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Main Chick Hot Chicken
Master Critic Review
Main Chick Hot Chicken
8.4
Nashville-style hot chicken concept serving juicy, crispy fried chicken with customizable heat levels from mild to supreme. Dark meat sandwiches on Hawaiian sweet buns with comeback sauce have earned a devoted following among Old Pasadena diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dark Meat Sandwich, Chicken Tenders with MC Sauce, Leg & Thigh Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Nashville hot chicken with exceptional spice customization and notably juicy dark meat
Who should go: Spice lovers seeking late-night comfort food
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday nights for full energy and availability
What to order: Dark meat sandwich on medium spice, crispy seasoned fries, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Dark meat option is juicier than white meat; order medium spice first visit
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and side streets, metered until 8pm ($2/hr). Public lots within 2 blocks. Easier parking after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual - t-shirts, jeans, sneakers all fine. Late-night crowd skews young and laid-back.
Noise level: Loud - music and counter buzz make conversation challenging. Better for groups than intimate dates.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical for counter service during peak (7-10pm). Line moves steadily.
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait, occasionally walk right up midday Tuesday-Thursday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cauliflower bites available but menu is 95% chicken-focused
Vegan options: Minimal options - fries and select sides only, no plant-based proteins
Gluten-free options: Challenging - fried chicken coating contains gluten, limited GF sides available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a 2nd or 3rd date. Loud atmosphere and casual counter-service setup don't suit getting-to-know-you conversation, but great for relaxed dates with established chemistry who want good food without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter-service with communal and individual tables. Arrive before 7pm or after 10pm on weekends for best seating availability. Weekdays rarely have seating issues.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who can handle some spice (mild option available). Casual vibe welcomes families, but late-night energy isn't toddler-appropriate. Mac & cheese and fries are safe kid picks.
How spicy is the spice? Mild has gentle warmth, Medium delivers noticeable kick without overwhelming, Hot is legitimately spicy for most palates, Supreme is challenge-level heat. Start one level below your usual tolerance - their spice builds.
Is this a sit-down restaurant? Fast-casual format - order at counter, they bring food to your table. Full dining area with tables and bar seating, but you clear your own dishes. Service is quick (10-15 min from order to food).
Best For
Better for: Superior dark meat juiciness and spice level customization compared to Howlin' Rays or Dave's Hot Chicken. Best late-night hot chicken option in Pasadena with consistent quality after 10pm. More accessible heat levels for spice-cautious diners.
Skip if: You want Nashville-style atmosphere (go to Howlin' Rays), need extensive vegetarian options, prefer white meat chicken, want quiet conversation ambiance, or are looking for a formal dining experience with table service.