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Cracked & Battered - Marina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cracked & Battered - Marina
8.3
Sunny-side neighborhood standby for crisp fried chicken & waffles, benedicts, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lines move quickly and plates land hot, making it a reliable weekend anchor on Chestnut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Banana Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Dialed-in comfort brunch with crisp fry work and reliable pacing.
Who should go: Brunch traditionalists and fried-chicken fans
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am weekends to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chicken & waffles, a benedict, fresh juice
Insider tip: Counter seats flip fastest—solo diners skip the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—look for spots along Chestnut or nearby side streets; meters fill up fast after 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, or post-run attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch rush; expect conversation to require a bit of projection indoors but quieter on the patio.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and brunch service only.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before noon; seats often available immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like avocado toast, veggie benedicts, and pancakes.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable plates and sides, but no dedicated vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items can be made gluten-free upon request; pancakes and waffles have a GF version.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal first dates—sunny, relaxed energy but busy mornings may not suit quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; best to arrive before 9:30am on weekends or after 1pm for shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent it for kid-pleasing pancakes and friendly staff; high chairs and booster seats available.
Best For
Better for: Brunch comfort classics like chicken & waffles and benedicts at wallet-friendly prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or upscale brunch setting—expect bustling energy and communal chatter.
Cracked & Battered - Marina
7.9
Daytime Halal bruncher known for crisp fried chicken and waffles, big portions, and efficient counter-style service. It’s the neighborhood’s reliable move for hearty, speedy mornings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Halal-certified brunch classics with fast, no-fuss execution.
Who should go: Chicken-and-waffles devotees
When to visit: Weekdays before 10:30am to avoid lines
What to order: Fried Chicken & Waffles; Pancakes; Breakfast Burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra hot honey on the chicken—worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—Chestnut Street fills up by 10am, but nearby residential blocks usually have 2-hour limits.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, hoodies, or brunch gear all welcome.
Noise level: Lively in the mornings with background chatter and kids; quiets down mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; can be 10–15 minutes at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado toast, pancakes, and sides are solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be customized without dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no dedicated prep area, but several dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual, counter-service brunch spot best for relaxed catch-ups or post-run breakfasts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first come, first served; most groups are seated within 15 minutes except during Sunday brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with toddlers or young kids; high chairs available and staff are accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and crispier chicken than most Marina brunch options, especially compared to sit-down cafes.
Skip if: You want a leisurely, cocktail-heavy brunch or a quiet ambiance—this is about speed and comfort food.