Chick & Hawk — Review by Eater
San Diego, United States — American with Korean influences
Tony Hawk, part owner of Chick & Hawk in San Diego, showcases his favorite items including the signature chicken sandwich with Korean-inspired flavors and crispy mushroom nuggets. The restaurant combines upscale cuisine with affordable pricing in a skateboarding-themed atmosphere that reflects Hawk's passion for the sport.
What was great: The signature Korean-influenced chicken sandwich with kimchi, pickles, and comeback sauce; the deep fried Mataki mushroom nuggets; high-end cuisine at affordable prices; the skate vibe and 1990s aesthetic with video monitors and skate videos
What could improve: Cilantro on top of dishes (though he notes he puts it on the side)
The Dishes
The star of the show is Chick & Hawk's signature sandwich, which Tony describes as the reason they opened the restaurant. This messy and beautiful creation features chicken with a distinctive spice blend, Korean-inspired kimchi, pickles, and their house-made comeback sauce. It's a bold, flavorful bite that immediately impresses. Alongside the sandwich, Tony orders the Mataki mushroom nuggets, which are deep-fried mushrooms that offer a crispy, savory contrast. He also mentions starting his day with scrambled eggs and chicken chorizo with avocado, noting it as the best fuel for skateboarding.
The Experience
The restaurant exudes a skateboarding culture vibe infused with 1990s aesthetics. Video monitors display skate videos throughout the space, while actual tile and coping from Tony's skating pool days adorn the restaurant, creating an immersive atmosphere that connects directly to skateboarding history. This is clearly a passion project where Tony is deeply involved in the aesthetics and overall experience, making it feel authentic rather than superficial.
Value & Pricing
Tony emphasizes that Chick & Hawk offers high-end cuisine at affordable prices, which he appreciates as someone who can now afford finer meals but values the concept. This approach resonates with his skateboarding roots, where food was traditionally fuel and sustenance rather than luxury, making quality dining accessible to everyone.
Notable Moments
This is the signature sandwich. This is the reason that we opened the restaurant was for this sandwich, which like I said has some Korean influence, some kimchi, it's got the pickles, got what we call comeback sauce, and this spice on the chicken is something you haven't had before, for sure. It's messy and it's beautiful.
Tony also shares a lighthearted food hot take about cilantro, noting that when it's on top of dishes it's questionable, but he solves this by putting it on the side.
The Verdict
Chick & Hawk represents Tony Hawk's most personally invested restaurant venture, combining his passion for skateboarding culture with genuinely delicious food. The combination of the Korean-influenced signature sandwich, creative appetizers like the fried mushroom nuggets, and the authentic skate atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for anyone seeking quality food in a culturally significant space. Whether you are a skateboarder, a fan of Tony Hawk, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality casual dining with character, Chick & Hawk delivers on all fronts.