Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Dave's Hot Chicken

    4.5 (599 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Order Dave's Hot Chicken Takeout or Delivery

    Dave's Hot Chicken Photos

    Business Info

    DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Dave's Hot Chicken

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Fern H.

    I'm taking an average of my 3 separate Dave's Hot Chicken Experiences y'all. I've had my fair share of hot chicken spots, but Dave's Hot Chicken really sets itself apart with a balance of flavor, heat, and that over-the-top fast-casual energy that makes it feel almost like an event every time you go. Atmosphere & Vibe The vibe at Dave's is exactly what you'd expect: bold, flashy branding with neon lights, hip-hop pumping through the speakers, and a menu that keeps things simple but highly craveable. It's casual, lively, and definitely caters to a younger, late-night crowd. The lines can get long, especially on weekends, but they move quickly, and it feels like part of the experience. The Food The star of the show is, of course, the chicken. You pick your heat level (from No Spice all the way up to the infamous Reaper, which you have to sign a waiver for), and then decide whether you want tenders or sliders. * Chicken Quality: The tenders are massive--juicy inside, crispy and well-seasoned outside. What makes Dave's different is that the chicken isn't just coated in heat; it's got layers of flavor. The spice rub brings smokiness, sweetness, and that creeping heat that builds as you eat. * Sliders: The sliders are no joke. Each comes stacked with a huge tender, kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's sauce inside a buttery brioche bun. It's messy, it's indulgent, and it's incredibly satisfying. The slaw is tangy and cool, cutting through the richness of the chicken, while the sauce ties everything together with a slightly sweet, garlicky kick. * Sides: The crinkle-cut fries are crispy and golden, and they're especially good dipped in the Dave's sauce or honey. The mac and cheese is creamy, decadent, and pairs well if you want a break from the spice. * Heat Levels: I usually go for Hot or Extra Hot--they pack a punch but don't overpower the chicken. If you're a spice junkie, the Reaper is a fun dare, but it's not something most people will enjoy past the first few bites. Service Service is fast, efficient, and friendly. You order at the counter, get a buzzer, and your food comes out fresh and piping hot. Even during busy hours, the staff keeps things moving. Price & Value For what you get, it's a solid value. The portions are large--two sliders or a couple tenders with fries is more than enough for most people. It's a little pricier than a standard fast-food chicken sandwich, but the quality and size make it worth it. Final Thoughts Dave's Hot Chicken delivers exactly what it promises: bold, spicy, indulgent comfort food that's addictive enough to keep you coming back. It's not a "refined" dining experience, but it's not trying to be--it's fast, flavorful, and unapologetically over the top. Would give this place a 4.5 of Yelp allowed a more granular and specific 1-5 star grading / rating if you love heat, crispy chicken, and messy, delicious sliders then you'll love this joint.

    Megan S.

    got the chicken flight and it was not that good... i fee like the buffalo wings were kind of sour and it was not hitting the spot. i think the original chickens are a lot better. for the type with honey, the honey was a lot and it was dripping everywhere...

    [left - right] Hot Dave's #3 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries Mild Dave's #1 2 Tenders w/ Fries

    The service was so good!! Our cashier was Karina and she was so sweet and lovely. She was very attentive to both me and my boyfriend as well as the other costumers. The place was fairly clean, we went pretty late at night so there weren't that many employees and understandably there were some tables that hadn't been cleaned up, but they did end up cleaning them once they had the time. The food was okay, the chicken was juicy but the batter was/ seasoning was very salty. I got the Hot and my boyfriend got Mild. I thought the hot was okay but it did irritate my stomach more than expected. The mild was very very salty and we ended up not finishin it. The fries were the best part of the meal especially with the special sauce they offer.

    Dave's #1 2 Tenders w/ Fries
    Jen N.

    5 stars for the owner Paul - great customer service! For California, Dave's Hot Chicken is up there! I used to live in Nashville and the flavors here are on point. I always get the tenders and fries, it never misses! I'm a wimp when it comes to spice. I got the mild and it already had a kick. My boyfriend got one medium and one hot tender, he was sweatinnn on that hot one. We usually order DoorDash. Love this place and we'll definitely be back!

    10 pc Dave's bites  10 pc. Dave's Bites w/ Fries
    Vee M.

    Crunchy, spicy, juicy and the Mac & cheese delicious I will be trying the sliders next. So good!!!

    Drake night!
    Jonathon Q.

    I love this place!! I have never had less than a 10/10 experience here. The food is amazing and the employees are awesome. You can tell this place is run by someone who cares. 12/10 would recommend

    Roach on walll

    We were casually eating when all of a suddenly we seen a roach crawl towards us on the wall our table was next too. We told a worker there was a roach and he didn't even try to kill it or apologize.

    IG: happyfoodieoc

    See all

    12 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brett G.

    Brett G.

    We appreciate those 5 stars, thank you for your review!!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Em B.
    42
    192
    3591

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Great service and good food options! And great staff! Highly recommend this location!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amna A.
    6
    70
    11

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Tasty, yes. Super hot, yes. Worth repeat visits.... Depends on your last bathroom experience after eating. Still love this place

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Really good food and not expensive. Service was really good and I would really recommend to any of my friends

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vee M.
    414
    45
    231

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Thanks for the stellar review!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Wow this cauliflower sandwich is FIRE!! Definitely appreciate a great vegetarian option

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    We aim to impress! Thank you! Come back again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Vy D.
    3714
    992
    11138

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    love the food and everyone is very nice. the service is great and friendly. I love jdjdbdbiei

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Les K.
    144
    18
    3

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    We aim to impress! Thank you! Come back again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    The staff was friendly and greeted me as soon as I walked through the door. The store was clean, and the kiosk made ordering quick and easy.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick H.
    1162
    2707
    8937

    3 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Irving R.
    411
    22
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    This place always has great service! Highly recommend the cauliflower bites and strips!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Julie C.

    Julie C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 15

    Dave's Hot Chicken Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Dave's Hot Chicken

    Can I pay with cash?

    Hi Sarahi! We are cashless and only take cards or apple pay! We hope to see you soon!

    Is there an option of just getting chicken? Meaning no sides, I just want to have like 24 piece fried chicken?

    You can buy tenders only with no sides

    Is the food halal?

    Hello Dani, Yep - Our chicken is certified Halal!

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Trough - Breakfast Burrito with Steak

    The Trough

    3.8(201 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    An excellent breakfast burrito, in any other city it would be the city's finest but in Irvine the…read morecrown remains at The Cut. A solid breakfast burrito and I see why it makes so many Top OC lists. Without a doubt it is a top tier option. Great tasting. I ordered the bacon and left fully satisfied. I laughed reading the comments about the grease. Inside the tortilla are freshly cooked eggs, cheese, tater tots and a protein option what do you expect? If you want to eat clean stick to Avocado toast and fresh fruit. Parking is inside a large garage. The levers were raised this morning but I believe they validate parking. Service was slow because the cashier was inputting a large ordering and I bet they had several online orders as well (its near a plethora of businesses) I will go back to The Trough UNLESS the Cut starts serving their breakfast burritos all days of the week. If they go that route, I will drive the extra 6 minutes off the 405 and go there instead.

    Very friendly staff. Inside was very clean, indoor and outdoor seating…read more Got the latter, orange juice and the breakfast burrito. Latte was good considering it comes from one of those automated machines. Orange juice was fresh and ice cold, perfect. Burrito was big, filled and hot. Perfecto split honestly. Parking is a garage BUT it's free validation they offer so that good. Def will be back to try their sandwiches next.

    Photos
    The Trough
    The Trough - Breakfast Burrito with Steak  AINT SHE A BEAUT

    Breakfast Burrito with Steak AINT SHE A BEAUT

    The Trough - Chili cheese tots

    See all

    Chili cheese tots

    Board & Brew

    Board & Brew

    4.4(171 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    I am a person that doesnt really like sandwhiches but this business made me change my mind ! I…read morestopped by and the amazing cashier (I'm sorry I didn't catch your name ) was friendly and quick to help! For a Tuesday night, the place wasn't super busy, and it was clean! I got a California delight for my second time and it's finger licking good ! This location is near by me and I love the fact that the hours of business is until "8-ish" lol my kind of people , since I always running behind , i will definitely come back again . I haven't tried their brew selection but I will next time there's a game !

    This review covers my experience across multiple locations, including Harbor Boulevard in Costa…read moreMesa and Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. When I first started coming to Board and Brew, I would have given it a solid five stars, but my perspective has shifted after six years of exploring other local options in the county. The Evolution of the Experience: * Ingredients: While the food is definitely better than a pre-made deli sandwich from a grocery store, it isn't exactly top-tier. The bread and meat are good, but as you try more specialized places, you realize these are fairly standard. * The Famous Sauce: Their signature sauce is tasty, but it feels like it contains a high amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is a neuro-exciter that can make people feel overstimulated or unwell after eating it, and it feels particularly intense in this recipe. * Consistency: Both the Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa locations were great initially, but they now feel more like a solid, middle-of-the-road option. The Best Use Case: * Catering & Events: Even with a three-star rating, this is absolutely the place I would go if I needed catering for a birthday party or a large event. Their pricing and preparation for bulk orders are hard to beat. Final Thoughts: If Yelp allowed half-stars, I'd probably give this a 3.5. It's a reliable, solid sandwich shop, but the ingredient quality and the intensity of the MSG in the sauce keep it from being a five-star favorite for me anymore. Edit: The owner replied to my comment about how their food is high quality, but 6 years of taste testing says otherwise. While you may not add pure MSG crystals to your sauce, it still contains MSG.It is misleading to claim "No MSG" or "High Quality" when the sauce relies on ingredients that are chemically identical to it. For instance: Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These are among the highest natural sources of free glutamate. If the recipe uses tomato paste--as many copycats do--it will test positive for MSG. Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: Both frequently cited in recipes for this sauce, these contain naturally occurring MSG through fermentation or hydrolysis. Nutritional Yeast: Often used to provide a savory flavor, it naturally contains high levels of glutamate.Hydrolyzed Proteins: Ingredients like "hydrolyzed vegetable protein" (HVP) or "yeast extract" are processed specifically to release glutamates. Legally, a company might say they "don't use MSG" if they don't add the pure additive, but that is a technicality. MSG is linked to various health issues for sensitive individuals, and just because many consider it "safe" doesn't mean it's healthy or non-harmful. If the food is truly "high quality," why rely on these additives to create flavor? Best Wishes

    Photos
    Board & Brew
    Board & Brew - Online Order rack for easy pick up!

    Online Order rack for easy pick up!

    Board & Brew - Chicken club: marinated chicken breast topped with bacon = $10.95

    See all

    Chicken club: marinated chicken breast topped with bacon = $10.95

    Dave's Hot Chicken - chickenshop - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...