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The Crack Shack

4.1 (5.9k reviews)
Closed • 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Order The Crack Shack Takeout or Delivery

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THE CRACK SHACK ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise
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Recommended Reviews - The Crack Shack

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Firebird
Joyce L.

Atmosphere and vibe was chill and the cocktails were tasty. The food on the other hand was a bit dry and the fries were extremely oily unfortunately. I couldn't finish my food because of that. There were other items on the menu that I wouldn't mind trying next time if I'm. In town.

Fern H.

The Crack Shack in Little Italy absolutely delivered. This is one of those spots where the food looks ridiculously good when it hits the table, and somehow tastes even better. The fried chicken was the star of the show. Super crispy and crunchy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, with a ton of flavor in the seasoning. You can tell they know exactly what they're doing with fried chicken here. The chicken sandwich was excellent too: massive piece of crispy chicken, pickles, sauce, and a soft toasted bun. Salty, spicy, tangy, rich... everything worked together perfectly. one of the better fried chicken sandwiches I've had. And DO NOT sleep on the fries. Thick-cut, crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned. Exactly what you want alongside fried chicken and an ice-cold IPA. The Little Italy location itself is awesome. Open-air patio, plenty of sunshine, laid-back San Diego atmosphere, cold beers, and just an all-around great place to hang out with friends or family while absolutely destroying some fried chicken. Great food, great atmosphere, great location. Better ingredients, better chicken, poppa Crack. Easy 4.5 - 5 stars. Take it or leave it MOFOs

Power Bowl
Jenna F.

Good place to eat at with great vibes and music! There's a lot of different menu options and there's also a bar. I personally think that their fries are some of the best. I usually will order the "Little Pecker Combo" or the "Jidori Tender Combo." The service is great and the staff is very friendly. I don't know much about the other menu options. I'd say it's good for the chicken and fries, but I got the "Power Bowl" once to try something different and it was alright. Bonus points for being open late!

Coop Deville and Firebird
Elisa L.

We came for a Sunday lunch around noon and there was no line to order but it got busier after. Tons of tables to choose from on an outdoors covered patio. Service was friendly and brought out our food and helped us clean up. I got the Coop deville and it was nicely crispy, tender and juicy. It was kinda bland but okay with ranch. Kinda pricey but it was huge that I couldn't finish it. Fries were crispy but a bit salty and spicy.

Salad and Family Flock
Tiffany H.

Cafeteria style. Order at the counter then find a seat. Family friendly. They have a separate bar for drinks. Ate here many years ago. Food was still delicious. Got the family flock and a salad which had a really great Pablo avocado dressing. The fried chicken was so moist and Crispy. I don't normally like cole slaw but liked the flavor of it. The biscuits were served with a flavored butter as well which was delicious. The chicken tenders had a thin batter and were ok. Fries were great but a little salty. Loved the salted chocolate chip cookie as well. Overall great experience.

Chicken sandwich
Vlad K.

The atmosphere is great. They have multiple different fireplaces which make this place extra cozy. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. From the beginning the service was great and we were greeted with a smile and a positive attitude. Next the food. It was great. The menu was big and had lots of options on it from a salad to chicken tenders. Food came fresh and very tasty. Highly recommend visiting this place if you are in the area!

Jessica A.

This place was so delicious!! Nice location with lots of seating. Relatively easy to find parking. Service was fine. I absolutely would go back again. Moist chicken with fresh accoutrements and delicious fries.

Cesar wrap
Angela G.

This is one of my sister's favorite chains, and she was excited to try out this location. We were on our way to a concert, and this was a great afternoon meal before our day out. We got the cesar chicken wrap, friend chicken, fries, coleslaw, biscuits and a bloody mary. My favorite items were the biscuits and the chicken. The chicken was well seasoned and I like that they use jidori chicken. The wrap was good, it was just a little heavy on the dressing. The biscuits are soft and have a good flavor. I didn't really like the fries though. Overall the staff was nice. But the bartender was really nice and welcoming. This location is all outdoors. Parking can be challenging as it's mostly metered or in the structure. I'll definitely go back when in the area.

Firebird
Edward S.

The Crack Shack in Little Italy is the flagship shack. Next to the barn, the large open air patio with communal tables is a fun place to unwind. If you are interested in a creative chicken sando spot with more than just a couple options, this is the place. Firebird: The ingredients are top notch. They start with a big plump Jidori chicken thigh. Known as the wagyu of chicken, the fried Jidori chicken has tremendous flavor, and is firm and juicy. Also, extra points for chicken thight - always. There is a hint of spiciness which they balance with a cool ranch sauce. The potato roll is the best bun for a sandwich, nice, dense, and spongy. The crispy onions and pickles seal the deal. As a sauce lover, this is my happy place. They have a rotating assortment of delicious sauces, perfect for dunking every single bite. Parking: You may have to circle a bit, but you should find a spot on one of the side streets.

Power Bowl
Caresse J.

Good service! Food was tasty too. This is a covered outdoor eatery with a full bar. They have happy hour as well. After you order, you can seat yourself anywhere. I ordered a power bowl and my honey had the Cali drip. Both were so full of flavor. There is metered parking right in front. The wall art is witty, I like it!

Adonis M.

This a great outdoor location that you can find in the wonderful Little Italy. The food was great, the service was fast, and the vibe was relaxing. The chicken sandwich was crunchy and flavorful, but it was not spicy one bit. I believe that the restaurant should allow its customers to choose a spice level. That is the point of the hot chicken, but it was still perfectly enjoyable. The great thing is that they are not stingy with the sauces and have a sauce bar where you are not handcuffed to small packets of sauce you get elsewhere. If you want to watch a game and grab a drink too, they have a bar area and they also have a small area where kids can play. Definitely a great spot.

Wynesha K.

Update update: I reached out about my visit and expressed my concerns and Victoria who was super kind and was very concerned, reassured me that this would something that would be discussed with the kitchen staff. This reassured me that this establishment genuinely cares about their customers and are good people. This left me not feeling like another order number on a receipt but a customer who is valued. Thank you for being kind, hearing my concern and responding back. Update: Aww man!!! You know when you find a good thing you hope it's not too good to be true.... Well, let me just say that today's visit in Aug 2026 wasn't a good one. Came back with the expectations of my last visit which was my first. Came here ordered what I got last time and service was extremely slow. I watched the family in front of me and the person in the back of me get their food 25 minutes before we got ours. Then when we did receive our food the fries looked as if they had been cooked twice and sitting in oil. You know the bottom of the fries that get all the access grease yea.... Imagine all your fries that way.... I took them back immediately and show the gentleman who passes out the food, he looked at it and apologized. I asked him how long it would take before I get some more and he said about five or 10 minutes. So I took my chicken and he took the Fries. Now anybody who knows me, knows I wanna eat my food together. I don't want my food separated. I didn't order it separate. I didn't pay for it separate I just wanna eat it together. I waited for 10 minutes with one chicken strip left and they tried to make it up, but it was almost just as bad, as they gave me a little extra fries, but they were all just like the ones that I had given up. The fries on top seem to be fresh and the ones midway through and down were just as bad if not worse than the first batch as these had more burnt ones in them. I'm not sure what's going on in the kitchen and I can't say there was a line as most people had already gotten their food and were dining. I just think that there might be a disconnect in the kitchen. The ambience was OK. The tables initially needed to be wiped down, but that might've been due to just a high volume of customers finishing their meals and leaving and the turnaround. I'm hoping that this might've just been this experience and I didn't get too excited my first visit. Im definitely disappointed this visit and it may be a little bit before I come back. I have pics but I'll spare you the detail as I think you get the picture. Initial Review July 2026. Not sure what happened to my initial review where I had given this establishment five stars. Great customer service, food, and atmosphere were top-notch. Prices decent and a great place to take the whole family, just dine with a group, or just a cool date night. Patio area with bar and small game area of corn hole. The area can get a little chili in the evenings but they have heaters to keep the customers comfortable. The vibe is cool here and I stated that I would definitely give this place another visit.

Caesar's Chick Wrap
Lena K.

Just ordered the Caesar's Chick Wrap with fried chicken. At first i thought $16 was a bit high for a salad wrap, but once i got it i realized it was definitely worth it! That thing was huge, at least the length of my forearm. I could barely finish half. It was also delicious. I love the burst of citrus from the lemon and the chicken was perfectly tender. I will be ordering this item again!

Firebird is my go to, with extra pickles

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The Crack Shack Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Crack Shack

Do you still have the bocce court?

Hi there, we no longer have the bocce ball court, and instead have corn hole and other games for kids!

Hi there...do you have Take-Out or Delivery?

Hi Ramon. We have both! You can order via online, on the phone, or through a delivery app whichever you prefer. You can do both here: https://order.toasttab.com/online/the-crack-shack-little-italy

What forms of payment do you accept?

All the usual forms, I think they even take Apple Pay.

What kind of meat do you use in your burgers?

Hi Daniel -- different sandwiches use different cuts of chicken, from thigh to breast to pollo asado. You can swap out the meat if it doesn't already come with one that you prefer, and can also make any sandwich grilled instead of fried! Feel free… 

Do they have a Happy Hour?

We don't have happy hour--we consider every hour happy :) We offer a range of prices on our menu, and all are reflective of our sourcing practices (which support purveyors in our local communities!).

Do you still serve pozole?

They didn't have it last time I was there a few weeks ago.

Did the firebird become much less spicy recently? It used to be really hot...

Rudy, the recipe for the firebird has not changed since day one! That said, peppers DO have a seasonality, so there are times of year when the spice factor may change, but it should never be too drastic. If you ever think there are inconsistencies… 

Are dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area?

YES! We encourage it :)

Is there a close parking lot?

Hi Maryann, there is an ACE parking lot on the corner of Hawthorne and India. Our sister restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, also offers valet right next door. Hope this helps!

Do you have any low sodium options?

Hi Casey, thanks for reaching out! If you're looking for low sodium, I would go for any of our non-fried options. Any fried piece on a sandwich can be replaced with a grilled chicken breast. We also have a variety of bowls, like the downward dog,… 

Do they take reservations?

We do not! We are counter style service, so you order up at the front, take a number, and find the seat of your choice. We're always around to help with seating if it gets a bit busy. Hope to see you soon!

Is fried jidori chicken mixed white and dark?

Hi Susan, great question! All of our chicken, fried and otherwise, is fresh from Jidori Farm, and some of the best quality you can imaginne. In terms of fried, we have boneless breasts and thighs available, as well as bone-in chicken served in… 

Can you substitute the sunny side egg on BAE with scrambled egg?

Of course! That's a great hack :)

Do you take reservations for outdoor dining?

No reservations, we are counter service style on a first come first served basis—but there is room for everyone!

Besides the Firebird which is listed as thigh meat, are all the other chicken dishes chicken breast meat?

We do have sandwiches that start with a breast instead of thigh, however, you can modify any sandwich to be a breast or a thigh, grilled or fried, tossed in sauce or plain. Just let us know what you’ll like and we’ll make it perfect for you :)

What does it mean to make a sandwhich double?

Two chicken fillets in the sandwich.

Is this place still open for outdoor dining now that CA has required restaurants to close for dining in?

Yes, we are entirely outdoors so remain open for safe dine-in, as well as takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery :)

Open during COVID-19?

I don't know

Do you open on Thanksgiving? Thursday and Friday?

We will not be open on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday), but will be open every other day that week and weekend. We hope to see you!

Hello is this location kid friendly?

Extremely! We have a Lil' Cluckers menu that kids love, as well as lawn games. Bring the kiddos!

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Big Front Door - Inside of the chicken salad sandwich special

Big Front Door

4.4(923 reviews)
2.2 mi
•$$

Great place! I got the tuna melt and it was fresh. Beware places that only use tuna/mayo spackle…read more But this is not that kind of place! I can tell by the red onion it had chopped and mixed into the tuna. That doesn't store long so I can tell the tuna has a fast turnover rate. Their sesame noodles are fantastic too! A must try. The other person got the wasabi roast beef sandwich which they loved as well. Both sandwiches had the right balance of bread/fillings. Stoked I found a new sandwich spot. Service was friendly and prompt.

I stopped by here this past Monday for lunch as part of a party of eight. We were in Balboa Park,…read moreand I was looking for a fast-casual type of place when BFG came up, so we headed on over. This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with giant menus on the wall inside as well as a cooler case. You place your order, and then they bring it out to you. We decided to sit inside, so while I think the outside tables may have had fire pits, I can't actually confirm that. My daughter and I ended up getting there first, and she was hungry, so I ordered the Basic for her while I went with the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Mine was described as roast chicken, Point Reyes blue cheese, Fresno chili hot sauce, red onion, carrot, cabbage, lettuce, garlic aioli, and ciabatta, while my daughter's was described as a fluffy three-egg patty topped with cheddar cheese on ciabatta. Service was pretty quick, and I think we had our food within about ten minutes of ordering. My daughter enjoyed the egg sandwich and almost completely finished it by herself, which is saying something. The cheese was melted nicely and had a good pull to it. Then my chicken sandwich ended up being pretty good as well. The chicken was tender, and the hot sauce was flavorful, albeit not as spicy as I was expecting from a Fresno chili hot sauce. I also enjoyed the slaw and aioli and thought the ciabatta was solid as well. My wife also enjoyed her sesame chicken salad here, especially the chicken, while my son ate some of his kids' grilled cheese. The bottom line for me is that I would stop by here again in the future. Our food here was good, and I appreciated not only the fast-casual nature of the restaurant but the price as well.

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Big Front Door - Ordering area

Ordering area

Big Front Door - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Big Front Door - Checkout area

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Checkout area

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits - American classic

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits

4.5(923 reviews)
2.9 mi•North Park
•$$

Coming back to send my love to my favorite sub place…read more I've sadly moved to a different part of town so Fatboy's is no longer a few blocks away. I still try to stop by every few months as this place holds a special place in my heart. A no frills spot. Solid and consistent. To the point but friendly customer service. Fantastic drink, chip and snack selection. Sandwiches are always bomb asf. The hot momma and BLT loaded up is my favorite. My husband still loves their Ruben (it is his favorite place to get it.) You get a small potato or macaroni salad on the side with a pickle (perfect crunch.) I personally think it's a great little add on. Their chili is also simple but delicious. I personally think their chili pairs perfectly with any of their sandwiches. It's not a heavy thick chili. Which is why I think it pairs so well. I won't lie it's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. It's loaded up and good quality. I never feel gross or overly bloated after eating here. I will be coming back to Fatboy's until I move out of San Diego or die. lol. One of my favorite gems in SD. Always will be worth the drive or walk. Thank you for always delivering even years later.

I really like the sandwiches here, and that I can get craft soda and Cravory cookies while I'm…read morethere. I also like that the sandwiches come with a macaroni salad or potato salad. I used to frequent Fatboy's because it was close and convenient for a long time, but I am rarely able to visit anymore... parking is a bigger challenge every day in North Park, and finding even a 15-minute spot takes way longer than the drive for me now (but the walk is too far to pick up a quick meal). Today I was down the street for something else so decided to order a sandwich. I was excited, then my jaw dropped when I saw the price increases. It's $18 for the North Park Club now, with no extras. I already had a hard time justifying $15 for a sandwich but I'm officially, 100% priced out now. I know it's not necessarily on the business owners; rent is exorbitant in NP, profit margins are small in the food service industry, and operating costs are high. Our city is eating itself alive, but thank you for the years of sandwiches!

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Fatboy's Deli & Spirits - Tons of beverage/soda/beer options

Tons of beverage/soda/beer options

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits - Good meat, but nit a lot of it

Good meat, but nit a lot of it

Fatboy's Deli & Spirits - Outside.

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Outside.

Mona Lisa Italian Foods - Mona Lisa Italian Foods

Mona Lisa Italian Foods

4.2(2.3k reviews)
0.2 mi•Little Italy
•$$

I've been to Mona Lisa so many times I've lost count, and I absolutely love it here!…read more Food: The Deluxe sub has my heart. I add mustard and pepperoncinis, and seriously, it's the best sandwich ever! Everything tastes so fresh and flavorful, with the perfect combination of meats, cheese, toppings, and dressing in every bite. It comes with oil and vinaigrette, which really bring all those flavors together. The bread has the perfect crunch without being too hard and holds up beautifully without getting soggy. It's also HUGE and easy to split! If it's just you, save the other half in an airtight container or bag in the fridge. In my experience, it's just as good the next day, and the bread doesn't get soggy. I've had this sandwich countless times, and it consistently hits the spot. I've also tried the spicy soppressata sandwich and really enjoyed it, but I always find myself going back to the Deluxe. We grab pasta salad when we pick up our sandwiches, too. It's a favorite of mine and rounds out the meal perfectly! Service: Service at the deli is always quick, and the cashiers are friendly and efficient. It's easy to stop in, grab our food, and be on our way. Ambience: It's a true Italian deli with a market and a full restaurant attached. I still need to try the restaurant! There's a parking lot in front, which is convenient, but spots can be very limited on Friday and Saturday nights. That's Little Italy parking for you, though. Some of the toughest in San Diego! One of my favorite sandwich spots, and somewhere I'll happily keep coming back to!

Food: Their deli sandwiches are delicious! All of the ingredients were fresh and I didn't…read moreexperience any hard bread as some reviewers have shared. Be sure to take a number when you first walk in (unless you pre-ordered). When your number is called, you will place your order. While I waited for my number to be called, I noticed items such as gelato, Italian candies, imported cheeses and more available for purchase in the deli. They also had an array of different wines and cheeses. - Restaurant Side- My husband and daughter chose the restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, it seems to be more cafe style. They offer great lunch specials! During another dining trip here, we ordered a pizza that was made with fresh cheese. So delicious! Service: could use some improvement, but not horrible. Location: this restaurant is located on a busy corner in the area known as 'Little Italy' in San Diego, CA. Outdoor seating and parking spaces are limited.

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Mona Lisa Italian Foods - Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich

Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich

Mona Lisa Italian Foods - Main entrance

Main entrance

Mona Lisa Italian Foods - Mixed container of Italian cookies

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Mixed container of Italian cookies

Gaglione Brothers

Gaglione Brothers

4.3(1.2k reviews)
6.1 mi
•$$
Locally owned & operated
22 years in business

Ok, so we door dashed food from this place and the driver mixed up the pickups, so we got incorrect…read moreorder. I called the restaurant explaining the issue, which they were quick to respond. They remade the cheesesteaks and I went to pick them up. Apologizing profusely, they again explained the situation w/doordash. Annabelle, Alex and Andrew-showcased how customer service should be and their quick remedy was excellent!

After a six-hour tattoo session, I had earned two things: a cheesesteak and absolutely no judgment…read moreabout the amount of food I was about to eat. Being from Philly, I take my cheesesteaks very seriously. Probably more seriously than a reasonable adult should. So when I finally tried Gaglione Bros. in San Diego, I went in hopeful. First, the good stuff. The staff was wonderful, genuinely friendly, the place was clean, and there were plenty of options. They even had Amoroso rolls and fresh-shaved prime rib. On paper, we were speaking my language. But whenever I try a new "Philly cheesesteak" place, I order my first steak plain. No cheese, no onions, no peppers, no hiding behind toppings. If you want to call yourself a Philly steak shop, the steak and bread should be able to stand on their own. Unfortunately, this one didn't. The meat was heavily salted and peppered, surprisingly dry, and every couple of bites I was pulling out pieces of fat. And nothing makes you question your dining choices quite like discreetly removing a piece of steak from your mouth in public. For me, a great cheesesteak has balance. The meat should be tender and juicy, with enough seasoning to bring out the beef rather than overpower it. There should be a little richness from the griddle, the steak juices, and everything cooking around it. Then you add the onions, mushrooms, peppers, cheese or whatever your particular Philly allegiance demands. This steak just didn't have that softness or heart. It honestly reminded me more of the tourist cheesesteak experience in Philly. And my fellow Philadelphians know exactly what I mean when I say that. A real Philly cheesesteak isn't complicated food, but that's precisely why every part matters. The bread matters. The meat matters. The griddle matters. And somehow, when someone really knows how to make one, you can taste the heart in it. Would I try Gaglione Bros. again? Probably not for the cheesesteak. The people were great and the place itself left a good impression, but the steak didn't. Mostly, the experience just left this Philly girl Jonesing for a long weekend back home, a walk down South Street, and a cheesesteak from that place. If you're from Philly, you already know which one I mean.

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Gaglione Brothers - Garlic Cheez Fries

Garlic Cheez Fries

Gaglione Brothers - The General, hot Pastrami, fresh coleslaw, Swiss and Russian dressing

The General, hot Pastrami, fresh coleslaw, Swiss and Russian dressing

Gaglione Brothers - Make any sandwich a salad

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Make any sandwich a salad

Giorgino's - The Works Cheesesteak

Giorgino's

4.3(1k reviews)
2.3 mi•Golden Hill
•$$

This is a staple in the golden hill neighborhood. The seating outside and inside is comfy. Everyone…read moreknows this spot for the Philly cheesesteaks which are fire. You'll see a lot of different awards and what not posted on the walls. As a locally owned business, the people there are always friendly and the service is quick. The prices aren't too shabby. If you want to catch some good food and the game... you've got your spot.

cool, bartender, they were polite and knew the menu, the food was decent. I don't feel I have to…read morehave another one. The spicy fries were fun little different. Remind me of this flavor. We don't use much anymore, but I couldn't quite place it not really spicy just there. they use the standard jalapeños for spice, which I would think a specialty shop like this would've had you know spicy peppers. looks like it would be a good place if you had a party to have a little area for you guests. Going in if it's your first time might be a little confusing because there's a tacos shop right there and that looks like where you would go in Giorgino's door is a solid gray that you would think would be like a back door or maybe an old school speakeasy so it's blink and end up in the taco shop. For one person, I was shy of $30 I guess I would've expected more in the way of the actual food either more flavor it would be more sandwich. More fries, more flare in the actual dish.

Photos
Giorgino's - Register

Register

Giorgino's - Egg Roll Sandwich

Egg Roll Sandwich

Giorgino's - Award

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Award

The Crack Shack - newamerican - Updated November 2026

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