Chicken with a Twist: The Crack Shack

By: Bob Gurley
​
It would be an understatement to say that there are a lot of chicken restaurants in the valley. I suppose that mirrors other cities where you can find just about any type of bird dishes.

The Crack Shack at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino is a little different than most in that not only can you get a creative chicken sandwich but you can wash it down with an adult beverage if you wish.

The growing chain started in Southern California and was founded by CEO Michael Rosen and celebrity-chef Richard Blais. Their creations are prepared with ‘crack spice’, a blend of spices that according to their website causes a squawk for delighted patrons.

The location, just north of Eataly, fronts Las Vegas Blvd. and can only be entered from outside of the hotel. There is a large patio area as well as plenty of tables inside.

The list of sandwiches takes some time to study. When I arrived I had trouble deciding what to have but settled on the G-Bird, an eclectic collection of ingredients like a grilled breast, shishito pepper relish, Swiss cheese, romaine and tomato on a whole what brioche. There were a range of flavors that stood out and made for a great experience.

If you want a little French you should consider the Senor Croque made with crispy chicken, bacon, fried egg and miso-maple butter. And if you want to pretend you are still in the golden state order the California Dip with pollo asado, fries, pickled jalapeno, bolillo bread, posole broth and avocado.

Of course, you can get fries and they call theirs Schmaltz spuds in two sizes. But I was in the mood for something different so I chose a quartet of deviled eggs. On top was French toast crumble and candied bacon.

I enjoyed the flavor but could have done without the crumble which was a bit too crunchy for my taste. Other sides include Mexican Poutine with pollo asada and jalapeno cheese wiz. Original or hot chicken oysters are pickle brined and served with mustard seed tartar and cilantro.

One of their specialties is fried chicken and it can be ordered with five or ten pieces. It comes with a choice of dipping sauces.

There is a large slate of bowls led by the Anti-Salad Power Bowl with smoked chicken, soft-boiled egg, heritage grains, chato’s salsa, avocado and arugula. Border Slaw is accented with papaya, mango, jicama, coconut, chili and pineapple.
​
If you are looking for a little health in your bites Miso Healthy should fit the bill. A batch of veggies like arugula, sesame seeds, miso ginger vin, pickled cukes, crunchy rice noodles and pineapple all congregate together.

The kids are welcome here with a list of goodies from their own menu that includes nuggets, grilled chicken or grilled cheese with a choice of carrots or petite fries plus a juice box and cookie.

As mentioned earlier they have beer and other drinks plus a Happy Hour for discounted items. Creative chicken with a twist…The Crack Shack delivers.

The Crack Shack, Park MGM, 3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas. (702) 820-5991. www.crackshack.com.