When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Dave's Hot Chicken
Why Dave's Hot Chicken is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dave's Hot Chicken is an exceptional fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, known for its bold flavors and customizable spice levels. Founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, the chain has quickly expanded across multiple states and countries, making it a popular destination to meet up with friends who appreciate delicious, spicy chicken dishes. The simplicity of the menu focuses on high-quality hot chicken tenders and sliders served with distinctive house-made kale slaw, pickles, and a chipotle mayo known as Dave's Sauce. Guests enjoy choosing from seven different spice levels, ranging from no spice to the formidable "reaper" level, ensuring a taste experience tailored to individual heat tolerance. Dave's Hot Chicken combines mouthwatering food with a lively atmosphere, enhanced by trendy decor and captivating artwork that contributes to a welcoming experience. Many locations—including popular ones in Minnetonka, MN, near cultural points and shopping centers—offer late-night dining, perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful night out. The restaurant's reputation for friendly staff and consistently juicy, tender chicken makes it an ideal spot for catching up with friends over comfort food with a heat kick.
Here's what people think of Dave's Hot Chicken
As of recent, Dave's Hot Chicken holds a 4.9-star rating based on 1123 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Dave's Hot Chicken for its outstanding flavor and quality. Many reviewers highlight the perfectly tender and juicy chicken, noting that the sliders are generously sized and satisfying even as a single meal. The variety of spice levels is a favorite feature, as it allows guests to find their perfect heat, with some claiming the "reaper" sauce delivers an authentic fiery experience rare to most restaurants. The accompanying kale slaw and crispy fries receive frequent compliments, as do the innovative sauces and the pleasant, artsy ambiance of the locations. Friendly and attentive service is another commonly cited positive aspect, making the dining experience enjoyable beyond just the food. On the downside, some customers have expressed disappointment with the limited dipping sauce options, especially for children, and noted that the spice sometimes falls short of expectations for those seeking extra heat. A few reviewers compare it unfavorably with other hot chicken places, although these cases are in the minority. Overall, the critical consensus celebrates Dave's Hot Chicken as a top choice for high-quality and flavorful Nashville-style hot chicken, backed by a strong 4.9-star rating from over a thousand reviews, reflecting wide customer satisfaction and enthusiasm for the brand's bold flavors and friendly vibe.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tyler Harris
I'd definitely hit it if you haven't! It's a fast casual chicken but for its category I'm not sure how it could get better! My first time here and I'm so glad I stopped! I did the medium, which was the perfect amount of heat for me. Just enough to add to the flavor. I also added him only per Jackie the cashier. Great advice! Service was great by Jackie and Jack in the kitchen! Atmosphere was clean and welcoming
Abdel Kahin
I had an awesome experience at Dave's Hot Chicken! Not only was the food fresh, hot, and full of flavor, but the customer service was top-notch. I want to specifically recognize Jeremy, who went out of his way to make sure I was completely satisfied with my order. He was friendly, attentive, and genuinely cared about my experience. It’s rare to find that level of service these days, and it made my visit even better. Thanks, Jeremy — you’ve earned a loyal customer! I’ll definitely be back.
Rylee B
We had such a good experience at this Dave’s. The customer service from Montana, Meghan, and Jared was great. They went above and beyond when helping us with our order. The food was delicious as always. We even tried the Not chicken in addition to our normal order, and it was great! Highly recommend this location, they never disappoint!
Sara Watson
The food was great! The best hot chicken I’ve had west of TN! But the real treat was the employees. Both Donald and Megan were exceptionally kind and patient as we asked about the food. Donald, especially, was as friendly as could be! Phenomenal service! Will 100% return!
Agnes Vic
I went in when it's just open for a few weeks. Fast and friendly service, enough portion for me, affordable prices. And i love the spices they've been using. The restaurant is very clean, spotless, and spacious. Either her name is Jennifer or jennie, she wore glasses. She's excellent! Thank you for having us! Will be back for more.
How to reach Dave's Hot Chicken
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Why Dave's Hot Chicken may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dave's Hot Chicken with your friends? Dave's Hot Chicken is more than just a spot to grab a meal; it's a vibrant social hub where flavor and fun converge to create memorable group gatherings. With a stellar rating of 4.9 based on over 1,100 reviews, this restaurant has earned a reputation for delivering mouthwatering hot chicken that balances heat, taste, and quality. Friends seeking a lively and casual environment will find it ideally suited for meaningful conversations and shared indulgence. The atmosphere is relaxed yet buzzing, inviting groups to linger over plates of bold, spicy chicken paired with crispy, seasoned fries and fresh kale slaw that complement the main dishes beautifully. Whether you're celebrating a casual catch-up, an impromptu weekend rally, or a special occasion, Dave's Hot Chicken offers a spirited setting where the joy of eating together is amplified by the warm and attentive service. The high customer satisfaction highlights how delicious food combined with a welcoming vibe can make every meetup feel special and worth repeating.
What makes Dave's Hot Chicken perfect for group meetups? The first draw for groups is the menu crafted to ignite everyone's taste buds collectively. The hot chicken here is the hero—a juicy, tender centerpiece dusted with a signature rub that offers a heat spectrum from mild to the adventurous reaper level, accommodating all spice preferences in your party. This flexibility means groups with diverse tolerance for spiciness can dine comfortably, making it very inclusive. Beyond just chicken, the sides complement group sharing effortlessly, with standout options like cheese fries that satisfy indulgent cravings and kale slaw providing a fresh, crisp counterbalance. Dave’s environment supports sociability as well—a casual, clean dining room encourages relaxed conversations and easy movement, a plus when mingling or waiting on loved ones. Further enhancing group dynamics is the staff’s service level, consistently praised for friendliness and helpful recommendations that ease ordering and enrich the dining experience, ensuring all attendees feel cared for and welcome.
What activities can groups enjoy at Dave’s Hot Chicken? While primarily a culinary destination, Dave’s Hot Chicken cultivates an engaging atmosphere suitable for various group-friendly activities. Groups can rally around their shared love of spicy food by trying different heat levels of chicken and comparing experiences, turning the meal into a fun tasting challenge or friendly competition. The layout also supports casual hangouts—friends or families can occupy larger tables conducive to storytelling, laughing, and catching up uninterrupted. For those looking to elevate their meetup, Dave’s has embraced a community-friendly vibe, perfect for after-work gatherings, casual celebrations, or weekend hangouts. Though the focus is on quality fast-casual dining, the energetic ambiance makes it ideal for social media moments, photo ops with friends, and sparking new connections. Whether it’s a planned reunion or a spontaneous dinner, the combination of great food and social warmth at Dave's Hot Chicken turns simple meals into fulfilling group experiences.
Why is the menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken a group pleaser? The menu showcases a thoughtful balance of fiery boldness and approachable flavors designed to satisfy a wide audience. Each chicken piece is hand-brushed with a proprietary hot spice rub, delivering layers of flavor that aren’t just heat for heat’s sake but a crafted taste experience. Groups can order a variety of spice levels from “no heat” to “reaper,” making it inclusive for children and spice novices as well as those craving intense heat. Complementing the chicken are sides like Dave’s renowned cheese fries, which offer the perfect creamy, salty contrast, and kale slaw, which revives the palate with its crunchy freshness. The variety extends to sandwiches, tenders, and bites, allowing groups to mix and match to please different appetites and preferences. Sharing plates is naturally encouraged, turning the meal into a communal event where everyone gets to sample different offerings. This diverse yet cohesive menu has become a cornerstone for group meetups looking to enjoy shared comfort food in a flavorful new way.
How does the atmosphere at Dave’s Hot Chicken enhance group experiences? The ambiance is casual, bright, and welcoming, designed to make guests feel comfortable and at home. Tables are strategically spaced to allow groups to spread out a bit but still enjoy the lively buzz of the space. The décor blends a modern fast-casual feel with warm touches that invite guests to relax and savor their time together. The dining area’s cleanliness and comfort receive consistent praise, contributing to a pleasant overall experience where the focus can remain on socializing and savoring the food. Additionally, the attentive staff adds to the welcoming vibe, often engaging with guests warmly, which can make groups feel recognized and valued. As a result, meetups at Dave’s Hot Chicken are often not rushed, allowing ample time for chatter, laughter, and enjoying each other’s company, a quality much appreciated for group outings.
What do reviewers say about dining at Dave’s Hot Chicken with friends or family? Customer feedback highlights the restaurant’s ability to deliver satisfying food alongside memorable service, key for any successful group outing. Many patrons mention the personable and attentive staff who assist in making good recommendations tailored to the group’s taste preferences and help the ordering process flow smoothly. Reviewers appreciate how the restaurant accommodates different spice preferences, which frequently emerges as a major plus for groups with diverse palates. Some point out the high quality and freshness of the chicken and the satisfying sides as reasons to return repeatedly. In some reviews, small critiques like a limited dipping sauce variety for kids are noted, yet these are generally minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive consensus. The combination of great food, accommodating staff, and a casual, comfortable setting seems to make Dave’s Hot Chicken a favored place to bring friends or family and enjoy a relaxed, delicious meal together.
What practical considerations make Dave’s Hot Chicken a convenient meetup spot? Beyond the quality of food and service, the restaurant’s hours and location enhance its suitability for groups. Dave’s Hot Chicken typically stays open late, until 11 p.m., providing flexible timing for different schedules, perfect for after-work or evening gatherings. Its presence in popular neighborhoods with accessible parking or transit options reduces hassle for groups coming from different parts of the city. The dining space supports groups effectively with adequate seating and a layout that encourages interaction rather than isolation. Also, for those who prefer to extend their meetup elsewhere, the restaurant offers takeout options, so groups can start or end their time at Dave’s without feeling constrained. This combination of accessibility, convenience, and group-friendly design reinforces its popularity as a gathering place for friends and family.
In sum, Dave's Hot Chicken stands out as an exceptional venue for group meetups due to its acclaimed hot chicken menu with flexible spice options, complementary sides, welcoming casual atmosphere, and consistently positive reviews highlighting great service. Whether you’re rallying for a spicy food adventure, a casual lunchtime catch-up, or a celebratory outing, Dave's Hot Chicken offers a dynamic, flavorful, and warm environment that invites groups to connect over cherished shared meals.