0 Followers
Dave's Hot Chicken
Master Critic Review
Dave's Hot Chicken
7.9
LA-born Nashville hot chicken chain that started as an East Hollywood parking lot pop-up in 2017, now serving halal-certified tenders and sliders across seven heat levels. The hand-breaded chicken delivers consistent crunch and spice calibration, with late-night hours appealing to post-event crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Slider, 2 Tenders with Fries, Dave's Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Viral LA hot chicken sensation with reliable heat levels and halal certification
Who should go: Late-night diners and heat seekers wanting accessible Nashville-style chicken
When to visit: After 10pm when local bars and venues let out
What to order: Medium heat slider, seasoned fries, kale slaw on the side
Insider tip: Medium is genuinely medium - Hot and Reaper levels are seriously spicy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, easier to find after 9pm. Small lot behind building fits 6-8 cars.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, hoodies, whatever. This is counter-service fried chicken.
Noise level: Loud - music bumping, open kitchen sizzle, late-night energy. Not a conversation spot.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait during prime dinner (7-9pm), but turnover is fast
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typical, mostly just order prep time
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - this is a chicken-only concept, no veggie proteins available
Vegan options: No - all items contain chicken or dairy-based sauces
Gluten-free options: No - chicken is breaded and fried in shared oil, high cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love casual vibes and hot chicken. It's loud, messy eating, and counter-service - better as a fun second or third date after you've established comfort.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's order-at-counter, grab-a-seat service. Seating is limited though, so late night (after 10pm) gives you better table availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle mild spice - they have No Spice and Lite Mild options. But it's a late-night spot with bar crowds, so better for lunch or early dinner with children.
How spicy is their medium heat really? Legit medium - noticeable kick but manageable for most people. If you typically order 'mild' at other places, start with Lite Mild here. Hot and above requires genuine spice tolerance.
Is it worth the hype? For accessible Nashville hot chicken at this price point, yes. Don't expect artisanal or groundbreaking - expect consistent, craveable heat and crunch that satisfies late-night hunger.
Best For
Better for: Dave's wins on heat level reliability, halal certification, and late-night accessibility (open until 2am weekends). Better than Howlin' Ray's for avoiding 2-hour waits, better than Popeyes for actual Nashville-style heat control.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience with table service, need dietary accommodations beyond halal, or prefer bone-in fried chicken (they only do tenders and sliders). Also skip if you're spice-averse - even 'No Spice' has seasoning kick.