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Fried chicken spots in Kearny Mesa

You want fried chicken that is cooked to a standard you can rely on every time.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bonchon Convoy image 1
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Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with many big TVs showing sports creates a chill, low-key vibe. Music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The place draws people looking for Korean fried chicken and casual meals with beer or soju.

Food features consistent texture especially in chicken, with delicious options that stay true to flavor. Meals come out spectacular and satisfying every time.

Fried chicken features a light and airy batter that avoids heaviness. The Korean style shines with spicy flavors and high quality, including a notable fried chicken sandwich with KBBQ sauce.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

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

"The food here is really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

02
bb.q Chicken Convoy image 1

Restaurant offers simple decor with K-pop music videos and Korean shows playing on TVs, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The space feels clean and well-designed with plenty of seating, though it can get uncomfortably warm inside. The vibe reflects a casual dining experience with a touch of Korean street culture.

Food here is freshly made and consistently delicious. The menu offers great flavors that make dining inside worthwhile despite parking challenges.

Crispy and freshly made Korean fried chicken stands out here with great flavor. It offers an authentic taste that feels close to traditional recipes and remains affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The rose tteokbokki with cheese was so good."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant offers both takeout and dine-in service options.

3

Expect to pay around $49 for a whole chicken, which may be considered pricey.

03
Ten seconds yunnan rice noodle image 1

Small space with cozy traditional charm and warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. The environment stays clean and comfortable, often busy with a steady flow of diners. Known for authentic Yunnan rice noodles and rich, flavorful broths that define the dining experience.

Food arrives quickly and all at once, featuring authentic Chinese flavors with freshly added ingredients that enhance texture. The dishes consistently satisfy with good quality and a genuine taste.

Popcorn-style fried chicken comes with a generous amount of fried basil. Options include spicy and salty versions, all around $7.

People are saying

"I loved the springy rice noodles in the flavorful soup."

"The fish rice noodle soup is spicy, savory, and deeply comforting."

"The food here, especially the rice noodles, is amazing."

Good to know

1

You can put in a waitlist request on Yelp ahead of time.

2

The restaurant may get crowded at night and on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location in a small strip mall.

04
Crispy Chicken n' Tomato - Clairemont Mesa Blvd image 1

Modern dining space offers a spacious interior with a large glass-walled patio and mountain views. The atmosphere balances loungy vibes with low lighting and classic Oldies music, creating a cozy yet lively setting. It suits casual dinners and small gatherings, with a clean, inviting environment and a well-sized bar.

Variety of foods centers on chicken wings with a standout monster sauce for spicy flavor lovers. Staff shows strong menu knowledge and eagerness to recommend, supporting a friendly dining atmosphere.

Golden, crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside defines the Korean fried chicken here. Combo plates include five hefty pieces, fries, coleslaw, and rice, offering a solid, flavorful meal.

People are saying

"I considered this the best Korean fried chicken I'd ever had."

"The chicken here is so crispy and juicy, perfect for enjoying with outdoor seating."

"The food here is so crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo includes 3 pieces of boneless chicken, 3 wings, rice, cole slaw, and a drink for $15.95.

2

Expect crowded conditions and limited parking during lunchtime.

3

The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, making it a good option for pet owners.

05
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen restaurant offers traditional sushi bar seating and a clean, peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese vibes. The place draws a steady crowd with no wait times and ample parking. It stands out for highly customizable ramen options and a quiet, welcoming environment.

Authentic ramen dishes come with beautifully crafted flavors and generous portions. Staff serve food quickly even when short staffed, maintaining great service throughout.

Juicy fried chicken features a lightly battered coating with great crispness and moist, flavorful meat. Portions come generous and the Karaage style stands out as a highlight.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"Their fried chicken is juicy, moist, and has a great crispness."

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

06
ZHENGXIN Chicken Steak image 1
Chinese restaurant

Casual Chinese restaurant with a clean, pleasant atmosphere and good music playing. Offers authentic Chinese snacks and a wide variety of chicken dishes, including crispy, juicy chicken steak and flavorful skewers. Prices are reasonable, and dining in enhances the experience with fresh, hot food.

Chicken steak stands out with well seasoned meat and a unique plum seasoning. Food arrives hot, fresh, and crispy with quick service and solid quality that beats typical fast food.

Fried chicken comes out freshly fried with a perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside. The Chinese fried chicken steak has a spicy kick rather than sweetness, offering great value as a snack or late-night treat.

People are saying

"This fried chicken is perfectly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor."

"I found the potato noodle soup broth light and delicious."

"The chicken steak here is amazing, crispy outside and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect to wait less than 10 minutes for your food during peak hours.

3

Parking can be tough, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

07
Menya Ultra image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cramped space with authentic Japanese style and checklist order forms on tables. Atmosphere includes loud ambient music and noticeable cigar smoke odor from nearby businesses. Busy environment that fills quickly, requiring early arrival or reservation.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles. Attentive service and quick delivery complement the high-quality food well.

Nagoya style fried chicken stands out with its moist texture and full flavor. Other options offer a crispy outside and juicy inside, making fried chicken a notable choice here.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and savory."

"The Nagoya fried chicken is crunchy and well-seasoned."

"The food here used to be better; it's less salty now."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant closes from 2 to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a long wait, especially if you arrive after 2 PM.

08
Pelicana Chicken SD image 1
Korean restaurant

Open dining area with ample seating and a bar-type atmosphere creates a lively, fast-paced vibe ideal for hanging out and drinking. The place offers plastic gloves at tables to keep hands clean while eating saucy wings. Korean fried chicken stands out with crispy, spicy flavors that pair well with beer and soju.

Chicken stands out as the main highlight with excellent flavor. Food suits casual dinners with friends and kids, though prices lean a bit high.

Crispy and piping hot, the original Korean fried chicken stays crunchy even after takeout. The honey soy flavor adds a killer taste that stands out among Korean fried chicken options.

People are saying

"This fried chicken is so crispy, juicy, and full of meat."

"They have a huge beer selection, including many on tap."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only about 15 spots available in front.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers.

3

You must place your order using a tablet at each table.

09
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Authentic Taiwanese cuisine shines with delicious flavors and great variety. Service stands out as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Taiwanese fried chicken comes with fried basil and a generous portion. It stands out as the dish most enjoyed at the table.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the Taiwanese fried chicken with fried basil."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

10
Cake De Partie image 1
Thai restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating offers a dog-friendly and comfortable environment with enjoyable music. The atmosphere is chill but sometimes affected by an unpleasant smell. Food preparation takes time, especially for soufflรฉ pancakes which are a standout item.

Sweet foods and Asian cafe options mix with Western and Thai styles. Food comes fresh with a long preparation time and offers balanced flavors like a mild, flavorful carbonara.

Fried chicken comes in a bowl with fried tofu and stands out as a solid choice. It pairs well with other items like BBQ Pork Fries and pancakes.

People are saying

"The crepe cakes are light, not too sweet, and fantastic."

"The soufflรฉ pancakes here are insanely good and light as air."

"You should try their fried chicken; it's very good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for dessert orders during peak hours.

2

Parking in the Convoy area can be challenging, especially during busy times.

3

You can order soufflรฉ pancakes in advance to avoid long wait times.

11
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Food features fusion flavors inspired by Taiwan with many creative drink and food options. Vegan choices include vegetarian popcorn chicken made well and served in a clean setting.

Crispy fried chicken comes with a sweet bolo bun in the sandwich. The Taiwanese fried chicken sandwich pairs with mini mapo tots that are tasty but small. The original flavor offers a better spicy kick than the spicy version.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The food here is really good and made with fresh ingredients."

"The fried chicken here is so crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

12
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere that closely resembles locations in Japan, with franchise-style seating including a bar for single diners. The space feels cramped during busy times but maintains a clean, well-maintained interior that helps guests forget the outside surroundings.

Food here delivers consistently good and top-notch flavor curries that warm the soul. The dishes match the quality found in Japan, making the wait during rush hour worthwhile.

Teriyaki fried chicken offers a flavorful taste that pairs well with the Japanese curry. The fried chicken is cooked correctly, maintaining a good texture and flavor.

People are saying

"This Japanese-style curry is the most authentic I've had."

"This food reminds me of Japan and good times."

"The teriyaki fried chicken here is flavorful and complements the curry."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait time during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking can be a challenge due to limited space in the shopping complex.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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