Have you ever seen a grown man weep? That's cause you weren't there when I shed tears of joy which blurred my reading capabilities leading to ordering "HOT" chicken. I seriously should start reading Menus more often, especially the fine print. WARM "Hotter than most mediums" HOT "The real deal, as advertised" Luckily, I was in arms reach of unlimited free Ma's Sweet Tea, along with stacks upon stacks of paper towel to share between me and a fellow sufferer along the communal table. Lesson Learned! ------------------------------------------------------- p.s. they call you by name to bring food to you, but it's loud in there so I suggest you use some atypical call sign so no stranger will get your order by mistake or otherwise. Why yes, I'm Jennifer! Now gimme that chicken. read more

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2.5 years ago, I left Cbus and have missed my twice a month visit to the North Market. With a recent work trip, I visited the new location, and it was like coming home - Kickstarter shirt on, dreaming about mac and cheese, salivating at the thought of some chicken. Easy parking to complement the already great atmosphere, familiar tables, decor, et al - I was in my happy place. Getting my HOT chicken, slaw, double mac, and pudding took me down nostalgic lane..... and the rest of the visit.... I was on Cloud 9 and indulging. New location is better than North Market for: 1. evening hours means every trip back to Cbus will include a stop to see my Precious! 2. OH!!!! Did you notice Jeni's a couple doors down? This just became my favorite block in Cbus!! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Well hands down the best fried chicken in Columbus! Have been going here since they were only in North Market and happy that they have expanded all over Columbus. It's always a go to for us whenever we have a craving. I always get the drumsticks and sometimes the chicken breast. The mac n cheese is always on point. I also love the cole slaw! it's not super heavy since they don't use any mayo in it which I love that. The baked beans are tasty too and don't have pork like most other baked beans do - so great for even the vegans or non pork eaters like myself! The hotness of the chicken isn't always consistent though which is the only reason I'm not giving a full 5 stars. Sometimes the hot isn't really all that hot but other days it's definitely hot! The iced tea used to be free but sadly with inflation etc it's not a dollar which isn't all that bad. I always get a mix of sweet and unsweetened since the sweet tends to be too sweet for me alo read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Such nice staff and the food is fantastic! I didn't try the banana pudding but it looked great as well

HCT, my love for you knows no bounds. You are good night and day. You are good fresh just out of the container after my name is called; as soon as I get home because I thought I'd take my leftovers with me to eat later but couldn't wait until later; and later that night coming cold out of the fridge. Actually you might even be best cold, right out of the fridge. Everything about what's in your box is pure perfection. From the childhood slices of bread soaked after having the chicken sit on top to the crispy chicken skin to the mac n cheese. But what I can't get enough of is your Banana Pudding. I will fight anyone that tells me there is a better banana pudding around. The only thing you could do better is to offer me a larger container of it because I just can't get enough. The sweet and salty balance between the crumbles on top and the creamy pudding is sublime. If you've been living under a rock and still haven't hit a HCT, what are you doing? Soon you'll have three location options so there will be no excuse to NOT get this meal. Saturday's and Sunday's rock because you can get a waffle to go with your chicken and what goes better with chicken than a waffle with warm maple syrup? But no matter when you get, do not miss the banana pudding. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Always get the banana pudding! - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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"Where are you from"? This is that spot where you run into someone from out of town/state/country that was told to try HCT when you get to Columbus. This is where "Communal" begins. The reviews don't lie. We love HCT so much that we feel the need to help new comers navigate the easy menu to get the choice that fits them the best. We can't help but share the story. We talk about the employees, the chalkboard, the merchandise, the desserts, the ice tea, and the special hot sauce. We even tell them to check in on yelp, for a free banana pudding. That comradary continues as you often hand someone a lid or cup or piece of silverware as they're going through the line. Now you're swinging a leg over the bench seat of the long tables, to join fellow diners, elbow to elbow. Your table chatter conversation is interrupted by your name being called. Everyone looks on as you open the lid of your meal to gaze at your choice. Nods of approval, and sometimes questions. "I didn't know you could get double mac". Still asking, and passing the paper towels on the table. You find yourself offering others drink refills while you are getting your own. Others offering to clear your debris. Maybe it's all about eating, and getting up for the next diner to have a place to sit. I like that this location has easy, convenient parking. They also have a call ahead drive-through pick up window. Enjoy the fresh air in the patio dining area. So for all us that have told strangers to come here.... feel confident that another one of us, has done their part to make that strangers visit the best. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - We waffled over our weekend spices. #UpCloseSavor - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said yet. HCT is the place for fried chicken. I found this place on again the trusty Yelp app when we were in town for Eibach Meet. It was a little far drive but It was worth it most definitely. First you pick which part of the chicken you want, then how spicy you want it and then your sides. Chicken was juicy and tasted fresh. I Got medium and Mac and cheese two times. Their Mac and cheese is to die for. I actually got two servings of Mac & Cheese because it was so good! They have free ice tea and looks like its a hit because the workers kept on refilling them. Seating is very casual like bench park style which is different but I loved. Overall a great dining experience and would for sure come back if I'm ever in town again! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Y'all, okay. I will commend this place for awesome customer service. A lady greeted us at the door and explained the menu thoroughly, she also ended up checking on us at our table to see how we were doing. High five to that! The ladies at the counter were also very personable and made conversation with you. That's so awesome and I'm thankful for it. Alright, so I ordered the dark with a spice level of warm. It comes with Mac and cheese automatically and a vinegar-based coleslaw. Also, sweet tea is "free" but I think we all know that it's actually factored into the cost of the meal. Overall, good price for the food! So the Mac and cheese is not your down home southern cooking side dish. This is not the creamy, hearty type, but rather just plain cheesy although not the I'm-pulling-my-fork-really-far cheesy. It's good, but again not appeasing my southern home cooking desires. The coleslaw wasn't made with mayo. I'm fine with that and this is definitely a healthier take, but huh?? The lady at the counter said this was the finest place for southern food... UM, I'm from the South so let's not make any hasty comments. So the fried chicken was nice and had some heat. Yes! I love it! Again, maybe a "healthier" version to appeal to non-Southerners. It was flavorful but not seasoned the way I expected? Like it tasted almost like it needed Southern seasoning. I have high expectations, because I know real Southern cooking. Should you eat here? Yes! But if you're from the South, you've tasted better (though greasier). I'm going to need to see more options for sides though. I'm not trying to put Hattie B's in Nashville on a pedestal, but aren't they like the example of best things?!?! read more

Had lunch here today. I didn't have the 'blown away' moment I had at this place that I had at Hattie B's in Nashville. Not to take anything away from this place as it's very good. It just lacks the layers of flavor that the Hattie B chicken has. Located upstairs in the North Market you wait in line and order at the counter. The dining area inside the restaurant is large and they announce your name when the order is ready. Mac and slaw are included in the meal. Water and tea are included as well. As is ranch dressing and syrup (if you get the chicken and waffles). I ordered the bone in chicken breast hot. You can order the chicken cold, warm, hot, and holy $&%&. The hot has the perfect amount of spice for me. I don't like it so spicy that I can't taste the food. When all you taste is too hot. The exterior was extremely crunchy. Interior wasn't as juicy as I'd like. But it wasn't shoe leather either. The flavor was good. Not great. The Mac and slaw were both homemade and were great sides. Bread and butter pickles were a nice touch. The sweet tea was excellent. Reminded me of being in the South. Overall, was very good. I'd go again if I had a hot chicken craving while I'm in the area again. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Large dining room - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I was one of the last people to walk in to this HCT location today(2.25.20) and I was given one of the best experiences I have ever had at a fast-casual restaurant. Given the lateness of my visit, I understood the possibility for the working staff to handle my order as quickly as possible in order to get me out the door, neglecting the quality of my food and experience of my visit. On the contrary, I was offered a smile as the cashier patiently awaited my entrance, a swift yet effective cash out, my order was confirmed and it was clear by her tone and eye contact that she wanted to ensure that the order was correct, and not only that but one of the cooking staff was friendly and spoke out assuring me that he would take care of my order the best that he could. Thank you Trey(the cook) and the rest of the staff for this wonderful visit. This HCT handily outclassed the North Market location, and made me a loyal customer for life. Y'all are more fire than this delicious chicken. (Which is also ) read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Me and - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This place is well deserving of their reviews. Visiting from Pittsburgh and missed an opportunity to have Nashville Hot Chicken in Nashville, I was able to satisfy my curiosity. I experienced the culinary version of the triple entente Atmosphere - There are a series of picnic tables that are available for patrons. You might be sitting with strangers but no matter... you will be focused on the food and enjoying it in a group setting. This chicken was done right. I ordered the norm - Hot Chicken (on 2 slices of bread), Coleslaw, and Mac & Cheese. Since it was Saturday, I orders some waffles. Drinks and such are free to the right. I ordered the Hot Chicken on the spicier side. It was topped with two pickles slices (thick). It was a perfect mix. The Mac & Cheese was awesome. Next time I am visiting, I may get a quart ;-) - Just kidding - not sure if they will serve me a quart but it would be worth it. This is not overcooked macaroni in a cheese soup. Not to be overlooked is the coleslaw. It is vinegar based but mild (I think). It was a great balance to the other two (Chicken and Mac&Cheese). Finally - the piece de resistance.. The Waffles You can add maple syrup (with the free items) or eat it plain. It was crispy and had a funnel cake feel (not over cooked) sprinkled with powdered sugar. I can say that I am in the clean plate club and need to schedule my liposuction appointment. It was a great experience and a high recommend. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Hot Boneless Chicken Breast with Mac and Slaw. Very good and deserving of their reviews - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

My husband's first time here and he fell in love. His exact words "this is slap" Love the mac n cheese, you can order double and opt out of coleslaw. The coleslaw was pretty good too. If you order the wings you can mix it up, i got 2 hot and 3 medium hot. Sweet tea is some of the best in Columbus. I love the seating set up, reminds me of what the initial set up was when they were cooking on the corner out east! Plenty of paper towels at each table and great outdoor seating close to the heart of clintonville. My husband is already talking about going back!! read more

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Visited a friend in Columbus for one night and she brought me here for dinner! Based on the Yelp reviews I had high hopes for good food and left full and satisfied. The chicken was perfect and just the right amount of spiciness for me. I loved the side dishes that it came with, really complimented the spiciness of the chicken (especially the pickles). Just wish the mac and cheese were more flavorful, but I can see why it wouldn't be in order not to overpower the chicken. Loved the seating structure, very casual environment and a cool place to grab dinner with a friend! They have FREE sweet tea (this is unheard of in Chicago!) so definitely, grab a cup of that! Overall a great dining experience and would for sure come back if I'm ever in town again! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

You get me Hot Chicken Takeover. You know when I need to spice up my life and when I need to stay low-key. You're there during the rainy season and sunny days. At a time when I need something to believe in, you somehow made your chicken better than best. While everyone else fries with just love, you know that a little bit of unicorn is necessary too. We believe in you HCT and I just want to thank you for believing in us too. You complete me HCT. Let's go steady. read more

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HTC is a brand all on its own. I've heard good things about their community contribution and their hiring philosophy. Cafeteria-style lines have you ordering with long metal tables you share with others. Now, to the main part - the food! Deliciously spicy chicken and moist mac and cheese. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than a dry mac! Would definitely recommend. Don't be a chicken, try them! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I've had a rough week and before I even got my food the staff here at HCT have made me forget all about it. Super friendly and great attitudes. I love them like family. And of course the food was delicious. Hot chicken, baked beans and Mac. Always a great choice. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Hot Chicken, Baked Beans, Ma's Mac - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Really tasty chicken I got the "warm" 4 piece drum stick, which definitely had a kick to it. The flavor was good and the breading was nice and crispy. I like the drum stick meal because you get the meat without all of the work. The meal comes with Mac n cheese and their homemade coleslaw. The sides were good, but nothing to write home about. The service was good and staff was friendly. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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While driving through town and searching yelp for lunch, we came across Hot Chicken Takeover and anything that says hot chicken we are in! The outside and inside are decorated in a nice country modern, with nice reclaimed wood, brick and old school checkered table cloths. Simple menu of chicken, you can get wings, bone in peices, boneless and sandwiches and two sides and one desert. Nice part is the ice tea and house ranch is always free. We ordered two wing plates one was what they call cold (no heat) and the other was warm (hotter than most mediums). Both came with cole slaw and mac n cheese. The chicken was nice and juicy the breading had a great crunch even though it fell apart, and I noticed it was over salted and lacked a bit of flavor. The warm had great spice and flavor. It definitely had a great heat at first bite and nice that the heat didnt really stick with you. The cole slaw was very dry and not very enjoyable. The mac n cheese was super cheesy (awsome) for me it seemed a little bland. For dessert we ordered their banana pudding, it was very delicious, had great fresh banana flavor a nice graham crust, whip topping and was not overly sweet. read more

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Thanks to Bryant, I was graced to try HTC as one of their first paying customers. I'll lay it all out: I'm not much of a breaded, fried chicken fan. However, after chomping on some HCT gobble gobble, I will from now on abandon this personal disdain for their Cold Chicken Meal! First, I thought the price ($10.50) was reasonable for my dark chicken entree. At spice level "Cold" - just a touch of cayenne heat, it's a thigh and leg accompanied by their infamous slaw and mac and cheese. Chicken was juicy and very good flavor. I LOVED the skin! A hint of hot in the back of my throat. Lite on the breading- none of that caked on batter KFC crap! The slaw was one of the best, too. I love the (apple?) vinegar flavor instead of the white, creamy other rendition. And, yes, as everyone raves, the mac and cheese is super good. None of that Stouffer's conglomeration. Al dente elbow pasta. Plenty of seating to match the plethora of FREE parking in their own lot. Love the high open exposed duct work ceilings. Communal tables are a personal fav. Top it off, Gwen? Joe is fantastic. Giving back to the community with a smile. Great personality, friendly customer service. Glad to see HCT options becoming more readily available!! read more

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Hot Chicken Takeover, for you C-Town newbs and vets just getting into the food scene, is a rising upstart who in three short years rose from a white shack carry-out in Old Town East to a pillar of local culinary excellence. In the years since, they moved to the North Market, crowd sourced a food truck, and became a media sensation highlighting the owner Joe's buisness and second chance hiring philosophies. Today they have opened a second store here on High, Clintonville, in one of the new buildings between Whetstone and Henderson, among Northstar Cafe, Jenny's Ice Cream, Bareburger, and others, solidifing its place in the local food culture. I was excited to be one of 50 invited to have a sneak peek at the new store a day before opening. So excited that I forgot to take pictures of my food! ( remember the olden days when you didn't do that?) Our jobs were to be paying customers so Joe could test his staff before the hoards slam in with the long lines. For the staffs part they seemed as well seasoned as the chicken. They had everything down to a tee, knew their stuff, was efficient, and were bubbly with genuine enthusiasm. Had I walk in from the street unawares I would had sworn this was an experienced, long time staff. Joe will have little problem with this force, I believe, and they just might be the greatest asset he has here. The southern fried chicken--"wowsers" doesn't do it justice in my opinion. There is a reason I tell everyone it's the Thurman's of chicken. My review of their original locale, half jokingly, called the hype around HTC a zombie epidemic; It's no joke that it won me over though, like Renee Zellweger, " You had me with the first bite." In no ways am I a chicken connoisseur, but if I had a better tasting chicken it is lost to memory. I picked a white meat meal, at 10 and change a deal that rivals KFC in price. Selecting 'warm' spice ( it goes cold, warm, hot, and holy) the breast came on a bread with mac & cheese and cole slaw as sides. The meat is tender and juicy, pure chicken in taste. Their breading is just right and spiced enough to generate heat on the palette and lips but not overbearing that it overwhelms the flavor of meat. Though one note: always take a step up if you like heat; warm is less spicy to me than I expect--I knew this going in and wasn't in the mood for heat--but I am still often surprised how flat their warm is. Their mac & cheese is still one if the best in town. And who can forget the Southern Tea--ice tea swimming in sugar. I would patronize HCT just for their version of that delight even if everything else was much less than it is. The decor here is faux reuse-refit with Southern-soul food shack stylings. Lots of black and reds with their iconic logo prominently showcased. Seating is communal, harking back to their outside picnic tables of S. Ohio and Spruce origins, with southern style table cloths, plasticware set in containers, and brown rolls of paper towels in lue of napkins. My only gripe is the music is a notch too loud. I'd advise Joe D to turn it down a little so that conversations can be heard. What is good for the younger crowds in the short north may not fly as well in the post-grad, professional environs of Clintonville. If you come: 1.)There is parking in the back. To access it turn down Deland Avenue. 2.)It's counter order, take your name, pick up. They are pretty speedy. 3.) Joe said they will be open for dinner only for the first few weeks or so ( writting in June 17) and then they will extend to finalized hours 11-9 through the week. 4.) Drinks are on the house. Your choices are ice tea sweeten and unsweeten and water. Their next move is a store in Easton where the will take their goodness to the touring masses. I am excited to see this place who just a short awhile ago was a little shop expand. If my visit was any indication the expansion hasn't hinder the rep of HTC at all. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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We flew into Columbus and our first stop was Hot Chicken. This place never dissatisfies. Food was hot and Hot and juicy. The place was clean and friendly. We chatted with the GM and she was very personable. We enjoyed our food and will be back! Thanks! read more

I'm very excited to have a HCT location closer to home! My visit here was fantastic. I ordered the Dark Meal which is a fried chicken Leg and Thigh on two pieces of white bread with a side of mac n cheese and slaw. I ordered the "hot" spice level forgetting how spicy that really is, but the complimentary ranch does a nice job of cooling it down a notch. The meat was tender and moist and the breading crisp and perfect. The Mac N Cheese was tasty and the slaw had a nice balance of vinegar and sweet. I love that water, sweet and unsweet tea are always free and that if you "Check in" on Yelp, you receive a free banana pudding! HCT is known for being an equal opportunity employer. I think that really shows in the excellent service you will receive here. The staff was very friendly and genuinely seemed to care for their work. I can't wait to return soon! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I LOVE hot chicken takeovers mission and business. Unfortunately I wasn't in love with the meal itself, but have only had it once and had the "cold" chicken. I'd give it another shot since I love their morals! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Cold chicken breast with Mac - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great place to go to! It's so simple yet so Good! The people are so nice and the chicken is to die for! Definitely recommend for a quick bite! read more

Their chicken is in the bomb. I'm never disappointed with their food. They also have a gluten version on Tuesdays. It's excellent as well.

For what it's worth, she never followed through on the "try to make things right", and therefore I revise my original rating.

So I got invited to attend the Yelp preview party for HCT yesterday and had a fabulous time!!! I got the hot boneless meal and a banana pudding! The hot chicken was perfect.. it was cooked very well, tasted the right amount of flavor, and was a very nice portion!! So much I actually ate the rest today for lunch.. The mac and cheese tastes like one of those potlucks you go to where the one guest brings their family recipe and you are dying to know the recipe but they won't spill the beans.. and you beg for years and you still can't get them to crack their family secret! (This actually happened to me before) it even tasted great heated back up! The slaw had a vinegar type base which was terrific for calming down the spicy of the chicken!! The free sweet tea and house ranch was the topping on the cake to make this experience top notch.. and they were both very yummy! I work a few blocks away so I see myself putting HTC in my High Street weekly rotation.. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Such a fun event! Yelp Columbus - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

A Truly Glorious Summah Day gets me and other Yelpers First in Line to give the new HCT Clintonville location a Early Bird preview of what is becoming a Wonderfully Spicy Columbus Institution. This sits on the edge of Clintonville in the Beechwold area just south of Cooke and Henderson Roads in a line of newly built shops with plenty of off street parking behind and on the south side of the building. The menu here is simple and easy to make your choice from a selection of white, dark or boneless and the amount of Heat your taste-buds can endure, Cold, Warm, Hot or Holy. My choice, the Boneless 'Warm' Meal option came with a big juicy spicy breaded chicken breast, the baked ever-so cheesy Mac n' Cheese and a Loverly fresh vinegar base slaw. And by the time I had scored a Free Sweet Tea and chose a seat my order was ready and my name was being called out. The 'Warm' was nice, enough spice to warm the mouth but not over lingering and perfect for those that tastes are timid when it comes to spicy. The layout and decor are simple and clean with plenty of friendly employees to serve up the spicy goodness. There's a good choice of large picnic style tables and low stools to choose from for your chow down if you're there on your own or brought the whole crew. In the mood for some Great Local Fried Yardbird this should be at the top of your list for tasty chicken and a company that believes and supports the community from it's hiring practices to it's food sourcing. Another great addition to a walk-able neighborhood that has evolved time and time again.... read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Boneless Breast 'Warm' with slaw and baked Mac n' Cheese - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I was already a fan of HCT before arriving for a preview yesterday at their new location. I know how great their food is and thoroughly enjoyed what I ordered yesterday. I had my normal meal consisting of cold (no heat) boneless chicken breast, mac & cheese, and slaw. I accompanied that with sweet tea and ranch dressing for dipping the chicken in. It was all fabulous. Their check-in offer on Yelp was for a banana pudding, which I took home. It is seriously the best banana pudding I've ever had. The staff were attentive and friendly, from the cashier to the guy sweeping the floor. They all asked how the food was. Owner Joe stopped by our table to check on us, and also stepped up on a bench to speak to the whole crowd. I love the new location; it is more convenient from my home in Hilliard, and has plenty of parking. It is in the Clintonville High St. section south of Henderson, by Northstar and across from Fusion. They even have a drive-up window for carryout. Thank you to Bryant for coordinating this event and for bringing swag along, and to Joe and the whole crew. They did a great job and I look forward to returning! read more

I'm so glad that this restaurant has opened up. For one there isn't as much of a line as in the north market. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty busy, as it should be, but you can usually order within 5 minutes or so. Also, the chicken is just as delicious and there appears to be plenty of seating room. And the biggest advantage over the north market location, the restaurant remains open till 9P! Of course, I'll still go the north market location when I'm shopping there :). I love both the "hot" and the "holy" versions. I prefer the taste of the holy version a little more but don't enjoy the burning afterwards :). At different times, I've gotten their full chicken, the sandwich, the breast, the leg and thigh, the wings, and their drumsticks. I really don't have a favorite although I'm personally partial to dark meat. I usually find that the chicken needs just a little bit of salt so I grab a salt packet whenever I'm here, but the last time I didn't use it at all. Also, their waffles are a pretty good complement if you're in the mood to really indulge :). Oh, and tea is free here. It's a wonderful concept. Far better than the national fried chicken chains. Now, could the owner please open a restaurant in Dublin :)? read more

I can't express how happy I am to have this place closer to home and open for dinner!!!! We visited on grand opening day, and despite somewhat of a line, our food came quickly and was perfect as usual. I just love the mac 'n' cheese! So good! I'm not a big fan of the coleslaw; it's quite tangy. There are so many different styles of coleslaw in the world, and I'm a little picky. I did discover this visit that if you add in some of the house ranch, it's actually a lot better! You might wonder why I didn't order double mac. Believe me, I wanted to, but with my gestational diabetes, that would have been a pasta overload. I'm just glad I found a way to make the coleslaw taste better, because that fit in my diet just fine! I also couldn't eat the bread. I pretty much always order dark meat. I prefer dark chicken and turkey over the white meat. I also order cold, because spice is not my thing. This chicken is always perfectly crispy on the outside and so tender and juicy on the inside. It's delicious! One day I want to try the boneless. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Dark and cold. - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I'm NOT a fan of spicy foods but I was compelled to try HCT because there is such a big hype around it in Columbus. I was first thrown off my the spicy ratings. I didn't want "cold" chicken. My friend recommended that I try it "light warm" and it was the perfect amount of spicy. Also, the banana pudding is freaking amazing. Must have. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Me and my friend ate here tonight and dined in, the staff was so kind and polite to us even though I know they must have had such a busy day with the special deal of 2 free sides for fried chicken day they had going on! I have never seen staff at a restaurant that seemed so much like they enjoyed each other and their jobs, I was so impressed. They also were quick to answer our questions about the food, for example I learned there is a "light warm" you can ask for, since I feel the warm is too hot and the cold is not hot enough! I will try this next time for sure. The food came out quickly as well. They also offered and gave us free refills of the sweet tea as we dined! The food was delicious, I definitely recommend getting the meal w the legs, they're always served hot and crunchy, and the chicken is juicy. For me it's enough to have leftovers. The Mac and cheese and baked beans go really well with it too! Highly recommend, 10/10 service and food read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Meal Drumsticks with Mac and Cheese and baked beans - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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If you don't like fried chicken...well, you will be converted. And if you still don't, well forget you, but I mean there is still Mac & cheese & banana pudding. Do one thing (or a few things) well. That is this place. I tried the skin on the hot. Slow burn, but it was tasty. I couldn't eat a whole piece of that so I'll stick to cold as my preferred. It's got a tiny kick that's just right. And credit to the slaw, not drowning in mayo. It's also really nice to see a small pop-up now have locations and an owner who is involved and part of his growing company. Kudos. read more

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We are regulars at this spot. We dont have problems with service or the food. We like that its not packed when we go so there is room to sit down and eat. The location is great that they have parking and a drive through window. Wife loves the vegan chicken and the kids love banana pudding. read more

After living in Columbus my whole life but spending the last four college years in the south, I came back to Columbus feeling bummed that there would not be any fried chicken quite at that southern level. And this is where HCT comes in!!! I actually didn't hear about this until some friends brought it up a few weeks ago. I asked them, "Is the chicken like Canes? Or Bdubs?" and the enthusiastic reply was "Neither! It's way better than both!" I came here today for their soft opening and can assuredly echo that statement. Better is an understatement. This place blows the other chains out completely and finally reminds me of the good ole south I'll definitely miss! I tried both warm and hot spice levels and believe that the hot is the way to go if you like your spices. It definitely hit the spot and didn't need to be any hotter so I doubt I'll try the next level up. The meal version comes with a really sour slaw & super awesome Mac n Cheese. You can substitute the slaw for another side of Mac n Cheese if you're more of a mild slaw fan like I am. Definitely try the house made ranch dressing - super yum. Sweet tea is free! As for the location itself, I love it! Spacious, well lit, casual, and with SO MUCH parking. Staff also just incredible :) sweet and energetic. I can't wait to come back!!! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Medium spice, high level happiness! - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

In just three years, Hot Chicken Takeover has gone from a small startup venture to a well-known and highly regarded culinary experience in Columbus. The food: After my first experience eating here, I can for sure say HCT knows fried chicken. Fresh, juicy, perfect flavor, just the right amount of crisp. I'm not much of a spicy eater, so I stuck with the "cold" spice level (a touch of cayenne heat) and it was delicious! But if you prefer more, go for one of their higher levels: warm, hot, or holy. Super cheesy mac, and a vinegar-based coleslaw round out the meal. I also took advantage of the yelp check-in for a free banana pudding (thanks HCT and yelp!) The experience: The vibe is a sort-of modern picnic theme, if I had to describe it - with long tables and benches (some stools as well) that remind me of summer barbecues, but inside. :P Everyone from the owner to the cashier to the guy wiping the tables was so friendly and helpful, making sure the ordering process was understood and that all the customers were taken care of. Food came out quick, and the man calling out names even delivered it right to the table - no need to walk back up to the counter. The owner, Joe, was there when we went, and took time to come around and chat with the customers. That personal attention was a nice touch on top of an already great experience. The community: HCT is known for its commitment to providing a fair chance to work, providing opportunities for those that need a bit of a break and help getting back on their feet - previously incarcerated, homeless, etc. It truly is a company for the community. Between that and the delicious food, it certainly has my support! As a Westerville resident, the Clintonville location is way more convenient than North Market. And between this new spot, and the future Easton restaurant, I'm sure I'll be eating a lot more HCT in the future. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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A recent road trip through the South had me passing through Nashville twice, which I used to visit both Prince's and Hattie B's for hot fried chicken. These two visits should put this review in some perspective. HCT is a combination of Prince's and Hattie B's. Like Prince's, the bird is very juicy, and the breading is cooked to a crisp--but not dry--goldenbrown. Like Hattie B's, the breading holds together well, and the interior layout and operations is is similarly sensible. Pepper and vinegar cole slaw is a good idea and pretty decent, but I think it's a touch sweet. Mac and cheese was fine, nothing notable. However, a major point of note/issue with HCT is the heat level. In Nashville, my preferred heat level is medium, which I arrived at in Prince's after burning burning out my mouth with a series of hot, "damn hot," and "shut the cluck up" wings at Hattie B's. But I couldn't detect any heat at all in my "Warm" (Medium) bird at HCT. There are different culinary traditions between Columbus and Nashville, and perhaps some local adaptation is necessary, but the near non-existence of heat in my chicken was a very disappointing surprise. Service is friendly and fast when I went (weekday at 1400) and the interior layout is efficient. Price is a touch high, but the free tea counterbalances that. Definitely worth coming, and I'll come again. But I recommend you pick at least one level hotter than you would normally do so in Nashville if you want a proper hot chicken experience. read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Dark Meal ("Warm") - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Love the GF options on Tuesday (oils get cleaned out Monday night and Tuesday gets a dedicated fryer!) and always get the banana pudding

Think of the best fried chicken that you've ever had and Hot Chicken Takeover tops that! I knew it was going to be epic when I walked through the door and the place was packed! I ordered the 5 wings, warm and it was perfect! Like y'all should see me smiling while reminiscing and writing the review. Chicken: Amazing Mac and cheese: the best fast food mac and cheese I've ever had Cole slaw: more like a fresh cabbage salad (no dressing) it was seasoned, crunchy and sweet. Perfect! Sweet Tea: Good! I ordered the 5 wings meal and a banana pudding (I haven't tried it yet sorry) and my meal was $14 If you're on the fence about going pls let this review push you over the edge #ThankMeLater read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio