Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Mac and cheese and fried chicken in San Diego

A meal that balances fried chicken and mac and cheese without one of them feeling like a neglected side dish.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 1
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 2
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 3
View all
Chicken restaurant

Small, unassuming spot offers Halal southern cuisine with a selective menu focused on chicken and waffles. Atmosphere feels intimate and neat but can be scary to some. Popular for tender chicken paired with unique sauces and light coconut syrup.

Creamy and cheesy textures define the mac and cheese here, with a balance that avoids saltiness. It pairs well with fries and stands out as a consistent favorite.

Well seasoned fried chicken holds up even 1.5 hours later. Options include a halal version, a tasty sandwich, or served with waffles on the side.

People are saying

"I thought the Original Chicken Sandwich combo was amazing."

"I found the Mac And Cheese to be seriously good."

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to the busy area and limited spaces.

2

Reservations are recommended as it takes about 30 minutes for an order to be ready.

3

Ali's Chicken & Waffles is halal.

02
Cluck N' Sip image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Spicy mac and cheese stands out with its rich and creamy texture and bold flavor. It pairs well with house sauces and complements fried chicken and fish dishes.

Fried chicken comes out crispy, juicy, and well seasoned with a fresh taste. The chicken is tender and flavorful, paired with potato wedges and sauces that complement the meal.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is so juicy and crispy."

"I loved the spicy Mac and Cheese; it scored a perfect 10."

"I found the fried chicken incredibly delicious, tender, and juicy."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

03
Surf & Soul Spot image 1

Takeout-only soul food spot with curbside service and reasonable prices offers authentic dishes like shrimp and grits and banana pudding with crunchy cookies. The atmosphere carries real soul, though limited parking and frequent early closures due to food shortages affect flow.

Saucy and stringy with a nice flavor, the mac and cheese tastes homemade and pairs well with collard greens and fried chicken. It stands out as a must-try side alongside other classic dishes.

Fried chicken comes out with a homemade taste that stands strong without any sauce. It pairs well with sides like yams and mac n cheese, making it a solid choice alongside shrimp and grits or catfish.

People are saying

"The fried shrimp and fish were some of the best I ever had."

"The banana pudding here is delicious and made in a way I'd never tasted."

"The Mac and Cheese tasted homemade and was saucy."

Good to know

1

The place is takeout only; no dining-in available.

2

Order ahead to avoid long wait times, especially during busy hours.

3

Street parking is limited; consider parking around the corner.

04
Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken - San Diego image 1

Small space with bright orange decor and metal seating creates a loud, echoey atmosphere amplified by music and voices. Organized heated lockers and self-checkout kiosks streamline takeout orders amid a chaotic, crowded vibe. Walls feature animated murals that add a fun touch despite the tense energy.

Mac n cheese with veggie chicken comes on a biscuit and tastes very delicious. The dish pairs well with blueberry biscuits and tater tots, making it a satisfying meal.

Fried chicken comes flavorful and juicy with a crispy bacon touch. It pairs well on a buttermilk biscuit with fried green tomato and pimento cheese for a breakfast twist.

People are saying

"These biscuits are seriously beautiful and the best I've ever had."

"I found the blueberry biscuit to be exceptionally good."

"I found the Mac and Cheese with veggie chicken delicious."

Good to know

1

Place your order at least 1.5 hours in advance for pickup.

2

Mobile orders shut off 45 minutes before closing time.

3

Parking is limited and can be difficult to find.

05
Hot Chickz Chicken Sandwiches image 1

Colorful, chicken-themed interior with wall art and wood accents creates a casual, cool vibe. Music ranges from 80s and 90s rock to mid-2010s pop, setting an energetic atmosphere. Frequent orders and a mix of quiet and lively moments shape the experience.

Cheesy texture stands out in the mac and cheese, making it a solid side option. It pairs well with fries and Texas toast for a satisfying meal.

Fried chicken comes out consistently flavorful and cooked to perfection. The sandwiches offer a great twist on classic fried chicken.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

"The fried chicken here is seasoned and has a good sauce."

"The Mac And Cheese here is tender and has awesome flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a burger, fries, and drink for $9.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for a sandwich and tender combo.

3

Extra sauces are available at no extra charge.

06
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright murals and trendy design create a cool, fun atmosphere with great music adding energy. The space feels inviting and well-maintained, with seating both inside and outside. The vibe ranges from calm to lively, making it a dynamic spot for enjoying food.

Creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor define the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with sliders and fries, making it a solid side choice.

Juicy, tender, and served hot, the fried chicken stands out for its consistent quality and halal preparation. It ranks as a favorite spot for fried chicken at this price point.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the best fried chicken in town here."

"The mac and cheese was creamy and melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes late, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Vegetarian options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

07
Main Chick Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space with limited seating and a kiosk for ordering sets a casual tone. The vibe is straightforward and unembellished, with a focus on Nashville hot chicken that is spicy and juicy. Prices lean toward the higher side compared to similar spots, attracting those who prioritize flavor over frills.

Tastes homemade and stands out as better than the one at Dave's Hot Chicken. Combines well with chicken for a satisfying meal.

Spicy fried chicken stands out with adjustable heat levels and a fresh, crispy texture. Meals include a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and sauce, costing around $17.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is so tasty and perfectly seasoned."

"The chicken here is perfectly cooked and seasoned for a great date spot."

"I thought the fried chicken here was amazing and spicy."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with special pricing.

3

Indoor and outdoor seating options are available for guests.

08
Louisiana Purchase image 1
Cajun restaurant

Rustic meets industrial design with angled wood ceiling and NOLA-inspired decor sets a unique tone. Music plays at a comfortable volume, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Craft cocktails stand out as a highlight amid tight seating and a cozy, heated patio.

Oxtail features heavily in the mac and cheese, especially in the Gouda skillet and oxtail mac and cheese. The dish combines creamy cheese with generous portions of meat for a rich, hearty experience.

Spicy fried chicken comes with creamy mac and cheese for a rich combo. Fried chicken pairs well with oxtail dirty rice and flaky biscuits, creating classic comfort food.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the shrimp and grits, was very good."

"The oxtail here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and very flavorful."

"The fried chicken is crunchy outside and super tender inside."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is very limited due to the residential area.

3

Expect many menu items to be unavailable during peak hours.

09
Crispy Fried Chicken image 1
Fried chicken takeaway

Small fried chicken takeaway with a recently remodeled, very clean interior and limited seating. Atmosphere feels a bit rough due to surrounding neighborhood and parking challenges. Food cooks fresh on the spot, leading to possible waits, and the menu features crispy seasoned chicken, fresh catfish, and fried okra, with prices comparable to major chains.

Mac and cheese here stands out for being tasty and super good. It pairs well with sides like onion rings and shrimp, making it a solid choice on the menu.

Fried chicken comes out very crispy and juicy with a fresh taste. The chicken is consistently meaty and served hot.

People are saying

"This American food is the best fried chicken I've ever had."

"I thought the fried chicken and shrimp seafood was the best I ever had."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

They take credit cards, but cash is recommended for quick service.

2

Food is made to order, so it may take longer during peak times.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes for food during busy hours.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide
Loading Map...