Four friends, a $900 portable fryer, and an East Hollywood parking lot. That is the entire origin story of Dave's Hot Chicken, and somehow it turned into one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. As of 2026, there are over 329 locations across 40-plus states, celebrity investors that include Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, and a menu that does one thing better than almost anyone else: Nashville-style hot chicken with a spice scale that goes all the way from "zero heat" to "sign a legal waiver."
This guide covers every single item on the Dave's Hot Chicken menu — meals, sides, shakes, slushers, drinks, the cauliflower lineup, the brand-new 2026 launches, secret-menu hacks, calories, allergen info, rewards, and ordering tips. Prices listed below are approximate and based on publicly available menus; the exact number on your receipt will shift depending on your city, and delivery platforms charge more than in-store.
Accuracy note: This is an independent, informational guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dave's Hot Chicken. Menu items, prices, and availability change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm at the restaurant, in the official app, or on the website before ordering.
Choose Your Heat: All 7 Dave's Hot Chicken Spice Levels
Before anything else, you need to pick your heat. Every tender, slider, bite, and cauliflower piece on the menu comes in seven spice levels at no extra charge. The seasoning is applied before frying, so it is baked into the breading — you cannot scrape it off.
| # | Level | What It Feels Like | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Spice | Pure crispy chicken flavor, zero heat | Kids, anyone who just wants flavor |
| 2 | Lite Mild | A faint, sweet warmth that barely registers | Spice-curious newcomers |
| 3 | Mild | A gentle, slow-building smoky kick | The safe "I like a little heat" pick |
| 4 | Medium | Real, noticeable heat with great balance | The most popular level across the chain |
| 5 | Hot | Serious burn that builds with every bite | Chili lovers who want to sweat |
| 6 | Extra Hot | Full-body, lingering pain with a delayed afterburn | Daredevils and spice veterans |
| 7 | Reaper | Carolina Reaper level — some locations require a waiver | People who genuinely enjoy suffering |
A few things worth knowing: heat builds with each bite, so the third tender hits harder than the first. Start one level lower than you think you can handle, and you can always go hotter next visit. Medium is the sweet spot for most first-timers, and it is also the most ordered level company-wide. The appearance of the chicken is identical across all seven levels — only a small sticker on the packaging tells you what you are eating.
Dave's Hot Chicken Menu With Prices: Meals & Combos
This is the core of the menu and where most people start. Every meal includes Dave's signature sauce, pickles, and sliced bread (with tenders) or a potato bun with kale slaw (with sliders). Combos include crinkle-cut fries.
| Meal | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dave's #1: 2 Tenders w/ Fries | ~1,020 | $12.49–$15.00 |
| Dave's #2: 2 Sliders w/ Fries | ~1,540 | $14.49–$17.50 |
| Dave's #3: 1 Tender & 1 Slider w/ Fries | ~1,670 | $13.49–$16.00 |
| Dave's #4: 1 Slider with Fries | ~1,040 | $10.49–$11.00 |
| Single Tender (à la carte) | ~550 | $4.99–$5.99 |
| Single Slider (à la carte) | ~620 | $6.99–$8.00 |
| Dave's Big Trio (new 2026) | ~1,200–1,450 | $17.99 |
The Dave's #3 (Tender & Slider Combo) is the best first-visit order because it lets you taste both formats in one sitting. The Single Tender, starting around $4.99–$5.99, is the cheapest way to sample the heat if you are just testing.
The Dave's Big Trio is a shareable platter for 2026 that bundles Hot Mozz sticks, Dave's Bites, and Mini Sliders with your choice of sauces. Priced around $17.99, it is positioned as an appetizer-style sampler and works well for a table of two or three. Availability can vary by location, so check the app before your visit.
Feed a Crowd: Hot Boxes and Party Packs
When you are ordering for a group — game night, office lunch, birthday party — the Hot Boxes are the way to go. They save money compared to ordering individual meals, and you can split spice levels inside the same box (half Medium, half Hot is a crowd-pleasing move).
| Hot Box / Party Item | Calories (per serving) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Box – Tenders (10 tenders) | ~550 | $45.00–$55.00 |
| Hot Box – Sliders (10 sliders) | ~620 | $65.00–$75.00 |
| Hot Box Roulette – Tenders (random heat levels) | ~550 | $45.00–$55.00 |
| Hot Box Roulette – Sliders (random heat levels) | ~620 | $65.00–$75.00 |
| Box of Fries | ~300 | $12.00 |
| Cauli Slider Hot Box | ~540 | $85.00–$95.00 |
| Cauli Bites Hot Box | ~450 | $30.00 |
| Hot Box of Minis (new 2026) | varies | $40.00 |
The Hot Box – Roulette is a fun party pick: the kitchen assigns random spice levels to each piece, so every bite is a gamble. The Cauli Bites Hot Box at $30 is the most affordable box option and works as a vegetarian-friendly share for the table.
Quick party-planning math: For 2–5 guests, one Hot Box – Tenders plus a Box of Fries (about $57–$67) covers everyone. For 6–10 guests, add a Hot Box – Sliders and a second Box of Fries (roughly $134–$154). For 11–15 guests, double the sliders and add a third fry box (around $210–$241). Always call ahead for large orders — these can sell out on weekends.
Dave's Bites and Top Loaded Fries
Dave's Bites are bite-sized pieces of the same hand-breaded chicken, available in all seven spice levels. They are easy to share, easy to eat in the car, and easy to demolish without realizing you have eaten 10 pieces. Top Loaded Fries take the crinkle-cuts and pile them with chopped chicken, Dave's sauce, and cheese.
| Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10 pc. Dave's Bites | ~550 | $8.00 |
| 10 pc. Dave's Bites w/ Fries | ~1,800 | $11.00 |
| Small Top Loaded Fries | ~1,200 | $7.00 |
| Regular Top Loaded Fries | ~1,500 | $11.00 |
| Large Top Loaded Fries | ~1,800 | $15.00 |
| Small Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | ~1,200 | $6.99 |
| Regular Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | ~1,500 | $10.99 |
| Large Cauliflower Top Loaded Fries | ~1,800 | $15.99 |
The Regular Top Loaded Fries are the cult-favorite side that keeps showing up on TikTok. They are honestly more of a meal than a side — at 1,500 calories, one order can easily feed two people.
New Dave's Mini Sliders: The 2026 Launch Everyone Is Ordering
One of the more talked-about menu additions for 2026 is the Mini Slider — a smaller version of the classic slider on a mini bun, built for snacking, sampling, and sharing. They carry the same spice options and come with the same kale slaw and pickles. Availability can vary by location, so confirm in the app.
| Mini Slider Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dave's Mini Sliders (4 pack) | varies | $7.49 |
| Dave's Mini Sliders with Fries | ~490–550 | $10.49 |
| Hot Box of Minis (10 minis) | varies | $40.00 |
The value math is worth doing: a single regular slider runs $6.99–$8.00, so at around $7.49 for four minis, the per-slider cost drops to under $2.00 each. The Hot Box of Minis at about $40 brings that down to roughly $4.00 per mini, which makes it a smart party buy where available.
Boneless Wings: Sauced, Tossed, and Brand New
The Boneless Wings are among the newer additions to the Dave's Hot Chicken menu. Unlike the tenders (which come dry-seasoned in a spice level), boneless wings are tossed in a wet sauce of your choice, giving them a different flavor profile. Availability can vary by location, so confirm at your store or in the app.
| Boneless Wings Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Boneless Wings (à la carte) | $8.99 |
| Boneless Wings w/ Fries | $11.99 |
| Side of Ranch | $0.50 |
| Side of Hot Hot Honey | $0.50 |
| Side of Spicy BBQ | $0.50 |
| Side of Hot Honey Teriyaki | $0.50 |
| Side of Buffalo | $0.50 |
You get five sauce options: Ranch, Hot Hot Honey, Spicy BBQ, Hot Honey Teriyaki, and Buffalo. Each sauce cup is just $0.50, which means ordering two or three for dipping or mixing barely dents the bill. The Hot Hot Honey in particular has become a fast favorite — it balances sweetness and heat in a way that works even with higher spice-level wings.
The boneless wings are available at all seven spice levels, so the dry seasoning hits first and then the wet sauce layers on top. That double-flavor approach is unlike anything else on the board and makes these worth trying even if you are already a die-hard tender loyalist.
Dave's Hot Mozz — The Newest Addition
Added to the lineup for 2026, Dave's Hot Mozz brings mozzarella sticks to the menu. They are breaded in the signature seasoning, fried until the cheese pulls in long, melty strings, and served with Dave's sauce for dipping, typically available across the spice levels.
Pricing varies by location (roughly ~$5.99–$7.99 for a serving) and availability can vary, so check the app before you go. Hot Mozz also appears as part of the Dave's Big Trio platter alongside Bites and Mini Sliders.
Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli)™: The Plant-Based Lineup
The cauliflower menu uses the exact same breading and spice levels as the chicken, applied to crispy cauliflower pieces. The crunch is surprisingly close to the real thing, and the heat hits identically because the spice blend is the same.
| Cauli Item | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cauli Dave's #1: 2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries | ~900 | $16.49–$19.00 |
| Cauli Dave's #2: 2 Cauli Sliders w/ Fries | ~850 | $18.49–$22.00 |
| Cauli Dave's #3: 1 Cauli Tender & 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | ~750 | $17.49–$20.00 |
| Cauli Dave's #4: 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | ~490 | $12.49–$13.00 |
| Single Cauli Tender | ~620 | $6.99–$8.99 |
| Single Cauli Slider | ~950 | $8.99 |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites | ~650 | $6.99–$7.99 |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites w/ Fries | ~980 | $9.99 |
One tip from the regulars: cauliflower absorbs the spice dust more deeply than chicken, so if you normally order Hot on the chicken side, drop down to Medium on the cauli. The Cauli Bites are excellent as a shared appetizer, and the 10-piece with fries at $9.99 is arguably the best value in the plant-based section.
Dave's Hot Chicken Sides Menu
The sides are designed to complement (and cool down) the heat. The kale slaw in particular is not just a garnish — it is a legitimate heat-relief tool. The vinegar and creaminess cut through capsaicin better than water ever will.
| Side | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | ~1,200 | $3.99–$4.49 |
| Fries (Crinkle-Cut) | ~400 | $3.79–$4.29 |
| Cheese Fries | ~1,200 | $4.49–$5.29 |
| Kale Slaw | ~270 | $3.79–$4.59 |
| Cup of Pickles | ~10 | $1.99 |
| Single Tender (as a side) | ~550 | $4.99–$5.59 |
| Single Slider (as a side) | ~620 | $6.99–$7.99 |
| Side of Dave's Sauce | ~180 | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Side of Cheese Sauce | ~180 | $0.49–$0.75 |
| Large Dave's Sauce | ~360 | $2.99 |
| Large Side of Ranch | ~320 | $2.99 |
The Side of Dave's Sauce (usually $0.25–$0.50) is one of the best-value add-ons on the board. It is a creamy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy dip that goes on everything — fries, bread, tenders, and honestly even the mac and cheese. Order at least two extra.
Top-Loaded Shakes: Dessert That Doubles as Heat Relief
Top-Loaded Shakes take a thick vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry base and pile it high with branded toppings. The dairy in these is the single most effective antidote to capsaicin on the menu, which makes them functional as well as indulgent.
| Top-Loaded Shake | Small | Regular | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Charms | ~$5.99–$6.99 (~760 cal) | ~$7.49 (~950 cal) | ~$9.50–$10.49 (~1,200 cal) |
| Oreo Top Loaded | ~$5.99–$6.99 (~610 cal) | ~$7.50 (~760 cal) | ~$9.50–$10.49 (~980 cal) |
| M&M Top Loaded | ~$5.99–$6.99 (~610 cal) | ~$7.50 (~760 cal) | ~$9.50–$10.49 (~950 cal) |
The Lucky Charms is the most Instagrammed item on the entire menu. It tastes like cereal milk in shake form, with whole marshmallow pieces on top.
Classic Shakes
If you want a shake without the loaded toppings, the classic line comes in three flavors and three sizes. These are thick, ice-cream-based, and effective at cutting through Hot, Extra Hot, and even Reaper heat.
| Classic Shake | Small (Cal / Price) | Regular (Cal / Price) | Large (Cal / Price) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | 610 / $4.79 | 760 / $5.79 | 1,208 / $8.49 |
| Strawberry | 610 / $4.79 | 760 / $5.79 | 1,208 / $8.49 |
| Vanilla | 590 / $4.79 | 740 / $5.79 | 1,168 / $8.49 |
Slushers: Ice-Cold Spice Relief
The slusher lineup is bright, fruity, and frozen — built specifically to cool you down after a hot bite. The 2026 menu has expanded this section with Pop Rocks Top-Loaded Slushers, which add crackling candy on top for a fizzy, popping texture.
| Slusher | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade | ~400 | $3.69 |
| Frozen Hi-C Orange LavaBurst | ~400 | $3.69 |
| Frozen Hi-C Flashin' Fruit Punch | ~400 | $3.69 |
| Frozen Powerade Mountain Berry Blast | ~400 | $3.69 |
| Rocket Creme Slusher | ~400 | $5.69 |
| Orange Creme Slusher | ~400 | $5.69 |
| Strawberries & Creme Slusher | ~400 | $5.69 |
New for 2026: Slushers with Pop Rocks
Dave's has added Pop Rocks Top-Loaded versions of several slushers. The candy crackles on your tongue while the frozen drink cools the burn — it is genuinely fun and unlike anything else on a fast-food menu.
| Pop Rocks Slusher | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pop Rocks Orange LavaBurst | ~$5.99–$7.49 |
| Pop Rocks Fruit Punch | ~$5.99–$7.49 |
| Pop Rocks Blue Mixed Berry | ~$5.99–$7.49 |
| Pop Rocks Strawberry Lemonade | ~$5.99–$7.49 |
Drinks on the Dave's Hot Chicken Menu
Straightforward beverages to round out your meal. Fountain drinks come in small, regular, and large, and 20 oz. bottles are available for the Coca-Cola lineup.
| Drink | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small Soft Drink | 0–290 | $2.29 |
| Regular Soft Drink | 0–330 | $2.69 |
| Large Soft Drink | 0–380 | $2.99 |
| Bottled Water | 0 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Coke | 210 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Diet Coke | 0 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Coke Zero | 0 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Sprite | 220 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Dr Pepper | 230 | $2.99 |
| 20 oz. Dr Pepper Zero | 0 | $2.99 |
A quick heat-relief tip: carbonated drinks (especially diet and citrus flavors) can actually intensify the initial sting of capsaicin. If you are eating Hot or above, a shake or a creme slusher will soothe you far better than a Sprite will.
Limited-Time and Seasonal Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Items
Dave's regularly drops limited-time items, brand collaborations, and seasonal specials. These sell out fast and rotate, so the best way to catch them is through the app or the chain's social channels.
| Limited-Time Item | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dave's x X-Men '97 X-Meal (2026) | 10-pc Bites or Single Slider + fries + 1 of 4 collectible X-Men '97 figures | ~$12.99 |
| Dave's After Dark (2026) | A late-night menu expansion with new builds and exclusives | varies |
| Pop Rocks Top-Loaded Slushers (2026) | Slushers crowned with crackling Pop Rocks candy | ~$5.99–$7.49 |
| Dave's Hot Mozz (2026) | Spice-level mozzarella sticks with cheese-pull breading | ~$5.99–$7.99 |
| Pumpkin Spice Shake (Fall seasonal) | Seasonal milkshake with pumpkin spice flavoring | ~$6.99 |
| Holiday Hot Box (Winter seasonal) | 30 pieces + 6 fries + 6 sauces, festive packaging | market price |
| Summer Slusher Pack (Summer) | 3 slushers + bites + fries cooling combo | ~$18.99 |
| Reaper Challenge Meal (year-round, limited) | Reaper tenders + fries + shake + waiver certificate | ~$19.99 |
| Grand Opening Special (new locations) | Free tenders on opening day | free |
| Birthday Bundle (app, year-round) | Free item on your birthday via the app | free w/ account |
The X-Men '97 collab is an example of the kind of limited-run partnership Dave's has offered, bundling food with collectible figures in a model similar to fast-food toy promotions. Because these promotions are time-sensitive, this one may already have ended — check the app for whatever collaboration is currently live. Dave's After Dark is a late-night concept reported at select locations with exclusive builds and extended hours.
Dave's Hot Chicken Kids Menu and Family Tips
Dave's does not have a formally branded "kids' menu," but the ordering structure makes it easy to feed children. The go-to approach is to order Single Tenders or Mini Sliders at No Spice — zero heat, full crispy flavor, and a size that works for smaller appetites. Pair with plain fries and a fountain drink or bottled water.
A few practical notes for parents: there is no kids' meal deal or toy-included combo (outside of limited-time collabs like the X-Men '97 meal). Ordering à la carte for children — a single tender (around $4.99–$5.99), fries (around $3.79–$4.29), and a small drink ($2.29) — runs roughly $11–$13 before tax, which is comparable to a kids' meal at most fast-casual competitors.
The Dave's Hot Chicken Secret Menu
Like most chains with a passionate following, Dave's has a collection of off-menu hacks and custom orders that regulars swear by. None of these are officially listed, but they are easy to order by describing what you want.
| Secret Menu Hack | What To Ask For |
|---|---|
| Pickle Bomb Slider | A regular slider with extra pickles, jalapeños, and hot sauce on top |
| Loaded Mac & Cheese | Mac & cheese topped with chopped chicken bites (your spice level) + extra Dave's sauce |
| Loaded Fries Bowl | Top Loaded Fries customized with extra cheese sauce and kale slaw on top |
| Bunless Protein Box | Any slider order "protein style" — they remove the bun and serve the chicken with pickles and slaw |
| Double Chicken Slider | Ask for a second tender added inside the slider bun (extra charge applies) |
| Tender Wrap Hack | Order tenders with extra bread and build your own wrap using the bread, slaw, pickles, and sauce |
| Mixed Heat Box | Any Hot Box with multiple spice levels — "5 Medium, 5 Hot" — the kitchen will accommodate |
| Honey Drizzle | Ask for honey packets and drizzle over spicy tenders — a traditional Nashville move that transforms the flavor |
| Shake-and-Fries Dip | Order a small vanilla shake and dunk your fries — the sweet-salty-spicy combination is addictive |
The secret menu is really just creative customization. The kitchen works with simple building blocks (chicken, bread, sauce, slaw, fries, cheese), so almost anything you can describe, they can make.
Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Calories and Nutrition
Because the menu is straightforward, the nutrition picture is relatively easy to map. Below are the key figures pulled from publicly available data. Values vary by location, spice level, and exact portion.
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tender | 450–550 | 28–34g | 18–24g | 700–900 mg |
| Single Slider | 420–750 | 32–38g | 28–35g | 900–1,100 mg |
| Dave's Bites (10 pc) | ~550–780 | 22–28g | 18–24g | 650–850 mg |
| Crinkle-Cut Fries | 310–400 | 4–6g | 14–18g | 300–450 mg |
| Cheese Fries | 420–500 | 8–12g | 20–26g | 500–650 mg |
| Top Loaded Fries (Regular) | 600–800 | 20–28g | 28–36g | 800–1,100 mg |
| Mac & Cheese | 290–360 | 10–14g | 14–18g | 480–620 mg |
| Kale Slaw | ~270 | 3–5g | 8–12g | 200–300 mg |
| Boneless Wings | ~480–650 | 26–32g | 22–28g | 750–950 mg |
| Classic Shake (Regular) | 590–760 | 8–12g | 18–24g | 200–350 mg |
| Top-Loaded Shake (Regular) | 760–950 | 10–14g | 24–30g | 300–450 mg |
Lowest-calorie picks: Kale Slaw (~270 cal), a Single Tender at No Spice (~450 cal), or plain crinkle fries (~310 cal). Highest-calorie items: Large Top Loaded Fries (~1,800 cal) and Large Shakes (~1,200 cal).
A full combo meal (tenders + fries + shake) can account for 50–80% of your daily recommended sodium intake (2,300 mg), so keep that in mind if you are watching sodium.
This section is general information, not medical or dietary advice. Verify specifics with the official nutrition guide, the app, or a staff member.
Dave's Hot Chicken Allergen Menu: What to Know
All items at Dave's Hot Chicken are prepared in shared kitchens using shared fryers and utensils. The restaurant cannot guarantee that any item is completely allergen-free. Cross-contact is a reality.
| Allergen | Where It Appears | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten (Wheat) | All breading, buns, sliced bread — every chicken item | High |
| Dairy / Milk | Mac & cheese, shakes, cheese sauce, cheese fries, some bread | Medium–High |
| Eggs | Batter, breading, some sauces | Medium |
| Soy | Seasonings, fryer oil, some sauces | Medium |
| Tree Nuts | Some shake toppings (varies by location) | Low–Medium |
| Sesame | Some buns and seasonings | Low–Medium |
There are no gluten-free options on the menu. All chicken items use wheat-flour breading in shared fryers. This is not suitable for anyone with celiac disease.
Halal status is handled at the individual location level. Many Dave's locations across the U.S. source halal-certified chicken, but it is not universal. Always confirm with your local store before ordering if halal certification matters to you.
Frequent Fryer Rewards: Earning Free Food
The Dave's Hot Chicken loyalty program runs through the official app and is genuinely worth using. You earn 10 points for every $1 spent, and the rewards unlock at reasonable thresholds.
| Points | Reward |
|---|---|
| Sign-up bonus | Free regular-sized fountain drink |
| 300 points (~$30 spent) | Free side (fries, slaw, or mac & cheese) |
| 600 points (~$60 spent) | Free shake, single slider, or single tender |
| 1,200 points (~$120 spent) | Free full combo meal |
Points can only be earned through direct orders (in-store, app, or website). Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats do not qualify. One reward per order, and rewards may expire — check the app for current terms.
The app also gives you order-ahead capability, real-time wait times, exclusive promo codes, and a free item on your birthday. If you eat here even once a month, the math works out to free food within a few visits.
How to Order: In-Store, App, and Delivery
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| In-store | Walk in, order at the counter, specify spice level per item, pick sides, pay, wait 5–8 minutes | Freshest food, free fountain refills |
| App / Website | Browse menu, set spice per piece, add to cart, choose pickup or delivery, pay | Skip the line, earn rewards points |
| Third-party delivery | Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates — note spice in special instructions | Late-night convenience (prices are higher) |
Ordering tip: Always state your spice level first and per item, not for the whole order. Saying "two tenders Medium, one slider Hot" is clear. Saying "make it spicy" is vague and the kitchen will default to Mild. You can absolutely mix spice levels within the same combo or Hot Box.
Pickup is always recommended over delivery. The food arrives hotter, the crinkle fries stay crispier (they get soggy in closed delivery bags), and you avoid the $3–$6 delivery fee.
Operating Hours, Service Options & What to Expect
Most Dave's Hot Chicken locations follow a consistent schedule, with late-night hours that make this one of the better options for a post-midnight craving.
| Day | Typical Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
Some franchise locations extend to 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and drive-thru windows sometimes stay open 30 minutes past the dining room. Holiday hours (Christmas Eve, New Year's, Thanksgiving) are typically shortened — always verify with the app or a quick call to your local store.
Service Options
Dave's locations are set up for flexibility. Most stores offer all of the following, though specific availability depends on the franchise:
- Dine-in — table service with counter ordering
- Takeout — order at the counter or via the app for pickup
- Drive-through — available at select locations (check the app)
- Delivery — through the app, website, or third-party platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates)
- Outdoor seating — many locations have patio-style seating
- Online & App ordering — order ahead, skip the line, earn rewards
Popular For
Dave's is a fit for more occasions than you might expect from a fast-casual spot:
- Solo dining — the counter format and quick turnaround make it easy to eat alone
- Lunch — tenders and sliders come out fast, usually under 10 minutes
- Dinner — Hot Boxes and combos work well for families and groups
- Late-night food — open until midnight or later, which is rare for a chicken-focused chain
- Quick bite — single tenders and mini sliders are designed for speed
Offerings
- Comfort food, small plates, quick bites, and late-night food
- Dessert — milkshakes (classic and top-loaded) and slushers
- Select locations offer beer and alcohol — check your local store
Crowd
Dave's attracts a broad mix: college students craving affordable late-night heat, tourists checking out the brand for the first time, and groups splitting Hot Boxes on game night or after a concert.
Children & Families
- High chairs available at most dine-in locations
- Good for kids — No Spice and Lite Mild give children the full crispy-chicken experience without any burn
- Mini Sliders and single tenders are natural kids' portions
Payments Accepted
- Credit cards and debit cards
- NFC / mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay at most locations)
- Cash accepted at all locations
Parking
- Most locations offer free parking lots with plenty of space
- Free street parking is also available at many standalone locations
- Drive-through eliminates parking entirely
Dave's Hot Chicken Location, Map & Contact
Dave's Hot Chicken operates 329-plus locations across 40+ U.S. states as of 2026, with new franchise openings happening monthly. There is no single national customer service number — all inquiries (catering, feedback, wait times) are handled at the individual store level.
To find the nearest location, get live hours, or check drive-through availability, use the store locator on the official Dave's Hot Chicken website or the Dave's app. You can also search "Dave's Hot Chicken near me" on Google Maps for real-time results with wait estimates.
Dave's Hot Chicken Menu Near You: Does It Change by Location?
The core menu — tenders, sliders, bites, boneless wings, fries, shakes, slushers, drinks, and cauliflower — is consistent across all 329-plus locations. Whether you are ordering in Baton Rouge, Chesterfield, Greensboro, Conway, Lubbock, Chesapeake, Columbia, Greenville, Jacksonville, Missoula, Rochester, Madison, Savannah, Seattle, Spokane, Tonawanda, Vestavia Hills, Buford, Omaha, Richmond, El Paso, Toledo, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, Tampa, Lexington, Oklahoma City, or any other city, the items and spice levels are the same.
What does change is pricing and tax. Locations in higher cost-of-living cities (New York, Los Angeles, Seattle) price slightly above locations in markets like Nashville, Houston, or Phoenix. Delivery fees through third-party apps also vary by city. Limited-time items like the X-Men '97 collab, Hot Mozz, Boneless Wings, or Pop Rocks Slushers roll out nationally but can sell out faster at high-traffic stores.
For exact prices, hours, and real-time wait times at a specific location, use the store locator at daveshotchicken.com/locations or search in the Dave's app.
About Dave's Hot Chicken: The Backstory
The short version: in 2017, Dave Kopushyan — a chef trained at Thomas Keller's French Laundry — teamed up with Arman Oganesyan and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan to sell Nashville-style hot chicken from a parking-lot pop-up in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. They pooled $900 for a portable fryer, a folding table, and ingredients.
Eater LA covered the pop-up two nights after it opened. The headline said the chicken "might blow your mind," and the lines started stretching around the block. The brand went from a single parking lot to brick-and-mortar stores, then franchise agreements, then celebrity investment from Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, and now sits at 329-plus locations across 40 states.
The menu has stayed intentionally focused the entire way: chicken (or cauliflower), bread, fries, slaw, sauce, and seven levels of heat. That simplicity is the point. Dave's does not try to be everything — it does one thing and does it obsessively well.
Dave's Hot Chicken Price Comparison by City
Because Dave's is a franchise, prices vary by market. Here is a rough comparison across major cities to help you estimate your total before ordering.
| City | Single Slider (est.) | Tenders Combo (est.) | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $7.49–$8.49 | $14.49–$16.99 | 10.25% |
| New York City, NY | $8.49–$9.99 | $16.99–$19.99 | 8.875% |
| Chicago, IL | $7.49–$8.99 | $14.99–$17.49 | 10.25% |
| Houston, TX | $6.99–$7.99 | $13.49–$15.99 | 8.25% |
| Miami, FL | $6.99–$7.99 | $13.99–$16.49 | 7.00% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $7.49–$8.49 | $14.49–$16.99 | 8.375% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $6.99–$7.99 | $13.49–$15.99 | 8.60% |
| Nashville, TN | $6.99–$7.49 | $12.99–$15.49 | 9.25% |
| Seattle, WA | $7.99–$9.49 | $15.99–$18.99 | 10.25% |
| Atlanta, GA | $6.99–$7.99 | $13.49–$15.99 | 8.90% |
Pickup is always cheaper than delivery. Third-party apps typically add $3–$6 in delivery fees plus inflated menu prices.
Catering and Gift Cards
Catering: Dave's caters office lunches, parties, corporate events, and group gatherings through Hot Box orders. Call your local restaurant at least 24–48 hours in advance. There is no national catering hotline — all catering is handled at the individual store level. Minimum orders typically start around $50 for delivery catering.
Gift Cards: Physical and digital gift cards are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $100, and custom amounts (in-store). Digital cards can be purchased through the website and app. Gift cards do not expire at most locations and can be used at any Dave's Hot Chicken in the U.S. Physical cards can be reloaded in-store but are not replaceable if lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular item on the Dave's Hot Chicken menu? The Tender & Slider Combo (Dave's #3) and Dave's Bites (10 pc.) are among the most ordered items. Medium is the most popular spice level.
Is Dave's Hot Chicken halal? Halal certification is handled at the individual location level. Many U.S. stores source halal-certified chicken, but it is not guaranteed everywhere. Always ask your local restaurant.
Are there gluten-free options? No. All chicken and cauliflower items use wheat-flour breading in shared fryers. There are no gluten-free menu items.
Is the chicken fresh or frozen? All chicken is cooked fresh to order. Never frozen.
How many spice levels are there? Seven: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper. All levels are free, and you can mix them within the same order.
Can I earn rewards through DoorDash or Uber Eats? No. Frequent Fryer points can only be earned through direct orders (in-store, app, or website).
What time does Dave's close? Hours vary by franchise. Many locations close at midnight daily, while others stay open until 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Always verify with your specific store or the app.
Does Dave's have a drive-through? Select locations do. Check the app or store locator for drive-through availability at your nearest restaurant.
What are the newest menu items in 2026? Recent additions reported on 2026 menus include Dave's Mini Sliders, Dave's Hot Mozz, Boneless Wings, the Dave's Big Trio, Slushers with Pop Rocks, the Dave's After Dark late-night menu, and limited-run collaborations like the X-Men '97 X-Meal. Availability varies by location and some are limited-time, so check the app for what is live near you.
Why do prices vary between locations? Dave's is a franchise. Each location sets prices based on local market conditions, minimum wage, rent, and cost of living.
Final Thoughts
Dave's Hot Chicken does not try to be a menu for every occasion. It is a menu for one specific craving — crispy, spicy, Nashville-style hot chicken done exactly right — and it delivers on that craving better than almost anyone else in the fast-casual space. The spice scale is genuine (the Reaper will ruin you if you are not ready), the sides are designed to work with the heat rather than just sit next to it, and the pricing stays competitive enough that a full meal rarely breaks $20.
If it is your first visit, keep it simple: order the Tender & Slider Combo (Dave's #3) at Medium, add a side of kale slaw, grab an extra cup of Dave's sauce (usually around a quarter to fifty cents), and have a shake standing by in case the heat catches up to you. You can explore the Mini Sliders, Hot Mozz, Boneless Wings, Bites, loaded fries, cauli options, and the Reaper once you know what you are getting into.
Download the app before you go. The free sign-up drink, the rewards points, and the order-ahead feature all make a real difference, especially during the weekend rush. And if you are ordering for a group, always go with a Hot Box — the per-piece cost drops dramatically, and splitting spice levels inside the same box keeps everyone happy.
Watch: Eating The ENTIRE Dave's Hot Chicken Menu!
Menu items, availability, and prices change frequently and vary by location. This guide is independent and informational and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dave's Hot Chicken. For the most accurate, up-to-date menu, prices, and nutrition details, check the official Dave's Hot Chicken app or website at daveshotchicken.com. Last reviewed: July 2026.