Claire Thompson
Dave's Hot Chicken is a celebrity-backed fried chicken chain that originated in Los Angeles, California. The chain opened its first Chicago restaurant in 2021, bringing its signature Nashville-style spicy tenders and seasoned fries to the Midwest. Chicago residents can now enjoy Dave's chicken at its Western Ave restaurant, with plans to open more locations across the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Address | 3643 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 |
| Phone Number | Available on Yelp |
| Menu | Fried chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, sliders, fries, kale slaw, combos, Dave's bites |
| Chicken Heat Levels | 7 levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper" |
| Chicken Type | Halal-certified |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Thu: 9:15 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri: 9:15 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Other Locations | Roscoe Village, Naperville, Melrose Park |
| Celebrity Investors | Samuel L. Jackson, Drake |
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What You'll Learn
Dave's Hot Chicken has two locations in Chicago
The Los Angeles-based chain, which counts celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Drake among its major investors, first arrived in the Chicago area with a restaurant in suburban Naperville in July 2021. The North Center location, which is the chain's first in Chicago proper, opened in October 2021. Dave's Hot Chicken has plans to open 16 locations across the city and suburbs, with another location in Melrose Park expected to open by the end of January 2022.
The chain's restaurants feature bright, colourful murals of the chain's eponymous human-chicken hybrid, Dave, wearing local sports jerseys, such as the Bulls and the Cubs. The menu at Dave's Hot Chicken includes chicken sandwiches, aka sliders, stacked high on potato buns with crunchy pickles, kale slaw, and Dave's sauce. The chicken tenders and sliders are available in seven heat levels, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from those who prefer no spice to those who crave the intense heat of the "Reaper" level.
Dave's Hot Chicken has received positive reviews from customers, who praise the food and service. One review on Tripadvisor mentions that the food was great and fast, and that the staff were friendly and helpful. The review also notes that the restaurant allowed customers to fill their water bottles, which was appreciated.
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The restaurant serves Nashville-style hot chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken in Chicago serves Nashville-style hot chicken. The restaurant offers a range of spice levels for its fried chicken, from ""No Spice" to "Reaper", with the latter coming with a waiver due to its extreme heat. The chicken is prepared fresh using halal-certified ingredients and can be ordered as tenders or sliders (chicken sandwiches). Sliders are served on a potato bun with toppings such as pickles, kale slaw, and Dave's special sauce. Customers can also order combos, which include fries and a drink.
The Chicago location of Dave's Hot Chicken is the chain's first outpost in the city, having debuted in October 2021. The restaurant is located in North Center at 3643 N. Western Avenue and is open daily, with slightly extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The interior features bright, colourful murals, including one of the chain's human-chicken hybrid mascot, Dave, wearing Chicago sports jerseys.
Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by four childhood friends who started a pop-up in a parking lot in East Hollywood. The simple menu of tenders, sliders, fries, and kale slaw quickly gained a cult following, with lines consistently over an hour long. The chain has since expanded across the United States and Canada, with celebrity investors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Drake.
The Nashville-style hot chicken served at Dave's has become a popular dish with a cult following. The dish originated at Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville and has spread across the nation, with Dave's Hot Chicken being one of the most well-known purveyors. The Nashville-style preparation typically involves a generous amount of spices and a lengthy marination process, resulting in juicy, flavourful chicken with a distinctive spicy kick.
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It offers seven heat levels, from No Spice to Reaper
Dave's Hot Chicken in Chicago offers a range of heat levels to cater to different preferences and spice tolerances. With seven levels of heat, ranging from mild to scorching hot, diners can customize their chicken experience.
For those who prefer a milder flavour, the "No Spice" option provides a gentle introduction to the world of hot chicken. This level is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavour of the chicken without the heat. It is a great choice for those with sensitive palates or those who simply want to savour the other ingredients in their meal, such as the crunchy pickles, kale slaw, and Dave's signature sauce.
Moving up the spice ladder, diners can explore various heat levels that gradually increase in intensity. These intermediate levels offer a balanced blend of flavour and spice, allowing diners to find their perfect comfort level. It is a journey of discovery, where each level reveals new nuances of taste and sensation.
However, for the brave and daring, the "Reaper" level awaits. This is the pinnacle of heat, a challenge for only the most adventurous spice enthusiasts. The "Reaper" level is not for the faint of heart, and it comes with a waiver, warning diners of the potential for gastrointestinal distress. It is a testament to the extreme end of the spice spectrum, attracting those who crave the ultimate thrill of heat.
Dave's Hot Chicken understands that spice is a subjective experience, and by offering these seven heat levels, they empower diners to choose their own path. Whether one prefers a gentle warmth or a fiery inferno, Dave's provides options to satisfy all cravings. It is a culinary journey that allows each individual to define their relationship with spice, one bite at a time.
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The chain is backed by celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Drake
Dave's Hot Chicken is a Los Angeles-based chain that has gained a celebrity following, including major investors like Samuel L. Jackson and Drake. The restaurant serves Nashville-style spicy chicken tenders and seasoned fries, with seven levels of heat to choose from, ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper”. The chain's first location in Chicago opened in 2021 at 3643 N. Western Avenue in North Center, marking its expansion into the Midwest.
The celebrity-backed chain has attracted attention for its unique take on Nashville hot chicken, a dish that originated at Prince's Hot Chicken and quickly became a sensation. Dave's Hot Chicken was founded by four childhood friends in 2017 as a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood. With a simple menu of tenders, sliders, fries, and kale slaw, they created a viral cult following, with lines consistently over an hour long.
The Chicago location features bright, colorful murals that pay homage to the city, depicting the chain's eponymous human-chicken hybrid, Dave, wearing a Bulls jersey and a Cubs uniform. The restaurant offers online ordering, takeout, and delivery options for customers seeking a spicy chicken fix.
With a reputation for serving the best chicken in Chicago, Dave's Hot Chicken has become a go-to destination for fried chicken lovers in the city. The restaurant is open daily, offering lunch, dinner, and late-night bites to satisfy cravings around the clock. The chain's presence in Chicago is part of a larger expansion plan, with additional locations planned across the city and suburbs.
The celebrity backing of Samuel L. Jackson and Drake has undoubtedly contributed to the chain's success and popularity. Their investment in the West Coast-bred concept has helped bring Dave's Hot Chicken to new markets, allowing more people to experience the unique and flavorful menu offerings. The Chicago location has received positive reviews, with customers praising the food and service, and it has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
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Dave's Hot Chicken originated as a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood
Dave's Hot Chicken has become a household name, with its signature spicy chicken and impressive expansion across the United States. Interestingly, this popular chain began as a humble parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. It was founded in 2017 by four friends: Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. With a shared passion for spicy chicken and a $900 deep fryer, they set out to create a unique food experience.
The idea for Dave's Hot Chicken was born when Oganesyan noticed the rising popularity of Nashville-style hot chicken. Recognizing the culinary skills of his friend Dave, who had trained under renowned chef Thomas Keller and worked at various Los Angeles restaurants, Oganesyan suggested they develop their own take on this trending cuisine. Together with the Rubenyan brothers, they crafted a special recipe for Nashville-style chicken with a unique spice blend.
The group chose a parking lot in Thai Town, just a few blocks from Tommy Rubenyan's place on Alexandria Street, as their first location. With foldout tables and fryers, they set up shop, attracting attention from locals curious about the tasty chicken served in a parking lot. Word spread, and soon, they caught the eye of Eater/LA, who featured them in an article titled, "East Hollywood's Late Night Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind." This publicity led to lines stretching around the block, marking the beginning of their success story.
Within just a year, Dave's Hot Chicken evolved from a parking lot pop-up to a brick-and-mortar shop in an East Hollywood strip mall. The restaurant's decor featured artwork by local street artists, adding to its unique character. The cult following grew, and soon, they expanded beyond their first physical location. As of 2022, Dave's Hot Chicken has opened more than 30 restaurants across California and 62 nationwide, with plans to open 700 new stores in the next five years.
Today, Dave's Hot Chicken is a well-known brand, even expanding beyond California and the United States. The chain has become synonymous with delicious spicy chicken, offering seven heat levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper." The story of Dave's Hot Chicken is a testament to the power of a great idea, hard work, and a passionate team. Their rapid rise from a parking lot pop-up to a nationwide sensation continues to inspire other aspiring food entrepreneurs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dave's Hot Chicken has a restaurant in Chicago.
Dave's Hot Chicken is located at 3643 N. Western Ave, North Center, Chicago.
Dave's Hot Chicken is open from 9:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
Dave's Hot Chicken offers Nashville-style fried chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches with seven levels of heat, ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper". They also serve seasoned fries and combos with fries and a drink.
