Sf's Best Take on Chicken and Waffles

The perfect, and in my eyes, most acceptable mix of savory and sweet comes in the form of brunch. But more specifically, it comes in the form of fried chicken and waffles.

Fried chicken and waffles may trace its roots back to the South, but in the food mecca that is the Bay Area, we’ve made it our own. From Oakland to San Francisco, there’s no shortage of spots serving up this iconic pairing, each with its own spin. Still, if you’re trying to narrow it down to one place that consistently delivers, Cracked & Battered makes a strong case.

Tucked away in San Francisco, Cracked & Battered has built a reputation as a go-to brunch destination without feeling overly trendy or overhyped. It’s the kind of place where the menu is big enough to satisfy everyone at the table, but focused enough that you know they’ve mastered their core dishes. Yes, you’ll find all the breakfast staples—bacon, eggs, breakfast burritos—but the real draw is their fried chicken.

And not just one version of it. Cracked & Battered leans into variety, offering different styles and flavors of fried chicken that go beyond the standard. Each piece is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned in a way that actually stands out rather than blending into the waffle. It’s clear they treat the chicken as more than just a side.

My typical order says it all: one waffle, two fried eggs, and two pieces of fried chicken. The waffle is golden and slightly crisp, perfect for soaking up syrup without getting soggy, while the eggs add that extra layer of richness. But it’s the chicken that ties everything together, balancing the sweetness with just the right amount of salt and crunch.

Cracked and Battered is simple, consistent, fried, and delicious - a brunch staple.