It’s pretty hard to believe that one of the hottest new chicken chains around the world started out as a parking lot pop-up with a couple of folding tables and a portable fryer.
But after checking out Dave’s Hot Chicken’s newest and first joint in Raleigh, I get the hype behind its spicy, savory — and yes, sparkly — seasoned fried chicken.
The California-based chain, established in 2017, just recently took over the former BB’s Crispy Chicken in the Midtown East shopping center.
In the South, foodies know the area is basically an epicenter of chicken chains with numerous fan-favorite spots. But with a small menu made up of big portions, Dave’s is heating up the local fried chicken scene. And I mean that quite literally considering its Nashville-style birds are served with seven different spice levels.
“Bigger than fingers, strips or boneless wings,” the chicken spot serves full-sized, hand-breaded tenders and sandwich “sliders” all fried-to-order with heat options ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” There are also multiple sides and sweets, including fries, kale slaw, mac & cheese and shakes.
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken affordable?
As part of our regular “On a Budget” series — in which we visit a restaurant having a moment, sticking to a $25-or-under bill — I was not expecting that my order for one would be enough to split into two…