Dog-friendly restaurant · Little Italy, Downtown
The Crack Shack (Little Italy)
Counter-service fried chicken and egg spot in Little Italy, opened in December 2015 as the casual sister of Juniper & Ivy. It uses Jidori chicken in sandwiches, salads and plates, with soft-serve for dessert and a full bar outside.
More about The Crack Shack (Little Italy)
Owner Michael Rosen built the restaurant in an abandoned shack next to Juniper & Ivy, with chef Richard Blais, a Top Chef All-Stars winner, behind the concept and Jon Sloan also in the kitchen. Most of the seating is in an open-air yard designed by Bluemotif Architecture, which originally included a bocce court. Cocktails were developed by Eric Johnson, and around 20 local beers pour from the taps. The Firebird sandwich pairs a spicy fried thigh with crispy onions, pickles and ranch. The Little Italy shop was the first of several, now including Encinitas and, since 2025, Pacific Beach.
Bringing your dog
According to our sources, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Open-air fried chicken restaurant where leashed dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor space.
Rules change and may apply only to part of the place. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Getting there
- Address2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
- NeighborhoodLittle Italy, Downtown
- CuisineChicken
Dog parks near The Crack Shack (Little Italy)
- about 0.4 mi
More dog-friendly spots near The Crack Shack (Little Italy)
- about 500 ft
- about 0.3 mi
- Caffe ItaliaCaféabout 0.4 mi
- Morning GloryBreakfastabout 0.4 mi
- Lofty CoffeeCaféabout 0.5 mi
The Crack Shack (Little Italy): frequently asked questions
Is The Crack Shack (Little Italy) dog-friendly?
Yes, according to Wandering California and BringFido. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Can I bring my dog inside The Crack Shack (Little Italy)?
Our sources only mention the outdoor seating area. California law lets restaurants welcome dogs in outdoor dining areas, so at most places in San Diego dogs stay outside. Ask the staff if you want to sit inside.
What kind of food does The Crack Shack (Little Italy) serve?
Counter-service fried chicken and egg spot in Little Italy, opened in December 2015 as the casual sister of Juniper & Ivy. It uses Jidori chicken in sandwiches, salads and plates, with soft-serve for dessert and a full bar outside.
Where is The Crack Shack (Little Italy)?
The Crack Shack (Little Italy) is at 2266 Kettner Blvd in Little Italy, Downtown, San Diego.
Are there other dog-friendly places near The Crack Shack (Little Italy)?
Yes. The closest one on our list is Ballast Point Brewing Little Italy, about 500 ft away, followed by Influx Cafe Little Italy (about 0.3 mi) and Caffe Italia (about 0.4 mi).
Is there a dog park near The Crack Shack (Little Italy)?
Yes. The closest is Waterfront Park Dog Park, about 0.4 mi away.
Sources
- Wandering California, Jun 2026
- BringFido, undated, read Oct 2026
About the restaurant:
- San Diego Magazine, Dec 2015
- Little Italy Association, undated, read Oct 2026
- The Crack Shack: press, May 2025
- The Crack Shack: news, undated, read Oct 2026
All dog-friendly restaurants & bars in Little Italy · All dog-friendly restaurants & bars in San Diego