0 Followers
Cracked & Battered - Potrero Hill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Cracked & Battered - Potrero Hill
8.0
Family-run brunch specialist known for halal fried chicken & waffles, global comfort plates, and bright, stack-friendly plating. It’s the neighborhood’s hearty, photo-happy alternative to the longest lines up the hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Shakshouka, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Halal-friendly brunch plates with bold flavors and big portions.
Who should go: Chicken-and-waffles fans and hungry groups
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am weekends to beat the rush
What to order: Chicken & waffles; shakshouka; lemon ricotta pancakes
Insider tip: Swap in hot honey on the chicken for extra pop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—generally available on 18th Street and nearby residential blocks, but fills by 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, and weekend wear fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation-friendly inside, but the buzz rises during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes mid-afternoon, brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or immediate seating before noon; fills quickly after 12pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian items like shakshouka, pancakes, and avocado toast.
Vegan options: Limited—only a couple of modifiable options; staff will help adjust sides.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no dedicated prep area but some dishes can be modified to avoid gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more casual than romantic—great for a relaxed, daytime date where comfort food and cheerful energy set the tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive by 9:30am on weekends or expect a 30–45 minute wait during the brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, with spacious seating and easy-to-share menu items like pancakes and fried chicken.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, halal options, and family-style brunch spreads—ideal when you want comfort over finesse.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quieter, design-driven brunch or a refined coffee program—Piccino or Plow fit that lane better.
Cracked & Battered - Potrero Hill
8.0
Potrero Hill brunch spot focused on crispy fried chicken with halal sourcing and a strong chicken-and-waffles program. Friendly service and a sunny corner location make it a reliable weekend option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & Waffles, Fried Chicken Plate, Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Halal fried chicken with brunch-first focus and waffles.
Who should go: Brunch groups craving chicken-forward plates
When to visit: Early weekend brunch to avoid lines
What to order: Chicken & Waffles; tenders basket; breakfast potatoes
Insider tip: Street parking improves on 19th/Connecticut mid-morning.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the only option; easier to find on nearby Connecticut and 19th Streets before 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come in brunch attire or weekend wear; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours, but still easy enough for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by early evening; brunch-focused service only.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though it can fill with neighborhood regulars by noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like avocado toast, pancakes, and egg-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most mains include eggs or chicken, but sides and coffee drinks can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some gluten-free dishes and substitutions available upon request, though fried items share oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual daytime vibe—it’s more cozy and communal than romantic, ideal for a low-pressure brunch meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard. Arrive before 10am on weekends for shorter waits; after that, expect about 20–30 minutes for a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, patient staff, and plenty of kid-pleasing options like waffles and fries.
Best For
Better for: Brunch purists and families who want crispy fried chicken and waffles in a relaxed, sunny setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking dinner service or a cocktail-forward brunch; nearby spots like Merkado or Ungrafted suit that better.
Cracked & Battered - Potrero Hill
8.1
Family-run since 2017, this halal-friendly bruncher is known for crisp chicken-and-waffles, benedicts, and pandan waffles. Portions are generous and pacing is quick, making it a reliable neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & waffles, Classic benedict, Pandan waffle
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Crisp chicken-and-waffles with halal sourcing and swift pacing.
Who should go: Chicken-and-waffles devotees
When to visit: Weekdays 8–11 or late brunch after 1
What to order: Chicken & waffles; benedict; pandan waffle
Insider tip: Street parking opens up after 1 pm on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option; easier on weekdays and after 1 pm weekends, but can be tight during brunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and weekend wear all work fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak brunch hours but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this is a brunch-only spot.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating and turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including pancakes, benedicts without meat, and vegetarian sides.
Vegan options: Limited—pandan waffle can be adjusted, but only a couple of plant-based dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—eggs, proteins, and salads are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates—fun comfort food and lively atmosphere, but not a romantic or intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required. Arrive early on weekends to avoid longer waits; weekdays are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here, and kids will enjoy pancakes, waffles, and fried chicken. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Excels at halal-friendly chicken-and-waffles and quick service—great for groups and families.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, drawn-out brunch with refined plating—other neighborhood spots like Plow may fit better.
Cracked & Battered - Potrero Hill
8.1
Halal-friendly brunch spot known for crisp fried chicken and waffles alongside benedicts and pancakes. Service is quick and the menu balances indulgent plates with lighter picks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Pandan Waffle
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Crisp chicken-and-waffles with halal sourcing and swift pacing.
Who should go: Chicken-and-waffles devotees
When to visit: Weekdays 8–11 or late brunch after 1
What to order: Chicken & waffles; benedict; pandan waffle
Insider tip: Street parking opens up after 1 pm on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—Potrero Hill spots can be tight on weekends but open up after 1 pm.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—jeans and sneakers work comfortably for brunch.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible but it can get lively during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—restaurant is breakfast and brunch-focused.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though a short queue can form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like pancakes, benedicts (without meat), and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 suitable items; customization may be needed.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified; ask about gluten-free waffles or sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than romantic evenings—fun energy but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard, though weekend waits can reach 20–30 minutes at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family friendly with kid-appropriate menu items and high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Halal-friendly chicken and waffles and quick-paced brunch service.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale setting or full-service dinner—this is brunch-only.