

Since 2020, Ali’s Chicken & Waffles has been a local favorite, serving up a soulful take on American comfort food. Inspired by a blend of cultures, this brunch restaurant offers a unique menu featuring halal fried chicken and waffles, juicy fried chicken sandwiches, and classic shrimp and grits. This popular eatery has grown from humble beginnings to become a destination for soul food with a distinctive flavor profile. Ali’s Chicken & Waffles is a San Diego staple, known for its delicious, handcrafted meals that bring a new taste to a beloved classic. Ali’s Chicken & Waffles proudly serves from two San Diego locations: its original home in City Heights and a new Downtown location.
Hours
| Saturday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Monday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–7:45 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4350 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Phone: (619) 736-4740
Website: https://alischickenandwaffles.com/alischickenwafflesuniversityav?utm_source=google
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Ali’s Chicken & Waffles | Best Chicken and waffles in San Diego, CA …
Ali’s Chicken & Waffles | San Diego CA – Facebook
Ali’s Chicken & Waffles (@alischicken) · San Diego, CA – Instagram
Reviews
The chicken was juicy even though it’s white meat. The flavor in the breading was on point as far as spice levels.
Fast forward, post pandemic, we’ve revisited several times and this past weekend, it was just how I remembered it.
The location shares a space with the donut shop. Parking in that lot is tight, you would be lucky if you found one. It’s also not the best area.
There are a few tables inside to dine in. We ate it fresh and took 30 minutes for our order to come out. Recommend to call in your order.
Prices are reasonable, the combo #1 came with 2 tenders, waffle or fries and a side. The mac and cheese wasn’t super creamy. It was a perfect mix of cheddar and Parmesan.
Ali’s fries were also a nice treat. Similar to carne asada fries with all the toppings. We got chicken instead of shrimp. The spicy chicken sandwich was not spicy. They said next time, to let them know that we want it higher than Thai spice
I also got sambusas, which are similar to empanadas or samosas but different shape. Choice of filling, I got savory. This was not my favorite because of the dried texture. The chicken curry just needed dipping sauce.
Overall, we would come back here again and again.
Limited menu.
Just Chicken and dipping sauce.
Same ideal motip as Raisin Cane Chick Fil a
I love all sauce especially Coconut Sauce.
Chicken tender was juicy and crunchy spice cover.
Thai tea was good.
However, I’ve had repeated negative experiences with one manager on duty named Rakia. Over the past several months since she began working there, my interactions with her have consistently felt uncomfortable and unwelcoming compared to the service I receive from the rest of the staff.
On my most recent visit, I came in during my work shift (I work security across the street and visit often), sat down preparing to order, and was finishing some work documentation before placing my order — something I’ve done many times before without issue. During this interaction, I felt pressured to leave and did not feel comfortable continuing my order due to how the situation was handled.
My concern isn’t about rules being enforced; it’s about consistency and customer service. Anyone who walks into a restaurant is a potential customer, and how people are spoken to and treated goes a long way toward whether they return.
I hope management reviews this feedback because this restaurant has great food and good staff overall, but customer experience should feel welcoming and consistent for everyone.
They have spicy levels to choose from.
The prices are so reasonable compared to the quality and quantity.
The waffle with fried chicken was a new thing to try, but not a wow for me.
What I didn’t like is the small dining area, that is why most people take orders to go.