My Experience Trying Dave's Hot Chicken for the First Time

Discovering Dave's Hot Chicken

The first time I tried Dave's Hot Chicken, I wasn't sure what to expect. As someone who enjoys spicy food, I'm always on the hunt for restaurants that can deliver mouth-numbing heat. When I heard about a new hot chicken spot popping up in my city, I knew I had to try it out.

Arriving at the Restaurant

I convinced a friend to join me on my quest to try Dave's Hot Chicken. We arrived to a busy storefront with a line out the door. The restaurant had a trendy, modern vibe with neon lighting. Looking at the menu, it was clear that spicy chicken was the specialty. The names of each spice level were intimidating, ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper." We decided to start in the middle with the "Hot" spice.

Ordering Our Meal

When it was our turn to order, the menu options were simple. You could get tenders, wings, chicken sandwiches, or chicken over fries or mac and cheese. We opted for the sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. The cashier asked if we wanted to try a complimentary tiny tender with higher spice just to get a preview. We accepted the challenge and received a "Reaper" level bite. Just one small piece packed an unbelievable punch of heat.

Taking the First Bite

We took our buzzer and found seats, cautiously optimistic about handling the medium spice level we ordered. When our food was ready, we grabbed the red plastic tray loaded with our sandwiches and sides. Lifting the bun, steam poured out and the smell of spices filled the air. I added a dash of ranch dressing to my sandwich before taking the first bite. Instantly, my mouth was on fire as the crisp exterior gave way to tender, moist chicken overloaded with flavorful spices.

Trying Each Item on the Tray

The chicken sandwich itself had the perfect ratio of meat to bun. Each bite was juicy, crunchy, and loaded with heat. The blend of spices balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. After polishing off the sandwich, I tried the mac and cheese. It was creamy, gooey, and had a pleasant kick from being made with Dave's iconic spice blend. My friend wasn't able to handle the heat, but I happily helped him finish off the remaining bites.

The Aftermath and Things to Know

After our meal, my mouth was pleasantly tingling and numb, but not painfully burning. The medium spice level provided plenty of heat without being unbearable. Dave's Hot Chicken certainly lived up to the hype. When you visit, come prepared with something creamy to offset the spice. I also recommend starting in the middle spice-wise until you know your tolerance. Be ready to wait in line, as the word is out about Dave's being the hottest chicken spot in town!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dave's Hot Chicken

Dave's Hot Chicken is still new, but people already have a lot of questions about this rising hot chicken chain. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

How Did Dave's Hot Chicken Start?

Dave's Hot Chicken originally started in East Hollywood in early 2017. Chef Dave Kopushyan and three friends created the menu to showcase Dave's signature blend of spices and heat levels. The restaurant quickly earned a cult following, with lines wrapping around the block. An investor helped Dave expand his hot chicken empire to 15 locations across the United States.

What Heat Level Should I Get?

For newcomers, I recommend starting with the Medium or Hot spice level. Order one step below your normal tolerance to get a feel for Dave's unique spices. You can always go hotter on your next visit! The Reaper spice features extracts to create an exceptionally hot chicken experience for true chile-heads.

What Goes Well With the Chicken?

Dave's chicken tends to be on the drier side, so creamy sides like mac and cheese pair well. The menu also features milkshakes and fresh slaw to help temper the heat. Cold drinks are also a must for balancing out the spices! Focus on combos that offer a mix of cool and creamy.

My Love of Spicy Chicken Lives On

Dave's Hot Chicken added a new contender to my favorite spicy chicken spots. As someone who never shies away from heat in my meals, Dave's menu of tasty chicken sandwiches and tenders dusted with flavorful spice blends is a new obsession. I look forward to working my way up the spice spectrum on future visits while balancing the heat with their delicious sides.

If you love spicy food, do yourself a favor and get to your nearest Dave's Hot Chicken. Order some chicken slathered in their signature spice blend and thank me later! Just be sure to order some milkshakes or slaw to balance out the heat.

FAQs

How spicy is the chicken at Dave's Hot Chicken?

Dave's Hot Chicken offers chicken tenders and sandwiches with various spice levels to suit different tolerances. The spice levels range from "No Spice" to "Reaper." Most people recommend starting with the Medium or Hot level before trying the more extreme spices like Nuclear or Reaper.

What are the most popular menu items?

The most popular items are the chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. Guests can choose between levels of spice and customize with toppings. The Spicy Sliders and chicken over fries or mac and cheese bowls are also guest favorites.

Does Dave's Hot Chicken offer vegan or vegetarian options?

While most of the menu features Dave's signature spicy fried chicken, there are a few vegetarian sides. The menu offers things like french fries, kale slaw, and cheese fries. Those with dietary restrictions may ask about off-menu vegan/vegetarian options as well.

Is there anything that helps tone down the spice?

Yes! Dave's Hot Chicken combos come with a bread roll and ranch or blue cheese dressing to help cut down the heat. Their creamy mac and cheese, french fries, and milkshakes also balance some of the extreme spice levels.