Best Fried Chicken In San Diego

Fried chicken is an undeniable staple of American cuisine, it’s a comfort food that we all know and love.

But finding good, and we mean, real good fried chicken, is often a hard thing to do.

Fried chicken has to be crunchy, yet tender and juicy inside, and packed with tons of flavor, we’re not asking for much, are we?

San Diego is no stranger to delicious food hotspots, and of course fried chicken is included in that (Also check out the Best Fried Chicken In Las Vegas) (Also check out the Best BBQ In San Diego).

Although the San Diegans eagerly awaited the arrival of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles so much that it came into fruition, there’s tons of other places scattered across the city that make just as good fried chicken, if not better.

With this in mind, we’ve found quite a few places that do some quality fried chicken, so you can curb those cravings you may have.

Miss Kim’s By That Good Boy

This rustic BBQ eatery is full of soul with an upbeat vibe. You’ll feel right at home as you walk in, the atmosphere is friendly and the food is plentiful.

Miss Kim’s does a wide variety of different foods, but of course the fried chicken is a stand out here.

Upon looking at the menu, you have a choice of country-fried chicken thighs that are either served with cornbread, or waffles and two sides.

Or you can have these deliciously fried chicken thighs as a sandwich option with a brioche bun.

And if you’re in a rush, or don’t feel like eating in, they offer takeout, so that you too can experience their delicious fried chicken.

The Crack Shack

San Diegans love this fast-casual hotspot in the heart of Little Italy, and it’s no surprise why since the fried chicken is out of this world.

Seriously, they give Chick-fil-A a run for their money.

The flavor in these fried chicken sandwiches is next level, it’s crunchy and crispy on the outside, but tender and savory on the inside.

There’s also 6 sauces available to compliment the fried chicken, they also have specialty flavors like honey butter or sweet heat that are seriously tasty.

The Crack Shack’s ‘coop’ is completely open air, so you can enjoy the SoCal sunshine, whilst feasting on their delicious chicken.

You can also wash it down with one of the many craft cocktails they make or local beer.

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

Bonchon was already a well established eatery in South Korea, and since its opening in Convoy Street, it’s been as popular as ever.

The best thing about the fried chicken here is that it’s twice-fried, hand battered and insanely crispy, it comes with a soy garlic or spicy glaze, which add even more delicious flavor to the crispy bites.

There’s a wide range of fried chicken to choose from here, it’s hard to settle on just one meal.

The chicken wings are best-sellers, but the chicken strips, drumsticks and boneless wings are just as delicious.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Serving cajun-style fried chicken, this eatery is perfect if you love a spicy kick to your fried chicken.

Their chicken is well known for being flavorful, as well as juicy and tender, and of course, like their name says, crispy and crunchy!

You can get a variety of fried chicken here, whether it be wings, tenders or a crispy chicken sandwich, as long as you like cajun, you’ll love the meals here.

And what’s more, the combos they do here are excellent, giving you a fulfilling lunch or dinner.

Rhythm’s Chicken And Waffles

This was San Diego’s first chicken and waffles restaurant, before Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles made an appearance.

Chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food, and Rhythms Chicken and Waffles sure know how to do it well.

They’re known for their famous chicken and waffle sandwich, which is delicious, flavourful fried chicken between a tasty Belgian waffle topped with cheese and bacon.

If that’s not got your watering at the mouth, I don’t know what will.

Make sure to call ahead when ordering here, as the takeout window is always super busy as locals adore this place, and it’s easy to see why.

Streetcar Merchant’s Chicken Bar

This place is well regarded as one of the best fried chicken spots in San Diego (Also check out the The Very Best Thai Food In San Diego).

There’s a wide variety of different flavors that this eatery offers, from Nashville hot to sweet honey, and there’s tons of fried chicken dishes to choose from on the menu.

The southern fried chicken is next level, seriously it’ll be like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.

They also offer twice-fried Korean style fried chicken that is packed with flavor and of course, you have your pick of sriracha mayo and sweet Korean BBQ sauces (Also check out the Best Korean BBQ Atlanta).

Common Stock

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated place to eat at, but don’t want to compromise on the flavor, Common Stock is for you.

They do tons of nostalgic plates that are prepared beautifully, and much different than you’ll be used to, but the surprise dish here is the fried chicken.

You wouldn’t usually think that a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant would make good fried chicken, but here, it’s absolutely tantalizing.

The fried chicken can be ordered as a sandwich or hot chicken. The sandwiches here are delightful, and are served with muenster cheese, buttermilk slaw and bacon.

But their Nashville hot chicken is on another level, served with creole buttermilk slaw or cheddar waffles, it’s heavenly.

Final Thoughts

San Diego is rife with so many different kinds of fried chicken eateries, whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat in a fast-casual restaurant, or a sit down in a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant, you don’t have to compromise on flavor since they’re all so delicious.

These eateries are all amazing in their own right, with each of their fried chicken dishes having something much different to offer than their competitors.

Whichever one you decide to eat at, there will be something for everyone in your party.