Hot Chicken Takeover

4.4 (1.6k reviews)

ModerateSouthern, Chicken Shop

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Hot Chicken Takeover Photos

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Hot Chicken Takeover - These are the Tenders and are really good. - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

+942

Business Info

Health Information

View Health Score

Hot Chicken Takeover menu photos

Menu photo 1 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 2 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 3 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 4 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 5 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 6 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 7 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

Menu photo 8 Hot Chicken Takeover Columbus, OH

See all

HOT CHICKEN TAKEOVER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

171 Photos

Outside

49 Photos

Casual

Moderate noise

Good for kids

Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Hot Chicken Takeover

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

Steven E.

Nashville-style fried chicken & Southern sides with a cool comforting dining space that features plenty of seating options. My first visit was only because it's the only air conditioned area on the second floor. My second visit was because Mrs. E. had never been and she saw a sign for free iced tea. So $14.50 later we got free tea. I believe you're picking up what I'm putting down. I don't care because I love their chicken. Just looking for a quick snack today, we ordered the $10 Sliders and Ma's Mac. The Mac was a decent sized portion that was pretty straightforward. It had a pleasing taste, but nothing spectacular. The sliders are brushed with honey and garnished with spicy pickle slices and taste wonderful. Add two teas and we were full. The young man at the register was a joy to talk with, as were the fellas delivering our food. Count on a third visit soon! 07/24

Mary W.

This place is really good! Exactly what I wanted. It's casual, quick, and delicious! The chicken is really flavorful and the fries are wonderful! I ordered the sliders, heat index warm spice, and a side of ranch which I poured over top the chicken. The ranch is homemade and so yum! The chicken spice was plenty for me, especially with the hot honey, but if you like a lot of spice I'd go a level or so up. It's a little pricey for what it is but you do get a lot of fries (they're a separate cost) and the sliders are a good size. My order came out really quickly. I think I spent $20 after all was said and done. It's located on the SECOND floor of North Market (my first time here so I wasn't sure). It has its own space with tables and chairs, unlike many of the other places in the market. I walked to the market but didn't notice any direct parking specifically for the market itself, so keep that in mind (there may be a garage nearby). Definitely give this place a shot!

Aleeza A.

Pretty good hot chicken spot. Love the free and unlimited sweet tea. Wish the batter was crispier and a bit more breaded but flavor is there. Also ordered the fried pickles which were good. Overall rating 3.5

Jessica A.

Not worth it. Flavorless food. If I had to choose, the best thing had to be the green beans. They didn't even fill the cup though. The mac n cheese was straight trash. Dry, with no flavor at all!!! Didn't even taste like cheese. I remember this place having good macaroni & cheese back in the day. The chicken wasn't great either. It was spicy but lacked any good flavor to make you want to keep eating it. It's price point much more expensive today but not worth it. Letting this place go. Wont be back.

Hot chicken tenders (warm), creamy coleslaw - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Kyle W.

This place has its own dedicated 2nd floor with ample seating, which speaks volumes to the popularity of the place. Fortunately there was no line when I went, and I ordered the 2 pc chicken tenders (warm spicy level which is their most popular) and creamy coleslaw for the side. Even the 2 pc chicken tenders come with the usual white bread and pickles which were fairly standard. You can request for ranch dipping sauce for the tenders which I did, at no additional charge. The chicken tenders were good but the batter is not that thick and flavorful, so the ranch sauce helped carry the chicken tender flavors a lot. The coleslaw is fairly creamy but tasted just like regular coleslaw, which is okay. Make sure to check in on Yelp for $5 off! Value is excellent and food comes out fast, so this is a great meal on the go, but don't expect it to be top notch hot chicken by any means.

Aja H.

Okay as a pescatarian that misses the chicken nugget fix, this hits the spot. Yes the spice is right, more like a dry rub heat than saucy nuggs. Yes it comes with a piece of white bread and pickle slices. Yes the amount of about six nuggs is a great snack or full meal when added with a salad of something. Yes the price is okay- even better when you have an Uber discount like how we enjoyed them here. I would say that considering they are not real chicken, the price should be less. Oh yes the homemade vegan ranch is a nice touch too! Hats off to the chicken lovers out there.

Syed S.

As much as I have eaten at Hot Chicken Takeover over the years, I somehow never tried out the "OG" location in the North Market downtown area. For me, there have always been other more unique dining options at North Market to try instead of HCT (there are 2 HCT locations within 5 miles from my home). I finally had the chance to check out the downtown location, and I loved it. The staff here is friendly and accommodating - a hallmark of the staff that work at any of the HCT locations around Columbus. The chicken sandwich comes with 4 slices of bread, pickles, and slaw. It was delicious and very filling (if you complement the sandwich with sides, it can easily be two meals for one person). We also ended up getting the sweet tea (best in town), the baked beans, and the banana pudding. Parking in North Market is a hassle, especially now that North Market no longer has its parking lot. While the restaurant validates parking, I was told by the parking garage attendant that the validation was for $1 only, and I still had to pay $2 for a spot in the Vine St. parking garage. Minor inconvenience, and certainly a first world problem but I just wanted to make others aware.

Gregory F.

How can you live in or visit Columbus and NOT hear about or go to Hot Chicken Takeover!? One of Columbus' best and most reputable - especially in the fast casual industry. Specifically went one day to try the collab Unicorn Fries with Late Night Slice, another Columbus staple, and they SLAPPED. You'd think just adding the same seasonings and sauces to waffle fries would make this meal redundant but that was far from the case. Served as the perfect combo alongside one of their quality sandwiches - this place keeps it simple and effective by relying on what they do best - hot chicken. Always been a fan of how quick and easy it is to do takeout from here too - reliable service, multiple locations, and a generally friendly "neighborhood picnic" vibe to every store. Super approachable and very delicious.

Pete J.

Very good hot chicken. I didn't pay attention when I ordered the OG Chicken Sandwich and when it came I was shocked to see four pieces of bread. That's not a bad thing, I just didn't pay attention. I was able to deconstruct the sandwich and share with the extra bread. The Mac and cheese was really good. Sweet tea was stay as well. Nice spot upstairs at the North Market.

Jocelyn H.

I was very pleased with my experience at Hot Chicken Takeover. We ordered the Jumbo Tender Sandwich and felt like I got a bang for my buck because it was huge. I tried the normal Southern flavor and enjoyed the tenderness of the chicken. My favorite part was the chipotle slaw that came on the side. We also got the warm OG Sandwich and the spice was very nice--nothing that stung, but enough to add a kick to each bite. I would also recommend their waffle fries with house ranch. I have a severe nut allergy and did not realize the waffle fries may come in contact with nuts (I found this out as I was writing this review) so make sure to ask if you have any dietary concerns. They seem to be good at gluten-free too. I would only take off 1/2 a star since the tables were pretty messy when we went.

This was my first time eating at hct, cavalli took me and told me how good it was. He was right on the money, being from s east Kentucky I love southern comfort food. I will definitely be going back to try more of their menu. Tiffene's hospitality was spot on and she took very good care of us. Danielle, short north district

Sophia N.

Not bad chicken, just not comparable to what you can get in the south. They also mixed up our orders and I received the mild instead of the medium. On the menu it says that the medium is spicier than the normal medium, which may be true in comparison to other local chicken joints, but to me it was less spicy than the average medium in the south. The mild is not spicy at all. That being said, the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, so it is cooked well. The mac and cheese was ok.

Aimee H.

Good fried chicken for the Midwest but after living in the South for a few years, it is sadly not as good as I remember lol definitely recommend getting at least a little bit of spice or else it just doesnt hit right. The side of ranch is nice tho!

See all

Swaydaa M.

10 years ago

My opinion maybe a little skewed as I've been trying to get out of here for months (excitement build up).....or maybe I went on a bad chicken day. Did not think it was very good. Just OK read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Hi Swaydaa - we'd love to get you back in to try us again. Sounds…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jenicka H.

10 years ago

Warm (medium) drumsticks had a little bit of heat- the hot was too spicy for me! Liked the vinegar based close slaw that had a fruity tang. Very light. The Mac and cheese was a miss as it was a congealed ball of mushy noodles and cheese. However, free sweet tea and amazing homemade ranch made up for it- and definitely leave room for the banana pudding read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the review Jenicka - sounds like the Mac was not up to our…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Natalia C.

311

9 years ago

Crispy chicken made as spicy as you like it & in your favorite cut, too.And not just blindly spiced, "I'm gonna hit it with some sriracha & chili powder & hope for the best" but actually seasoned. Creamy mac n' cheese that serves as the perfect complement to the intense chicken. The cole slaw, which I was sure I would not like, is BOMB. Fresh & crisp with good acidic bite & a hint of sweetness. Homemade ranch completes the experience & helps cool your mouth when you can't stop stuffing your face with chicken. Then there is the free sweet tea. You can't not like a place with free sweet tea. Yes, the line can be long & it can be frustrating when you really wanted drumsticks & they only have breast, but it is all worth it. Combine great food at a decent price with a fun, communal atmosphere & a great mission to help support men & women with barriers to employment- Columbus has been given a real gem. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thank you for the thoughtful review, Natalia. We appreciate customers…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andy B.

301

9 years ago

Have wanted to try this place forever and it didn't disappoint. Warm was the perfect spice level and I even enjoyed the coleslaw which is rare for me. Mac was out of this world and the employees were very helpful. Damn good. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks Andy! We're grateful for your review and look forward to…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David J.

11 years ago

First time visit today. Simple ordering process, ingredients, and menu. A little pricey but still a value. Very popular as the line was very long BUT, moved very fast. Get there early to get the wings, their signature entry. When they're gone, they're gone. I had the chicken breast meal which comes w two sides. There's no charge for beverages and there's only two to choose from, sweet tea and water. I RECOMMEND this place! Delicious food and friendly staff. A definite return visit in my future. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Madeline M.

11 years ago

So good! Went on a Sunday around noon and the line wasn't too long! We both got the "warm" boneless chicken breast with mac n' cheese and coleslaw. Can't wait to go back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nicholas N.

105

11 years ago

Whether you live in Columbus or are just visiting, experiencing Hot Chicken Takeover over is a must! #HCT is a fun and unique concept and the food is fantastic. It is very affordable as well! The owner and staff are always friendly and the ambience is fun. Bring a few extra dollars if you can and buy yourself a sweet T-shirt. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the support Nicholas! Feedback like this means a ton for…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Trinity H.

10 years ago

Call in your order! Only way to make sure you can get some of the best Mac n Cheese that I've ever had. The chicken is fantastic, no questions asked. Mac N Cheese and pickles stole the show for me. Gotta love your sides man. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Erin H.

10 years ago

Oh my goodness, this place is amazing. The chicken is fantastic, but the Mac and cheese is seriously the best I have ever eaten anywhere, ever. I have found a new obsession and it is this place, this chicken, and this mac n cheese. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks Erin.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

John K.

9 years ago

Our Son and daughter in law took us there for lunch and it is great fried chicken! Get there early if you want wings or boneless because they go fast. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed your meal. Hope to see you…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Joyce C.

9 years ago

Very good chicken. Similar style as to what you find in Nashville. Line looked very long but it didn't take too much time getting through. Make sure you are there earlier, they do keep a running count of how much chicken is left and it was getting low pretty early on in their hours. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Glad you enjoyed your meal Joyce! We appreciate the review and hope…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brody M.

10 years ago

Named HOT for a reason! I love spicy food but beware, even the "mild" has a kick. 2 stars because both times the chicken has been very (very) dry. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Hi Brody, we're sorry that you got dry chicken - thats not what we're…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kim V.

9 years ago

I love everything about this place from the casual atmosphere, to the delicious food, to the free sweat tea. My mouth waters just thinking about their chicken. It's worth the hype! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sydney L.

8 years ago

The chicken, the ranch, the sweet tea, all amazing! Satisfying!! The macaroni is good as well. Pretty fast turn around.

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks Sydney! We appreciate your review and are happy to hear we…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melissa G.

144

9 years ago

I've lived in Georgia my entire life and apparently had to come to Columbus, Ohio to eat the best fried chicken and banana pudding I've ever had. Ordered the boneless meal with double mac and was not disappointed. Sat down and realized they had forgotten my pudding (took advantage of that Yelp freebie). A little annoying, but it happens, and when I asked about it they gave me 2. And then I tried it and wasn't even slightly mad about it anymore. Definitely recommend! read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for making the trek to Columbus to give HCT a try! We…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Remard C.

10 years ago

Went there for lunch. The line was very long but moved efficiently. I was a little skeptical but was very impressed. The chicken was crispy, moist, and definitely hot. The iced tea was very good. I wish they had more sides but the chicken was excellent. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks, Remard. Keep an eye out for news on our new spots next year.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Margaret B.

9 years ago

I really love going here. It's a bit unconventional: non-traditional hours, lining up, long communal tables, etc. but it is worth the experience! Just thinking about it makes me want to go again! It is one of the best fried chicken preparations I've ever tasted. I'm not one who wants it hot and spicy and if you do, you can order it as you prefer. But get there early as there is a blackboard that is constantly updated letting you know the inventory of the chicken. And when it's gone, it's gone. You can order in advance and they will have your order waiting for you. You will be in a different line though! If you like fried chicken, you need to put this in your schedule! I understand the company is opening a traditional restaurant and that might be the way to go. But then you'd miss meeting new folks who are sharing the indoor picnic tables with you!!! read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the review, Margaret. We love hearing from customers like…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Clyde B.

10 years ago

Food was delicious! Portion size was solid. Only complaint would be the wait. It took 40 mins from the time we entered to the time we walked out but I know it was because it was so busy. We will still come back. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Hi Clyde,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

John K.

515

10 years ago

Social responsibility meets some of the best chicken in central Ohio! Love the people and the food here. Come hungry because the meals are gigantic. They do a small number of things really well and have an extremely simple menu. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks John.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Daryel L.

9 years ago

Tried this place for the first time today. Fantastic flavor in the chicken, and great side items as well! The medium "warm" option is still pretty spicy, but the ranch dip cools it off nicely. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The only suggestion I would have is that for the price, the bread could've been a better grade. But overall, a great place for lunch! read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the 5 stars! I'll share your feedback with the team. Hope…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Wendy M.

12 years ago

Amazing!! You must try this place! And the story behind it is awesome. Ask about while you eat :)

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ralph S.

12 years ago

Daughter and son n law in town this week and we wanted to find a unique place to go eat lunch Sunday. chicken was good, is fun. We all really liked the mac & cheese and coleslaw also read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michael R.

12 years ago

I'm hesitant to say that this is the best fried chicken in the city simply because it is different from Mya's. That being said it is neck and neck. They let you pick your level of heat in the chicken and the sides do a great job of complementing the chicken. Only problem is that with only coleslaw and mac and cheese they are missing some classics in my opinion. The banana pudding is out of this world, best dessert I've ever had. Make sure you get there right at 12 because the line gets long and seating is limited. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

James G.

12 years ago

First visit and it was amazing. Only open on weekends and the line was out the door. To their credit the kine moved swiftly and the food was worth any amount of wait. The prices are reasonable and the portions are hefty. Will definitely be back many, many times. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

David W.

133

11 years ago

Food was excellent and ordering on the phone was great - the lady answering big the phone was so helpful. Keep it up!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Daniel M.

236

11 years ago

This place is as good as advertised! Came here on a Sunday 2 weeks ago with a fried chicken connoisseur. The line was not as big as I expected and a friendly face greeted us as we were in line. He had gone over the spiciness of the chicken and we agreed to go with hot chicken breast with the bone in. I opted for mac n chesse and coleslaw. It was a nice surprise to get free ice tea and boy did I need it, that chicken was spicy and had good flavor throughout. Next time, I might opt for mild because of the trips that I took to get iced tea. I will definitely return to the North Market and visit again! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Alex T.

11 years ago

Best chicken I've had in Columbus. The mac & cheese was also sooo good. I'd probably just get the bread next time instead of the waffles but I can't wait to go back. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Our waffles have some room to grow! But we promise we're working on…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jay J.

11 years ago

***** The best chicken I've ever had! Far above Chick-Fil-A & Canes who? The wings are soo flavorful! My favorite though is the sandwich! It's a man sized portion! Mac and cheese is great as well as the banana pudding. I don't know what they do to the ranch dressing but man...... It's the best dressing I've had! They have a chalkboard for kids to play with. Get this, it's called "chicken scratch". The seating is picnic table style. It encourages proximity to people you don't know which is good. Too often we avoid new people, but you can make new friends since you're literally rubbing elbows. Go to HCT NOW! And... why are you still reading this? I said go to HCT! You won't be able to stop talking about it. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

We're glad you love the food but are ecstatic that you love the…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jodie B.

11 years ago

Went for lunch during the day. CRAZY busy. We did call ahead, which took about 15 min just to get through to someone. It rang busy. We were able to just walk in and pick up our meals. The meal was pretty good; however, I'm not sure what all the hype was about. It was good. Mya's Fried Chicken food truck is better! read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the positive review Jodie - and thanks for being patient…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Firdoze C.

11 years ago

Hot chicken done right!! I usually get the dark meat meal (holy), it has the right amount of spiciness for me to wash down with the iced tea. Love the slaw and mac n cheese, and don't forget the banana pudding at the end. Overall great meal, simple menu done fresh done right, always gets points in my book... read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Linda G.

11 years ago

Most unusual place I've been to to grab a meal. I waited in line, 10 ahead of me, waiting for it to open, then when it did, they escorted us in and by this time there were at least 30 people in line behind me. I got the chicken with mac and cheese. I got medium heat. Chicken was AMAZING! Mac and cheese - good. Chicken sits on a piece of standard white bread - un-impressive. This is very casual, comfort type food. I'd go back, I think. Not crazy about waiting in a line as long as this one gets for this kind of food though. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for coming Linda - we're glad you had a unique experience.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nicole P.

11 years ago

Delicious and super cool guys. Definitely spicier than the names imply- the Warm (explained as "mild") Had my eyes watering, nose running, and lips tingling. I don't have an amazing tolerance for heat, but can handle your typical mild and medium flavors. The mac n' cheese was amazing to cut the heat, so be careful not to demolish that too quick! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristen K.

11 years ago

Absolutely sensational and definitely dip your chicken into the syrup. Got the cold chicken, and while I didn't opt for spice, this was still fantastic tasting chicken. Dare I say I may prefer this to Canes? Yes, yes I do. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Those are big words Kristen - thank you!…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michelle W.

11 years ago

I went to a Food Truck that Hot Chicken Takeover had in Clintonville. This was the best fried chicken. It was crispy and flavorful. The mac and cheese was good as well as the sweet tea. Definitely worth trying. read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Thanks for the love Michelle - come see us at the North Market one of…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amber H.

11 years ago

Just go. Seriously. The warm is hot, the hot is killer. If you're looking for the perfect plate of Southern comfort food, this is the place. Get some syrup to top it off. You'll be happy! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charlotte C.

172

11 years ago

This restaurant never fails to please. Totally delish. The cold chicken is my favorite. The mac n cheese is one of the best I've ever had. And I got the banana pudding today and it was to die for. Keep up the great work HCT! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ren P.

Elite 17

250

10 years ago

North Market is just awesome and this place is upstairs with its own seating area. Unlimited free ranch and tea - how can you go wrong? Love this concept and everything I've heard about the owners and the chicken was pretty damn tasty too! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sirius P.

10 years ago

If you love chicken and you haven't tried Hot Chicken Takeover then you are missing out. The extra hot chicken is amazing!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Stephen P.

10 years ago

Incredible! Went here for lunch with a coworker, and ended up getting myself two meals (I was starving). I got the hottest chicken, and it was incredibly flavorful with the perfect amount of kick! Head here early, because the crowds get pretty crazy. I'll be back again and again! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emily G.

10 years ago

I was surprised how tasty Hot Chicken was! We've all had fried chicken and mac n cheese, how could it really be different? I don't know what they do, but it was delicious, its the only fried chicken I want now. Arrive early! read more

Business owner information

Shannon W.

Emily, you're welcome any time. Thanks!…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 31 of 41

59 Spruce St
Fl 2
North Market
Columbus, OH 43215
Short North
Directions
(614) 800-4538
Call Now
Visit Website
https://hotchickentakeover.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Hot Chicken Takeover open?

Hot Chicken Takeover opens at 10:30 AM on Monday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Hot Chicken Takeover close?

Hot Chicken Takeover closes at 5:00 PM on Monday and Sunday.Hot Chicken Takeover closes at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun 10:30 AM - 5:00 PMTue-Sat 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Hot Chicken Takeover take Bitcoin?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not take Bitcoin.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover take credit cards?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have catering options?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover does have catering options.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have a happy hour?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not have a happy hour.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover serve alcohol?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Hot Chicken Takeover allow dogs?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not allow dogs.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have TVs?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have bike parking?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover has bike parking.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have outdoor seating?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover has outdoor seating options.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have parking?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Hot Chicken Takeover wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Hot Chicken Takeover is wheelchair accessible.

Does Hot Chicken Takeover have free WiFi?

No, Hot Chicken Takeover does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Vote Best Fried Chicken in Columbus, Hot Chicken Takeover brings the heat with classic Nashville hot chicken. 100% fresh, never frozen chicken, marinated for over 15+ hours and fried-to-order.

History

Established in 2014.

Hot Chicken Takeover started as a pop-up in Olde Towne East, grew to a food truck, and eventually landed in Columbus' historic North Market. As our brand continues to grow, so does our impact in the community.

Meet the Business Owner: Joe D.

Joe DeLoss is building a fried chicken empire by changing perspectives on HR and workforce development. His current adventure, a restaurant chain called Hot Chicken Takeover, provides meaningful employment to men and women impacted by incarceration. With rapid expansion underway, Joe anticipates creating more meaningful jobs.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Hot Chicken Takeover

Do they serve alcohol?

No, HCT does not serve alcohol at any of our locations. However, at the location that is located inside the North Market there are plenty of places within the same building that do serve alcohol so you can still enjoy our chicken with a beverage if…

View question details

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Man, we were fresh into Columbus on a very hot and sticky day and needed a covered outdoor patio…read morefor us - and Puppy . We saw this spot and decided to hit them up for a din-din and beer on this auspicious late afternoon. We were seated and they quickly brought out a menu - including one for our pup! How cool was that? I ordered their house lager- hubby ordered chicken Caesar salad- I got chicken tenders and waffles for me with fried okra for the table- puppy got a whole chicken breast- nice! Ok the taste - I'm not a huge okra fan. But these fried little morsels were spiced up and hit the spot- hubby loved his salad while I munched down my chicken and waffles like - you know - stat! And the service was great- definitely was awesome. If you want a little taste of the south? Check this place out?

This was my first time to this location of Tupelo Honey. I had been to the original in Asheville,…read moreNC, but even then, it had been quite some time. The atmosphere was modern with a southern twist. I'm not going to lie, I chuckled a bit when I noticed my water glass said "Bless Your Heart". In Appalachian culture, this is actually an insult. We had a large group, but the service was excellent. Very friendly, attentive, and everything was brought out timely and correctly. My food was really good! It was brunch time so I had coffee, the "Mimosa of the Moment" which was an apple cinnamon, a biscuit with blueberry preserves, and the Southern Shakshouka. All were fantastic and I would definitely get again. I also thought the price was affordable for the quantity.

Photos

See all

Modern Southern Table

I am from Mississippi and catfish is one of my favorites! It has taken twenty years of living in…read morethe Greater Columbus area to find authentic southern catfish! Well done Modern Southern Table!

One of my favorite places to eat in Columbus! If that you love southern food, you'll love this…read morespot. It's tucked into Budd dairy food, hall, so tons of drinks and seat seating options throughout the restaurant. If they're crowded, it can be a little bit of a wait, but I've never waited more than 30 minutes, and it's well worth it. For food, you have to get the blackened catfish. It is so yummy. Their mac & cheese is delicious, their cornbread is cooked perfectly and melts in your mouth, and the french fries were good. Really you can't go wrong with any of these sides; it's a lot of southern staples. If I could, I'd order one of everything in terms of sides. Definitely will be back!

Photos

Interior

Red rice and coleslaw

See all

Fried catfish and cornbread.

Subourbon

Three words: Country; Fried; Chicken. Wow…read more I decided to stop at this little local place while staying in town for the week based on some solid reviews (and the fact that I made some fried chicken of my own for my family last night but didn't really end up getting any before I left). I started out with a 101 Jungle Bird as I'm a rum drinker and liked the idea of a bourbon-forward one instead. I'll say that this was much more fruity than a Jungle Bird and without the bitterness (no Campari). It also didn't taste very strong but it definitely hit me pretty good. Definitely a tasty-but-dangerous one there. For food, I opted for the Country Fried Chicken. What a fantastic choice indeed. The breast was either butterflied or pounded flat but still thick enough to give a good bite. The outside was cooked to absolute perfection with a crunchy texture without being burned or underdone. The inside was tender and juicy. The whole piece was seasoned beautifully and that was even without any of the delicious white gravy. The Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes that accompanied were similarly well done with great flavor. And the cherry on top was that the portion size was PERFECT. Not a ton of carbs and things that left me feeling beyond full or guilty that I had a bunch of leftover food to likely toss. The seat at the bar was a great place to be. A handful of seats staring at nothing but a huge wall of bourbon. To your back are a series of large high tops and, unfortunately for me, on this night were full of a rather loud group. An unintended side effect of the close quarters but I'm sure not a regular thing. The place is otherwise quite cozy and comfortable and in line with the southern cooking motif. My bartender, Mike, was also very friendly and happy to chat a little about my travels and share our regional sports experiences. All in all, absolutely outstanding. Great food, wonderful staff, and an impressive drink selection. I'm looking forward to coming back here again.

We had our monthly ladies night out here and ordered just about all the apps for the table. Good…read morehappy hour deals and a nice cozy environment. Super fast and efficient service. It's in a weird spot in lazelle that seems to eat restaurants but I am hopeful it makes it

Photos

Bar

Derby pie

See all

I'll be craving this for weeks! Seafood Linguine @ColumbusFoodDude

The Eagle Short North

Came in on a Friday night for an early dinner. We were promptly seated. Our server was a college…read morestudent that recognized my tee shirt (Birds Aren't Real) and commented that he did a research project on the same. Really nice kid. He also helped us with the menu. We both got the fried chicken BLT, the spoon bread and mac & cheese. The spoon bread is simple corn bread, but it was really good. The mac & cheese was homemade and delicious. The sandwiches were outstanding and huge. My daughter and I could have split one between us. Instead, we brought two halves home. Not sure what this place used to be. High ceilings with barn beams and an old style post office mail box layout, like you might see in an old hotel. Regardless, would not hesitate to come back.

Love this place!…read more Came in here last weekend and sat outside for a warm spring evening. We did make a reservation somewhat last second, but were easily able to get an outdoor table. We actually got to the restaurant a little bit early and they ended up seating us outside, which was perfect. For food, I had the fried chicken sandwich with french fries and mac & cheese. My girlfriend had the chicken sandwich as well, so we each got a different side. The chicken was perfectly cooked without being overly greasy or oily. The french fries were delicious, and the macaroni and cheese was heavenly. Our server was very friendly and intensive to our needs. I felt like our food came out very quickly. Overall great time here and can't wait to come back. Love going to this place in Cincinnati as well, so I was very happy when they opened one up in Columbus.

Photos

See all

La Glory's

I believe its no longer open. The food was great I hate to…read moresee them go. Hot food after a Sunday Church Service.

Sounded good on a cold day, and I was over this way. I've been meaning to come for a while, but…read moreit's just not on my usual route. Turn in at the light, and be careful about which driveway you pick- I think it's the second driveway, near a daycare, and it winds around back to the restaurant. You can see the place from James. Pretty busy at lunchtime, a few dine in and some carryout. Served cafeteria style, so you can see what you want, and drool over it. Well, there's a clear shield, but you know what I mean. I got smothered pork chops, since I hadn't had them forever. Meaty, tender, covered in gravy and onions. So so good, especially as comfort food on a cold day. You can also get them fried. Plenty of other things on the menu looked good. And all of the sides sounded good. I ended up getting one that was a mix of cabbage and greens, instead of getting the two separately, so that gave me space for another side. I went with mac & cheese. Sweetie's mom's mac is the best in the world. I'm not kidding. This is not quite that good, but is a very good homemade version, loaded with cheese, and baked in a big pan. Service was excellent. Prices are a bit steep, but good for the quantity and quality. Canned pop. Cheap plasticware. I was leery, but the pork chops were so tender that even a plastic knife pulled them apart easily. Hardly needed it. The place is not fancy inside. Old, but clean, a few booths and tables. You're there for the food, not the decor. Or, come in and pick it up and take it home. And have better silverware... I will definitely be back. I loved what I got, and was enticed by some of the other things.

Photos

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and greens

Smothered pork chop with mashed potatoes and greens

See all

Baked Mac and Cheese with mashed potatoes

B&K Smoke House

Got this because it was a walkable distance from where we were staying and had good price for…read moresmoked BBQ. Got brisket, pulled pork sandwich, pork ribs, and sides. The meats were on the drier side and had to be drenched in BBQ sauce for flavor. The brisket and pulled pork didn't have a smoky flavor. It was pulled, the top was dry, but the bottom was wet oddly. See some char on it but didn't taste it. Brisket had dry seasoning on top but didn't really help with flavor. The ribs here were decent. Comes with BBQ sauce already and was tender. Good sides. Value price for quick BBQ but wouldn't get again. One of those you get what you paid for places.

Excellent food and hospitality!…read more My friend and I were going to an event at Streetlight Guild down the street so we grabbed a quick dinner here (Thursday night). The woman who took our order was warm and we got to meet the owner, James, who sat and chatted with us and gave us his back story. Food was delicious - turkey wings, green beans with banana peppers, and Mac and cheese. Definitely coming back.

Photos

Turkey ribs, green beans, collard greens

See all

Menu board, order counter, kitchen behind it. Dining room through a doorway to the left after you've ordered and paid.

Alqueria Farmhouse Kitchen

Excellent food and service! We throughly enjoyed the cocktails and beer and appetizers and entrees!read more

Came here on a Friday night for a date night. My husband made reservations so we didn't have to…read morewait. The place was no overly packed so that was nice as well. The server was super friendly and everything came out quick but timely. My husband and I tend to like the same things so we only had the wings appetizer and the lamb chops for dinner. Both were amazing you can tell that the meat was sourced well. 10/10 would recommend!

Photos

Inside bar

Split entree of Grilled Lambchops. Photography by my wonderful beau!

See all

Farmhouse Burger

Anne's Kitchen - Southern Style

Good food. Good service. Dog friendly outside ADA animals or not. Hit at least 1x week. Love…read moresteak and eggs and eggs Benedict great too. Always friendly servers that are attentive. Dog bowls available.

I enjoy this breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant but most often come for breakfast. The eggs…read moreBenedict and hashbrown casserole were delicious and my husband got fajita omelette with sourdough toast. They have friendly and casual service! The table space can be a bit tight if you order a lot of food but outdoor seating is a nice supplement. We have come for the house margaritas before they come in a fun schooner style large glass at very reasonable prices! It is an interesting fusion of American diner and Mexican cuisine, which we enjoy.

Photos

Looking into the restaurant from table at entry

Nachos

See all

Breakfast Sandwich with Fried Potatoes

Kai's Crab Boil

This place is so f'ing good!!!!!!!! I'm coming back for my 50th birthday and my daughter wants to…read morecome back for her 12th birthday. The food and service is so amazing! All staff is so warm and welcoming... If you like seafood I 100% recommend this restaurant. We will be back!

The best Crab Boil I had so far in Columbus. The service was great, our server was informative and…read moreoutgoing. The ambiance made for a good experience with family and friends.

Photos

Lobster Roll Slider

See all

Soul 2 Go

This restaurant is tucked in a while in an alley downtown. You'd think that because it's so out of…read moresight, that no one would go.... But you'd think wrong my friend. This place is HOPPING. While the name is rather casual, the atmosphere is perfect for a date night. With live music, delicious food and drinks. You are sure to both have a good time. We ordered the cornbread and fried chicken appetizer. My heart went to heaven! Also get anything that has catfish on it. Their catfish is clean, tasting and scrumptious. You can thank me later!

Hands down the best soul food in OHIO! The liver and onions melt in your mouth! The catfish and…read moreperch are perfectly crispy and flavorful. I've had the fried corn bread with thicken and honey drizzle and wow? The Mac and cheese will have you squealing and the greens will keep a grin on your face. I've been 5 times so far, bringing friends who haven't tried it and they are equally as impressed as I am. The customer service tops it all! Chef Hightower, you have amazing food and crew!

Photos

Blackend salmon, mac n cheese, rice and gravy, mashed potatoes

See all

Lemon pepper chicken, cabbage and Mac & cheese

Kitchen Social

Amazing food, amazing service, and an amazing atmosphere!…read more 10/10 would recommend coming here if you haven't!

It's the consistency of quality of the foods and, friendly services that there was a wait on…read moreTuesday evening. Ordered Margarita Pizza, blackened chicken, Salmon salad, Thai Chicken Noodles, mushroom meat balls, and corn biscuits, along with drinks. Everything tasted fresh and scrumptious. Celebrated birthday and Denise and Amanda were wonderful host. Ambiance was loud but wonderful. Will go there again - soon.

Photos

Bathroom

Veggie bowl

See all

CRÈME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST Brioche, Vermont syrup, almond brittle, seasonal berries, mascarpone cream.

Osaka Ton Katsu

4.7

(46 reviews)

1.0 mi

Definitely the standout meal from my trip to Columbus! We came in for dinner on a Friday night and…read morewere able to snag a counter seat in the small, tidy dining area. We ordered a #1 (chicken katsu with rice, sauce, miso soup, and pickles) and a #7 (pork katsu with rice and curry sauce). OH MY, were we delighted! Everything was absolutely scrumptious. Served fresh with a charming presentation. Flavorful, satisfying. We were raving about the meal all night long! Must go.

Pretty good spot for tonkatsu. Tastes freshly fried to order - hot and crispy. We liked the sets so…read moreyou could also have soup and pickled veggies. The sesame seeds on the side was a nice touch but after a minute of pounding away for crushed sesame, the seeds were still whole. The tonkatsu meat was not evenly made as some of the edges were overfried as compared to the well fried middle portions. The restaurant is smaller and self-serve. Pickup order and drop off trays when complete.

Photos

Interior

TONKATSU TEISHOKU

See all

Ton Katsu Teishoku Set

Valters at the Maennerchor

Great place! We've been here a few times - both for breakfast and for dinner - and both are great!…read more Reuben was classic and solid. French onion soup had an amazing flavor. The Kasespatle was Mac and cheese for adults! This restaurant has a great vibe since it has the unique look of being an old house. Great outdoor patio and great service!

I think people sleep on Valters because it is tucked away and has been there forever…read more The food is delicious and well prepared. Kira our server was outstanding. She managed to deal with our crazy group of 8 quite well and kept the food and drinks coming. The restaurant is cozy and friendly and an overall great experience.

Photos

See all

Red sangria

Cento

4.5

(177 reviews)

1.6 mi

Firstly, this was mine and my new fiancé's first time ever coming here, and I can say that the…read moreoverall experience was nothing but incredible. Our server, Alex, was incredibly kind and helpful, but was also so incredibly down to earth. That alone made us feel so much more comfortable, and I truly appreciate that. Moving to the food, the peach burrata was exceptional! And the carbonara and bolognese were beyond tasty. Overall, this was one of the best meal experiences that u have ever had and I am so incredibly happy that we were able to celebrate our anniversary here (I proposed to her after dinner!) Thank you for the amazing experience, and I cannot wait for the next time we come back! We'll ask for Alex again lol

We had a wonderful experience! Our server, Allie, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about…read morethe menu. Her recommendations were spot on, and everything we ordered was delicious. We were celebrating a birthday, and she even offered to take pictures for us, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the occasion feel extra special. Ethan, our server assistant, was equally fantastic. He made sure our drinks were always full and kept the table cleared promptly, helping everything run smoothly throughout our meal. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the outstanding service from both Allie and Ethan truly made our visit memorable. We can't wait to come back!

Photos

The Garden Terrazzo, heated in winter

Lemon Tart with whipped cream and raspberries

See all

Burrata with roasted tomatoes, pesto and extra virgin olive oil

The Brown Bag Deli

Found this place on Yelp while in German Village. Wanted a good deli sandwich to pack a lunch for…read moreexploring Greenlawn Cemetery. Busy little spot. Decent menu but not overwhelming. The wait was great for as busy as they were. Decent seating inside and out but a lot were to go orders I ordered the #7 The Village Addiction $13.00 smoked turkey, havarti, cranberry mayonnaise served grilled on sour dough. The cranberry mayo was a great addition to the sandwich tangy and refreshing. They have plenty of salads as well but I opted for the Curry Cauliflower. Well spiced, slight heat, but delicious Service was friendly and welcoming. Good value and a refreshing change from fast food restaurants

This is such an adorable small business, where the atmosphere is always full of warm energy. I love…read moregrabbing a quick and easy lunch pickup order and enjoying a delicious and generously sized sandwich! I specifically love the club sandwich and the chicken salad! This is in a great location for downtown and German Village workers, and I absolutely recommend stopping in to pickup a nice meal as a middle of the week reward!

Photos

See all

Exterior seating area

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

360 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Gina M.

Elite 20

393

267

1540

11 years ago

Where do I begin... I love everything about this place. I love that it's like a secret club upstairs in North Market that isn't open every day. I love that the owner is always there and he approaches every single group of customers at their table to ask them about their experience. I love that they give you free sweet tea. I love that they make their own ranch that tastes 1000 times more delicious than any ranch you've had before. And this is all before we even begin discussing the main meal. I have never been a huge fan of fried chicken, so I wasn't overly excited to try HCT. I can safely say though that this was the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. It was juicy, crispy, and had just the right amount of spice. I had the 'warm' spice level, and it was a medium level of spiciness. Just a notch above your average buffalo sauce spice in my opinion. The side dishes served along with the chicken make it even better though! The coleslaw was a surprising star in the meal, with a unique vinegar base I actually felt like I was being a tiny bit healthy eating it, and it was delicious. And then the baked mac and cheese was amazing as well, but let's be rel, you can't go wrong with mac and cheese. My only wish for HCT is that they upgraded their bread to something more like the Texas Toast at Canes. Their bread is still good, but it's the only thing that I find slightly imperfect. As for the service, it could not get any better. For a small start up business that was working out of a walk-up window less than a year ago, this place has grown a crazy amount. All of the employees are incredibly hard working and they will work to get you anything you need. I waited for my food for about 5 minutes, not a long time at all, and then someone brought the food to my table. About a minute later, I realized they had forgotten the banana pudding I added on (which you also need to try, it's AMAZING. No boxed pudding here!). The guy immediately apologized and came back out with 2 banana puddings to apologize for the wait! It's the little things like that which will keep me coming back to HCT. Bottom line, amazing food, amazing service. A must try in Columbus for 2015! read more

Marshall S.

5 years ago

I love going to this place!! Hot Chicken Takeover is one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus! I love the food, and I love their business philosophy. I was first introduced to HCT at the location downtown, in North Market. When the one in Clintonville opened, I was really happy because I always found battling traffic downtown, looking for a parking spot, etc., to be infuriating. The HCT in Clintonville has a parking lot, and you can also park along High Street or the other side streets pretty easily. During the pandemic, I have ordered takeout and picked it up at the drive-through window. A few people have complained of having to wait a little too long for their food, but I have never had this problem. I never remember waiting more than maybe 10 minutes when I've dined in, and placing an order online for a specific time later in the day has always proven easy for me -- the food is ready when I get there. I have to admit that I pretty much order the same thing every time, so I can't comment on the variety of food that HCT serves. I always drumsticks, warm, with mac-n-cheese and slaw. The slaw, I warn you, is not the creamy kind Colonel Sanders makes, but the juicy kind in which the cabbage has been allowed to marinade in a vinegary brine. Everything about this meal, to me, is amazing. I have tried the "cold" chicken (not spicy) and the "hot" chicken and have found that the cold doesn't have the taste that I want and the hot burns my mouth such that I can't taste anything. The "warm" chicken is a good in-between flavor and heat that I really like. After four drumsticks, I'm starting to feel a slight sweat on my forehead. The mac-n-cheese is creamy deliciousness. Only once have I tried the banana pudding, and it was awesome! I do love a good southern banana pudding from time to time; my only issue with it is that it's a little more than I want. If they had a smaller size, I'd buy it more often! read more

Thomas A.

3 years ago

I had the pleasure of experiencing exceptional customer service from Alex during my visit to Hot Chicken Take Off. From the moment I walked in, Alex's warm and welcoming demeanor made me feel right at home. Not only did he take the time to explain the menu with enthusiasm, but he also went above and beyond to ensure that my dietary preferences were accommodated. Throughout my meal, Alex checked in on me, ensuring that everything was to my satisfaction. His attention to detail and genuine interest in making my dining experience enjoyable truly stood out. It's evident that he takes pride in his work and cares deeply about customer satisfaction. Alex's professionalism, patience, and friendly attitude are a testament to his dedication to providing top-notch service. The combination of delicious food and his outstanding service has made this visit to Hot Chicken Take Off an unforgettable one. I would highly recommend Alex and Hot Chicken Take Off to anyone looking for a delightful dining experience. read more

Thomas B.

6 years ago

I had a taste for some good chicken macaroni and cheese. I went to the North Market for the first time. This spot was absolutely amazing. Customer service was excellent as well as the food! Angel Raine the cashier was so pleasant at helping me with my order. I felt so good and at home because of the fine hospitality. Upon leaving another employee, I Wished I could remember her name. She asked how was my day going? I told her, wonderful and it was my first time being at Hot chicken takeover. She asked if I tired the pudding? She ran and got me some and sent me on my way. When I tell you I smiled the whole time I was eating.....it's true. I take customer service very serious and they went over and beyond to make sure little ol me was taken care of. I WILL BE BACK. I sure will read more

Janice C.

11 years ago

I heard about Hot Chicken Takeover online, and thought that it sounded delicious. We stopped by the North Market for a taste. First, I must mention that the directions to the place (from the address listed on Facebook) took us to a random alley between parking decks. We had to drive around a bit before finding the right place. Once we got inside, we headed upstairs and were greeted with a long line that moved quickly. They even had a worker who brought us a menu in line and asked if we had any questions. The chicken was great, the mac and cheese was good, and the coleslaw was just ok (but that might be personal preference; I prefer creamy coleslaw). The 'free' sweet tea and ranch were very good as well. We will stop by again the next time we are in Columbus! read more

Carver K.

11 years ago

I didn't think this place had half a chance of living up to the reviews and the hype. I was wrong!! The food was delicious from the chicken to the sides and the sweet tea and ranch dressing in between. That chicken tastes awesome and unique. Not the typical wings from a bar, bland grilled or breaded chicken. The chicken had nice flavor and was not dry. There is self serve unlimited sweet tea, which is bomb, and water. They print out a ticket with your name and order number on it. If you eat there, have a seat under the canopy at the picnic tables and they will call your name and bring it to you. I love it. The atmosphere was great. Very friendly people and great music just topped off the entire experience. This is the place to recommend. read more

Nettie D.

8 years ago

I know when I visit HCT I'm going to get fast service from friendly people. I make it a point to frequent businesses that do more than sling their products and HCT is so much more than tasty chicken. I appreciate their second chance hiring practices and their outreach that benefits our vulnerable populations here in Columbus. Not to mention, my wussy, heat-hating self can indulge in the deliciousness by choosing kid spice. I always go for the double mac, and would drink the homemade ranch if it wasn't socially frowned upon. 10/10, would eat again and again. And again. read more

Trevor S.

11 years ago

WOW JUST WOW! Honestly i find myself in a hypocritical situation. I hate this place really bad because of the wait and I am convinced into thinking this place is very overrated. But once I reach to the end of the line, I realize that i am here for one reason, THE CHICKEN!!!!! As soon as i take my first bite into my chicken i realize what a loser i am; for thinking that this place is not worth the wait. I love this place so much even tho i said i hated it. The cole slaw is just amazing along with the mac and cheese. Go today and you will see what I mean. GO GO GO! read more

Melanie M.

3 years ago

Just had Hot Chicken Takeover for the first time. I got the Jumbo Chicken Tenders (cold level heat...in other words, not very spicy). They were really juicy with a nice crunch on the outside. I also loved the fries and the house made ranch dressing. Yum! The unsweetened iced tea was great as well. I had some problems with the kiosk, but Kaitlyn helped me out, was super friendly and helpful, and packed my order herself to make sure everything went smoothly. I was at the North Market location. It's on the second floor of the market. read more

Jacqueline L.

4 years ago

I absolutely love Hot Chicken Take Over in the North Market! The staff are always friendly and the restaurant always very clean. On my last visit, I had the pleasure of speaking to the AGM - Kevin Fisher to let him know that I truly appreciated how courteous his staff were. Mr. Fisher takes pride in his restaurant and makes sure every little detail is taken care of. My thanks to the staff and Mr. Fisher for making my visit so awesome. Before I forget, the food is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend eating at this location. read more

Keith C.

4 years ago

This was my first time here and I loved it. This has to be one of the best hot chicken sandwiches I've ever had. If I had known they had a chicken sandwich I would have been here a long time ago! The sides are even amazing. I got two sides of Mac and cheese and didn't think I would eat both sides at once but it was so good I couldn't stop. Finally, a special shout-out to Melissa. You were so friendly and helpful. You made me wish I could give a review higher than five stars. See you all soon! read more

Mark C.

11 years ago

I'm giving this 4 stars for the atmosphere and the fact that it is in Ohio. However, I'm not sure Hot Chicken Takeover would hold up against the competition in St. Louis, or other southern BBQ places. Get here early! I got here at noon, right when it opened and there was already a line. It took 35 minutes to get through it, which actually isn't too bad for BBQ on a weekend. The service is almost Jimmy John's fast - once you order, they almost immediately hand you your food. read more

Joanne K.

159

6 years ago

I've been in town for like two weak or more and this was my first time trying Hot Chicken Takeover, and I'm so glad I did! I wish I did it earlier. The best fried chicken I've ever had, God I cant forget that taste I wish I got some free time just enough to grab another fried chicken but I could't. I am not sure when I will be back but when I did I wont leave until I don't get enough of their food. I already recommended it to my co-workers and the also really liked it. read more

Jeremy C.

9 years ago

I actually ran into a gentleman that works there never ate there before so I came up and check it out it is a wonderful place I believe the gentleman's name is Christopher The chicken is wonderful it was very juicy not dry the mac & cheese is great and the ranch dressing I believe the gentleman said everything is homemade you can actually taste it and is very very good I am definitely going back it is a good place to eat Hot Chicken Take Over 5 stars read more

Max P.

10 years ago

It's pretty meh, that's right m.e.h., meh. I don't get what the hype is about. The place is decent, but not great by any means. I'm glad I didn't have to wait in line for it, because I would have been really disappointed if I had and given an even lower rating! The "Holy $#!+" sauce was nowhere near as hot as the name would make it seem. The place is worth checking out if there is no line, but I'm in no hurry to get back there either. read more

Benjamin Z.

6 years ago

it taste like Cerveza me like Fantastic chicken as always! Great COVID measures in place as well - definitely more of a grab and sit outside vibe now. I got the chicken sandwich with a heat level of Hot, and it definitely has a kick to it, but thankfully the coleslaw and banana pudding (mandatory to get this) helped cool things down! This restaurant is the primarily motivator for day trips to Columbus from Pittsburgh! read more

Lyndsie P.

11 years ago

Went for lunch at the North Market. The line looked too long for our lunch hour, but we decided to chance it. It moved super quick (less than 5 minutes) and our food came out promptly after we ordered. The food is delicious, the ranch is great without being too sticky and I loved the mac and cheese. This was our second time here, first since they moved to the North Market and it was just as good as the OTE location. read more

Ásta W.

5 years ago

This place is THE best. The service is amazing with a very friendly staff. For example: Sona and Triny were more than happy to help. They have super high quality everything! The chicken was super juicy but it doesn't get everywhere. Their gluten free breading wasn't dry and their pudding was absolutely beautiful. You could tell they used real bananas! I can't wait to go back. Thank you for the great experience. :) read more

Brenda G.

4 years ago

The best go to place to get some good old down home fresh chicken. The mac& cheese and baked beans are the bomb. Ordering was smooth. Ozella was very pleasant and described the chicken just right. I'm not much of a spicy eater, but Ozella was able to explain the deifferent taste of the spice and convinced me I would like it...and she was right it was great. Thanks Ozella...thanks HCT. B.Beautiful Brenda read more

Danny G.

238

9 years ago

The chicken was pretty good. Probably best I've had in the city. 4 Stars because the Mac and cheese reminds me of cafeteria food. It's not the special. It's not bad and gets the job done, but it's something I could get at food court. The set up and building is cool. The seating can be cramped if it's busy and it can be tough to share napkins if it's packed. I'll come back to try different spicy levels. read more

See more unrecommended reviews

Hot Chicken Takeover - southern - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Hot Chicken Takeover also viewed

Budd Dairy Food Hall

40 reviews

Italian Village

M & M Chicken & Fish

28 reviews

Just Chicken

39 reviews

Brothers Chicken & Fish

22 reviews

Driving Park

Kays Family Soul Food Restaurant

9 reviews

Southeast

Soul 2 Go

171 reviews

Downtown

Peri-Peri Chicken

8 reviews

University District

Big Mal's Linden Cafe

17 reviews

Linden

Chicago Fish & Chicken

18 reviews

Eddy's Chicken and Waffles

34 reviews

Hot Chicken Takeover

Hot Chicken Takeover Photos

Business Info

Hot Chicken Takeover menu photos

HOT CHICKEN TAKEOVER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Hot Chicken Takeover

Reviews With Photos

More info about Hot Chicken Takeover

Payment methods

Food & Alcohol

Indoor Amenities

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Ask the Community - Hot Chicken Takeover

You might also consider

More businesses like Hot Chicken Takeover

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Modern Southern Table

Subourbon

The Eagle Short North

La Glory's

B&K Smoke House

Alqueria Farmhouse Kitchen

Anne's Kitchen - Southern Style

Kai's Crab Boil

Soul 2 Go

Trending businesses in Hot Chicken Takeover's area

Kitchen Social

Osaka Ton Katsu

Valters at the Maennerchor

Cento

The Brown Bag Deli

360 Hot Chicken Takeover reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

360 reviews that are not currently recommended

Hot Chicken Takeover - southern - Updated August 2026

Best of Columbus

People found Hot Chicken Takeover by searching for…

Trending Searches in Columbus, OH

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Columbus, OH

Browse Articles

People who viewed Hot Chicken Takeover also viewed