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Dave's Hot Chicken

3.7 (148 reviews)
Closed 10:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Order Dave's Hot Chicken Takeout or Delivery

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DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Dogs allowed
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Dave's Hot Chicken

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Hot Chicken Tenders
Michelle T.

Had a decent meal at Dave's. It was incredibly warm inside, however, so we had to eat quicker than we thought. But the service was fast. Chicken was good, large portions - but would recommend the tenders over the sliders.

Fries that are amazing... crinkled cut and seasoned perfection. I'm
Marsha W.

I'm a pescatarian so I did not try any of the chicken sandwiches but I did get some fries here and they were amazing like top three best fries in Oakland. They were crinkled cut and seasoned to perfection. I got some orange sauce to go with it which tasted like thousand island. I truly did not need any sauce for these fries because they were amazing by themselves. I wouldn't even put ketchup on them. The customer service was great as well and the ambience is pretty cool... graffiti spray paint vibes. I would definitely come back again to treat myself some tasty fries.

Daves Big Trio
Loralyn N.

This after a long day really hit the spot. My fiance and I were really craving Dave's and hadn't had it in the almost year we've been in the Bay. We put in an online order for the trio and the not chicken sandwich. We both ordered it hot. Everything was ready as soon as we got there, so it was a quick turn around. I was really curious about the cauliflower sandwich, and I was not disappointed. It was so much better than I thought it would be. Hot, juicy, great texture. It was a really nice surprise, but man, I forgot how hot their hot is. I'm definitely doing medium next time. And I'm definitely getting this again.

David H.

Tried Dave's Hot Chicken for the first time and I'm hooked. The chicken was super crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the spice levels are no joke. The sliders are huge and come with pickles and their special sauce, which ties it all together. Fries were crispy and well-seasoned too. Definitely recommend getting the combo. Place was clean, staff was friendly, and the food came out fast. A little pricier than typical fast food, but you get what you pay for -- totally worth it.

Wow this was a lot of food!
Neelab S.

Well well well! This place never disappoints us. Staff are friendly . Food is always aweeeessssoooommme! We just love it! Please keep up the great job you do up!! I love how the inside looks! So local and so welcoming!

Montage of images from Dave's Hot Chicken
Ed U.

You don't have to sell me on hot chicken. I first tried it at Hattie B.'s in Nashville where hot chicken started and liked it a lot (review: https://yelp.to/C7-LPOnXAh). There are at least three spots in Downtown Oakland - Hotbird and World Famous Hotboys are the others we've tried - though this is the only one that's part of a local chain. Jamie W and I had been wanting to try it for a while, so we stopped by after a walk around Lake Merritt. It was fairly busy, but we managed to snag a table once we ordered. Jamie didn't hold back and went with Dave's #3, one Tender and one Slider with Fries for $13.49 (photo: https://yelp.to/VvAmgV1gHz). It was quite a portion of food as the tender was a hefty piece of breast with sliced white bread drizzled with their house sauce, while the slider was the same size only with a bun and kale slaw. There were plenty of krinkle fries and pickle chips, so he didn't go home starving. Going with the mild heat level, he liked it and got full pretty quickly. I was no less modest with my order. I went with Dave's #1, two Tenders with Fries for $12.49 (photo: https://yelp.to/3rr4LRpH3H), which seemed just as hefty an order though I had the audacity to try the hot spicy level which numbed me a bit during my meal. I also liked it though honestly I would've gone with a half-portion in hindsight as it was a lot. I also would've liked a dark meat option which is why I like Hotboys a bit more. At least they were friendlier here than at Hotbird where they maintained a more surly attitude. Jamie and I will probably split an order on our next visit. FOOD - 4 stars...hefty portions of satisfying hot chicken, more variety and smaller meal combos would be nice AMBIANCE - 3 stars...typical fast food vibe SERVICE - 3.5 stars...more attentive than we expected TOTAL - 4 stars...good to have hot chicken choices RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

sliders and Mac and cheese
Blu M.

To get straight to the point, Dave's is alright. Nothing great, but nothing awful. I love Nashville Hot Chicken with a passion, and this spot just did not hit the way I hoped. Especially with how popular of a chain this spot is, I was just disappointed! I got their sliders with Mac and cheese and fries to go. The order was made pretty quick which was a plus! I took it back to my place to eat and was pleased when I opened the box! It looked great. However, taking my bite, it was just... meh. The chicken was not that spicy (and I got it hot!!) but at least it had favor. I would amp up the salt levels a bit more if I am being honest (salt enhanced flavor so maybe that's all it lacked?) The size of the sliders was great and I liked the slaw. The chicken was just again, meh. The sauce the food comes with really saves it. The Mac and cheese was decent! It was definitely cheesy, but I wish it had more to it. The noodles were a bit overcooked, but that is honestly expected when I get Mac as a restaurant. Overall not bad. This spot is ok, I would go if I am really hungry and don't have many options. But being in the Bay Area, I would prefer to go somewhere else.

AWFUL ENCRUSTED SPICY CHICKEN!
Noelle C.

The moment I stepped into this establishment, I gagged ! The aroma of the spice was unbearable! I was craving naked tenders, and I was served ENCRUSTED heat! I am appalled by the service! My server was incredibly rude and made comments about my wig! The ambience was spicy, and I didn't appreciate it! I wish I could had given it a 0, although that isn't possible. Do not go here!

Wild and crazy graffiti vibe?
Ted R.

Dave's is all right. Not exactly earthshaking. But pretty OK fast food for the price. I wanted to check it out for myself since this seems to be a growing national chain. There's not even much to tell. It's a funky/wild and crazy brand they're looking to project even though the layout is straight fast food/dining hall. I walked in on a weekday afternoon. No line. The person at the counter was polite and nice enough. I ordered the #4, a slider plus fries for $10.99. Five minutes later, I had my chicken sandwich. I did not go hot, because that's not my bag. The sandwich was pretty good though. Maybe four stars for the price/value. The fries were very weak. Two stars. Split the difference and call it three stars total. Lots of room to sit indoors. Just a couple tables outside. Grand Avenue is a very busy street so it's not exactly, a contemplative outdoor dining experience. Would I go back? Maybe if I was in the neighborhood. But you can get a good pizza slice, a great sandwich or really good Ethiopian food within a one-block radius - so I'm not sure.

The hot spicy chicken tender slider was probably the best thing I've eaten all week
Zeneta B.

Stopped by Dave's Hot Chicken for their free slider event celebrating Drake's birthday. This was my first time trying their chicken because I always thought it was a little pricy for chicken strips but I was seriously impressed. I appreciated how well the staff handled the busy crowd--quick, friendly, and efficient. I ordered the slider with the chicken hot. It was juicy and crispy with just the right kick of spice, and I loved the pickles and slaw for extra crunch. It was a full-sized portion that felt like a real treat, not just a small freebie. The festive vibe and generous service made this event a highlight, and I'll definitely be back for more!

Jashe D.

Came here after a long night the food was tasty . If it's chicken and if it's spicy I'm all in !

Inside
Sue L.

I am a huge fan of their chicken tenders and sliders, so of course I had to order both! I actually haven't been to this location before so decided to stop by on my way home. Parking is a little tough in the area since it is in the heart of downtown. I ordered online and waited at least 20 minutes before it was ready. Not sure if it was ready before then since I was one out of the two customers there. Turns out my order was underneath the counter. Also, the app didn't indicate that it was ready, but I decided to ask since I felt like it was waiting a long time. The chicken was juicy and tender. I'm a big fan of their chicken rub since it is coated generously and gives a lot of flavor. I went with the mild for the sliders and medium for the tenders since I prefer non-spicy food. Glad they have a location in Oakland now since I normally go to the one in Union City. It is also walking distance from the 19th Bart station.

Regular loaded fries

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

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4 days ago

The food is so good and the colors are good and your basketball hoop is so good and the tables are clean.

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The food and servers were great. I really enjoyed the food it was great. I also enjoy the atmosphere

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2 months ago

Brian & Irving where the nicest worker's & hospitality was 10/10 . I would definitely come back just to support them

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2 months ago

Food was good but bread was stale. The chicken, mac & cheese and fries were all good, but the bread was almost hard.

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Dave's Hot Chicken Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Dave's Hot Chicken

Is it halal?

Yes it is. There's a certificate on the wall by the menu

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World Famous Hotboys

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4.4
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0.5 mi
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Simple takeout spot with lots of chicken-y goodness. There's street parking nearby…read more My order was placed online and I got a text after my order was ready. I ordered the sando and fries combo and enjoyed them at the picnic tables nearby. 5/5 Chicken sandwich I'm no fried chicken connoisseur, but I really enjoyed this sandwich. My mild fried chicken sandwich was crispy and savory with a hint of sweetness. The coleslaw was a creamy tangy addition that paired well with the sandwich. It's nice they offer various spicy levels; the mild is flavorful without burning off your taste buds. 4/5 Fries were nicely spiced with cajun-esque flavors. Not spicy at all. They included a mysterious (aioli?) sauce that went well with the fries. Fries were crispy though without the pillowy insides I crave. The portion was huge, quite shareable. I also tried a few bites of the thick gravy seafood etouffee. Other folks in my party were impressed with the flavor and generally liked it, but I didn't care too much for it. You might enjoy it if you, too, enjoy curry-type food. I don't often eat fried or hot chicken, but I consider this to be one of the better spots locally.

Casual southern spot for fried chicken sandwiches. Don't be afraid to turn up the heat!…read more The menu offers flavorful versions of southern comfort foods. We ordered a chicken sando, the chicken and waffles, and a couple sides -- the greens and etouffee. The sandwich was the clear highlight: moist chicken thigh with a breaded crunch, covered by a thin layer of mayo coleslaw. The light, sweet crunch of the cabbage and carrots gave balance to the dark meat. The waffles were crispy but just soft enough you could wrap them around the chicken to make a sweet sandwich out of that dish too. The server was very friendly when we came. I expressed curiosity about the different heat levels, and he shared nuggets batter d in the medium and hot sauces. He shared our excitement at trying the hot stuff! For the record, the medium is hotter than your typical spicy chicken sandwich and probably a safe go-to. The hot level just cracks "painful" but not unmanageably so -- might be fun as a treat. TBH I was pleasantly surprised by how much flavor each sauce packed -- and how different they were. The medium is especially sweet. Go for the sando. Crank up the heat. It doesn't miss.

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"Front" or exterior
"Front" or exterior
Sando Combo
Sando Combo
Chicken Sando Combo

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Lola's Chicken Shack

Lola's Chicken Shack

3.8
(795 reviews)
3.5 mi
$

This place has been around for awhile and comes highly recommended by locals. A friend and I went…read morehere on a Monday afternoon. The staff was cordial and friendly, and the chicken-themed decor, charming. Now it IS a chicken joint, the go-to chicken spot for my full carnivore friend. He loves them for their chicken, their inexpensive menu and their large portions. I'm mostly pescatarian, though I do sometimes cheat with bacon. (I always feel SO guilty afterwards too!) I ordered the honey mustard salad with bacon and no chicken. My friend ordered the chicken Mac n cheese and tater tots. The bill came up to $30, and the portions were good on on the salad, GREAT on the tater tots and decent on the chicken mac. I can't speak personally on the chicken but my friend says it's amazing. I tasted some of his Mac n cheese with no chicken, and it was really good and flavorful, nice and cheesy. I tasted his tater tots. They were plentiful, well-seasoned and fried to golden perfection, with a nice crunch. I ate all of my salad. My friend couldn't finish his chicken Mac or his tater tots and was happy to be able to take them to go for another meal. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this place.

I have been here twice and it's been pretty run of the mill. I would say the chicken they use for…read morethe sandwiches...and probably the strips....and probably the salad, is actually really good. It was hot and thick and juicy when it came out. The fries were decent, but likely just some standard frozen fries. The ranch was also really good, but $.50 each small sized cup. My biggest gripe was the service and the state of the restaurant. In the booth we sat in there was an electrical outlet is hanging out of the wall and the booths are in need of cleaning. We had to use the bathroom, and the soap was out. The staff member brought a new one, but didn't know how to install it so it just sat on top of paper towels. Not a huge deal but bruh, figure it out. The guy was nice enough, but just sat and watched his phone when no one was at counter. There was also another guy, maybe from the kitchen (?) hanging out behind the counter sometimes as well. All while tables needed wiping, the bus tub was FULL with dishes, or either of them could have tried to get the soap installed. If there was no one at counter or food to cook it was stand around and stare at our phones. It's just sad Just a subpar experience for as much as food costs these days. Train the staff to stay busy and know how to bus tables and clean. And if you ever order the BLT chicken sandwich make sure to ask for no BBQ sauce. Yuk.

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Inside
Inside
Signature Chicken Tenders
Signature Chicken Tenders
Rubber skin type thing

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Rubber skin type thing

Dave's Hot Chicken - chickenshop - Updated July 2026

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