Good customer service people are nice and good food it's like Dave's hot chicken but cheaper and better

First time here, been hearing about this from my daughter so me and her went a grabbed a couple mini fries. Ok on first sight of the container it looks small. But when you open it up OMG it's packed with crinkle fries and a mountain of chopped chicken along with the babas sauces and ranch and cheese sauce. We opted out of the picked and slaw. On first bite it was packed with flavor and perfect crispiness in both the crinkle cut fries and the chopped chicken. The crispness was on a whole different level!! I dug in and didn't stop until I was done, my daughter couldn't finish hers. Super tasty flavor and very delicious is all I can say. 10 out of 10!! read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Mini Loaded Fries minus pickle and slaw - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

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This is one of the better restaurants in the food lab. Plenty of seats here and you can even go to the bar. Its just so laid back here and no hassle. The vibe is just nice here. They have halal food here and I must say the fried chicken is pretty good. It has a hint of spicy and the flavor is aromatic and deep. You can taste and smell that they use spices other than onion/garlic powder or just salt. Its been pricy lately for fried chicken, but this place isn't too bad. My only one problem is that the food took too long to make even if I was the only one who ordered for a good bit. Otherwise, the chicken here was fantastic and had great flavors. read more

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Babas Chicken in Riverside is a must-visit if you're a fan of hot chicken. The spot is located inside a huge food court. The hot chicken wings are the star of the show. They come out crispy, juicy, and packed with that perfect spicy kick that hot chicken lovers are looking for. The flavor really hits, and the heat level makes every bite exciting. If you're in the Riverside area and craving bold, spicy comfort food, Babas Chicken is a great place to stop by. Definitely recommend giving the wings a try. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Wow! I've had a lot of chicken sandwiches, but this one was one of my favorites! My wife and I were staying at the Mission Inn and needed a quick bite to eat. Baba's was nearby. It's in a small marketplace building with other restaurants. Service was "meh" (otherwise 5 stars) but it's quick service....so hard to expect anything great. But, the food was super yummy, and their sauce was fabulous. I especially liked their fries dipped in their sauce. I'll be trying Baba's again for sure. If you are staying at the Mission Inn, or in the downtown area, go give them a try. read more

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I ordered online and the food was ready and tasty , no surprise there. Food was ready on time when picked it up. Clean and organized location. Parking is not easy to find. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Loaded fries , super good !! - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Nothing beats fried chicken and fried chicken sandwiches! Crunchy chicken with a cookie for dessert, I'm good for the day. read more

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My husband got the spicy chicken combo and thought it was pretty flavorful. He thought the jalapenos were a great addition to their coleslaw. The fries were so flavorful and crispy, delicious without any sauces either. Will definitely be back the next time we're in the area. read more

We were greeted right away and the cashier was friendly. We ordered the tenders meal. The chicken was fresh and crispy and the bread was a nice side to the meal. The fries were the best part. But, you get two tiny pieces of chicken (the picture makes it look larger than it is). I don't feel it was worth $17. Still glad we tried it though! read more

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Some people don't think too highly of this place but I actually like it. I think they got some great Mac n cheese is great and the tenders are flavorful but not really spicy. I got hot tenders btw. I do think the price is a bit much for what you're getting read more

I've had Baba's mac and cheese before and I'm a huge fan. When I saw the loaded mac and cheese on the secret menu, I decided to swing by the Food Lab to try it. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I wasn't super impressed with the portion. It looked like about the same amount in a side of Mac and cheese, with less than one chicken tender chopped up on top. I was hoping for some more protein for the price. I also asked for extra slaw but didn't get any, which was whatever but it added a little to the feeling that the dish was a tad skimpy. The mac and cheese itself was really good, and I enjoyed the loaded toppings. But considering how much more it costs than the normal cup of mac, I didn't feel it was worth it. Service was friendly but my order took about 20 minutes to come out, even though the place wasn't very busy at the time. I'll probably stick to their classic sandwiches and just get a side of mac next time. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Loaded Mac & Cheese - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

We stopped by Baba's Hot Chicken when we visited the lab. We love Nashville hot chicken and found this place. The burgers were delicious, we got the hot and it definitely had a kick to the sandwich which was nice and crispy. The cheesy baba was good also, 2 grilled cheese sandwiches as buns was interesting but it worked. Hubby is a wing guy so he was happy that babas had the all new wings on the menu. We tried different spice levels including the extreme which packed a kick. It was definitely spicy and had my husband with hiccups but he said he enjoyed the taste. We loved the ambiance of the food lab with the multiple restaurants and Baba's was definitely worth the stop. We will be back again to try more of their items. read more

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I ordered at the kiosk and it was pretty crowded. You can also order at the cashier. I would've liked a confirmation text because I kept wondering if I entered my phone number wrong. I got myself a combo with mac and cheese. My sandwich was hot and had extra coleslaw. It took a bit over 10 minutes to get my order ready. The sandwich was massive - one of the biggest I've seen. The mac and cheese was very creamy but a bit bland. The sandwich had a sauce that tasted a lot like ranch. Even though I ordered 'hot,' the sandwich was not that spicy. It has a very good crunch but the breading started to fall off easily. The sandwich is very wide and flat, but not tall. I think it was very smart of them to place two tenders instead of one big patty. Overall I liked the sandwich and it has a pretty good form. The only improvement I would like is to dial in the flavor a bit more. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Baba's Sandwich Combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Place is solid they fall short with customer service don't forget the shitty lids that will never stay on ! No eye contact is a turn off for me so I order my food and gladly put no tip and looked at homegirl with a straight face ... How tf they go from three pieces of tenders for combo and they only gave me two they give you more fries than chicken never going back ! read more

Good service, asked the cashier how to get the free cookie. Amazing food. The Mac and cheese keeps me coming back.

Decent food and fast service! The staff was friendly and the order came out quickly. Everything tasted fresh and satisfying. It's a good spot if you're looking for a quick and tasty meal. I'd definitely come back again. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Ordered online. Meal was not ready at the requested time and still waited about 10 minutes. Did not notice until after I checked out that a 20% gratuity was automatically added! (Turns out the tip defaults to 20% unless you change it). Was surprised that two combos totaled almost $50. I've had Baba's before, in which the chicken spice level is adjusted to your preference; fries are crinkle cut and good when you eat them right away. I tried the fried pickles for the first time, which had a $2 upcharge. These were delicious but the breading falls off which each bite. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken is the bomb. The perfect amount of spice for whatever level you like. And the friendliest staff ever! They will take great care of you and in a very speedy fashion. Plus this location is so much fun with a great vibe for the whole family! I love Baba's chicken!!! read more

The food looks nothing like the instagram/tiktok pages unfortunately. The bun is toooo dry for a sandwich that has no moisture. The sandwich needs more pickles, more coleslaw, & more sauce. If they are charging Dave's Hot chicken prices it should at least be just as good. read more

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Employee was very nice and helpfull. Pros: large portion of fries and chicken. The mild heat level is great flavor, fries were cheesy. I would probably eat here again as food was pretty good. Im just mentioning everything 100% the way i experianced as always. Worth the try. I came to the ricerside food lab on friday night and it was starting to get busy. But i sat out side and there was just one other person. Cons: Very pricey, and they no ponger do the mac on cheese fries like advertised on socials. also ranch is bottled not made in house. the slaw iant slaw at ALL, its just cabbage and a few sloces of jalapeño. There is absolutely no dressing mayo or vinegar in it at all. Just dry canbage. If you get the mac separate and a drink my order was $28. read more

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For a late night chicken spot, this spot is good. Dont go out expecting some memorable hot chicken because mine wasnt. I cant say much about the service because I ordered through a screen. It even asked me for a tip?! For what? You have provided no service to me? I dont ever get that? Is the tip for the people making the food? Thats part of their job. A tip is for service, by using a computer screen you have eliminated the service part of it. The ambiance at the food lab is always nice, people hanging out talking, laughing, eating and drinking. I order the hot flavored chicken but it was not hot at all, it didnt even look as hot and spicy as my friends 2 piece hot chicken. So they probably gave me the wrong flavor, but I wasnt about to wait 10more minutes for a new order. My sandwhich itself was ok. Nothing to rave about. Its hard to mess up a chicken sandwich. Would i come back to this place? No, ive had better hot chicken at other places. The crinkle cut fries were pretty good with great flavor on them, maybe because they cook them in the same oil as the hot chicken. read more

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The chicken wasn't dry and it was flavorful!!! The customer service was great! And the pace was clean.

Overall, I enjoyed Baba's Hot Chicken but unfortunately it wasn't able to dethrone my favorite hot chicken spot. Located in the Riverside Food Lab, Baba's offers chicken sandwiches, Strips, and even fried bone in chicken with a great assortment of sides. The service is good and price is on par with other restaurants in the food lab. I ordered the Baba's Chicken Sandwich Combo that comes with the Sandwich, one side (I chose crinkle fries), and a fountain drink. The sandwich itself is big and has two chicken tenders inside. Although the chicken is good, It was a bit awkward to eat as the two strips just wanted to fall out of the bun. I have a preference to another spot I won't name that opts for two smaller sandwiches in their combo than one as it is much easier to eat. The chicken also comes in different heat levels, I ordered the medium and expected something a bit spicier, still good just not what I was expecting. The fries were really good and was a good portion, arguably these are better than other hot chicken spots I've been to. I really like that you can add a side of bone-in chicken thigh and/or a drumstick with your order. Only problem is the two times I've been they haven't been ready and would have been a lengthy wait. Overall I think Baba's is worth the try but is not something I would continue to bring myself to the food lab to try. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Baba's Sandwich Combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Back again, this time everything was amazing! I took my whole family here, everyone loved everything! The hot sandwich which we got in mild was great, the fries were cooked well, and the loaded fries which everyone loves the most. The service was super quick even though there was a long line. If there were food that is ready, just ask if that's for your name because it is always so loud in there, so it's hard to hear your name get called. Also, if you guys want to come here and see a long line at the cashier, you can order at the SELF-SERVICE MACHINE which located at the left side and also it's only using card. No one seems to notice that it's available for people to use. Overall, it's really great! Don't forget to try the loaded fries, it was so good! read more

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Chicken is amazing, their loaded fries & loaded mac is very filling. Baba's is so worth it and may be my favorite at the food lab read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Loaded Mac & Cheese, Baba's Loaded Fries, Fried Pickles, 2 Baba's Tenders - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

The food is very delicious and just the right amount of spicy. The sourdough grilled cheese is my #1 favorite and I always order it, I don't even like grilled cheese that much, it's THAT GOOD. The mac and cheese is very filling and good, the chicken sandwhich definetly packs a punch of flavor and spice, very very VERY delicious. 9.5/10 Would recommend. read more

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A popular food stall in the array of options at the Riverside Food Lab, Baba's provides a short and sweet menu of hot chicken sandwiches and appetizers. Being inside the food court makes the ambiance and "cool" factor elevated by default. Would highly recommend the place in general to brings friends for a good time, however parking can be a nightmare during busy times. I can't complain about the service as it was speedy. They had my food out in minutes! I got the hot sandwich combo in medium fearing the multiple flames advertised in the menu. A soda and appetizer was included for which I got fried pickles. Psyching myself for a peptic ulcer-inducing good time, it wasn't really spicy at all! I wish I ordered the hot or extreme heat levels. The flavor was nice and chicken tenders were very juicy. The coleslaw is a relatively controversial topping on chicken sandwiches but I thought it was well done here and provided a refreshingly cool crunch. The fried pickles were surprisingly large and abundant. The coating on them was thick and seasoned well. Overall, a solid offering. I can't wait to experiment more in the lab! read more

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Delicious blend of flavors & great customer service! Friendly fresh & fast. I love the food lab, so creative & fun. Even kiosk ordering at Baba's Kudos! read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Mini babas Baba's Loaded Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

I was in the area with a friend and we decided to stop by the Food Lab. I ordered the loaded fries which is truly an entire meal on its own. It's very typical counter service so I wouldn't expect much in that regard, but the food was very filling and it did come loaded with chicken. I would eat here again. read more

Food was good. Average price. Typical service. Good for a quick bite. Convenient to be inside the food court thing. It's busy and hot inside but there's plenty of outside seating. Everyone can go grab the different spot they want to eat at and sit outside together. Convenient. read more

Man, that was a good chicken sandwich. I got the 'medium' spicy level and it was flavorful with a little spice. The coleslaw was great, and their sauce and honey combo is great. The only better chicken I've ever had was at Hattie B's in Nashville. If you like chicken sandwiches, get one here, it's great. The server was very nice and the ambiance was decent considering it was a glorified food court. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Baba's Hot Sandwich Only - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Best chicken sandwich in the Cali!! Well seasoned, good sized portions and great service! An absolute MUST TRY at the food lab no doubt. Since they opened it's been a struggle to order on the phone or website.. DoorDash is okay sometimes but nothing beats going in person it's much better eating it hot so be sure to keep that in mind. The Mac & cheese is a little plain all cheese no seasonings could do with some improvements but nonetheless great sandwiches and loaded fries every time. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Baba's Sandwich Combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

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Fast and good service. Large portion of baba fries. Unique and good taste. A little expensive for fries but they were loaded with chicken and cabbage. Was worth a try. read more

Worst customer service ever. I waited in line and when it was my turn the worker didn't even look up at me or greet me. when i came back to ask if my order was ready, everyone avoided eye contact with anyone coming up to the counter. when i finally got someone's attention, i asked if anyone had called the name "***" he ignored me the first time then when i repeated my question, he looked up at me with a very annoyed face and said "uhh i don't know" then proceeded to walk away from the register. did not bother helping at all. another girl came up to me later and gave me my order (that was ready for a while ). she walked away so fast, i had to get her attention again to ask for a sauce and honey. they lack customer service. if you hate your job, find a new one. no need to be rude towards your customers. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken is located in the Food Lab at Riverside - it's one of many options, so beware those with option paralysis! I ordered the sandwich with tenders, which comes with a side of your choice. We had a relatively big group (~6), but our orders were out in 10 minutes! The portions were huge.. I usually don't say this, but I didn't even finish my fries. The fries were just crunchy enough, and delicious paired with sauce. I also thought the chicken sandwich was pretty good! If you're coming with a group, just be aware that there isn't much seating here. read more

No words but to say delicious! Crispy French fries, the chicken well done and just an overall great food experience. read more

Baba's Hot Chicken - Baba's Sandwich Combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Riverside, California

Hot chicken sandwiches with varying heat levels. Service is great, with a great casual place to dine.

3.5 stars (rounded up because vibes) We stopped by this spot inside the Riverside Food Lab, which is definitely on the darker side--ambiance-wise, not shady vibes or anything. Just giving a heads-up in case you're into brighter dining scenes. First off, shoutout to them for being open on Easter! That was a nice surprise. But let's talk service... it was kind of "hands-off." The two workers seemed mostly focused on cooking, which I get--but it meant nobody was really managing the front or calling out names when food was ready. We had to walk up after waiting awkwardly, thirsty and confused, because they didn't give us our drinks or even let us know our order was ready. Now, food-wise? The loaded fries were a win--huge portion, totally sharable, and actually seasoned well. The chicken had a great crunch and solid flavor too. But... if we're comparing to the king, Dave's Hot Chicken, it just didn't hit the same. My husband ordered the hot sandwich and said it wasn't nearly as spicy as expected, and no one had him sign the "spicy waiver," which Dave's is known for. Missed opportunity to add a little drama, honestly. All in all--it's not a bad spot. I'd eat here again, especially if I was already in the area. It just didn't dethrone my OG go-to. Still worth a try if you're looking to switch it up or avoid long lines elsewhere. read more

Horrible... went on 11/29/25, waited 45 minutes for my order. A meal for a tender combo for my daughter. When I finally asked, they couldn't find my ticket. turns out they had my ticket behind another ticket, didn't seem to care. read more

overall score: D order: loaded fries i would never get this item again as it was almost disgusting to eat.. after a few bites i got sick of it. there was way too much fries compared to the chicken. i basically finished my chicken on my first bites. not to mention, the price was insane. service: ordered on a kisok and food came out fairly quick. ambiance: located inside food labs and there was plenty of seating. read more