. The Firebird is amazing and their sauces are so tasty. read more

This is one of the most expensive places, it's not even a luxury restaurant, to go pay $53 for a hamburger, some potatoes and one and two soft drinks. This is very expensive. read more

Known for their chicken sandwich and it definitely does not disappoint. It's a casual place with great fried chicken and beers on tap. The French fries is pretty darn good too. read more

This is such great place There is a big variety of food on the menu The location is very easy to get to and plenty parking spots The food is super delicious and kind of reasonable The portions are good The atmosphere is a bit cold but is very comfortable They did have ceiling heaters The service is fast Overall I definitely recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a relaxing place to eat Over all I just really like their menu Great place read more

Not sure which salad I ordered, it was so good. I've also ordered the chicken tenders and they were very good too. I'm obsessed with the bar seating because it's spacious and in my opinion the best spot. You can pretty much people watch and socialize from all angles. Great place to bring the kids! Plenty of space to bring your family and friends to enjoy an early afternoon. Service is good, a little reserved, but good. read more

The Crack Shack - Back doors to outdoor seating - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Summary, in poetry form: If the beer price is high and the air temp is low, The best choice for you is to get it to go. In general, if I'm spending $50+ for a meal, I dislike ordering at a counter. This place is no exception. It's not like you're at Chipotle or something. Plus, you get to order outside in the dark and cold. Strangest thing I've ever seen. Pretty sure that the bar is full service, but everyone in your party likely needs to be 21, so that was a no-go for me. If that's not enough, the bathrooms are also outside, 'round back somewhere else. Finding them is almost like hide and seek. Prices for craft beer are around $9. That's obnoxiously high for local beer and enough to seriously discourage future dine-in visits for me. The "dining room" is like a drafty barn, complete with the compulsory roll-up door. That's cool for a summer lunch, but not on a 50 degree March evening. The upside of this quasi-outdoor setup is that bringing your dog is encouraged. I guess some of tables could be communal. We found a wobbly one with a heater pointed toward it, which was about as much as could be expected. So what's good, you ask? The FOOD, my friends, and it's generally a good value. The Fire Nugs were about the best Nashville-style chicken that I've ever had and a good value at $11. Chicken breast was fresh and juicy. I expect the Fire Bird sandwich is similarly prepared. Seasoning had a bit of sweetness to it to offset the heat, and is perfected with a little Ranch dip. Son really enjoyed his not-as-spicy Coop Deville ($13). The slaw was very good. Mexican Poutine ($13) was a large, shareable tasty portion. Since the food is a good value and if you live close enough, my recommendation is to order online, get it to go and enjoy your choice of beverages at home. In my case, personally, I live too far away and things would get cold. Especially fries, and that's a big no-no. read more

Great local spot for some good food. Semi casual. Love the spicy chicken sandwich and fries and the hot mess cocktail. Tasted like a mezcal spicy marg! Definitely will be back read more

Still amazing! Love the fire nugs. The ambiance is great, service is great. This is a regular spot for hubby and I. My hubby loves the fire bird sandwich . read more

The Crack Shack - Fire nugs and slaw! - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California