1. Choose your restaurant
Prices, availability and opening hours are set per restaurant, so start by finding yours on the locations page.
Ordering guide
Dave's Hot Chicken Ordering Guide
New to Dave's? This guide explains how ordering works, what to get on your first visit, and how to pick a spice level you will actually enjoy.
Quick answer: pick your restaurant, choose your items, choose a spice level for each item, then order ahead for pickup in the official ordering flow. First visit? A numbered meal at Mild or Medium is the safest start.
How ordering works
2. Pick your items
Meals bundle tenders or sliders with fries; single items, bites, sides and shakes can be added on their own. The menu guide explains every format.
3. Choose a spice level per item
Every item is made at the heat level you pick for it — from No Spice to Reaper. Different items in the same order can have different levels.
4. Order ahead for pickup
The official ordering flow shows your restaurant's exact itemised total before you pay. Delivery through third-party services may also be available, depending on the location.
What to order on your first visit
The classic start
Dave's #1 (two tenders with fries) or Dave's #2 (two sliders with fries) — the two core meals. Choose tenders for pure chicken, sliders if you want the bun, slaw and pickles.
One of each
Dave's #3 pairs one tender and one slider with fries, so you can compare both formats in a single meal before picking a favourite.
Smaller appetite
A single tender or single slider keeps it light, and Dave's Bites are an easy shareable extra for the table. The prices guide shows example estimated prices for budgeting.
Choosing your spice level
The level is the decision most first-timers get wrong — usually by going too hot. Start with Mild if you are cautious or Medium if you eat spicy food regularly, and move up one level per visit. The spice levels guide matches each level to foods you already know, and explains cooling strategies if you overshoot.
Ordering without the heat
Dave's works fine with no spice at all: No Spice keeps the seasoned, crispy coating with zero heat, and Lite Mild adds gentle warmth. Sliders come with kale slaw, pickles and Dave's Sauce, which soften heat further — and you can always ask for sauce on the side so you control how much goes on.
Pickup vs delivery
Ordering direct for pickup shows the restaurant's own prices and total before payment. Third-party delivery adds service and delivery fees, and the menu prices on those platforms can differ from the restaurant's — so compare the final totals, not just the item prices. The prices guide explains every reason totals vary.
Group orders and catering
For a group, order ahead and spread the heat: mostly Mild and Medium, with one or two Hot items for the heat-seekers, plus shareable bites and sides. Larger group and catering options vary by restaurant — check the official website or ask your local restaurant what they can prepare.
Ordering FAQ
Can I choose different spice levels on different items in one order?
Yes. The spice level is chosen per item, so one order can include, for example, a Mild slider and a Hot tender. That makes it easy to share an order between people with different heat preferences.
What should a first-timer order at Dave's Hot Chicken?
A numbered meal such as Dave's #1 (two tenders with fries) or Dave's #2 (two sliders with fries) at Mild or Medium gives the full experience without extreme heat. If you want to try both formats, Dave's #3 combines one tender and one slider with fries.
Does Dave's Hot Chicken offer catering or group orders?
Group and catering options vary by restaurant. Check the official website or ask your local restaurant what they can prepare for larger orders, and order ahead where possible.
Why can delivery cost more than pickup?
Third-party delivery services add their own fees, and the menu prices shown on delivery platforms can differ from the restaurant's own prices. Ordering for pickup through the official ordering flow shows the restaurant's itemised total before you pay.
Ready to order? This guide does not take orders — build yours in the official Dave's Hot Chicken ordering flow for your restaurant's exact menu and total.