The option was Mc Donald's or to try this place, so I decided it would be fun to try this place out. The menu is, disappointing at best, but I do like how they serve the crinkle cut fries. The workers weren't very polite, but the service was good. This place feels crowded, and it takes a long time for your order because it's a small location. Not to knock this place, you can't complain if you can get your food, it just takes a long time for them to get it ready. That's the only reason why I think it feels like it's occupied, but the place is nice. The spice level is great, I can actually have the hottest chicken on the menu but that's not to say that it isn't hot. It was so hot I couldn't finished it, but it's pretty cool to dip the fries and chicken in that fancy hot sauce. I ordered chicken strips and fries, just because the cole slaw doesn't look too appetizing, nothing against the sliders but they're basically the same thing as ordering the chicken strips. They turned out fine, but I actually enjoyed the fries the most here. It just feels a bit expensive for what you actually get, and the drinks are fairly overpriced here. When you have hot foods, you want to have cool drinks, so it sounds like a gimmick but whatever. I think this place was a better decision than Mc Donald's but the chicken isn't healthy so I can't eat here regularly. It's more of a twice a month thing to try, but it tasted pretty good. I thought it was alright, I'll give it another try in a few weeks. read more

Arda gave a good service and made sure I had a good experience and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the air was good and ground was clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Mo was awesome super nice and respectful 10/10. Super responsive and didnt keep me waiting. Definitely coming back.

Received amazing service from both Mo and Zain! Made my experience here at Dave's hot chicken a very pleasant one. Definitely going to come to back and also refer my friends as well. read more

Another chicken place? Count me in! Dave's Hot Chicken is a chain, so I'll keep it short. I've never eaten Dave's before, but it's pretty bomb. I got 3 sliders, Lite Mild, Mild, and Medium. As for spice level, I'd say the medium was like flaming hot cheetos. I think the flavor is similar on all the spice levels. Some people complained about the chicken being too salty, but I thought it was perfect, so your mileage may vary. read more

My man Soufyon was extremely welcoming and kind. quick efficient service and had a smile on his face. The food was extremely delicious and I also loved the atmosphere! I highly recommend this place! read more

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

If I could give infinite stars I would, this location is always striving for quality and care through and through. I want to preface this review by thanking the staff and management at this Daves Hot Chicken location in Irvine, they took the time to resolve an issue I had with another location about not receiving half my order. When Daves Hot Chicken first opened up in LA in a parking lot, I was a long time customer since I was a young tween, the drive was always worth it. I've been on the hunt for the best high quality and affordable Nashville Hot Chicken, Daves Hot Chicken and Howlin' Rays are not even comparable to the rest, all of their spice levels even the off menu heat level items are amazing. When life got busier, this Irvine location was just down the road from my first job as soon as I turned 18. I was having Dave's from this location nearly every week, I would drive my little sister after her school on my days off to bring her here too even if it was a 40 minute drive from home! I'm also a regular customer at the Temecula location when out horse showing, or the Long Beach location when visiting friends, no service or attention to detail beats this Irvine location. I initially had made an order at a location closer to my house in Mission Viejo on the 20th for over $70 worth of food for my family out of town from Canada, since the Mission Viejo location (10 - 11 PM) closes far earlier than this Irvine location (12-1 PM). We had made it 20 minutes before closing to the Mission Viejo location and placed our order and received no receipt on my bag or in hand at the cash, when it came time to leaving, my youngest sister had retrieved the food from the counter while I pushed in the chairs at the table we awaited at expecting our meals to be served just as we ordered. Instead, by the time we got home, the MV location had already closed when I called to ask for my 2 missing No.3 Medium with Cheesy Fries, this hasn't been the first time this location has let me down. I had a family of 7 waiting at home with only half of our order completed, I know the service and quality of attention to detail is always on point at the Irvine location on Culver where I used to always get my fix. I headed over with the 40 minute drive to their location and had a conversation with the manager about what to do. Since these locations are individually owned, they don't typically cross over. The manager told me I would have to discuss a refund with the MV location because they don't have jurisdiction over other locations. He noticed I was in distress with not having enough food to feed a family of 7 with most other places closed to be able to feed them especially how far I had come and being a regular customer in the past of their location. The manager did what he could and decided to generously resolve the situation, I was able to feed the other family members at home waiting hungry and tired. When I followed through to the MV location the next day, they told me since they clear their orders in the system at the end of the day they couldn't do anything, not even a refund, only one free slider at their location. I have had the exact same issue in the past with the MV location and I will be sure to give them the lowest review because their customer service alone is not up to standard. Thank you again to the team at the Irvine Dave's Hot Chicken on Culver Drive, my family and I will be sure to continue our business at this location from now on. I recommend this locations customer/ dining service, their drive through, cleanliness, and quality and attention to their food. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Dave's #3 1 Tender & 1 Slider Medium - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

Nice place with delicious chicken tenders and sliders. The place is fun to eat in or order to take out. Service is prompt though it might get busy but the staff are really friendly and personable. Chicken is tender. I'm too scared to order spicy but hubs liked the medium spicy. I got mild. Next time he's going to go up a notch spicier! Enjoy! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Fun picture op - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

I heard all about the hype surrounding Dave's and the long lines blah, blah, blah... to be honest, I was/am over the Nashville hot chicken tenders/sandwiches and the like. I'm a simple gal, give me a bucket of KFC and bottle of Crystal hot sauce and I can go to town and be blissfully content. However. I do suffer from FOMO on occasion and I had to see what the hype was all about. Pulled up to the drive-thru on a Tuesday afternoon (right at about 12:15 pm). Line wasn't long at all (only 3 cars in front of me). I got in the queue at 12:15 and drove off with my hot food at 12:35. Not exactly how we envision "fast food" to be but I suppose Dave's isn't fast food and the drive-thru is really just so us lazy Americans don't have to get out of our cars! Anyway, I ordered the #1 hot (2 tenders) and #3 mild (1 slider and 1 tender). Combos come with pickles and fries and choice of sauce. I LOVED the fries. Crispy, hot, seasoned to perfection. The chicken was fried just right and seasoned just right. Pickles were fresh and crisp. Dave's sauce paired well with both the chicken, fries, and pickles. I am a fan and I believe the hype. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - #1 combo hot! This was DELISH!!! - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

Mohammed was absolutely so nice, super helpful and got us forks and stuff for our meal. The #2 combo is the best! Thing is, I think I messed up the survey, so I just wanted to say his service is actually a 5 star, if I messed up my survey I'm sorry! I was chatting with my friend and must have touched my phone because I could only input my phone number after. read more

If you have a well-seasoned fried chicken sandwich craving, this place is it. The food was delicious, the portion was satisfying, and the condiments were tasty. Let's get into the details. I ordered the 1 Slider + 1 Tender combo (Dave's #3). Comes with fries, large sandwich slices of pickles, Dave's sauce for dipping, and a slice of white bread holding the tender. You need to buy the drinks separately. The Slider consists of one tender, a bit of kale slaw, Dave's sauce, and pickles, all on a bun that holds everything well. It could have used more slaw; perhaps you can ask for more when ordering? The tender on white bread felt like I was eating another sandwich sans the slaw. They don't skimp on the pickles, and as a pickle lover, I really appreciated that I didn't have to steal my friend's pickles or ask for more mid-meal. They were not overly salty, crispy, and large sandwich cuts in perfect thickness. You can also pick up your other condiments over the counter. I picked up extra Dave's sauce and honey packets. The sauce was delicious. Thousand Island-ish but less sour/vinegary. I enjoyed dipping my fries in it. The staff were friendly and the dining hall was spacious, with large tables spaced apart. The interior art/drawings on the walls were funny; check out the pics. My only complaint is that the tables were sticky, not due to lack of cleaning but due to the cleaning product they were using. It was sticky enough to lift colors from everything (vinyl to-go bag, receipt, printed oil paper where the food sits in the red basket when you dine in, etc). If you are hungry but not starving, perhaps the #4 will do (Slider with fries), but if you are starving, get the #3. I ordered Hot for the spicy level, which gives you a good amount of heat without sweating. read more

See all

Food was great. Mo was really kind and provided awesome service. He was super responsive and quick to get us whatever we needed. And checked in on us routinely. read more

My wife and I went to this location for the first time last night. We just moved from Texas to Irvine and got hooked on Dave's in Texas. Not only was the food fresh and delicious, Arda recommended me the oreo smoothie with strawberry and it may be my go too going forward. read more

Food was at tasty it had a lot of flavor and is one of the most interesting takes on chicken I've ever had! Service was simple, nothing too extra, nothing too bad served us well! Ambiance was interesting considering this place is great! Should've had more people but decorations and everything is amazing. I only put one star off since prices have risen but otherwise amazing! read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Dave's #3 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries menu has changed price :( - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

This place is so good, and I love it very much it has delicious food, good service, and neat ambiance. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - A photo of my food. - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Good food. Went there yesterday with some friends. Mo and Zane were very friendly and helpful with our orders. Definitely will be back.

The ambiance was really fun. I went with several UCI students, and we enjoyed the decor immensely. We also appreciated the late night dinner spot. Too many places close early in Irvine, which is strange, particularly near the university. We got the standard meals, chicken, bread, and sauce. Medium spice. The chicken was juicy, the bread was surprisingly ordinary, and the sauce was nice. I found the flavor of the chicken was good as well. What I didn't love was how much seasoning was on the chicken. It was gritty, almost sandy-like. The flavor was good, otherwise. I would definitely try it again. read more

First of all, thank you so much for opening a store near my home. I'm a huge fan of spicy chicken tenders like what you get with Raising Cain - a hugely successful chain store. You spent a lot of time and effort on your interesting decor, however, you spent zero to no money on advertisement or packaging your product. Meals are given out in a black styrofoam squares. Instead of Texas toast (delicious fried bread with butter) you give out white bread? Do you think you can fool us? Yes, your tenders are delicious, and we all love the spicy level choices. The low marks come when you get the bill. Your tenders are a whopping Five Dollars for each tender! Three chicken tenders for $15 with no sides. Those are the facts, and this place will be gone in a year. There are just too many other choices for a better food value. You are over-charging us, and we do not appreciate that. I will drive to Raising Cain next time I crave chicken tenders. read more

I would like to not give it any stars if possible. I have ordered twice using their app and first time I had to contact them to add my points after spending $30+ dollars. They added it within a couple of days. Second time same thing and after 2 weeks no points have been added. It's poor that you use the app and they can't add it immediately. Also the time it shows your food will be ready is incorrect as I have always had to wait extra 10mins. Will not be giving my service to them anytime soon and will be deleting the app too. Go to other places that do what they say. read more

Pretty good food overall as it was amazing. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the spice level was perfect. The service was also excellent as we had no problem When ordering and we got our food in a decent amount of time. Overall I would give Dave's hot chicken a 8.5/10 read more

Food was great [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambiance was great[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Mo was so helpful with his service would recommend!

Food was fine. Service and management leave much to wqbe desired. There was a long line as the result of a promotion with guests waiting nearly 30 minutes - no problem, except that a group of 9 teens came directly to the front of the line, in full view and with acknowledgement from the cashiers (it appears they may have been friends of the staff). When called on it, they did nothing except offer to go get a manager. Manager was even worse, simply continuing to take the group's orders. Extremely disrespectful to all the other guests who patiently waited in line. The entirety of the staff was not properly equipped to handle an incredibly basic situation - perhaps a failure of training or simply the wrong people for these roles. Additionally, the 'Contact Us' on the restaurant website is non-functional, leaving no other means to provide feedback. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken had a new Irvine location at the intersection of Culver and Irvine Center. Unbeatable deal with choices of sliders, tenders, and fries. Their hottest spice level, the "Reaper," packs quite a punch but is manageable. I always order a slider or two at that level to enjoy at the end. I personally have a high spice tolerance and would say it is maybe 50-70% spice compared to the spiciest option at Howling Ray's. read more

See all

Trying to figure out the decor, the piped in music is an eclectic mix Serving tenders like the other company (Raising Cane's). They have 7 (seven) heat levels, I opted for mild. I'm visiting and don't want any gastric anomalies. The crispy coating on the tender had a slight taste of curry (which I like) and the mild spice was pretty weak. Mild had no kick what-so-ever. I got the Mac & cheese instead of fries. The Mac was ok. I was trying for a healthier option, LoL. Overall my visit was a meh, would I return? I don't think I'd go out of my way for this. But as a side note any chicken tender restaurant I wouldn't, not my thing read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Trying to figure out the decor, the piped in music is an eclectic mix - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

My go to spot for fried chicken. Used to drive to LA for this place before they opened everywhere. Glad they are here. Big ass meals, food always consistent, the taste, the flavor, the service... everything about this franchise is perfect. LOVE THIS PLACE read more

Mohammed sufyan is amazing and great service. He recommended good menu items abd we enjoyed it very much. We will be back

3 Stars = "OK" I'm not really sure how to rate this one, 3.5 stars would be me, but some people REALLY like spicy so on that front, I would make it a 4. I'm a fan of spicy, and who doesn't like fried chicken right? I got two orders of tenders, one medium and one hot just to check out their different spicy levels. The food came out pretty quickly with slices of white bread, sliced pickles, crinkle cut fries and a fry sauce or sorts called "Dave's Sauce". The pickles were nothing special by itself, helps balance out the spiciness, the fries were well seasoned and had a good crunch, it went well with the mayo based sauce...GREAT sauce. Now the chicken, the meat was juicy but could be juicer, I'm pretty sure it was brined since it wasn't flavorless, I should've order a no spice one just to see how their chicken is plain. I feel like the medium spicy was just enough spicy, I could handle the hot one but it was starting to not be enjoyable since all I taste was the spicy part and not the chicken anymore. At the end of the day, I prefer some other fried chicken (mainly Korean Fried Chicken) vs the Nashville Hot Chicken style, it's okay once in a while, but I don't think I'm a fan of that much spices on the outside. It's just a bit too intense with each bite. But I will definitely come back for medium and below. read more

I came here on the recommendation of my wife. The chicken was just okay. I went through the drive thru within minutes of them opening so maybe the chicken I received was from the night before. My wife loved her experience when she went but it's been two months since I went and I have had no reason to go back. read more

I came with friends on the first day it opened. They controlled the amount of people inside by having someone at the door while welcoming them in. They put in great effort to provide good service. There are 3 sets to choose from each with a different combination of chicken tender or sliders. There are also different levels of spicyness. Despite how busy it was, the food was cooked well. The chicken is juicy in the inside and hot and crispy on the outside. Mild spicyness was perfect for me. The fries are seasoned and crispy too. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Set B slider and chicken tender - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

Just got back from the soft opening which I used as an excuse to order friend chicken earlier than I ever have. Arrived at 10:30am and happy to see the doors open already and drive through attendant ready and waiting. Aside from bright smiles all around from the staff members, the place has a really cool vibe with decorative graffiti style art all around and hard rock blaring as you enter. I have only been to one other Dave's Hot chicken (in Pacific Beach) and I wasn't very impressed...possibly something with the order went wrong because by the time I got home the food was cold and fries soggy. This location couldn't be more different! The tenders were hot and crispy, fries equally crunch and well seasoned, and the staff included an extra sauce to keep me cooled off on my order of reaper and extra hot (yes, I like the punishment...gotta know the limit!) tenders with fries. They have a wide range of spice levels, so everyone can be happy here. The seasoning is a burst of flavor -- aside from just spice, you also get touches of sweet, salty, and umami, this must be what made Dave's so popular of a franchise! My only complaint is that I had a hard time finding a meal under $10 -- that said, the portions are larger than I expected as each tender is quite the hunk of meat and very filling. Chicken finger? more like chicken hand! (feet, but you get it...) After having gone to and been disappointed by the cost/value ratio of Raising Cane's (and because Dave's is so much closer to me), I will always choose this when I need my chicken finger fix! read more

See all

I just want to shout out my food service savior Arad!! When I say savior I mean Arad is spiderman and this Dave's is New York. I came in today with no motivation and almost a cowardliness vibe. I got to the counter where Arad told me I needed to try the reaper in order to become a fulfilled man. Of course I listened because it's not the customer that's always right but it's Arad that's always right!! I got my deathly reaper tender and studied it. I was analyzing it to maybe understand this wild creature, to maybe conquer this untamable monstrosity. It was all for naught. I took the first bite and immediately knew my tongue would never trust me again as its host. I wanted to quit but I knew if I wanted to be like Arad I'd have to take another second bite. After 20 minutes of crying in public I finally calmed down enough to leave a review for this wonderful worker. Arad was there for me the entire time while I was crying and made me feel like I could really connect to my emotions. If it was for Arad I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thank you Arad!!! read more

Packed during lunch hours for their grand opening day both inside and for their drive thru (which is rare for a Hot Chicken place to have one btw). Despite the long lines, they were able to get orders taken and served up in a very reasonable time. The Dave's sauce is great. Chicken is tender and spice levels are accurately set. Not cheap but worth it. read more

See all

Pretty ok chicken tenders and sliders. They basically only have chicken tenders and chicken sliders and that's it, so everyone in your group must want the same few things. The tenders tasted great for the first half of the meal, but when it came to the second tender, the flavor became monotonous and I just ate it cause I was hungry. Fries were ok, not great, same seasoning as the chicken. The texture was a little cardboard like. My main issue with this spot was that the wait was around 20 minutes for to go fast food. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Chicken tenders - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

Chicken portions are definitely large, juicy and depending on the level of spicy, are quite spicy! I'd say depending on how hungry you are one combo maybe sufficient for two people perhaps with an extra side. I wanted to try the mac & cheese but went for the kale side instead - and that is pretty good. I think I'll be a regular at this place especially because it's so close and it's good quality. Also I don't agree with the reviews that indicate this place is expensive I do not find that to be the case whatsoever. Also if you're looking for what I would call traditional fast food go to KFC; this is not traditional fast food it is higher quality. Note: owner: please check the fountain coke. It didn't taste right. read more

Love Dave's Hot Chicken, ever since it opened in Fountain Valley and the line was out the door. So I was excited they opened one closer to me in Irvine! I placed the order online ahead of time (used to do this to skip the long lines) and my order was ready the moment I got there. This place also has a drive thru! The place is not too busy, probably because the older Asian crowd in Irvine aren't familiar with it. So i consider it a hidden gem. The quality is so good and the staff are so friendly. Their portions are generous and the food is so tasty and yummy. The decor inside is nice too. read more

Dave's Hot Chicken - Mild Dave's #1 2 Tenders w/ Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Irvine, California

SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD! This place has by far the best service of any of the daves ive been to. The Team here really goes above and beyond to make sure im taken care of as a guest. I didnt have to get up to refill my drink or throw my trash away. This place rocks! read more

Very good service and the chicken is very good quality ! highly recommend. would be coming back

Several times in the last month have been right down the street and both times my friend has suggested Dave's...actually not a lot of choices in Irvine at 10pm but that said the food is good and even our 18 month old companion loved the chicken.... read more

The food was very good and the entire place was clean with no issues. Arda had great customer service

Pulled up for Drakes birthday.. 10/10 management, food, and ambiance. Also the sliders are def the best thing there.