January 2023 - Eat it Charlotte

About three months ago Dave's Hot Chicken opened about a half a mile from my former residence. It was a welcome change from the Subway that occupied that spot for what seemed like a decade. So, on Dave's Hot Chickens' third day open, I for some reason was in the mood for a spicy chicken sandwich. Foolishly I figured I would stroll on down the road and get one. Big mistake. See we live in Charlotte, and the opening of a "new" restaurant means an hour wait for at least two months, Dave's Hot Chicken was no exception. There was a line around the corner and the gelato lady could only look on in envy as she stared at her empty establishment while people filled their gullet with chicken. What is funny is, although this restaurant is new to Charlotte, it is a chain, which is based out of California. There are 101 locations, some as far as Dubai. That didn't stop the masses from waiting hours for chicken and treating it like it was the second coming of Foghorn Leghorn. Like Shake Shack and a hundred others before it, after a while the hype subsided, and the line disappeared. Ironically it was at this time that their perfect Google rating also fell to about 4.3. As a side, it is funny how this LA joint is not in Nashville, too much real competition in Tennessee, I guess. So, is Dave's Hot Chicken any good? Let me cut to the chase. The Meal Combo # 3: One Slider, One Chicken Tender After close to two months and a fleeting craving for spicy hot chicken I get to actually enter the restaurant. The design has the perfect blend of what corporations feel hipsters would like. That atmosphere that is so plentiful in Plaza Midwood. The menu is small, I think there are only four options, and even those are a combination of two things (a sandwich and a tender). There are varying levels of spiciness, I was told that "reaper" requires you to sign a waiver, maybe next time. Since I value my taste buds, I just get a "hot" combo one chicken sandwich, one slider. So, will this review of Dave's hot Chicken in Plaza Midwood be a positive one? Surprisingly, after all the hype is gone, yes. The sandwich was one of the better Chicken sandwiches I have eaten. Not like I eat these on a regular basis. The spice level of hot was perfect for me, just enough pain. I enjoyed the pickles and both the slider, and the sandwich were juicy, not dry. One thing I enjoyed, was it wasn't too fried. Sometimes all you taste is breading in a sandwich, but this was not the case here. It is still a chain restaurant, but it was a good chain. Life changing, no, but it will do in a pinch especially after a night at Workman's' friend. The price might turn some off, after tip and adding a drink, the meal was around $20. It is certainly better than most fast-food meals, but at double the price it better be. I never left hungry, which is the goal I suppose. Will I eat at Dave's hot Chicken weekly? No, but if I do get a craving for a chicken sandwich and I am in the area I will stop by. Final Review The establishment is set up like a fast-food joint, it is a chain, yet Dave's Hot Chicken offers one of the better chicken sandwiches I have had. Albeit a pricey alternative to Wendy's or Popeyes, still worth the cost. I am no Nashville hot chicken expert, so take all of this with a grain of salt. The look fits into the neighborhood that is trying desperately to hold onto its quirky environment, while slowly sliding into corporate hell. The food is good, mainly the chicken (but that is all they really have). The fries were fine, not terrible not great, also not needed. You are already getting a fully fried meal so, hat on a hat. If you are in the area and want some pretty good food, try Dave's Hot Chicken. If you do not live close, just wait, I hear Charlotte will have 11 more of these before it is all said and done. Why am I sure there will be one in Southend? Anyway, final review 6.5 out of 10, good not great. That is all I have to say about this spot, what else is there to write about in regards to a pretty good chicken sandwich?