S D Chicken Pie Shop
Category: Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Park2633 El Cajon Blvd
(between Hamilton St & Oregon St)
San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 295-0156
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: None
94 Reviews for S D Chicken Pie Shop
I had such high hopes for this place. I mean it's always packed, they specialize in chicken pies. So hey, why not try a chicken pie? I went with my ex-boyfriend and wasn't so happy when I left.
They weren't so friendly to me.....I wouldn't go back.
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Growing up in the midwest gave me a taste for gravy. It's true. There's just something about gravy. Mashed potatoes without gravy? Like a beautiful woman without a soul. Not good.
This place brings you the gravy. The pot pie is more empanada like than it's midwestern counterpart. But it's still good. The mixed veggies can go to hell however. Yuck. Overcooked and bland. But the rolls? Oh my. So nice. I would love to know the history of San Diego's love of chicken pies. Intriguing.
This is a place to bring your grandmother too. She'll love it. And yes, the patrons are a little sketchy. But aren't we all?
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Oh please!!!!!! How could people be disappointed in this place? What got your hopes up for gourmet? Was it the part where it took you 5 minutes to get in the door b/c you were behind a crew of old people using walkers? Or was it when you crossed the threshold and saw the cutting edge design and decor inside? Maybe when you realized the 5 inches of dirt on all the little chickens? Or was it the brilliantly speckled formica countertops? Oh, I know, you got your hopes up when you saw the old lady pushing out everyone's food on those metal hospital carts? No, it wasn't then? Oh, I bet it was when you opened your menu and saw that you get an entire meal with chicken pie, vegetable, potatoes, slaw, roll and pie for desert for about $6. Those prices do raise the bar don't they?
This place is fan-fucking-tastic for what it is......A CHICKEN PIE SHOP! I was never once disappointed here. My eyes were open when I walked through the door and I was expecting some decent, hot, cafeteria type food.....and it's what I got and I got it aplenty for my dollar. The place is an experience. You go here for comfort and satisfaction in that fact that a place like this still exist in an era of douchebags opening restaurants trying to dress up similar themes.....but guess what? For me, nothing beats an original who is still holding strong.
Are the veggies kinda shitty, yes, yes they are. But if you ask, you can tell them to sub out anything for the veggies. I usually ask for more potatoes.
And yes they only take cash, I know that's a pain in the ass when the tab is under $7, but you will just have to deal.
I love the chicken pie shop. It is what it is and it's great at what it is.
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If you want something fancy............. why are you eating chicken pie?
If you want good and cheap food then go here. The chicken pies are exactly what they are meant to be, and that would be delicious.
Nothing fancy with the chicken pie dinner. Chicken pie, cooked frozen veggies, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy with a slice pie for dessert. All for around 7 dollars. I dare you to try to beat that.
I had to minus one star because their hours of operation are wack.
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Oh dear.... where to begin?
I had high hopes for this place, having driven by it countless times over the 8yrs I've been in SD. Finally did it and let's just say it took me back about 25yrs ago (what little I remember).
I liked the pot pie, especially since it's meat and gravy, and since the veggies are on the side, you can add as much (or little) as you like. The slaw was so-so, the mash decent (most likely potato buds), the rolls were tasty, and the gravy was okay, although I'd ask for it on the side next time.
The dessert was a bit of a letdown. I got the peach pie and it tasted like canned peaches (probably was). I've heard their "pie of the day" tends to be fresher and tastier.
So ultimately, not a bad experience, but nothing to rave about. It is what it is. And $6.25 for an entire dinner with dessert is unbeatable. Although I'm not quite certain about the cleanliness aspects (they use the same food serving cart as the one they clear tables with).
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The atmosphere:
-rooster figures everywhere
-elderly people everywhere
-carts of food being pushed out
The food:
-biscuits were light and fluffy A+
-pot pie, mash potatoes, corn, cole slaw, and gravy.. eh had better B-/C+
-peach pie... i couldn't tell it was peach if you blindfolded me and had me guess.. actually, we couldn't tell even tho we knew.. F+
The price: cheap!
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Calling all ya'll out who rank this a five star...you're high on starches after eating here...put a day between the pie shop and your review. Let the triple starch dinner buzz subside before Yelping.
On to the review... Look, it is what it is.
We walked here from our house...it was a nice evening in the dying days of spring. The weather hinted at summer nights to come. Our son was not in the "Let's go for a drive!" mood and would rather be taking a walk in his urban surroundings.
Being only six blocks away, we packed our stroller and walked over to The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop.
The food is bland and colorless except for the veggie of the day. The prices, though affordable are not a steal for what you get.
Because of Yelp and other websites, this place is getting infiltrated by the chic cheap crew -- college students, hipsters slumming it, beardos and their SGFs (SuicideGirlFriends). This new crop of cheapos have blended with the OGs -- as in old grannies and gramps - over the last few years.
This has raised the prices slightly across the board in this their 70th year of operation.
The younger crowd also may have changed the vibe in there...I used to always feel like I was aging when I ate here. Seeing all the seniors gumming down their pot pies and gravy wore on me during the course of a meal. My youthful exuberance depleted by the the elderlies utter lack of urgency.
Did not feel that way tonight!
Total with tip was $18.00 - not bad, but the culinary experience and value at any taco shop would be much better - when was the last time you spent $18 for two at Roberto's.
Here is what we ate:
Split pea soup
Green salad with "blue cheese" dressing
Coleslaw
Rolls and Butter
Mashed Potatoes and White Gravy
Peas
Chicken Pie
Three Pieces of Fried Chicken
Water
Peach Pie
Pumpkin Pie
I won't bother reviewing the food individually because that is pointless...if you are going to eat here, its not for the quality of food - nothing I say regarding the food will change your idea of this place.
You go here because its an institution, you go because you've been dragged here, you go because you only have seven bucks and need to nosh.
You don't go because the food is awesome...if you do, that's cool, too!
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This is what you need to do:
1. Go to a local grocery store and find the frozen food aisle.
2. Buy a Banquet frozen entree.
3. Take home and microwave entree for a couple of minutes.
4. Voila! You have food from SD Chicken Pie Shop.
Yeah.. not much to say about the food. I had the roasted sirloin beef with corn and mashed potatoes. Hmm.. I expected a round piece of meat, not something already sliced. Also had the vegetable soup and some coleslaw. Eh, nothing fantastic. The bf had the chicken pot pie which was okay. I wish I got the Saturday special of the roasted chicken. That looked more appetizing than my dish.
The apple pie was not sweet, which I liked. However, there wasn't a lot of cinnamon flavor. The cherry pie was tart.
The only thing that I liked was the dinner rolls! They were warm and had a sweet flavor.
Our waitress was super nice and accommodated our group of 20 people. She even complimented how we were the easiest group she's served for the past couple of months. Nice!
Even though this place is cheap, I will NOT come back. It sucks how this is a cash only place.
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The food here is definitely pretty good and tastes rather home-cooked, but for some reason, the patrons of this place creep me out; My parents have always made fun of me as I have claimed the other people "stare" while I am trying to enjoy my meal; this "staring" has always bothered me; when I was a little kid that's one reason, but now that I'm not a little kid, makes me feel a little awkward. But that's just me being weird.
The takeout option is a good idea, especially if you dislike the feeling of being watched; the potpies are very good and the mashed potatoes have always been my favorite. You get quite the meal for the price in here. Perfect for anyone on a tight budget who is sick of fast food and microwave dinner.
The parking situation could be a bit better, but hey, it's North Park (i think) so I suppose it's something you get used too.
Not a bad place, but just not my favorite or first choice when thinking of dinner.
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Decent enough for the price. Basically if you've been to Rudfords across the street, then its the same exact thing except older citizens and chicken pot pie. I had high hopes walking in, but when i saw the frozen pea/carrots combo with my pot pie, that cost them 2.5 stars. They lost another .5 for the plastic roosters and their so-so chicken gravy that tastes like the stuff used on the mashed potatoes you get from school lunches. Yeah, you know what im talking about. Ok, fine.. maybe your parents cared to pack you lunches. Mine didn't. I'm not bitter...
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I can't help loving this place. The food is marginal although the actuall chicken pies and rolls are pretty decent. I go for the ambiance. That's right. I happen to love rolling carts, crazy chickens, old folks, and that one Mexican guy who is always there every time I go. The food is pretty cheap, you'll always leave full and the cafeteria ambiance will leave you begging for more.
"Let them eat pie!" is the slogan plastered across the wall as you walk in and wait to be seated. The slogan should read "Let them explode in their pants!" because the pies are that good. I would gladly spend the rest of my life with these pies than any woman.
The pies are free of veg, which is a blessing. Nothing but chicken and gravy stuffed in these crusty miracles. The Pie Dinner is a steal for the price but I prefer to rock two pies instead (two rolls will provide these pies with a reach around). The secret is to butter the roll, then plunge it down into the crust. Never allow the fork to penetrate until the roll has gotten firsties. Then go to town on those tender babies!
If you've still got room after you gobble gobble gobble (there is a touch of turkey in them thar pies) I recommend you close the bar with a slice of the Pineapple Cream Pie, though it's only available one day a week so plan accordingly.
I've eaten here in the hundreds of times and have never ordered anything but Chicken Pie for my entree and that's the way it should be! If you want a turkey club go to Johnny's R and than shoot yourself in the teeth!
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Very kitschy decor...with thousands and thousands of porcelain roosters and chickens. Where else can you possibly get stuffed for like 6 bucks? I just don't like the old people smell that the place has. Other than that, the food is awesome...I would give a whole 5 stars but there was a very obvious lipstick spot on my water glass.
Ok - this is as low-country as it gets - and I LIKE IT (think Robo-Cop when the guy blows a car to bits with a big-ass gun). But I digress.
Since moving to North Park, I've discovered I live a quick 10 minute walk from the CPS, and have since limited my allowance of meals consumed there to bi-monthly episodes. Damn - the food is good--and fattening, and salty, and nearly void of nutrition (unless you count butter as nutrition). In short - everything that makes American cuisine so freakin' great!
I'm talkin' authentic down-home Irish immigrant cooking like your grandma used to rustle up back in the day - that is if you come from Irish immigrant stock (work with me here). Chicken pot pies as buttery and flaky as a French-y croissant, baked to tawny-brown perfection, brimming with tender carrots, peas, potatoes and melt-in-your-mouth chicken bits, all swimming in a creamy, perfectly balanced gravy.
Whew-that was a mouthful. And a tasty one at that. And your daily intake of calories-unless you're LT.
The waitresses are all as sweet as molasses, and gorgeous inside and out - the kind of place where they know your name and your kin, and send hellos back with you - and an extra hot biscuit in the doggy bag.
The crowd tends towards the Geritol set - but hey, I'm getting there myself. The good news is - everyone is friendly and jovial - not self-conscious, condescending, and conceited - what a breath of fresh air. I'd give 'em 6 stars if I could.
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The Chicken Pie Shop is what it is. You're not going to find anything nouvelle or innovative here. Just tons of yummy, comforting, fattening old-school food. I've been going here all my life and my parents before me. It was actually my great-grandfather who first discovered the Shop back at its former location. My family always comes here after Kobey's Swap Meet on Sundays.
The chicken pie is usually great. I prefer it when it's mostly white meat, but it's the luck of the draw. They used to offer an all white meat pie for a little more, but didn't sell enough. I also like their fried chicken which has an unusual bread crumb crust and not the standard flour one. My dad likes their chopped steak. My aunt likes their chicken salad. I love their chicken soup. It's noodle now, but used to have rice. Whenever I'm sick, it's what I crave. My parents like their vegetable soup. If you don't want one of the things in your meal like the coleslaw, vegetables, or potatoes, you can get a double helping of something else. That's cool. I also chocolate pie is okay and their coconut one is better. This is the place to get your holiday rolls. Just make sure you order in advance and don't forget your number. My parents also always buy their holiday gravy here.
The Shop used to have the best chicken and dumplings I've ever had on special. They stopped offering it because, once again, not enough people ordered it. I'm livid over the loss.
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Just thinking about the meal I had at the SD Chicken Pie shop gives me indigestion, but I absolutely don't regret having eaten there; it was one of the funniest dining out experiences I have had thus far in San Diego. Why, pray tell? Let me list the ways:
1.) The mode age of the customers is about 95 years old, and you get the distinct impression that someone could die at any moment.
2.) The food is brought out and served by a 75 year old waitress on a steel CART.
3.) The decor is makes the Goodwill look classy. For god knows what reason there are about 250 rooster figurines which fill the shelves. At one point I was under the impression that I was actually eating a rooster pot pie.
4.) As far as vegetables go, there was ONE PEA in the pot pie. Upon that discovery I laughed so hard that I almost peed my pants.
Two stars for the entertainment, the low price, and the time I spent on the toilet recovering. Eat at your own risk.
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Kind of an average chicken pot pie but it's still a beautiful thing. Chicken pot pie, taters, unoffensive vegetables and a piece of apple pie at the end. Kind of feels like you're at a Bingo tournament. Hey, I paid five bucks.
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The "Shop" as I like to call it is one of a hand full of restaurants which maintains its original flair. Originally on the corner of Robinson and 5th, it relocated some years ago to the El Cajon Blvd. location.
BEST place in town for a hot, filling meal, which will not break your budget. Small parking lot to the rear of the shop, but it can get full fast. Street parking is pretty easy and available.
We always hit the Shop after a dive. Warm, comfort food served with a smile and dessert :) While there are lots of trendy and expensive places in North Park, get back to the simple pleasures of a no frills meal.
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While the atmosphere is more like a cafeteria at a hospital, the chicken is awfully good. I confess, I haven't gotten a chicken pie, but I have gotten the half breast of chicken, and it's been really good more than once. It's not expensive, and it's tasty. And salty.
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It's one of San Diego's secrets. Good food for a great price. Around $7 will get you a pot pie, veggies, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, a biscuit, a slice of pie and a drink. You get your food quick and the waitresses are nice. Don't talk too loud though cause the clientele is a bit older, you might bust their hearing aids. Oh yeah, cash onlee. No pesos, maybe Euros. Dey onlee move dem greenbacks!
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This place rocks my world. they seem bent on being old fashioned here, even down to the cash register thats probably from the 1940s. the atmosphere is straight cafeteria, altho you are served at your table by a motherly waitress. being raised in a wealthy area, where healthy international cuisine is the norm, i didnt discover the joys of salty, gravy covered, jello-accentuated american comfort food until i visited wyoming at the age of 12. ever since then, that food has held a special spot in my heart. chicken pot pie is probably the peak of american comfort food: doughy, sweet, soft, salty and covered in creamy goodness. gourmet burmese food has nothing on it.
the pie meal (altho they have a few other meals, like chicken fried steak) comes with coleslaw, a biscuit, a "vegetable" (corn or peas or something else canned and basic) and a slice of pie, with lots of choices in that section. when i asked for something other than corn (eugh), they told me i could have another plastic bowl of coleslaw, or applesauce. i happily chose the applesauce. it was like being at summer camp. only awesomer. there is no pretense here, and the older crowd seems to like it that way. so do i.
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I think place is pretty awesome. theres a nice little atmosphere feel here.
this place is kinda one of our families little secrets. i feel like a little boy on christmas when I see some chicken pies from here in here in the fridge.
they've got some pretty delicious pies if you get those munchies in the late night hour. Our family usually never eats there, we usually bring them home. Just a note, if you do decided to bring the chicken pot pies home to eat and you want to re-heat them, place a wet paper towel on top, and then place in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes.
(oy, listen to me, I sound like a tv dinner now!)
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This is the type of food I can see myself going to when I'm 90 years old and all my teeth have fallen out. Most of the food here is soft enough to be consumed with a spoon.
Sure, the chicken pot pie's not bad, but it was rather bland tasting to me. The other sides of vegetables, mashed potatoes, roll, and salad are about what you would find in a school cafeteria. The various selection of pies though, are great, from the rhubarb, to the coconut creme.
While food is not the best, it is still not a bad deal for the prices they charge.
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As a native San Diegian, the chicken pie shop was a treat as a child. It brought back great memories of good comfort food. There's huge chunks of white meat chicken covered with a creamy chicken gravy. I got potatoes on the side and was quiet stuffed half way through. But of course I couldn't resist a slice of coconut cream pie (when I inquired about coconut cream pie, the waitress was quick to grab me the last piece she had).
The wait staff reminds of those who have been around forever as they took orders and unusual way of serving food (They push everything out on a cart.) The service is quick and friendly.
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Dude I cannot believe this place has 3 1/2 star rating! My hubby and I went here when some travel guide reccomended it as a must see in SD. It took no joke over an hour to get these nasty pies that tasted like something I would make out of my easy bake oven with dirt as the primary ingredient when I was 7 years old. The pie didn't even have veggies in it! What kind of chicken pot pie is that? The waitstaff is all seniors who move about as fast as the kitchen. We did have a good slice of pie for dessert though.
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Atmosphere. I want to say 60's-70's cafe with a hint of retirement home - I don't mean that to be derogatory but we've all been to one and once inside you'll know exactly what I mean.
Food was tasty - I know the title of the place is chicken pie, but I had my heart set on fried chicken before I even got inside, so I went with it. The fried chicken pleasantly reminded me of shake-n-bake (this ain't no KFC), peas were the dark green gray/canned version (I'm pretty sure), Cole Slaw was finely chopped to where you really didn't need to chew it and the rhubarb pie was wonderful.
I know it, after I typed up my observations some will think not to go here, but honestly I loved it. The server was wonderful and updated us on her current events (I hear Hawaii is wonderful this time of year) as well as made some good suggestions to what I should pick as sides to my Fried Chix. I'm going back - if not for dinner, then for Easter Dinner. :)
Oh, I forgot about the price. $8.95 for 1/2 chicken, soup, 2 sides and dessert.
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There's a reason it's not called "la tarte de poulet," people. It's f-ing chicken pot pie. I don't know who goes to a restaurant called the Chicken Pie Shop expecting a gourmet experience. Now on the other hand, if you go and expect some cheap home cooking, that's exactly what you'll get.
This is my favorite chicken pie. Period. I'm not exactly a connoisseur of chicken pie, so I'm not sure how much weight my statement holds. But this chicken pie is just straight gravy, crust, and chicken. None of that peas and carrots b.s. I stock up on the frozen ones like they're discontinued.
I also take issue with people who complain about the decor. How could a room decorated with chicken paraphernalia lack atmosphere? It's just a very specific type of true American charm. The service is also without comparison. Sometimes I just like to be called "hon" a lot.
And the hookers on the corner? Again, just some true American charm.
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The last two reviews sparked my interest in this historic restaurant. 35 years ago when it was in Hillcrest we used to go there for dinner and get boxes of frozen chicken pies for take out. I rediscovered it in its new location on El Cajon Blvd a few years ago and little has changed except the location. The meals are inexpensive and the cuisine is what I believe would be called "comfort food.' Some of the reviews were unfairly harsh and I believe the average being much higher speaks to this. Please don't go there if you are looking for fine dining. The place is clean and the food is tasty. What else can one truly expect from a chicken pie shop.
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When I was a kid we used to take my grandma here to eat pot pies. She used to love them and while I think they're good, I can cook a better one, so that's why they get 4 stars from me!
I'll admit that the chicken pot pie is on the plainer side when basing it against the entire realm of pot pie competition, but the prices are great & I'll continue to go back... and not just for the sake of nostalgia.
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Dave says, "for the chicken pot pie adict this is the place to go". This is the place to go for good cheap eats.
Well, the hardest work that ever I done
Is plowin' a field of rye
The easiest work that ever I done
Was eatin' chicken pie
Crow black chicken and crow for a day
Crow black chicken and fly away
Crow black chicken and-a ...
I like chicken pie
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As I stare out my window all I see is yet another gloomy day here in San Diego and all I can think about is how great a bowl of soup would be right now...or maybe a chicken pot pie! I decide to go for the latter and head directly down to Chicken Pie Shop.
Located on the corner of El Cajon Blvd and Oregon St. in University Heights, Chicken Pie Shop has been serving up their special chicken pie (which is actually made with chicken AND turkey) since 1936 so theyve got the recipe down to a science. Its a basic chicken pot pie loaded with chicken, turkey and gravy inside a flakey crust drenched in even more chicken gravy. While the shop is known for this very filling dish they also serve sandwiches, burgers and several dinner dishes with a different special for each day of the week.
I still had a faint hankering for soup when I arrived so of course I had to start my meal with the soup of the day which was Oriental Chicken. It was an unseasoned mixture of chicken, red and green peppers, celery, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms and water chestnuts in chicken broth. Since when does adding water chestnuts to something make it Oriental? In any case I added a dash of salt and pepper and enjoyed the way the hot soup warmed my chest.
Since the weather was so gloomy I decided to pretend I was somewhere warm and sunny by ordering their Teriyaki Chicken sandwich. Its a chicken breast slathered in teriyaki sauce and served on a bun with two pineapple rings, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles on the side - your typical Hawaiian burger you can get at almost any diner in San Diego. Nevertheless it was put together just right and I ate every bite of it. Last but not least was the famous chicken pie.
You can order the pie by itself or surrounded by whipped potatoes or vegetables. I had ordered my chicken pie with whipped potatoes; this is what I had been waiting for all day. When it arrived at my table it was piping hot but I didnt care, I burned my tongue on the first bite and it stung for many bites thereafter. The juiciness of both the chicken and turkey along with the creamy gravy and potatoes was enough to make me forget about the fact that the weather was bad, my stomach was actually already full from my sandwich. As I made my signature potato and gravy mountain I gazed outside and watched the grey clouds roll by, they werent bothering me anymore. Chicken Pie Shop had cured my gloomy-itis and I was ready to face the rest of my day...stomachache and all.
Make sure that when its your turn to visit the shop you dont go crazy like I did and order EVERYTHING that looks good on the menu. Trust me, youll be there for a very long time and youll be in serious pain when its time to leave because not only is the food good, home style, dance on your taste buds cooking, its also very inexpensive at about $5.00 an entre. Thats not even mentioning the mouthwatering pies the shop serves. I myself could not try a slice due too the overwhelming amount of food I had just consumed. I did however talk to some of the fellow patrons around me (mostly elderly groups and couples willing to talk about any and everything as long as theres an ear to listen. I think a lot of them have been eating at the shop since it opened back in the 30s) and they all told me that the pie was wonderful. Honestly, I saw the pie and I dont trust them (the pies, not the seniors). Dont take my word for it; try Chicken Pie Shop for yourself. For $5.00 you can have a full dinner along with dessert. You cant beat that!
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Remember when school cafeterias used to serve slop on plates and gave you actual utensils? Well, that's what you get at the Chicken Pie Shop.
For UNDER $7.00, you can have the 'Pie Dinner'. It comes with a tasty chicken pot pie, mash potatoes, veggies (sometimes corn, sometimes beans, sometimes mixed veggies), cole slaw, bread (which is light, fluffy, and sweet), and your choice of pie (depending on what's available). If you don't like cole slaw, you can have apple sauce or an extra helping of veggies or mash potatoes. Great deal. You can order both chicken pies and dessert pies, to cook for later. They have other things on the menu but I prefer the chicken pot pie. Just like their restaurant title.
If you're expecting fine silverware and table cloth dining, then you're at the wrong place. This is a Kitschy place where you can wear jeans, sweats, and trainers. It has a cafeteria feel with a cafeteria look.
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because they only take cash.
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This is my guilty pleasure. I'm a bit embarassed to say I really like this place, but I do. I consider myself a food snob and know that the quality isn't great, but for me it's good comfort food at a great price. The ambiance leaves something to be desired. It kind of makes you feel like you are eating in an old age home. Did I mention the great prices? You get a whole chicken pie dinner for like $5 including dessert! The service is always great too! The servers look like they've been there since it opened.
If you aren't all that keen on the surroundings, you can get dinner to go or even buy the chicken pies frozen to take home.
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Food like mom used to make? Not my mother, thankfully.
Pull into the parking lot behind the building and peruse the fine selection of hookers (maybe choose one for later?). The nearby water tower is one of San Diego's premier hooker spots for 20 years now.
Once inside, take note of the decor that's been unchanged since the late 60's. Possibly one of the most depressing dining rooms I've ever seen. That's OK, we'll take our food to go.
And on to the food. The "fried chicken" is an abomination - the mashed potatoes, like wallpaper paste. The vegetables, frozen. In fact, I am going to guess that the majority of food in this place is frozen at some point. Their namesake chicken pie? Unrecognizable chicken-like nuglets, swimming in a pool of gluey sauce.
Some have said that this is "home cooking" or "midwestern" food, but I wouldn't know, because whatever this food is, it's about the equivelant of my elementary school cafeteria. Many reviews here seem to award high points for it being "cheap", but I would dare to say that this food would be too expensive if it was being given away for free.
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Wow. If there's a ratio for taste to unhealthyness, I think this place has the lowest ratio ever. The chicken pot pie is pretty bad (the chicken liver, conversely, is quite good), but the sides are nothing special and everything is smothered in okay gravy. The worst part was that both the peach pie and the apple pie desserts were probably the worst pies I have ever tasted. I don't think I will be going back to this place.
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The chicken pie shop has been open since the 1930's. It is a San Diego landmark in my mind and a reminder of what San Diego was and is today behind all the tourist landmarks...
This place reminds me of food eateries in the midwest as driving across country. It is homestyle comfort food, served by someone's grandmother who has probably worked her whole life.
Yeah the decor and the service is not top notch but look at what your getting for the price... Order the chicken pie dinner (which I recommend) you get one chicken pie, vegetables, mash potatoes, cole slaw, and a slice of pie for under $7.00.
P.S. It's called the chicken pie shop, so you might want to try the chicken pie. (hint, hint, wink, wink)
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You people are crazy. Since when are ceramic chickens and elderly people not cool? I love to come here with all my friends right before we go out clubbing. Hahaha, just kidding! You really have to take this place for what it is, and it's a wholesome little family owned restaurant.
Personally, I think there's something incredibly charming about Chicken Pie Shop. Many of the older customers have probably been eating here since they were young. I know my parents have been coming here since before I was born. As soon as you enter it's pretty obvious that this place hasn't changed much in many years. With so many generic chain restaurants in existence nowadays, it's nice to go to a unique place every once in a while.
The staff is friendly and they bring out your food quickly on their funny little carts. If you're looking for gourmet food or a hip atmosphere, steer far away from this place. But if you're looking for decent comfort food, good portions, and cheap prices you'll like this place. If you like ceramic chickens for some odd reason, then you'll love this place. I've never seen so many in my life.
Get the pie dinner. And bring cash because they don't take plastic.
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GAWD, IT'S SO GERIATRIC IN HERE! Don't get me wrong, I love all them grams and gramps who eat here. Of course, the Chicken Pie Shop isn't gourmet, but I will admit that their chicken pies bring me a little comfort. Three stars for a