I’m glad you asked! We’re SoCal-born & raised, so our chicken, fixin’s and side cluck are influenced by our baja-proximity: a tad lighter, with more freshness, acidity, and regional ingredients. We LOVE traditional Southern Fried Chicken, but we’re not trying to cluck with something that the South does perfectly well already–we wanted to pave the way for a whole new category contender in the chicken revolution.

Often called “the Kobe beef of chicken,” Jidori (or “chicken of the earth”) are birds raised humanely on small farms in California. They’re fed all natural grains, without meat by-products, hormones or steroids. This is considered the best chicken in the world and trust us, you can taste the difference.

We’re a counter-style concept, so you order food and drinks at the front register, then choose your seat. We’ll bring everything out to your table, and grab you anything you forgot. Condiments are all on tap so, sauce yourself. (Psst..you can also perch up and order at the full service bar.)

Negative. First come, first serve, but our peeps are happy to move things around and help you find a spot to perch up. We do, however, offer event and large party options. See the Events page for more info.

You can order online in advance for to-go food, without waiting in line. However, you can’t get ahead of peeps waiting for tables to dine-in. Patience is a virtue.

Dogs (on leash) and well-trained iguanas are welcome at all coops except for Las Vegas. Service animals only on the strip (not our rules!).

No pants? No problem. Click “order now” on the upper right hand corner of your screen and select your location for delivery.

This info is required after 20 stores–and we’re not there quite yet. We do have an allergen chart, and are happy to answer any specific dietary questions via email: info@crackshack.com.

We gotchyu. Plenty of our salads, sides (including fries!) and slaws are vegan and/or gluten free, or can be made allergen-free with minor substitutions.  We also have non-fried protein options like grilled chicken, smoked chicken and pollo asado–and gluten free bone-in fried chicken at the Encinitas & Costa Mesa coops. Visit our allergen chart, or your cashier can guide you through all of these options when you order.

Our ingredients are the absolute highest quality that we can source, from mostly organic produce from boutique local farms, to artisan baked breads, housemade condiments & sauces, and antibiotic-free, preservative-free, “beyond free-range” chicken. Our pride lies in our locally sourced, high-end ingredients. We understand that this ethos may not be important to everyone, but we strive to use the same ingredients and chef-driven attitude towards the menu as we do at our original, fine dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy.

We buy our birds whole from small boutique farms with the goal of reducing waste and increasing sustainability practices by selling our them by the half and whole. We do offer boneless thighs and breasts that you can purchase a la carte.

No, it’s not because we think our food is addicting, but thanks to those who think so!  “Crack” refers to “cracking an egg”–our logo is a cracked egg meets a chicken. And our flagship location in San Diego’s Little Italy was built on a property with a metal shack, which we turned into our order window and kitchen–hence, “Shack.”

We are not your typical Southern fried chicken, but rather Southern California fried chicken. We are influenced by Southern California flavors, with Baja style poutine, slaws and salads. While we do offer some traditional sides – try our buttermilk biscuits – we strive to offer a little something different – like our chicken oysters or Mexican Poutine.

We do! You can purchase gift cards here or in store. You can purchase apparel in store, or email info@crackshack.com for mailing options.

Sorry, but no. Outside food and beverage is not allowed by health code!

Happy Birthday!

A chicken oyster is CHICKEN and comes from the chicken’s lower back–think the back love handle area. It is a small, tender piece of dark meat chicken, often known as the chef’s favorite part! And there are only two per bird, so they are quite the delicacy.

As with all of the items that leave the kitchen, the sauces contain zero preservatives that would be required to make them last more than a few days. These kinds of additives are outside of our ethos, so it’s sauce bar or bust for now.

A bird never shares its secrets. We are independently owned and do not foresee becoming a franchise, but for further information on growth opportunities, feel free to email info@crackshack.com

Likely never.