Chick and Hawk finally lands in Encinitas
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"The Birdman" hot chicken sandwich has spice levels from 180 to 900 degrees in a nod to skateboarding spins. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
San Diego has been waiting almost five years for Chick and Hawk, the restaurant by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and local chef Andrew Bachelier.
- It finally opened last week, so I went to see if it was worth the hype — and the wait.
Dig in: Chick and Hawk nails the "fast-fine" food it was going for, and perfectly reflects its Encinitas neighborhood with high-end plates in a casual setting that embraces '90s surf and skate culture.
Best bites: "The Birdman" signature spicy fried chicken sandwich ($18) is topped with slaw, pickles and a creamy kimchi sauce. The spice levels are based on skateboarding tricks, and the 360-style brings the heat without losing flavor or inflicting pain.
- The tuna tataki dish ($22) is shareable, but you'll want it for yourself. The slices of blackened tuna are sitting in a bright carrot, orange and ginger vinaigrette that I want bottled up to take home.
The intrigue: The small menu also includes a fresh fish sandwich, beer and thoughtful cocktails, plus a Champagne list and caviar service.
If you go: It's open Wednesday–Sunday from 11:30am to 8pm, and 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays at 145 Leucadia Blvd.
- They take walk-ins, but reservations are a good idea considering it was packed at lunchtime during last weekend's torrential downpour.
- The parking lot only has a few spots, so plan to park along the 101 or Vulcan Avenue.
