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    Dave's Hot Chicken

    2.9 (11 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    Exterior
    Matthew L.

    Dave's Hot Chicken is a chain of fast-casual Nashville-style hot chicken restaurants that opened in Los Angeles, California in May 2017. It was founded by Armenian-American childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Kopushyan, the chain's namesake, was a professional chef trained by restaurateur Thomas Keller at three-Michelin-star restaurant The French Laundry. He and his friends had a dream to open their own Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant. After scraping together $900, they opened the first Dave's location which was nothing more than a street food stand in a parking lot. Following word of mouth in local publications and social media, the brand quickly took off. By the following year, the food stand had been replaced by a brick & mortar location at a nearby strip mall. Pretty soon, additional Dave's Hot Chicken locations began popping up all over California and beyond. As of 2025, there are over 300 locations in six countries. My family and I just visited the brand new Dave's Hot Chicken in Hamden, Connecticut for dinner. The Hamden location is the fifth one to open in Connecticut this year (following Milford, Newington, Southington and Stamford). We really liked the interior of Dave's, which featured street art on the walls: a feature that originated at the original Dave's location. I ordered the "1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries" (served with kale slaw, pickles & Dave's sauce) and chose "Extra Hot" for my heat level, my wife had the "2 Sliders w/ Fries" and chose "Mild" heat, and our two sons both had the "2 Tenders w/ Fries" with no heat. We all had a delicious dinner!! We hope to be back again and again!

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    This is the new establishment that moved into the space where DiBella's used to be. Very vibrant and clean atmosphere, friendly and dutiful waitstaff. I liked the food overall. My top loaded fries were more enjoyable than I thought they would be. Chicken was juicy, tender and flavorful. Fries were crispy and well seasoned. Pickles were crunchy. Kale slaw was creamy and savory with fresh vegetables. Cheese sauce and Dave's sauce were both delicious. Next time I'm getting a large. The "chocolate" shake was a letdown, however. There was barely any chocolate flavor; it was 99% vanilla. The shake was decent for what it was, but why be skimpy on the chocolate? Despite the underwhelming shake, I liked my meal a lot. I look forward to trying their spice levels in the future. Great food.

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    Nestled along the historic storefront merchants on Whalley Avenue is a New Haven treasure that…read morequietly goes unnoticed unless you have been told by word of mouth? This reviewer was happy to have one of his family members mention it and there was no turning back? Bella's offers Homemade, Southern Style Comfort Food just like grandma would make? The Cafe consists of generous seating on both sides with a large bar stretching from the front door down towards the middle of the restaurant. We were sitting on the backend portion of identical tables and chairs. Our server was pleasant and friendly and our party of three were about to be very happy with what was in store for us? I was told that we had to arrive early because this popular little neighborhood nook, fills up at a moment's notice? We arrived at 8:00am and it was jamming. The menu has a large variety of breakfast and brunch options with their hours open until 3:00pm, daily I believe?? I enjoyed Bella's Corned Beef Hash with Scrambled Eggs, Homemade Grits and 2 Fresh Biscuits. Outstanding and Rib Sticking Comfort Food. If you never knew about this place before my review? I will gladly take the credit for getting you off your feet and into Bella's seat for a dining experience that you will thank me for?

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    Dave's Hot Chicken - halal - Updated August 2026

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