CHECK YOUR FOOD BEFORE YOU LEAVE :) We had been wanting to try the sandwhiches here for a while but it was always packed. We stopped by yesterday and thankfully it wasn't too busy. We ordered 3 meals to go. It was about a 15 minute drive away from us and we didn't check our food before leaving well once we got home a mac and cheese was missing and we had to drive back. Isaac was super kind to my sister and fixed this issue. The reason for one star was the sandwhich honestly wasn't even good it wasn't spicy but more so sweet we had to re heat our soggy food too since it was already cold :/ With the options near between canes, chick fil a and daves it's hard to pick one especially since we hadn't ate Daves before but we won't be back and the food wasn't that great either unfortunately OTHER than the pickles that were amazing! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Food, PICKLES TASTED AMAZING! - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Food was really tasty, it was my first time trying the 10 Dave's bites! So good! Kevin the cashier was friendly and helped us out with trying new things off the menu. Space was super clean and the ambiance as always was very cool! Thank you guys for letting us eat inside so late read more

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Got the #4 meal combo. Medium spice chicken sandwich. This thing was really good. Medium is not spicy at all but the chicken was tender, crispy on the outside, and really good. The spicy sauce on it made it super tasty, almost delectable Id say. The fries and sauce were kind of dreadful, like a bad copy of Canes and In N Out. However, my partner did enjoy them a lot actually. Its too bad they dont sell just the sandwich. Its a must have! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - yum yums - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

JUICY and HOT in alllll the right ways! I've always wanted to try Dave's but never lived by one & am now so stoked that I do and they are open to serve chicken goodnesssssss. Only thing is they didn't have the milkshakes up and running which is fine because I assume this is the soft opening, but it would really help cool down the tastebuds from the spice. Love the groovy neon lights and murals of the inside although it does get loud when busy. Definitely not a great place for big groups to dine in. Even a group of 6 would feel squished. Received the food in an adequate amount of time, I mean they make it fresh and it is oh so worth it! The seasoning on the chicken is great, the portions are HUGE! When they say "slider" it really just is the size of a normal--maybe even slightly larger than--a chikfila chicken sandwich. I got the Medium spice which was perfect for me. Enough to heat me up but not have me in tears from the spice. I hear you have to sign a waiver if you order the Reaper spice level though. The fries were on point. Perfectly crispy, hot and seasoned. As well the dipping sauce they include for the fries is bomb! And of course I appreciated all the extra pickles they include in the meals, you don't even have to ask for them--that's the best part !!! Will definitely be back and can't wait to maybe try a spicier level when they start serving milkshakes! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Slider closeup (medium) - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

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I love their spicy and they give you quality and quantity. Plenty of food. I love that fact they give you a lot of pickles read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken 10 pc. Dave's Bites w/ Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Ah yes. Dave's Hot Chicken. My experience with Dave's hot chicken has always been limited to ordering for delivery; however, they recently opened a restaurant in Escondido close by my work. First off, I love the story of how they got started and have since grown. I also like that they feature artist's work in their restaurants as opposed to commercially available generic restaurant art. The food has always been good when I've gotten it via delivery, but today I decided to order online and pick it up to take back to the office. I got the #3 which is a tender and a slider and both were good. I got a mild sandwich and a medium tender just to try the difference between the levels. The chicken was the perfect level of crispy. What I mean is that it wasn't too crispy, or overly breaded, but it wasn't greasy and chewy either. The slaw on the sandwich as well as the fries were also very good. It's nice to see someone besides Del Taco still rocking crinkle-cut fries. I placed my order online through their very user friendly mobile site and the food was ready when I got there to pick it up about 10 minutes later. The lunch really hit the spot especially on a somewhat gloomy day. I realize that I didn't say anything negative about DHC, so why only four stars? Well, there's a Raising Canes about 45 seconds away that offers more or less the same thing (chicken fingers and chicken finger sandwiches). Admittedly, Dave's Hot Chicken tastes way better, but it would be cool if DHC had something unique on their menu that set them apart from Raising Canes, but in the end, I'd rather eat Dave's Hot Chicken. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - #3 combo - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Pros & Cons: Pro: hot delicious chicken sandwich choices, I like spicy but thought I'd keep it safe and ordered a medium hot slider, good spicy not too overwhelming, the chicken was perfectly lightly crispy outside and juicy inside. The slider isn't small, it's like a regular sandwich, mine had coleslaw & pickles, the bread was soft, you also get another piece of chicken with a piece of bread. The fries are seasoned and delicious. The service was fast. Con: if you don't like delicious chicken, don't come here. read more

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Saw the mamah video on YouTube and we knew we had to try it! We came in not expecting much, but man were we wrong! Alexis was super helpful! From the moment we walked in she greeted us with a smile. She didn't rush us when we looked at the menu and when we were ready she took our order. She was super kind when I asked her to repeat what she said since she explained the details rather quickly and you could tell she really cared about her job. We decided to sit inside since it was a little cool outside. They had 60s music playing in the background. We ordered: Dave's #4 Slider (medium) 10/10 with fries 10/10 Dave's #1 Tenders (medium) 10/10 with fries 10/10 Mac n cheese 8/10 Overall, we are impressed and are already planning on coming back with friends. The fries alone I would come back for! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Tenders were exactly that, tender, fresh and juicy!! Heck yeah, we needed a win today... 10/10 recommend. Give it a shot, hope you have the experience we had. read more

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With a name like Dave's Hot Chicken, I don't think it's a mystery what type of food is served here. But what wasn't obvious to a serious hothead, such as myself, was: how truly hot is the chicken here? It is all relative, after all. While some may actually consider McCormick Paprika to be spicy, there are those for whom the One Chip Challenge is just another Dorito. With my daily spicy intake right around the Ghost Pepper level, I am definitely more the latter. So, naturally, I ordered as hot as it comes. In the case of Dave's Hot Chicken, that would be "Reaper." I got the #3, 1 tender + 1 slider w/ fries. Service, which is order & pick up at the counter, was quick & efficient. For the price, I felt value was decent. Located in a large shopping center area, there's plenty of nearby parking. Although I took my food to go, the place looked clean, brightly lit, & decorated in a graffiti motif. Yeah, yeah, yeah, but is Dave's Hot Chicken really hot? For "Reaper," I'm gonna say the heat was legit. It was far from the spiciest I've ever eaten, but I appreciated it's kick. Oh, & the chicken was good too. I tried another hot chicken place not too long ago that made it spicy but seemed to neglect the chicken itself. Not so here. Beyond the spicy, Dave's Hot Chicken was crispy, crunchy fried goodness on the outside & moist on the inside. I know I will be back for more of Dave's respectably hot & delicious chicken. read more

foods mediocre and the service was rude as shit, didn't say please thank you, or just any kind of decent customer service at all. maybe the guy whom was at the front was just having a bad day or attitude, period, the list goes on. although he was being butt buddies with the guy in the back the whole time.. read more

Isaac is awesome What a great guy to have on your team Kind and friendly vibes Made my experience read more

I like dih, Issac is a great guy this is the best store I've ever been too They helped me very quickly and the food was good read more

Delicious chicken, medium was just perfect. The chicken was juicy and so flavorful! Finally a great chicken place! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken sliders - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Not impressed at all.. I'm not sure why this place is so raves about.. the chicken isn't anything special it's all in the spices which aren't that enjoyable.. we ordered dine in and they have us our food in to go containers.. so then I had to ask for a plate and it was all so stupid such a rapt experience.. the chicken is just a giant tender that is so u proportion to the sand which.. this is a joke .. the art inside was cool but that's all they have going for them. read more

I usually can't be bothered to review a fast food chain; I keep my expectations low and it seems they always meet expectations, if you get my drift. Dave's proved a pleasant surprise. The flavor is good, the spice is variable (so you can take your wimpy friends), the chicken is nice quality and the tenders are big. It reheats great in the air fryer, too. After a litany of disappointments with even high-end restaurant hot chicken, and then finding so much better at a fraction of the price I was super stoked. That dipping sauce is legit, too. If you Esco folks miss the Phoenix sauce from Plan 9 Alehouse (RIP) the Dave's dipping sauce is reminiscent. I ordered delivery so I can't comment on service but everything was right and well packaged. Gotta go in and check out the funky and fun interior that looks like a 90s Trapper Keeper exploded in it because if that's not a vibe I don't know what is. read more

I was introduced to this spot by my cousin. We had came here and the food was good. It could've been better if the slaw wasn't bland and the spice was actually spicy. If you get the fries, as for the fries "we'll done," but overall I give it a 7.5-8 for the food. The service was actually really great, the cashiers welcomed us in, got our order right the first time, and we're got our food in a pretty good time, I was honestly shocked how quick we got our food. The ambience and establishment itself was clean and a very comfortable vibe to be in. I would eat here again! The only thing I recommend is tending to the cleanliness a lil bit more, some tables did have fries and napkins under the table and the bathroom smelt horrible as if it was a mix between bleach and vinegar.... read more

Long strips of chicken breast deep fried. They give you an orange tarter sauce, honey, pickles and a piece of white bread. How spicy the chicken you order depends on the coat of powder they put on it. Different power, different spiciness. You can fries or mac & cheese with the chicken. Kinda strange if you ask me. BTW, sodas are only $2 - nice. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - 2 piece - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

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Fire food, great service, and the space is very big!! Definitely the best place around.

Great place to go when I am craving something spicy, and they are open until 11pm which is great. The sandwiches are usually good, I like mine very hot which is the hottest I can go and because I still want to be able to taste my food. They also have the reaper spice sandwich and it is super hot (I only tried it once and had to sign a waiver). I haven't had any problems at this location, except the last couple of times I would come in for a to-go order, and the food was overly salty, I watched them just shake dry rub and salt all over the meals being prepared while I was waiting and thought that was way too much. Hopefully when I stop by again the food won't be so salty. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

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Great service and great food! Food was hot and served good timing. The store as very clean

Food was good Ambiance was good Service was fast. Less than 10 mins wait Chicken was juicy read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - One slider and tender - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Tried Dave's at the suggestion of friends who said it was better than another favorites local chicken spot. My son had the slider/chicken tender combo #3 and I just had a single slider. You can get it with or without cheese so we went with cheese at the suggestion of the cashier. We ordered it medium spice and it was perfect. Not scorching by any means but a good heat if you like spicy. The fries have a Cajun seasoning and were a nice change. The chicken tender has a LOT of Cajun seasoning and by itself was a bit overwhelming. It was much better on the slider with the kale slaw. The bun was also delicious and soft. The sauce that comes with it was rather bland and just tasted like mayo, we didn't eat it. The inside of the restaurant is small and brightly painted which is cute. Several teens were there hanging out after school. Overall it was good, and I'm glad we tried it, but I'm not eager to return and will still frequent my other favorite chicken strip spot. Also, prompting for a tip when checking out at a fully self service restaurant is a major negative in my book. read more

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So this review is specifically for take-out...I've never been in this establishment, but the food I ate came from this location...and holy cow, I' can't wait to go in. My better half brought dinner over...and man, it's delicious. No wonder he loves them! There were a variety of orders between sliders and fingers, mild and reaper (which apparently, you have to sign a waiver for!). Everything came with fries, neatly packed, sauce packets, honey, napkins, traveled well....and there was enough for lunch the next day. Welcome to Esco, Dave's Hot Chicken! We'll be back! read more

I didn't find anything great about Dave's except that the chicken tenders, that are served atop two pieces of white bread (dunno what that's all about), are super large, tender and moist. Reading the story on their website suggests just that. Dave's flavor was just O.K., and I tried it with the sauce, by itself, with the good Kale slaw, pickle on, pickle off, and all of it together. I had the "hot" and it was just barely hot enough to drip some sweat from my head, but not nearly enough to stop me from eating it. My son had initially ordered the "Reaper" or whatever it is called, and the clerk asked him to sign a waiver. Waiver???, however unique, required more time from our day and he settled on the "xtra" hot instead. He loves it, but I won't be making a conscious effort to return like I do Popeyes. Perhaps I should try the sandwich. Maybe then I'll give 'em another star or two. Fries were decent crinkle style with another secret seasoning that kinda blended all together as one big flavor. Maybe all the spices are repeated across the menu. Another strange concept is the decent pickles were served atop the 2oz condiment (only about 1/3 full) take-out container (with lid). I'm sure there some reason, but I think the plating could be a bit more comprehensive and creative. White bread? Really? That began in Southern California? Really? Is this some surfer thing I missed while growing up? At least give it a try and see what you think. I'm not yet a fan. Dicks read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Some weird drug-inspiring artwork on the wall. - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

I was at Dave's yesterday night with my family and Isaac was on top of everything from Food/Drink knowledge and recommendations, he was asking us constantly if we needed anything or wanted anything else, served us with great formality tried to tip him with a cash tip and said that he wasn't looking for a tip and just wanted us to enjoy out time there.... WOW! This Man needs a raise! Will definitely be coming back for both food and service. Thank you! read more

Super bummed. I was extremely excited to try Dave's hot chicken. I ordered combo #3 which comes with 1 sliders, 1 tender, and fries. It took about 30 minutes for me to get the food. As soon as I came home I noticed that they had given me the wrong order, there were no slides.. unless the slice of bread is considered a slider???? No idea. Chicken & fries itself was good but was very disappointed that they got my order wrong and it's too late to go back to get it changed. The lobby was extremely humid and hot, which was why I decided to take it home instead. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

Welcome to Escondido! Glad there's a location in North County. As usual, chicken has great flavor. My boyf and I both have big appetites but are able to share one combo + an extra side of fries and it's plenty. The sliders are a great size. Chicken is well seasoned. Love the seasoning on the fries. Must try the Dave's sauce + honey together. Not a fan of the mac&cheese. Watery and tastes boxed. read more

The chicken is always juicy, well seasoned and CRISPY. The service is quick and I got my food in five minutes. If you have questions they'll answer them. The worker KEVIN was VERY sweet to us make sure to tip when you come. Thanks kevin! read more

Customer service is amazing! Shouts out to Jaziel for taking care of me when I ordered the wrong item at the self checkout. He was very patient, very professional, very demure. read more

Great Food, Clean Store, and Great Service by Isaac. He was extremely friendly and helpful, served the food in no time.

The boy Jonathan was hella chill, I had a great experience at Dave's. The food was delicious, service was immaculate. Would definitely return. read more

I've been wanting to try this place bc I've seen it so hyped up on IG. I'm not sure it lived up to the hype. It was good but not sure I would go back. I don't normally eat meat but made an exception bc I love fried chicken. I wish they had the cauliflower at this location. I would definitely come back to try that. I got the sandwich and the fries. I do love the Dave's sauce and the money bite is with the sauce and honey. Fries were pretty good and well seasoned. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Dave's #4 1 Slider with Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Escondido, California

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I took my son and his friends here after they all helped me clean out the shed in the backyard as a treat and I have to say that the young kid, white, curly hair, about 5'7-9", was so helpful and sweet. Not just when he took our order, but even after we sat down. Super cool kid and very polite. The setting was pretty chill, too, good environment and has an outside dining area. The food was pretty good, but my favorite was the fries. read more

This one was a let down for me. I love hot chicken, but this just tasted like spices and hot sauce. There wasn't any real flavor and it completely missed the mark of what hot chicken is. read more

Poor customer service and poor quality food. I waited more than 30 minutes for cold food and when I told Ricardo M. he snarked back, "it's not my fault". Would suggest others to go to Chik Fil A for better quality chicken and customer service. Overall, bad experience: will not return. read more

Went there today and Janelle t was my cashier and she was so nice and friendly and food was fast and amazing

Food is fresh made to order, service was pleasant and prompt, the dining area was clean. This was my first time trying Dave's and it was delicious! I tried the hot spice level and for me it was perfect without being too much. Looking forward to returning to have more yummy chicken! read more

finally got around to trying this place. I'm a fan of this style of chicken. it's more of a dry rub instead of being saucy. The fries were good but dare I say a little too salty? and I loved getting cheese to dip. price wasn't the best and the worst part was they charge extra for the sauces and actually added 1 chicken tender when we never asked for it. I'm not sure how they miss heard us... we definitely didn't ask for the 3rd one. charging for sauces always annoys me, but my issue is how these places act like it's free. read more

Isaac was the best thing about the place and the food was good too. He took the time to walk is through the spice levels and managed to make us feel welcome even while an entire Softball team sat across from us. read more

The food is amazing, the fries really good... however the cashier or the person who does the orders forgets a order like I ordered two slushies and he only bring one, so ok service. Clean place but I'm wondering if there's a spice Level in between medium and hot. Like the medium is like a little spice for me, but when I'm trying hot, ot burns.. so I'm seeing if there's a spice in between that. But it good. read more