San Diego is home to some of the best chicken tenders in California. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you're bound to find a spot that serves up some seriously delicious tenders.
But with so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best places for chicken tenders in San Diego.
From crispy and crunchy to juicy and tender, there's a chicken tender spot for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for classic, no-frills tenders or something a little more gourmet, San Diego has got you covered.
But don't just take our word for it – we've scoured the city to find the most popular and highly-rated spots for chicken tenders.
So, whether you're a chicken tender fanatic or just looking for a tasty meal, we've got you covered.
Get ready to dig in to some seriously delicious chicken tenders – San Diego style.
1. Hodad's Downtown
Hodad's Downtown is a kitschy local favorite that serves up some seriously delicious chicken tenders.
The tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making for a perfect bite every time.
The restaurant has a fun and quirky atmosphere, with walls covered in license plates and stickers. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick.
If you're in the mood for some top-notch chicken tenders, Hodad's Downtown is definitely worth a visit.
2. Waterfront Bar & Grill
Waterfront Bar & Grill is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious chicken tenders. Their tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned.
The staff is friendly, and the service is quick. The atmosphere is laid-back, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or enjoy a solo meal.
The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
In addition to chicken tenders, they offer a variety of other bar food and drinks, making it a great spot for a casual night out. Don't miss out on this gem!
3. barleymash
If you're looking for delicious chicken tenders in a lively atmosphere, barleymash is the place for you.
The portions are generous, and the fries are crispy and flavorful.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience. While it can get a bit loud, the energy of the place is infectious.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to try their mouth-watering chicken tenders.
4. Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Cross Street Chicken and Beer is a busy and casual restaurant that specializes in Korean-style fried chicken and craft beer on tap.
The chicken tenders are crispy and flavorful, with a balanced taste of sweet and umami. The Cajun fries are slightly skinnier than regular fries and have a slight amount of heat.
The environment is clean and spacious, making it a great place to hang out with friends. The staff is friendly and eager to please, providing excellent service.
With a great selection of beer and alternative flavors to standard buffalo wings, Cross Street Chicken and Beer is a must-visit for anyone who loves chicken tenders.
5. Ali's Chicken & Waffles
Ali's Chicken & Waffles is the perfect spot for those looking for juicy and delicious chicken tenders.
They offer a variety of chicken dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
The facility is clean, the staff are friendly, and the service is quick.
Plus, they serve halal chicken options and a variety of tasty sauces to choose from.
6. Taste & Thirst
Taste & Thirst is a lively bar and grill that serves up some seriously delicious chicken tenders. While the atmosphere is fun and inviting, it's the food that really steals the show here.
The chicken tenders are cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside.
They're served with a variety of dipping sauces that perfectly complement the flavors of the chicken.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Taste & Thirst is definitely worth a visit.
7. Rhythm's Chicken and Waffles
If you're looking for some of the best chicken tenders in town, look no further than Rhythm's Chicken and Waffles.
Their chicken tenders are lightly breaded and perfectly seasoned, making them some of the juiciest and most flavorful around.
The restaurant also offers a variety of sauces to choose from to take your meal to the next level.
While the seating is limited, it's worth it to grab your food to-go and enjoy it at home. Don't miss out on this top-notch spot for chicken tenders.
8. Superior Soul Food
Superior Soul Food offers an excellent selection of Southern comfort food, including delicious chicken tenders.
The tenders are perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful. The restaurant is a casual operation that offers pick-up and delivery options.
The online ordering process is easy to use, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Superior Soul Food is a great option for anyone looking for tasty and authentic Southern cuisine.
9. Bub's at the Ballpark
Bub's at the Ballpark is a popular sports bar that serves delicious chicken tenders.
The atmosphere is lively and perfect for pre-game drinks and food. They have a huge variety of local craft beers and unique tater tots.
The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are fair. The chicken tenders are crispy and satisfying, and they go well with the selection of beers.
Bub's is the go-to spot for sports fans who want to enjoy good food, drinks, and company.
10. FryYay – Belmont Park
FryYay is a must-visit for anyone in the mood for some delicious chicken tenders. The star of the show here is the crispy, golden-brown chicken that will leave you wanting more.
But it's not just the food that makes FryYay a great place to eat – the service is also top-notch.
Moy, in particular, is always in a good mood and provides awesome customer service. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, perfect for a quick bite to eat.
If you're looking for a chicken restaurant that won't disappoint, FryYay is the place to go. Highly recommended.
11. Babaz Grill Pizza & Subs
Babaz Grill Pizza & Subs is a great spot to grab some delicious chicken tenders.
The restaurant offers high-quality halal food and a range of other options, including pizza, burgers and subs. The portions are decent and the food is fresh and tasty.
The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. The restaurant is a small establishment but offers takeout and delivery services.
If you're in the mood for some good quality chicken tenders, Babaz Grill Pizza & Subs is definitely worth a try.
12. Rudford's Restaurant
Rudford's Restaurant is a classic diner that serves hearty food 24/7. The portions are huge and the quality is excellent.
They have a good menu with something for everyone, including chicken tenders that are crispy and delicious.
The staff is friendly and quick, and the prices are reasonable. The decor is old-timey and the atmosphere is cool.
If you're in the area and looking for a great place to eat, Rudford's is definitely worth checking out.
13. Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken
Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken serves up some of the best chicken tenders in town.
The tenders are juicy and come in a variety of heat levels, from mild to hot. The staff is exceptionally friendly and the service is fast.
The prices are great and the portions are generous. The fries are extra thick and the chicken sliders are unbelievable.
If you're looking for top-notch quality chicken tenders, Fluster Cluck Hot Chicken is the place to go.
14. Albert's Restaurant
Albert's Restaurant offers some of the best chicken tenders in town. The tenders are crispy and juicy, and the portion size is generous.
The restaurant's casual Californian fare and outdoor deck provide a relaxed dining experience.
The service is attentive, and the drinks are tasty.
Whether you're visiting the zoo or just looking for a great meal, Albert's is definitely worth a visit.
15. The Smoking Gun SD
The Smoking Gun SD is a great spot for chicken tenders. The ambiance is fun, with arcade games and a pool table.
The food portions are big and tasty, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
The staff is very friendly and attentive. The place is perfect for happy hour or a night out with friends.
The Smoking Gun SD is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
16. Princess Pub & Grille
Looking for a great place to enjoy some crispy chicken tenders in an authentic British pub setting in the heart of Little Italy, look no further than Princess Pub & Grille.
With a friendly staff, great selection of draft beers, and tasty hand-cut fries, they've got everything you need for a satisfying meal.
Check out their generous portions of fish and chips or try their madras chicken for a little bit of spice.
Don't forget to grab a pint of their English ale to wash it all down. Stop by and experience the atmosphere of this traditional pub and grill.
