Highlights
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » Cross Street Chicken and Beer – San Diego
Cross Street Chicken and Beer - San Diego
Photo from Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Cross Street Chicken and Beer at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#444 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#69 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
682
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget friendly
- Great service
- Tasty chicken
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Dry chicken
- Slow service
The restaurant Cross Street Chicken and Beer in San Diego’s vibrant Carmel Valley neighborhood offers a fantastic dining experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
With its great beer selection, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’ll find delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Cross Street Chicken and Beer offers a lively spot where many appreciate the generous happy hour deals and the generally friendly staff. Guests often highlight the enjoyable Korean fried chicken and creative cocktails, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
However, some diners have found the overall experience to be overpriced, with occasional concerns about the consistency of food preparation and service timing. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also areas that could see improvement.
Good
7.1
out of 10
682
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
164
negative
52
neutral
466
positive
Overall, Cross Street Chicken and Beer earns a respectable 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, customer satisfaction stands at 68.3%, suggesting a mixed reception where some expectations aren’t fully met.
This divergence points to a place with solid positives but also noticeable drawbacks for a segment of its visitors. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.7) receives the highest marks, followed closely by the Food (7.2) and Service (7.0), all rated as good.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.7), which falls into the average category. These insights are drawn from a substantial 682 customer observations, with 466 positive remarks balancing 164 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Flavorful fried chicken
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent chicken texture
- Service timing issues
Cross Street Chicken and Beer, with a recommendation score of 7.2, presents a compelling option for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and good happy hour deals. If you prioritize a fun outing with friends and enjoy Korean fried chicken, it’s certainly worth a visit, especially during their generous happy hour.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation and service timing, and consider that regular menu prices might feel steep to some. It’s a place that shines in specific areas, so managing expectations around value and consistency will lead to a more satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience overall, with a 7.2 score indicating its generally good. Customer satisfaction sits at a 68.7%, which is a mixed bag, but leaning positive. Out of 406 total remarks, 279 were upbeat, praising the delicious Korean fried chicken, amazing chicken & waffles, and flavorful honey butter wings.
Many also loved the Kimchi fried rice and generous portion sizes. However, not every bite is perfect. With 89 negative comments, some diners found the chicken to be rubbery or dry, and occasionally lacking in flavor.
There were also mentions of inconsistent quality, with some dishes feeling like frozen food or having smaller portions than expected, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Food
406
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
89
negative
38
neutral
279
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible taste
- Generous portions
- Flavorful sauces
What people don't like
- Dry chicken
- Inconsistent quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Cross Street Del Mar was absolutely amazing and special, largely thanks to Liz behind the bar. The staff is amazing, complementing the delicious food and an intriguing ambiance that ties the entire restaurant together. I've been a patron for a year and a half, and every visit is unique and fantastic.
- chickenMy experience at Cross Street was absolutely amazing. This restaurant is by far the best Korean restaurant and offers the best chicken in all of San Diego. I make a special effort to eat here or at their Convoy location and have brought multiple people to try it for themselves.
- cocktailsThanks to Liz, our experience was exceptional, and I will definitely recommend this place to my friends. The food was delicious, and the cocktails were original and very tasty. I will be returning!
- drinksThe buffalo wings and drinks are amazing!
- friesThe only good thing we got was the fries
- FoodFood and service were fantastic
- Korean fried chickenMany locals also visit, and there are several Korean dishes on the menu, so I'll likely come often. While it doesn't quite measure up to chicken eaten in Korea, it's still delicious!
- chicken wingsThe soy garlic was very mild. The wings themselves were delicious. This location is closer to me, so I will be coming back!
- flavorMy experience at the restaurant was good. I tried the thai chilli chicken, which wasn't as spicy as I expected, but the flavor was good. The Buldok was great as well.
- fried chickenIt is my girlfriend's and my favorite chicken place. I strongly recommend this place to anyone who likes fried chicken!
Frequently criticized
- chickenthe chicken was bordering on dried out
- wingsWe spent over $70 for the 18-piece wings, the Oppa soup, and beer-battered fries, and it just wasn’t worth it. The wings looked big, but they were 75% batter—WAY too thick—so it ended up being crunchy instead of crispy. On top of that, there wasn’t nearly enough sauce to save them, and even the wings, which are usually juicy, were dry.
- chicken sandwichI tried two types of wings and a chicken sandwich. The sandwich was dry, and the sauce was not good. There was also some strange garlic bread or butter garlic sauce on the bottom bun, which applied to the Buffalo sauce as well.
- foodThe food was sub par
- meatThe Kimchi fried rice was wonderful with a perfectly fried egg. The Korean fried chicken was good, but the meat could have been more tender. Overall, it was a good experience.
- riceThe rice seemed a little off
- sauceThe wings looked big, but they were 75% batter—WAY too thick—so it ended up being crunchy instead of crispy. On top of that, there wasn’t nearly enough sauce to save them, and even the wings, which are usually juicy, were dry. The one good thing was the beer-battered fries.
- tendersI got some tenders as well and only got through 1 of them
- Bibimbop (stone rice pot)the pot is not hot enough
- Buffalo sauceThat goes for the Buffalo sauce too
If you're craving flavorful Korean fried chicken and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their wings and chicken & waffles. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally fall short on consistency or moisture, so choose wisely.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive service, often singling out individuals like Liz and Erin for their great service and excellent recommendations. With 104 positive remarks, the team often provides a warm welcome and quick assistance, contributing to a good service score of 7. However, not all experiences are stellar.
Some customers report issues with slow service and feeling ignored, especially during busy times, suggesting the restaurant might be understaffed. These 47 negative remarks, alongside complaints about long wait times, contribute to an overall mixed customer satisfaction of 65.8%.
Service
158
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
47
negative
7
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent recommendations
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Understaffing issues
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the fun unique cocktails and the fun casual atmosphere. The service was amazing, and to top it off, the french fries blew my mind. There are so many unique things on the menu that I need to go back and try.
- staffCompared to the taste I'm used to in Korea, the seasoning was slightly lacking, but it was delicious and I had a pleasant drink with my son. I especially liked that the staff were friendly and cheerful, which made me feel good.
- LizIt absolutely did not disappoint! The exceptional and well informed bartender Liz provided a great recommendation for a Soju and beer combo to pair with the meal. I'm eager to return to sample the tasty looking cocktails and explore other chicken dishes on the menu.
- ServiceService was pretty quick
- servers5 stars, though I still think their original location on Convoy is better, which I rated 5 stars. We were a large group, and I commend the servers for being patient with us. Keep in mind that the menus in both locations are different.
- attentive serviceIt’s always a warm welcome and very attentive service.
- bartenderWe stopped in for some apps and drinks. Everything was absolutely delicious and we could not have asked for a better bartender – shout out Liz! We had a few beers on draft from Bay City and they were great.
- customer servicecustomer service was great and very friendly
- friendly staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I want to give a shoutout to Frank and all the friendly staff. The food was amazing, and the trivia night was a ton of fun.
- serverour server was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- serviceI shouldn’t have tipped 20% for no service
- bartenderthe bartender did not make a mistake
- customer serviceManagement needs to take a look at customer service, generally
- food delivery timingtook about 30 mins after their food came out
- checkit took another 20 minutes
- closing timeJust change your closing time to 9:30 then
- dishesthe dishes came out one at a time
- food deliveryIt made absolutely no sense to bring out food this way
- food timingfood not timed well to be brought out together
- host standWaited at the host stand, nobody came
Service here is often a strong point, with many praising the friendly and attentive staff. However, be aware that some guests have experienced slow service and long waits, especially during busy times. If youre patient, youll likely enjoy the experience, but inconsistencies can occur.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a crowd-pleaser! With a score of 7.7 and a strong 80% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks enjoy the atmosphere. Many appreciate the big projector and TVs, making it a great spot for sports, and the flexible indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly patio.
The fun bar area and overall lively atmosphere also get a lot of love, based on 60 positive remarks out of 75 total. However, its not all perfect. A few guests, in 9 comments, found the noise level could make conversation tough, and some mentioned awkward seating arrangements.
There were also a couple of remarks about parking challenges and even the bathroom needing some attention, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
75
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great sports viewing
- Dog-friendly patio
- Lively fun atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Awkward seating
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereI got some green tea 🍵 and some BiBimBap with Kimchee (my nutritionist says fermented veggies are good for me!) Tried a Seoul Spice chicken tender and took in some surfing 🏄 news on the tube while I just relaxed and took in much missed California vibes. I sat outside, under cover and near a heater, (it was overcast and chilly - the atmosphere reminded me of the fun food & soju street tents in Korea). If around Del Mar check out Cross Street for great service and great food - they say it’s where chicken meets beer, I say it’s where Korea meets Cali.
- ambianceintriguing ambiance that ties the entire restaurant together
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeWe had to wait to get seated for about half an hour on Friday night, so I would recommend making a reservation. The vibe was cool.
- decorthe decor is on point!
- open airthe open air and fast food service
- Dog friendlyDog friendly!! They will bring your dog water bowl
- Fun placeFun place.
- Trivia on TuesdayTrivia on Tuesday!
- ambienceAmbience was very nice and chill.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereAtmosphere isn't great
- bathroomThe bathroom was surprisingly rundown
- dirty glassesDirty glasses
- musicThe music was lame
- noiseit kind of got difficult to have a smooth conversation
- parkingParking for the business center was busy and took a while to find parking
- patio seatingthe downside of the patio seating facing outside was that the sun around 5-6 really blasts in your face
- seating arrangementThe seating arrangement was awkward
If youre looking for a lively spot with good vibes, especially for watching sports or enjoying a dog-friendly patio, this place is a solid choice. Just be prepared for potential noise and maybe plan your parking ahead, as it can get busy. Overall, its a fun atmosphere worth checking out.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many guests rave about the fantastic happy hour specials and daily deals, making it feel truly worth it. With 23 positive remarks out of 43 total, its clear that finding those sweet spots can lead to a great experience.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with a score of 5.7 (average) and customer satisfaction at 53.5% (mixed). Some diners found things quite expensive or even overpriced, especially outside of special offers, leading to 19 negative comments about feeling it wasnt worth the cost or experiencing a price hike.
Value
43
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic happy hour
- Excellent daily deals
- Worthwhile specials
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Often overpriced
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- happy hourHappy hour is bomb, the food and drink specials are great during happy hour.
- priceThe service was excellent, with the GM and bartender being super informative about the culture, food, and daily specials. The food is amazing for the price, especially the chicken sandwich. I can't wait to go back for the soju bomb special!
- pricesprices were fantastic
- $2 soju bombs2 dollar soju bombs
- $5 beersHappy hour has 5 dollar beers
- Happy hourHappy hour went through 7pm on a Friday, which was very generous
- Too Good to Go dealToo Good to Go deal that offers 2 pc fried chicken tenders for $4, which is a super good deal
- daily dealsIncredible happy hour and daily deals
- good daily dealsMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the good eats and the good daily deals. The service was good, and it's a good space to watch sports.
- happy hour dealstake advantage of the deals
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile we ate it and it wasn't awful, it was certainly not good. Considering the price, it was not cheap. There are many other dining options nearby, and I would recommend trying literally any other spot at the Sky Deck or even Mendocino Farms, which offers better taste and is cheaper.
- pricesthe prices just weren’t worth it
- $13 (5 pc wings)for $13 (5 pc wings), it’s hardly filling
- $20 (tax/tip)can’t do $20 (tax/tip) for 5 mini wings
- $70I wanted to like this place, but my experience was not good. We spent over $70 for the 18-piece wings, the Oppa soup, and beer-battered fries, and it just wasn’t worth it. The wings looked big, but they were 75% batter—WAY too thick—so it ended up being crunchy instead of crispy.
- checkcharged us for both drinks
- combosNo more combos except for lunch specials, so the end result is a massive price hike
- dinnerI will think twice about dinner until the combos return
- expensiveIt was expensive
- overpricedthis experience was overpriced
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely hit up their happy hour or daily specials – thats where the value truly shines. Otherwise, be prepared that regular prices might feel a bit steep, and you could end up feeling it's not quite worth the cost.
How are the prices at Cross Street Chicken and Beer?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 27, most diners actually spend between 11 – 30 $, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a mid-range Restaurant. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Understaffed and Forgetful Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by significant understaffing. Upon arrival, I waited at the host stand with no one attending to me. I then proceeded to the bar, only to find no bartender initially.
Eventually, a bartender took my order for wings and a beer, but she forgot to bring the beer. To add to the frustration, another patron who ordered after me received their beer before I did. Given the lack of service, I regret tipping 20%.
I will likely stick to the Convoy location in the future.
- wings6
- host stand2
- bartender3
- beer2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Bibimbap and Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the stone pot bibimbap, which was absolutely delicious. The service was also excellent, provided by a young man with long hair who was described as very handsome.
The atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5, and the food received a 5 out of 5. The wait time was non-existent, and there was no wait. The restaurant offers a large vegetarian selection, and it's somewhat recommended for vegetarians.
- stone pot bibimbap10
- handsome9
- service9
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I visited twice in two weeks during a business trip. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch.
The atmosphere also contributed to a great dining experience, with a perfect score of 5.
- Food10
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Fun Trivia Night!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I want to give a shoutout to Frank and all the friendly staff. The food was amazing, and the trivia night was a ton of fun.
- friendly staff10
- food10
- trivia night9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Wings and Comfort Food!
The photos speak for themselves! I experienced deliciousness! The salt pepper wings were to die for!
The spicy popcorn chicken and fried rice went together perfectly. The army soup hit the spot at the end of the meal. I would highly recommend!
The happy hour menu looks legit, I’m coming back asap!
- salt pepper wings10
- spicy popcorn chicken9
- fried rice9
What Cross Street Chicken and Beer offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Cross Street Chicken and Beer (DELMAR)?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Cross Street Chicken and Beer (DELMAR)?
At Cross Street Chicken and Beer (DELMAR), you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere with options for lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert. They offer a wide range of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, alongside happy hour specials and vegetarian options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cross Street Chicken and Beer?
Customers generally rate Cross Street Chicken and Beer as good, with an overall score of 7.1. The Ambience (7.7), Food (7.2), and Service (7.0) are well-regarded, though Value (5.7) is considered average.
Does Cross Street Chicken and Beer offer good value for money?
While many appreciate the generous happy hour and daily deals, some customers find the regular menu items to be expensive or overpriced, particularly the wings, leading to an average Value score of 5.7.
How is the service and atmosphere at Cross Street Chicken and Beer?
The service is often described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a good score of 7.0. The Ambience, scoring 7.7, is frequently praised for its fun vibe, decor, and dog-friendly options, though some note issues with noise or parking.