A must have in Columbus. Don't pass this one up. Upstairs at the North Market Choose the level of hotness of your Chicken, but choose wisely, hot is not your average hot. read more

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HCT is pretty good for a fried chicken place. I don't LOVE it the way a lot of people seem to, but it is pretty good. I've been there twice, and both times I got the dark meat plate, which comes with a thigh and drumstick still attached. The chicken is tender and moist enough that it's easy to break the two pieces apart if you want. The breading is...okay, not great. Perhaps ironically, the chicken breading is probably my least favorite thing about HCT. It has almost a dusty texture, and mostly what I get out of it is heat. The mac & cheese side, however, is to die for. To die for. Best mac & cheese, bar none. I'm not even a big mac & cheese person, but I would go to HCT just for that. The complimentary sweet tea is also really good, comparable to homemade, which for me is really saying something. The dining experience.. well, it's at North Market, so you know what you're going to get in terms of tables and seating. HCT has its own picnic-table style seating, or you can go out into North Market for a seat. Last thing, there is frequently a long line. Of the two times I've been, once I waited in line for nearly half an hour and the other time there was a quick 5-minute wait. The food is not worth waiting half an hour for. Seriously, it's not. There are so many other great places at North Market where you don't have to wait for half an hour for your food. Go to them. But if the line is short, hell yeah, hit up HCT for some of that mac & cheese and tasty fried chicken. Solid three stars. read more

Their spicy is actual spicy! Love the location, on the top of a farm's market, decor was pretty interesting / country style Could have given a 5 star, but the expectation was too high - sorry, that's the price you have to pay for being main stream. read more

Sooooooo GOOOOD!!!! Love the food, love the atmosphere (when we're able to eat inside again)!! Must try the Banana Cream pudding!!

Once again it was good as it gets. Ordered 5 whole wings meal. Wow who cooks the macaroni and cheese? It was delicious! The coleslaw I really like, it has a taste of it's own. The people who work there are just the best. I really prefer going to the one downtown just because of the. I highly recommend Hot chicken takeover if you want the best fried chicken Columbus has to offer. read more

Great food, very good customer service and a fun environment! The chicken and coleslaw were very tasty. Tried the banana pudding - yum! A lot of comfort in the food and restaurant - makes you feel like a part of the family! Give it a try! I returned again, and was impressed even more, the chicken was absolutely perfect! read more

I travel to Columbus frequently for work and every time I'm there I make a point of going to hot chicken takeover in the North market. The chicken is amazing, the staff is always friendly and the mac & cheese is phenomenal. If you have to go back to work don't get the holy. read more

This is without a shred of doubt the best fried chicken I have had or will ever have in my life. Right as you walk in you know you are going to get a good, homemade meal with red-checkered picnic tables lined up for seating. Loved how there is 6 or so chicken options to choose from like wings, breast, dark meat, and drumsticks but they stick to 2 sides with every meal. Mac & cheese and coleslaw, 2 classic slides for fried chicken lunch. Both were amazing. Chicken comes in 4 styles of hot sauce to choose from. The mild version is perfect, the hot is great if you want to sweat a bit. They finish it off with 2 slices of plain white bread to soak up that chicken goodness. The coup de gras has to be the unlimited homemade sweet tea and ranch dressing. I dipped every bite in ranch and washed it down with a slurp of sweet tea. Phenomenal fried chicken experience and I cannot wait to go back. read more

I can see why there's usually a line out the door and down the stairs for this North Market eatery. I haven't had a piece of chicken this good since I ate at Stroud's in Kansas City, MO a number of years ago. I elected to get the sandwich with the "hot" (second highest) level of seasoning. I'm a big fan of spiciness and am usually left wanting for more with spice levels, but not with this. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. Cutting the sandwich in half prevented any possible mess I would have likely made on myself had I kept it whole. The slaw on the sandwich, as well as the homemade ranch available, nicely balanced the chicken, and the mac and cheese side was excellent. Free iced tea (regular and sweet) were nice bonuses. I've heard the desserts are good, too, but didn't get one on this visit. I wanted to return to this place during my week-long business trip, but when they're open 11 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Sunday (yes--only four hours, six days a week), it was not practical for me to do so despite being at the Convention Center a block away every day of my visit. They DO run out of things, and do so regularly to the point where they periodically update a "piece count" on the walls to let those in line know just how much they have left. I suggest an early arrival to ensure you get the best menu selection with the limited options they have. Do note if you elect to eat in, you will very likely be eating with strangers given the seating arrangement of long rows of picnic tables placed together. I highly recommend this eatery and will return here without hesitation the next time I'm in Columbus. read more

If you're from Columbus, you don't need this review because you already get it. But if you're not, you should know that this restaurant not only makes delicious food, they truly are making a difference in the community. You can't make a mistake with their menu and trust me; the wait's worth it. read more

This is the best fried chicken in town. Hands down. HCT was my introduction to hot chicken, going to Nashville was my second. HCT is the bomb! Hot is as tasty as you can get. Every time I go, I imagine taking a wonderful pic and posting, but I just can't wait long enough to do so! So good! Joe, the owner is also a big community advocate, so eat here, and help give back! read more

If you are in Columbus, Hot Chicken Takeover is a must. Environment, customer service, chicken, Mac-n-cheese and sweet tea is all great. With an affordable menu and location inside the North Market HCT makes for a great date location or fun night out with friends. read more

Just YUM! Chicken is always fried to perfection. Sides are cooked just right and sweet tea is to die for. On top of all of that, the folks that work there are always the nicest people with great customer service skills. Awesome! read more

Not at all appealing. Do not confuse with Nashville Hot Style Chicken. Very disappointing.

VERY cool, unique concept. I went to the location at North Market (maybe the only one?) and the set up is 2 long picnic tables that everybody sits at together. You get your plate of chicken and sides and sit at the table with everyone else! Not the ideal setting for an intimate date or any type of formal meeting, much more of a family or friendly-group outing. The food is good, but this place is all about the experience. If you're looking for a fun, social, and something different in your dining experience....Hot Chicken Takeover is the place for you! read more

This seat-yourself restaurant gives me an authentic southern-style vibe on the second floor of the Columbus gem, North Market. The portions are fairly large and the chicken never disappoints - it's crunchy, juicy, and simply delicious. I consider myself somewhat average when it comes to my spice tolerance, and enjoy some spice with my food but take the intensities seriously here! Hot Chicken Takeover keeps it simple with their sides and let's be real, who doesn't want mac and cheese with their chicken. A great meal if you're deciding on what to eat in North Market! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I came from Las Vegas to try this place after hearing about it. An hour in line. Two hours after paying, I still don't have my food. I assume that means it's good, but if you can't keep up with demand, try a new business model. Now I've gotta go get food elsewhere. read more

This was our first time here, and we loved it! Every staff member we interacted with was very friendly and helpful. He service was speedy and our orders were accurate. The macaroni and cheese might be the best I've ever had (seriously). There are enough options between the chicken style, heats and sides to accommodate everyone. Thank you! read more

Enjoyed HCT on High St last week. Take out order. Congenial service, order was found to be fully complete upon arriving home, and it's always more than a single meal. Excellent food. Great service. Price is right! read more

We had dinner there - that is some tasty chicken. Do not fool yourself and think that since you like hot food...you'll go for the hottest level. I'd be a bit cautious and go a level lower. You may be paying later. The people around us were enjoying it, as were all the kids. read more

What can I say? This is the ultimate experience. Love the food, love the people. come for the amazing chicken (bone in it boneless, hot or holy) with supremely spicy, crispy, flavorful skin and authentic sides - and stay for the great conversation and overall experience. read more

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I finally made it to the North Market location this past Saturday after numerous friends telling me I NEEDED to try it out. All I can say is "amazing." I would probably punch your mom so I could eat there again. I purchased the boneless breast, warm. I also got the entire meal. The place lives up to the hype. If need be, steal a car and get there, it's worth the jail time!* *Disclaimer: Don't actually steal a car, you silly person. read more

The saying goes, "Winner, winner, chicken dinner," and may I just say Hot Chicken Takeover is a definite winner. It's no wonder people begin to line up outside the restaurant's doors before it's even open. After hearing about how crazy delicious the chicken is here, I had my bar set high, and the food here has far surpassed my expectations. The menu is straightforward and simple, with 4 choices in regards to how spicy customers would like their chicken, to satisfy those who love their food hot, and others who prefer a milder flavor. I ordered a warm drumstick meal (although next time, yes there will definitely be a next time, I may opt for hot) was absolutely phenomenal. The meat is juicy, the skin isn't too greasy and is jam-packed with great flavor. The rest of the meal consists of slaw, mac 'n' cheese, bread, and pickles, which even out the spiciness of the chicken and were also fantastic. The restaurant is set up with community seating, and was way larger than I was expecting, but in a great way. It was very clean and paper towels were provided at the tables (which definitely came in handy). Oh, and did I mention the sweet tea is complimentary? Yes. I said complimentary. It definitely hit the spot after eating a delicious fried chicken meal. read more

Absolute deliciousness in a container!! Yes, sometimes there's a line, but it's always worth the wait! I usually get either the Warm or the Hot chicken, depending on my mood at the time. I haven't been brave enough to try the Holy $*!# yet, but that day is coming soon. Whatever heat choice you make, I'm confident you won't be disappointed. Just a fair warning that the "Warm" is not your typical "medium" so be advised! I'm not a fan of cole slaw so I double up on the Mac 'n Cheese and let me tell ya, THAT is the best part of the meal! It's amazing! Btw, make sure to get their House Ranch, it's yummy and possibly infused with something addictive! ;-) read more

If you're looking for the best fried chicken in Columbus, this is *almost* it. The problem is inherent to the type itself, which makes it hard to deduct points (and might even make this place your absolute favorite). Hot Chicken Takeover does the Nashville hot chicken to perfection. Moist meat, crisp breading, and the spicy kick are all delicious. Factor in solid mac & cheese, a tasty ranch dressing (only if you want!) and ample sweet tea, and you've got a great setup... if you know what you're getting into. Hot chicken is not an "anytime" pick. You need to be ready. You need to be in the mood for the flavor (or the pain, in the hottest of cases). You also need to deal with a slight wait. HCT is still popular, meaning the order lines are long, and you'll wait for your meal (although this has improved slightly). Of course, if you're in the mood for the spice, if you've planned to get there early? It's easy to recommend sampling this tasty lunch. Heck, there's a chance you'll fall in love and walk out spreading the HCT word. In the absolute worst case scenario? You can soothe your tongue downstairs with some Jeni's or bubble tea. read more

I finally made it HTO for lunch! I got the breast meal hot, and it was really good - as good as advertised. The wait was a little long. I'm not sure I could swing it on my 1 hour lunch break, but loved the mac and cheese and the spice on the chicken was just right. I'm not sure I'm brave enough for their hottest level, but that homemade ranch would make it worth the try! Only complaint is that I wish they had a bigger selection of drinks - I loathe sweet tea, and water was the only other option. Get here early and call ahead with your order to skip the line! read more

Absolutely lived up to the hype! And I usually can't stand such hype. The spicy chicken is flavorful and crave-worthy. Everything else on the plate is pretty mediocre ... Is it by design or am I just comparing it to the awesome chicken? Pro tip: Just order the chicken alone and go down stairs and pair it up with a real Belgian waffle or some more worthy bread from one of the bakeries in the North Market. read more

Hot. It was my first time here and if ordering hot, it's indeed hot. Be prepared to partake in the unlimited free water and sweet tea because you'll need it. I got the hot boneless breast and it was delicious. Ordering was easy, workers are friendly, and it took maybe 7 minutes to receive my food. Overall good experience and I highly recommend. read more

We moved to Columbus in February, and this was one of our first places to eat. We go to Hot Chicken Takeover about once a month but sometimes more and always take people visiting here. We love it, chicken is fantastic and the macs pretty good too! I love building a sandwich with the coleslaw! I wish they did cornbread, fries and maybe the option of cheese on the chicken. Defiantly would recommend! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great food! The Ided tea was a great extra treat! I was told to go by friends, they had it right! Get there early! I'll be back!! read more

I ate here for the first time and was surprised at how long the line was and for good reason! I'm not a fan of spicy food so I got the cold (which just means not spicy) meal and it was delicious. Good chicken and great sides and the sweet tea is always free! The owner was even walking around greeting customers and asking if they were new, helping explain the menu, and asking about their experience. The staff was so friendly. I enjoyed the long tables which were picked because you get to interact a little bit with the people and families around you. If you're looking for a good, relaxed, afternoon meal, this is your place! Be forewarned the mild it hot and the hot is on fire! If you're wanting to try the spicier options but don't want a whole meal, you can get one piece cold one piece mild, etc etc. also great if you're sharing your meal! read more

Hot Chicken Takeover - Menu board and seating. - Southern Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The banana pudding is life changing! The macaroni and cheese is fantastic too. I'm a vegetarian and I still get excited about going here!

Was recommended by a friend and we went on over. Ordered the chicken wings with cole slaw and mac & cheese. Got the wings in hot... and they were very warm indeed. I like hot and these were. They were meaty and very tasty. The mac & cheese was some of the best I've had. The cole slaw was a vinegar based dressing, not a white or cream dressing. It was pretty good. They put the chicken wings on a couple pieces of bread laid in the bottom of the tray. I guess it was to soak up the oils and coating from the chicken. I thought I'd try a piece of the bread and wow.... it was some very hot juices! Overall I liked it but it was a little more expensive than I would have liked. That being said I would go back again. read more

Boy, I saw the reviews on this place and just had to try their chicken. So, I went down late one afternoon to sample their chicken. I got there at 3PM, only to realize that they are only open from 11AM - 3PM. My bad. The following week, I figured that I'd get there early to beat the crowds. So, I arrived at 11:15AM and was greeted to a long line of about 30 people. Rather than waiting, I called to order a carryout. Tried to order two chicken wing meals, but was told that they were sold out of chicken wings...15 minutes after they had opened their doors. That was so ridiculous, that it was actually amusing. Anyway, I finally called them at 11:05 last Saturday and ordered and picked up my chicken wings to go. Now, I'm wondering what all of the excitement is about. The seasoning was just OK (I tried the cold and warm varieties). The chicken was not very crisp. And, all of the chicken in my orders had an after taste like it was fried in oil or lard that was on the verge of going rancid. Not very pleasing. Anyway, glad I checked that off my list of thinks to do. Personally, Bob Evans and KFC extra crispy have FAR AND AWAY much better tasting chicken than this. Not recommended, unless you just have to taste it for yourself. read more

Very disappointed- went to the Easton location for lunch just after opening on Sunday, October 18th. Sat down in the restaurant to eat and was told we could not eat inside where chairs were available. No signs were posted saying no indoor dining. Very rude staff. Will not be back. Had to sit outside in the cold. It was raining outside. read more

They all of a sudden forgot to write experation dates on their boxes for their out of town custies who buy more than a single meal. Now I miss work do to food illness read more

This place is always my favorite and Pride weekend was my first at the North Market location. It was a crazy line but got to the front fast. John there, who was cleaning up, was a joy to talk with. The cashier, wish I got her name, was funny. Tried to figure out my name, it was loud in there but it happens with 2 big events happening. Still enjoyed the amazing chicken and double mac and cheese. Friendly people, shoutout to the man talking about his baldness so he doesn't worry about his hair look lol had just a BLAST! thank you all!! read more

Food was delicious!!! I was able to get my chicken mild, and get all that I wanted. The family style seating helps you get to know some new people, and also sit with your friends in a new way. I love this company's philosophy! It's great to see companies that help those who need help getting back into society!!! read more

My first experience here I believe I got someone's hard fry on accident, so I was not impressed. My second go round was a rousing success! Best in Columbus that I have experienced, thus far and my heat obsession has me always searching. read more

We love to stop at HCT when we are going through Columbus. The North market is cute. The chicken is so good. We get the 4 drums and share it. Two each of the middle flavors. The chicken is hot! The ranch is so delicious. The mac has always been good. We get double mac. Sweet tea is super sweet. Always kinda warm. free tea! Love this place! Actually I wish I hadn't seen this unfinished review cause now it is all I can think about. read more