Seemor

Dave's Hot ChickenB-Worth Trying

Name: Dave's Hot Chicken
Address: 777 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, Salt Lake City, United States
Rating: 4.9

777 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 · Chicken restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (1785 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Crowd-pleasing Nashville-style hot chicken sliders and tenders with speedy, friendly counter service; expect bold seasoning, occasional heat-level mixups, and good value combos.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Dave's Hot Chicken delivers solid fast-casual execution with strong food quality and engaged counter service, but inconsistent execution—occasional heat-level mistakes, portion variance, and peak-time delays—prevents a higher grade. The Sugar House location offers convenient appeal and friendly staff who fix issues, making it a reliable neighborhood stop for Nashville-style hot chicken without the polish or consistency of grade A establishments.

Restaurant Summary

Sugar House crowds pile in for hot chicken done fast-casual style, with bright walls and a line that moves thanks to friendly counter pros. One diner raved that staff explained the spice scale and got food out hot and right. However, the vibe can be lively and close to closing time chairs may come in early. The cooking sticks to classic Nashville hot: crispy tenders or sliders with slaw, pickles, and Dave's sauce, plus well-seasoned fries. Most find the chicken juicy and crunchy with heat that builds just right, though a minority report oversalted rubs, occasional dry bites, or a mixed-up heat level that staff usually fix. This is comfort-first, not chef-y experimentation. Families do well here because the menu has kid-friendly basics. Tenders, fries, and shakes are slam dunks, and heat can be set to no-spice or mild. There is no dedicated kids menu, so plan portions accordingly, and steer little ones toward mild to keep things fun.

At a Glance

Crispy, juicy tenders and sliders with heat levels that are easy to customize
Engaged counter team that explains the menu and fixes issues
Occasional portion variance and chicken-to-bun ratio complaints
Peak-time waits and remake delays up to 20-30 minutes

What Sets It Apart

customizable_heat_scale
late_night_hours
friendly_counter_guidance

What People Love

That first crunch on a freshly fried tender
Clear heat scale guidance from staff
Loaded fries as a hearty shareable
Clean, vibrant space that feels lively

Points of Concern

Heat-level mistakes and occasional dry or oversalted pieces reported by a minority
Chicken-to-bun ratio on sliders varies; some bites feel mostly bread
Peak lunch or remakes can take 20-30 minutes
Tipping prompts at counter bother some guests

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$16-$21 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose meal combos for best value over a la carte add-ons
Families: order 2 Tenders w/ Fries and split a small shake

Perfect For

Quick lunch in Sugar House
Late-night hot chicken cravings
Casual family meal with simple choices
Post-event bite with friends

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Sugar House corridor with mixed retail and dining, popular with students, families, and weekend crowds.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial area with steady foot traffic into late evening.

Nearby: Near shops and casual eateries; convenient post-concert or appointment stop as several reviews note.

Sugar HouseSugar House is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood known for its eclectic dining options, boutique shops, and a lively social atmosphere. It attracts a mix of locals and visitors looking for casual dining and entertainment in a walkable, community-focused environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:30–00:00 Tuesday10:30–00:00 Wednesday10:30–00:00 Thursday10:30–01:00 Friday10:30–01:00 Saturday10:30–01:00 Sunday10:30–00:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →