In just six years, Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown to more than 100 locations, including two in Madison.
The restaurant is laser-focused on providing juicy, tender chicken, and hence why it’s essentially the only item on the menu.
The tenders can be served on a slice of white bread or in a bun, but either way, it’s the same tender. Indeed, they were juicy and tender, and I’d also describe them as plump with a light exterior crunch. They also come with Dave’s sauce, which slightly resembled a bang bang sauce.
I liked the soft bun, crunchy pickles and bits of slaw in my slider ($6.69). I ordered this tender in mild flavor, and it was, allowing you to truly taste the paprika-like seasoning.
My other tender ($4.69) was medium in spice level, and I thought it was barely more spicy than the mild version. For reference, the levels are no spice, lite mild, mild, medium, hot, extra hot and reaper.
I was pleased to see shakes ($4.99 for large, $3.99 for small) on the menu. The strawberry milkshake was thick and sweet, and it provided a nice contrast from the savory chicken. Vanilla and chocolate are the other flavors, plus you can top them with Oreos or M&Ms.
Both Madison locations of Dave’s Hot Chicken are open for lunch and dinner every day.
