Dave&#x27;s Hot Chicken

132

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2 years ago

Can't believe I haven't had Dave's Hot Chicken until recently! My boyfriend and I got the #3 that comes with 1 tender and 1 slider. The slider is not a smol slider but a regular sized chicken sandwich. I recommend to definitely get a tender to really experience all the flavors of the chicken without the other condiments in the sandwich. The chicken was also very moist and again flavor was on point! read more

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Brett G.

Thanks a million for the phenomenal 5-star review! We're thrilled to…

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Elyssia W.

1 year ago

Small menu, but the chicken is soooo good! The inside I is always clean but usually pretty busy and the service is a bit slow. Order ahead and pick it up or sit at the little hidden outside seating area. read more

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Jack J.

1 year ago

I am first time here in Dave's hot chicken and El Cajon and the cashier is name. Chris is really friendly and we have a really customer service. read more

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Wana L.

746

514

761

4 years ago

If you're not too familiar with this area, as of December 2, 2022, just be careful of some construction going on around the adjacent streets. I had to make a couple of U-Turns to get into the parking lot. Dined in with my boys, and we ordered the plate that comes with 2 chicken sliders and fries. We also ordered a side of Mac & Cheese. My boys were a fan of the Mac & Cheese, although I didn't have a chance to try it. The sandwiches were filling and we were able to split all the food amongst us. As for service, food took a little bit longer than expected--- maybe because it was Friday night. But overall, the sandwich was tasty. The MEDIUM wasn't that spicy, and had a subtle hint of spice. The extra side of their dipping sauce was perfect for the sandwiches and fries for extra flavor. Overall, would come back. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - 2 Chicken Sliders w/fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Brett G.

Thanks so much for leaving your review! We'd love a second chance to…

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Nhu T.

130

747

2 years ago

This is a happening location in El Cajon. Call in your order if you want to skip the line and expedite your process. Limited seating but good place for a fresh chicken sandwich. Hearty portions. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - menus and prices - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Vanessa L.

Elite 25

2 years ago

I love to eat the loaded fries. Medium heat is good even though I don't handle spiciness very well. I always get extra kale slaw to put on top. The slushie is good but it's a little watered down at this location. I always get a shake. I ask for chocolate ice cream and get it with m&ms. All the staff were super friendly. I ordered inside and it only took about 10-15 minutes for it to be ready. I like their app too. I've been earning a lot of points every time I come here. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Loaded fries, regular fries, shake and daves sauce - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Christopher S.

369

894

4 years ago

This location shares a parking lot with in n out so parking is unbearable. But the service was really good and our cashier was very nice! Inside was also very clean. I ordered a #3 medium. It wasn't too spicy but had a spice flavor. Not a big fan of crinkle cut fries but they were crispy. Tendie was super moist. Sandwich was also good but next time will get just the tendies I think. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - #3 tender and sandwich with fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Inside - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Brett G.

Thanks so much for leaving your review! We'd love a second chance to…

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Kyle S.

7 months ago

Food is always great, staff friendly, vibes are always good here, food never fails to amaze me here

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Brett G.

We truly appreciate your positive feedback. Your satisfaction is our…

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Katie D.

8 months ago

So apparently if you order no sauce on your sandwiches, you no longer get a side in the meal? I order no slaw or sauce just so if I don't eat all it, it's not soggy later. Also, what's the point in asking if I want honey, ketchup and napkins only to have zero provided. I don't get how hard it is to read a receipt...it states very clearly what I wanted. My bad once again for not checking. read more

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Brett G.

Apologies for any disappointment caused during your visit. We'd love…

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Kat L.

157

226

330

3 years ago

Best chicken sandwich I've ever had! Super crispy and moist. It is no wonder why so many people talk about this place. Was hesitant to try due to it being a chain. The moment we walked in we were greeted by a super friendly employee! She explained how the menu works and her recommendations. Decided to order the mild chicken sandwich and cheese fries. I'm still thinking about the meal I had here and would love to go back soon. The only thing is that it's just a little too far from me! read more

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Charles C.

714

583

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4 years ago

Dave's Hot Chicken in El Cajon is located in a tight little cluster of other fast food emporia tucked away in an oddly-angled portion of the outer parking lot of a Home Depot and a nearby hotel---I think it might be a Hampton Inn. Be aware that the parking lot is tricky to navigate, with sharp corners, coupled with the vigilance needed to avoid the constant stream of the snaking of vehicles in line for the adjacent In and Out Burger. The interior of Dave's Hot Chicken is warehouse like, and quite plain, save for the cartoon-like colorful graphics painted on the walls that somewhat serve to cheer up the otherwise somber non-décor. The glass entry door was heavily smudged. Once inside, the dining room, while quite spacious, is oddly furnished with only four tables. Accordingly, I heard several groups comment "I guess we should take the food home to eat", since all four tables were occupied. Daniel took my order. He was exceptionally kind and helpful. That was important, in light of the fact it was my first visit and I needed some recommendations. Brian delivered my food, and he also had a pleasant manner. For dinner, I ordered a chicken sandwich and a chicken tender. I selected "medium" spice, and everything was fine. The pink lemonade was icy and refreshing on a warm early Friday evening. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Friday dinner - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Pink lemonade! - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Ordering counter - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Graphics - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Well spaced tables - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Anne C.

1758

1039

6832

4 years ago

Came here on a Saturday evening. It was very busy with lots of customers. There's an indoor dining area and some tables outside. I tasted the mild slider. It's much bigger then a traditional slider, more like a chicken sandwich. The spice plus cole slaw adds some really good flavor. The breaded chicken is juicy. The spice adds that extra needed touch. It was really good! My only real complaint, is that it took sOoOoo long to get our order. We waited at LEAST 30 mins or more. So consider ordering ahead (but even pick up had a bit of a wait)... read more

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Deshaun S.

145

132

3 years ago

My kid loves Dave's Hot Chicken , he wanted Dave's for for dinner tonight, it's been a few months since he's eaten here. Again never disappoints , food good and fresh! Nice size line tonight and customer service still great , food great! Damian L. cool and nice read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Great service - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Good food - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Brett G.

Go Kaneisha! Thanks for the shoutout DeShaun, we are so glad you…

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Julie C.

10 months ago

Ryan was the kindest, most helpful person. He was so patient in helping me & my husband with the Dave's app. This man deserves a raise!

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Brett G.

People like you are what keep us going. We appreciate the love and…

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All About Amy A.

1 year ago

This location has fast service wait time for us was 15 min and clean tables to eat. Tenders are made fresh . Kim the cashier was sweet. read more

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Tim S.

105

1791

2739

4 years ago

Dave's Hot Chicken is delicious! Came back last Thursday after a Padres game. Went with the 2 sandwich combo, medium heat. Medium is just enough heat to tingle your lips, but not hot enough to burn your mouth. The 2 sandwich combo is the way to go! The crunch on the batter is out of this world. The chicken is moist and delicious! Really enjoyed my sandwiches. I will be back again for sure! It's one of those foods that you crave and once you devour it, you say, "That hit the spot!". That is Dave's Hot Chicken in a nutshell! Soooo good! read more

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Brett G.

Hey Tim, Thank you for the feedback!! How do we earn that 5th star…

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Alicia V.

Elite 25

133

3 years ago

Pretty good! The flavor on the chicken kind of tastes like chili bean soup not gonna lie! Still pretty good! The (possibly bbq mustard) sauce mixed with the honey added a really good taste. I preferred the sandwich with the coleslaw over just the chicken strips. The cheese fries were my favorite! Reminded me of when I used to go to my brothers baseball games as a kid, very tasty fries! Good food, great customer service! read more

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Daniel K.

1 year ago

It was good We had slicers. We also had a burger it was too. The service wasn't that bad . There wasn't a lot of noise. We enjoyed going there read more

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J M.

1 year ago

I'm updating to 5 stars because I don't remember why I initially gave 4 and I liked it enough that I'm psyched that one just opened in my area. Here was my original review. This wasn't on my radar as potential dinner options, but my partner suggested it, it was right there, and I didn't want to play that game where we can't agree on a place for an hour, so I said ok. I got the number 1 with medium seasoning and I actually thought it was pretty good. The seasoning was flavorful, unique, and tasty, and not too spicey hot. For reference, I'm a light weight with spicey hot. Medium La Victoria Red Sauce is my limit. The fries had a good taste and texture and are some of the better fries I have had, and they give you pickles with the meal, which paired well. They also give you a few packets of their custom sauce. I suspect it's some variation of thousand island, and it was also good. My only suggestion is they add a little more salt to the battery they use to bread the chicken. I would go here again and wish there were a Dave's local to me. read more

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Brett G.

Thanks for the awesome review! We're thrilled to know you had a great…

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Passion G.

8 months ago

Really good customer service and the food is amazing. I'm definitely coming back again

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Brett G.

People like you are what keep us going. We appreciate the love and…

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Fred T.

1741

1656

52536

4 years ago

Wow!. So we are by and large wary and skeptical of restaurants or chains with excessive hype. They seldom live up to the expressed or our on internal expectations. Such is not the case of Dave's. It was simply excellent. This chain primarily has locations in California and Texas (but also many other states) and the menu is pretty straightforward. Fried chicken tenders with you choice of heat either served as is or slider style . The tenders: We chose the "hot" level. The heat for us was hot enough to leave that burn impression but not wipe out the palate. For most unless you like the heat I would try medium and work up. Not sure I would go any higher for us. The tenders were perfectly fired and battered and the batter was well seasoned. The Dave's sauce was nice a nd rich and helped cut the heat. OMG drizzle some of the provided honey on them........... The sliders were the same tenders on rolls with slaw and sauce. They were again excellent with the slaw helping to take the heat and adding a crunch element to the affair. In a cardinal sin I forgot to add cheese so my bad. Fries: wow perfect crinkle fries with great flavor and perfectly crunchy. Pickles: Crunchy and flavorful they added texture and a nice brineyness that again helped offset the richness of the slider All in all it was excellent. The service was friendly and on point The seating is super limited outside is the only issue and parking can be bad as well. But neither takes away how good this place is. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Tenders Hot level - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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John C.

870

2138

20002

5 years ago

Better than I anticipated, was in the area and I see this place so busy as it is right across the street from Home Depot and today just had to try it out. Great customer service, food came out fresh and flavorful and surprisingly chicken wasn't dry and perfectly juicy. For sure will be back and glad they serve mild! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - 2 piece combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Brett G.

Thank you for the feedback!! How do we earn that 5th star next time?…

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Loc T.

107

1 year ago

What happened to the spice Dave? Not sure if it is this location or what but I repeatedly came here and ordered MEDIUM spice. Nothing not even a mild zing. I double checked my receipt and the cashier always got it right. Maybe it is the cooks. No longer visiting this location its driving me away from Daves for HOT chicken. read more

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Brett G.

Oh no! We're very sorry we let you down. We would like to make this…

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Julio M.

10 months ago

Amazing service great customer service and food great for kids to come and enjoy as well

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Amar A.

11 months ago

Good service, sirena had great customer service! Highly recommend coming here. The cauli slider is also really good.

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Tony A.

9 months ago

ordered the tenders, waited about thirty min. for the chicken to be ready so i figured the chicken would be hot. when i bit into the chicken it was cold. very disappointed. read more

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Brett G.

Sorry to hear about your experience. We want to earn those extra…

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Albert C.

442

110

1 year ago

My kid loves this place! Order online to avoid long wait times and lines. Chicken is good and very flavorful. I personally get the mild but if you love spicy food they have hotter options. read more

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Brett G.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us! If you…

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Taylor F.

1 year ago

I'm always craving this spot, the food is always 10/10! Definitely recommend downloading the app and putting in an order for pickup cause it gets busy and could be a long wait read more

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Jaxson A.

11 months ago

Dave's is a very popular place, they're always super busy and super backed up, but they always show out with their customer service and the way they push orders out in a timely manner. The food is always amazing, and it's consistent every time. They also have such a nice laid back atmosphere and the overall waiting experience is filled with nice music and cool air. read more

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Flora S.

Elite 25

118

2 years ago

Server that took our order was very helpful. We ordered the thing. I ordered mild and hubby order medium heat. Very juicy and moist chicken. Very tasty! Very pricy for chicken strips but overall a great meal. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - #1. Mild spice - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Mark K.

1 year ago

Always perfect, could just add more of a variety of sides. You know, like bbq beans, rolls, etc.

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Brett G.

Boom! Glad you loved it! Thanks for the awesome review!

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Katie G.

671

722

2244

5 years ago

I have been eager to try Dave's chicken in El Cajon ever since I saw the restaurant was coming soon . I'm a huge fan of the Nashville style chicken . I'm so happy there's one in my community and I'm happy this Nashville chicken spot does not disappoint. I love their combo #3 . It comes with 1 chicken tender and 1 chicken slider , pickles and their awesome crinkle fries . The portions are perfect and the price is fair. I really love the coleslaw that comes on the slider. It's just as pretty as it is delicious. I go with lite mild spice level and it's still spicy . It's just the right amount of spice for this girl . They have many spice levels to choose . I like that so everybody gets to eat what's perfect for them. The customer service is great . Everyone is super friendly and efficient. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Combo #3 lite mild - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Julie C.

Thanks for the stellar review, Katie! We appreciate you taking the…

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Akesa T.

Elite 23

263

2 years ago

Ryan took our order and he was very efficient and kind. They don't get 5 stars because their shake machine was down. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Soda fountain - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Food is ready buzzer. - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Ryan and Dave's Hot Chicken guy - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Brett G.

Thank you for your kind words about Ryan and for taking the time to…

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Cruz D.

3 years ago

I had this place on my mind and wanted to try the chicken. Service was amazing, fast , friendly. I love hot chicken and Nashville hot style. I wanted to try the Extra hot and reaper. I ordered the extra hot strip / Reaper sandwich with cheese fries and Mac & cheese. I ate the extra hot to start my journey of heat. I found that it wasn't as hot as I expected when I did my research prior. Then ate the reaper sandwich and was disappointed that I wasn't kicking and screaming. It was the same as extra hot just hot. Flavor wise it was ok and my wife got the mild flavor... She stated it was greasy and oily... Overall, I have to say that it's just regular chicken with a ton of spices! Just ok . I drove in total of 50 mins to try it this place and wasn't impressed, it was just ok. My brother swears on his soul that if you are interested in this place just get "HOT" it's a balance between hot and the right flavor. I would say .... get a milkshake and mix honey with the Dave's sauce to get that sweet flavor with the spicy flavor. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Reaper Slider - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Extra hot strip / Reaper Sandwich/ cheese fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Mild strip / hot slider - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Jack M.

5000

6547

54091

5 years ago

I do like a good spicy fried chicken sandwich, and Dave's Hot Chicken certainly makes a very good one. I had a pair of chicken sliders with everything on them at a medium heat. The chicken, although oddly shaped for a slider, basically a tender, was very well made, with great seasoning, crust, and was very tender. I liked it for sure. The buns on these sliders were very good, and I appreciated the fact that the meal came with extra pickles on the side. The slaw was nice and crisp and offered a touch of acidity. I liked that they are using kale. Dave's sauce is very good. Although there was a line, it moved well and the employees had things rolling like an efficient assembly line. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Crunch Time! - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken Sliders - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken Slider - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Julie C.

Jack - Thank you! How do we earn that 5th star next time? If you…

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Tricia J.

1 year ago

I asked for extra slaw on my sliders the girl even repeated my order back to me, and it even says it on the receipt ticket on top of the box. I got home was super excited to eat my food open it and it had no slaw whatsoever! So disappointing. I understand y'all get busy. There was nobody there. read more

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Brett G.

Apologies for any disappointment caused during your visit. We'd love…

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Paul S.

648

6256

4 years ago

Delicious chicken. Spicy, juicy and hot. Dave's #1 comes with two oversized chicken strips, crispy fries, pickle slices, two slices of white bread and a cup of Dave's sauce. The side of Mac & Cheese was decent. A very filling meal that left me satisfied and happy. I will be back. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Dave's #1~ 2 chicken strips, fries, pickles, Dave's sauce and two slices of bread. Chicken~ medium hot. - Chicken Shop Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Back

Page 2 of 12

110 Fletcher Pkwy
Ste 109
El Cajon, CA 92020
Directions
(858) 258-5881
Call Now
Visit Website
https://daveshotchicken.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Dave's Hot Chicken open?

Dave's Hot Chicken opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Dave's Hot Chicken close?

Dave's Hot Chicken closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Dave's Hot Chicken closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Food & Alcohol

Does Dave's Hot Chicken serve alcohol?

No, Dave's Hot Chicken does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Dave's Hot Chicken allow dogs?

Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Dave's Hot Chicken have outdoor seating?

Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken has outdoor seating options.

Does Dave's Hot Chicken have parking?

Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Dave's Hot Chicken have free WiFi?

Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Dave's Hot Chicken was created by best friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Dave, a chef trained in Thomas Keller's (French Laundry) organization set out to create the perfect Hot Chicken by searching, tasting, and frying. The four friends scrounged up $900 to put a tiny stand in an East Hollywood parking lot. The menu was simple, and chicken was the star. And what chicken it is! Sourced and prepared to be the juiciest and most tender imaginable with each piece topped with Dave's own mix of spices ranging from "Mild" to "The Reaper". Arman created Instagram buzz and the lines began to grow. Two nights later, Eater/LA showed up to see what the fuss was about. The next morning's headline read "East Hollywood's Late Night Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind". Almost instantly, the lines stretched around the block. A year later, the boys had the money to open a shop in a hip strip-mall with de_cor by local street artists, where the crowds continued to grow with wait-times of an hour and more. From there, the incredibly craveable "Hot and Spicy" varieties have created a cult following with rave reviews across the U.S. and Canada.

History

Established in 2017.

In 2017, four childhood friends came up with a simple concept -- take Nashville Hot Chicken and make it better than anyone else in America. With only a couple thousand dollars to their name, they boot-strapped a pop-up concept in a parking lot in East Hollywood serving a simple menu of tenders, sliders, fries, and kale slaw -- they created a viral cult following with lines consistently over an hour long. After 6 months of running the pop-up with long lines, the team took the plunge and opened their first physical store in January 2018 in a sleepy strip center in East Hollywood. Demand for their crave-able hot chicken exceeded all expectations and sales have grown every month since opening with consistently long lines throughout the day.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Dave's Hot Chicken

If I come do I have a discount code or newbie offer?

If you download the app you get a free drink and can earn points per $ spent to redeem through it.

Is this location halal?

I see many local muslim people Iraqis and Somalis eat there. They don't claim though Halal label according to Islamic conversations.

Anyone able to verify the military discount? Did they really take it away for too many military using it?

Yes they did take it away. They offer you a free drink per ID only. Wish we would have known this ahead of time, just found out tonight...NOTE: It is not worth supporting for big events or military functions, find something better. 😂🤷🏽‍♂️

Is the chicken halal?

It's good... But I got mine to hot 🔥 and couldn't enjoy it...lol

Do they have a drive-thru window?

No they don't, just walk up.

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2.2 mi

Simply the food on this one. Very satisfied with the crispy and tasty chicken. This one took until…read morethe end of the week to write but still I ordered for my lunch and brought home a second meal for my son. He appreciated it and commented about the spicy tasty Popeyes and started comparing the competition around. Its that good. A word of advice to the ones that served me this week, I know you are busy during the lunch hour, but blunt and bold directive service isn't always the best approach as people hold on to that as less than awesome customer service. I wasn't and would never seek a free meal. I was willing to pay for the 2nd biscuit as i requested for my son also. It did not matter to me that it wasn't part of the 3 bone in special for 6.99. That was for my boy too so live, learn and upgrade the kind service to awesome regardless if you become slamming busy. Again, the food was and always is Delicious.

This place was really good when they first opened, but it wasn't long after their opening that they…read morejust disappoint me every time I come here. Today I got chicken that tasted old and they forgot my biscuits. .. Their biscuits and mac & cheese are the best things ,here so when my biscuits were missing and I live too far to drive back for two biscuits I was very disappointed.. I highly recommend checking your bag before you leave and I highly recommend not eating here ,because the chicken is old, greasy, and you frankly feel ripped off every time you eat here .

Flounder and Biscuit

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Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

I had to come back and leave an updated review because I completely forgot to post these photos!…read moreIf you haven't been to Rise Southern Biscuits yet, I definitely recommend checking them out. After my first visit, the management reached out to ask about my experience. They were incredibly friendly, genuinely cared about their customers, and even sent me a coupon to use on my next visit. That kind of customer service really stands out. I don't get over to this area very often since it's out of my way, but when my friend is in the neighborhood, she'll stop by for us. I introduced her to Rise, and now she's hooked too! Our favorite is still the Blueberry Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich. It's absolutely delicious. This time I also tried their seasonal Peach Biscuit. I'm usually a blueberry fan, but wow... the peach filling was so moist and flavorful. It honestly reminded me of a warm apple pie in biscuit form. Even if peaches aren't usually your thing, it's worth trying! The photos show the Peach Biscuit and the Blueberry Breakfast Sandwich. One more tip: sign up for their Rewards program! It's free, you'll earn rewards, and they occasionally send coupons and special offers. Great food, excellent customer service, and a place I'll happily keep coming back to. Highly recommended

Wow! It has been a long time since I have been so overwhelmingly disappointed in a place! I decided…read moreto try because I was in the mood for chicken strips and the reviews looked promising... I regret it so much. The entire experience was off-putting, and I would have forgiven a lot if the food was worth it. Starting with trying to preorder online. The website makes you validate your email address even before taking you to the payment page which is on a sketchy 3rd party website that looked like a glorified Google form. I decided I would skip that and just order in the store. I walked into a disaster area! There were huge boxes wrapped in caution tape taking up the bulk of the dining area. The few available seats were haphazardly placed around the piles of boxes. The trash bins were overflowing, and cleaning towels were left out on the floor and counters. I should have left then, but I convinced myself to give it a try. There is no walk up counter, just two order terminals (becoming more common) and a stack of lockers that look like they repurposed them from an Amazon pickup location (first time seeing this setup). The process for the terminals was pretty straightforward, but after that you are left to figure out how to get your food order and drink. Several customers were milling around trying to figure out what to do next. I finally realized the drink station was on the honor code system, so I copied someone else, and just went for it. They have a large tv screen that tells you when your order is supposed to be ready, and someone was randomly calling out names directly from the kitchen. She was handling the food with no gloves while passing food bags to customers from the kitchen entry. My name showed as ready but was never called even after about 5 or so minutes. Someone in the kitchen finally asked if I needed something, and I had to tell him my name. They apparently forgot to call it in the chaos of the kitchen. Btw, none of the staff were wearing gloves even though gloves were falling out of trash containers and on the floor of the kitchen... I cannot stress enough that I would have overlooked all of that if the food had been good, but to add insult to injury, the chicken strips were burnt!! But not just overdone, burnt in the they have not cleaned or changed the oil that they fried them in way! My lunch break was wasted, not to mention the money spent. The only reason they are not getting a 1-star rating is that the biscuit was kinda good, on level with Popeye's. Everything else about the experience was a huge miss. I will not be going back, and I'm warning all of my friends not to waste their time or money.

This is the interior of the restaurant. We ate and did not stay long.

Lemon beignets

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Which Came First? Box (Chicken Fingers + Fried Egg over Biscuit & Gravy)

KFC

People eat this on purpose?…read more My employer brought in bags of chicken sandwiches from the Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon KFC. One bag had regular, the other contained the spicy sandwiches. My intention was to remove the chicken from the sandwich, cut it up and add it to the salad that I brought from home. I chose the spicy. When I removed it from its foil pouch, I immediately noticed how sad the bun was. A no frills, plain bun that was squished and deformed. I tossed the bun, set the pickles aside and put the chicken into the air fryer. It was a pretty big piece of chicken; bigger than the bun it was on. It crisped up nicely and looked decent...then I cut into it. Ugh. It oozed grease. Not the juice of juicy chicken, but pure grease from the deep fryer it was originally cooked in. It started to soak through the paper plate that it was on. I couldn't bring myself to even taste it. I could feel my arteries hardening just looking at it. I threw it away. The pickles were alright.

Staff was a little rude and if you have children a homeless youth rapest spends all day in the…read morebusiness Well Known on Megan's law

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Captain Sam's Fish And Chicken

4.3

(23 reviews)

5.6 mi

First time ordering from Captain Sam's but definitely won't be our last!!…read more We ordered the following: catfish & onion rings with mac salad and cod & fried zucchini with mac salad. Everything was seasoned & cooked to perfection! 10/10 Highly recommend Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken!

Well, Ate here for the first time last night. I really wanted to like it…read more Unfortunately got Food Poisoning. I got the Catfish, with Mac Salad. The Catfish occasionally had an odd taste, but I thought it was the batter. The side of Mac was discouraging, as it was in a Condiment cup. Both had items that could easily spoil, so it's hard to pinpoint what was off. Actual condiments were disappointing as well, as the Fish deserved a proper Tarter Sauce, but they were cheap to-go packets. No Fresh Sauce is very disappointing. Ambiance was a bit weird though, as it shares it's space with a convenience store. Guy at the front counter came across as a bit creepy, just staring at people and not responding to questions. Tried saying Howdy, but all I got was a stare. Guys at the Food Counter at least responded well. Considering the overall experience (Especially with getting sick) I don't have any reasons to return.

Shrimp Dinner

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Calamari

El Pollo Loco

I've started coming here 1-2 times a week during my lunch break. I absolutely love the seasoning on…read moretheir chicken strips. However today when I received my order the chicken strips were cold. How unfortunate to eat cold chicken strips, they were not even placed under a heat lamp.

It's no surprise that I end up at El Pollo Loco about twice a month--especially when I want…read moresomething quick but don't want to eat trashy. My absolute go-to is the grilled chicken bowl with grilled chicken, pico de gallo, cilantro, beans, rice, plus the salsa fresca and green verde sauce. This combo is EVERYTHING. I usually eat half before the gym and half after, or save it for those nights when I really don't feel like cooking. And let's talk about the price--under six bucks, filling, flavorful, and actually leaves you satisfied? Yes please. I stopped by around 2 PM after missing lunch, hit the drive-thru, and the experience was smooth. I was greeted properly, my fresh food came out promptly, and I was even able to scan my phone for reward points (major plus). Rack up enough points and you get free food--who doesn't love free food? Would I recommend El Pollo Loco? Absolutely. Their chicken is grilled, it doesn't get much healthier than that, and it's perfect if you're trying to stay on track with your health or fitness journey. I didn't dine in this time, but when I have in the past, the lobby has always been clean, presentable, and chill. So if you're ever in need of a quick, affordable, satisfying, and healthier meal, definitely give them a try.

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Greek Chicken

Me and my wife moved to San Diego last year August and always wondered why the lines were long…read more Finally decided to see what the fuss was about and man! The food is delicious! We always get the full chicken meal and it's so much food to where I always take for lunch the following day! The food is amazing the people are nice and it's so nice and clean inside. 10/10!

I have always loved the Greek chicken here, which makes writing this review incredibly…read moredisappointing. I went through the drive-thru and specifically ordered dark meat from the guy who took my order. Because it was a drive-thru order, I didn't think to open up the containers and check the chicken before pulling away. Unfortunately, when I got all the way home, I discovered they gave me white meat instead. The customer service at the window didn't make the situation any better. A different girl handed me my food, and she gave off a vibe that she really didn't care to be working there at all. When I called the store to report the mistake, the assistant manager just told me to drive all the way back so they could change it. While I understand that's standard procedure, it's incredibly inconvenient to have to make a second trip and let the rest of your lunch get cold just because the staff couldn't get a simple request right the first time. The food is usually worth it, but the lack of basic attention to detail and indifferent customer service ruined my lunch. Check your boxes before you drive away!

The video won't load so here's a snapshot. Overpriced, Rude, and uneditable! What a waste of my time and money!

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Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus

Amazing food and great service Does get crowded so the new…read morelook and outside seating is wonderful ! Reasonable prices for the big portions of food that's given !

Jordan might've failed the entire levant region at any hope of the world cup, but at least the…read moreSyrians taught us to make the most mouthwatering delicious teta-outdoing Shawarma and rice to ever exist in the Middle East... dare I say the planet. This restaurant taste like HOME. I'm sick of all the Middle Eastern places that just serve kebab... NO I WANT TO TRADITIONAL STUFF MAMA MAKES. No wonder this place is a staple in San Diego and literally every arab who is returning from the Jordan vs Columbia match, the prices are amazing and the food is absolutely incredible that the line went to the street. I had never had so many flavors dance on my tongue over a plate of rice and you get so much meat for the pricey pay. The beef was so tender moist don't even eat beef that much, but I'd become a carnivore because of this place. I bumped into my Syrian friend in the line and she was absolutely stunned and said this tasted like Damascus. If you are new to Arab cuisine, it's not just falafel. Please branch out and find unique restaurants like this where every customer looks like they came out of the desert bro. AMAZING AMAZING I DONT EVEN LIVE HERE COME TO RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLEAAAAASE--

Mal Al Sham a taste of Damascus, Syria cuisine in El Cajon.

Platter for (3 People) ( beef shawarma swapped out with chicken cream chop)

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Leftovers from two meals

Mal Al Sham -The Taste Of Damascus

Amazing food and great service Does get crowded so the new…read morelook and outside seating is wonderful ! Reasonable prices for the big portions of food that's given !

Mal Al Sham a taste of Damascus, Syria cuisine in El Cajon.

Platter for (3 People) ( beef shawarma swapped out with chicken cream chop)

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Leftovers from two meals

China 1968

Been living in El Cajon for a few years now and when we are in the mood for some Chinese food, we…read morealways call China 1968. Our family favorites are Beef Broccoli; we love their kung pao chicken and kung pao shrimp. We recently tried the honey walnut shrimp and man those things are addicting, in a good way of course ;) We have done a few catering orders through them and the quality and service are always great. Plenty of seating and parking if you want to swing by and have a meal with family or friends. Ambiance is great and highly recommended China 1968.

Invited here for dinner. I was skeptical from afar and was I wrong. This little spot serves up some…read moregreat food coupled with fantastic service. The Orange Chicken is a house favorite and is delicious. The Fried Rice was great and every meal was on par. Definitely a good spot to satisfy an Asian food craving.

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Gillespie Field Cafe

Great cute little Cafe right on the air strip…read more Indoor/outdoor seating. Plenty of shade and fans going to keep the outdoor dining bareable. It wasn't too bad. Plenty of parking and handicap Got seated within 5 mins. Service was a tad slow, however it was busy. Although seemed like there was plenty of staff to be a little more attentive. Other than that, no stars docked. Young kiddos and they did thier best. Food came out hot, its pretty decent food. Good coffee, and the salsa was our favorite thing. Packed with flavor and just enough spice. Great little place to have breakfast or lunch. Very simple menu, great view of the planes landing and taking off. Feels like an honor to see pilots and retired pilots. We have leagues on Saturdays and this has made our place to go to right after for breakfast . Happy yelpers!

Such a great meal here. So excited I finally got to try it. Server was so kind and it was a great…read morespace. Had the choice of being outside or inside. Coffee and meal felt like a good price :)

On the corner of the air strip

Food & Views

Protein Plate

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Broken Yolk Cafe

The food is always delicious, and the service is consistently top notch! Yesenia and Roy are always…read moreso welcoming and helpful,they're a big reason why we choose to drive to this location, even though there are others much closer to us. Whether it's ordering at the counter or table service, the staff is always efficient, friendly, and attentive. The restaurant has a fun atmosphere and is always clean and well-maintained. It's definitely worth the wait on weekends because the team does everything they can to accommodate their guests. Highly recommend!

We've been coming here for a while, and every visit has been a great experience. Lisa is always so…read morefriendly, welcoming, and helpful. She truly makes us feel like family every time we walk through the door. The restaurant is always clean, the service is consistently excellent, and the food never disappoints. This visit we ordered the 2 Eggs Plus breakfast, the Belgian waffle, the Mom Omelette, a parfait, a Messy Caramel Latte, and coffee. Everything was fresh, delicious, and exactly what we were hoping for. If you're looking for a place with amazing food, a clean and inviting atmosphere, and staff who genuinely care about their customers, this is it. Thank you, Lisa, for always making our visits so special. We can't wait to come back!

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Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse San Diego

I take my son to the doctors office every week and we drive bye it and always wondered if it was…read moreany good. Me being in the industry for 30 years was very judgmental cause I look at everything when I walk in sorry bad habit. We were greated with smiles on entering, no wait time sat down and waited for our server since it was our first time there wasn't sure how it work. Very clean place tables everything. So our server taylor if i got her name right, I told her it was our first time here and she explained everything perfectly answered all our questions with a smile and happy attitude. Good job. Like I said I watch everything, like how long it takes for servers to get to the table how often they check back on the table. I also watch other tables and there servers on how they interact with the quest that come in to eat. So me and my son proceeded to go to the salad bar. Very clean and it looked great. Nice presentation . All the food on the salad bar tasted great. When we sat back down we had the meats start to arrive. Wow all the meats, chicken, fish ,and pork were cooked perfect no complaints. My favorite was the lamb. I love lamb and was looking forward to trying it. I was not disappointed perfect. Not gamie at all. So we had dessert at the end very good. I was very pleased with the experience. So since it went well I left a 100 tip for tayor cause I am sure that they tip out the runners and busers for all the work they do as well. She wouldn't except it but I left it anyway. Also great job kitchen staff for all the hard work you guys do as well. Thanks again chef mike. Next time II'll come with a bigger appetite.

Rodizio Grill in El Cajon is an absolute gem for a group celebration. We came here with a party of…read morefive to celebrate my sister's birthday, and the entire experience was great from start to finish. The gauchos were super friendly, incredibly attentive, and kept the meat coming at a perfect pace. They actually took the time to check how each of us preferred our meat cooked, making sure everyone at the table got exactly what they wanted. Every cut was seasoned well and cooked to perfection. On top of the fantastic meat selection, the side bar is loaded with a variety of delicious options to round out the meal. Great atmosphere, amazing food, and stellar service. We'll definitely be back!

Main buffet

Chicken spicy & sweet

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Saland Bar

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Omran M.

2 years ago

Best food and cluster service weetness of the vegetables. Every component on the plate worked in harmony, showcasing the chef's skill in balancing bold flavors with subtle textures. My dining companion chose the pan-seared salmon, and I was equally impressed. The salmon was cooked to perfection--crispy on the outside with a perfectly pink, flaky interior. The lemon beurre blanc sauce added just the right touch of acidity, complementing the richness of the fish without overpowering it. To finish, we shared the molten chocolate cake, which was everything you'd hope for--decadent, warm, and oozing with rich chocolate. Paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, it was the perfect indulgent end to a memorable meal. Service was impeccable throughout the evening--attentive but never intrusive, with the staff clearly knowledgeable about the menu. Prices are on the higher side, but given the quality of the food and the atmosphere, it's well worth it for a special night out. Overall, The Urban Table delivers an exceptional dining experience. It's the kind of place where each dish feels thoughtfully prepared, with flavors that are both bold and nuanced. I'll definitely be returning soon. read more

Daguito S.

3 years ago

I recently tried Dave's Hot Chicken for the first time, and it's safe to say I've found my new favorite spot for hot chicken! The flavors are absolutely outstanding, and the spice levels are on point. The chicken itself is perfectly cooked--crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The variety of spice levels allows you to choose your heat preference, and I appreciate that they don't compromise on flavor for the sake of heat. Each bite is an explosion of deliciousness. The sides are just as impressive. The slaw is a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken, and the fries are golden and crispy, just the way they should be. The service was quick, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. The overall atmosphere of the place adds to the experience, making it a great spot to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family. If you're a fan of hot chicken, Dave's Hot Chicken is a must-try. I'll definitely be coming back for more! read more

Eliana D.

2 years ago

Dave's Hot Chicken is popular for its spicy, Nashville-style hot chicken, with heat levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper." The chicken is juicy, tender, and served with a flavorful, crispy coating. The spice level can be intense, but it's balanced with their creamy sauces and pickles, which add a nice contrast. Their menu is simple, focusing mainly on chicken tenders and sliders, which come with crinkle-cut fries and often coleslaw, giving it a nice Southern touch. Portion sizes are generous, and the food is consistently served fresh. The simplicity of the menu and focus on quality make it a solid choice for spicy chicken fans, though it might feel limited if you're looking for more variety. The restaurant vibe is casual, with a quick-service style. While the spice levels and bold flavors may not suit everyone, those who enjoy heat and Southern-style chicken will likely find it satisfying. read more

Grace C.