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Dave’s Hot Chicken is a chicken-focused restaurant located on Berlin Turnpike in Newington, Connecticut. The establishment specializes in a variety of chicken dishes, including unique plant-based options such as their signature Dave's NOT Chicken (Cauli)™—crispy cauliflower tender bites served with a slice of bread and their distinctive Dave’s sauce. The menu features cauliflower sliders paired with kale slaw and pickles, offering an alternative for those seeking meat-free choices. Alongside the main dishes, a selection of beverages such as Coke, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, and bottled water are available to complement the meal. The restaurant also serves indulgent top-loaded shakes in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, often topped with popular mix-ins including Oreo and M&M’s. The dining atmosphere at Dave’s Hot Chicken is casual and approachable, designed to accommodate both quick meals and relaxed visits. The focus remains on delivering flavorful, bold chicken offerings with an emphasis on accessibility and variety, making it a notable local spot for both traditional and alternative poultry dishes.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for Dave’s Hot Chicken - Newington
Review highlights
Based on 285 reviewsReviews of Dave’s Hot Chicken consistently highlight the restaurant’s flavorful and well-balanced spicy chicken offerings, with customers appreciating options that cater to varying heat preferences. The full menu, including sliders, tenders, loaded fries, and distinctive sauces, receives frequent praise for taste and quality, even when ordered for takeout. Service is noted as attentive and friendly, with staff and management often engaging warmly with guests, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The location is described as spacious with a modern, graffiti-inspired decor and abundant parking, accommodating busy lunch crowds without feeling rushed. Overall, Dave’s Hot Chicken is recognized for delivering a satisfying combination of delicious food, approachable spice levels, and personable customer service in a comfortable setting.
Finally got to come here the other day (May 7). I thought the chicken sandwich was absolutely delicious. I never get “hot” per se’ and it was perfect. The staff was professional, friendly, and I felt like I mattered to them. The Manager stopped over and asked to take my trash and if I needed anything else. Lunch was $14.89, so the price was perfect!! Definitely give them a try if you are considering it.
Delicious experience! I got the chicken tender and slider combo meal with fries. I got mine medium hot which was the perfect level of spiciness and the cool coleslaw and pickles made for the perfect balance on the slider. The Dave's sauce was cool and tangy for dipping the chicken tender and fries. The crinkle fries had a very zesty seasoning which made them very tasty. Also had a vanilla shake with it which was creamy and filling. There were about 9 people ahead of me in line but the wait was only 5-7 minutes and the wait for the food was the same. Considering it was packed and they also do online orders I would consider that very fast service! Plenty of condiment choices consisting of honey, ketchup, and extra hot sauce. Def going back, only problem is it might be a little hard to find a parking space.
I absolutely love the sliders and the pickles are amazing the store Manger Phil is soo kind and engages with all customers, and it makes you feel welcomed. Will definitely be returning soon. (Sliders come with coleslaw and sauce but I didn't want it on mine)
I recently had the opportunity to try Dave's Hot Chicken for takeout, and I was thoroughly impressed with how well the food traveled home. I ordered the loaded fries with mild chicken, and they arrived in excellent condition, maintaining both their flavor and texture. The dish was topped with a generous amount of nacho cheese, which added a delightful creaminess that complemented the savory chicken perfectly. The kale slaw and pickles were standout components, providing a refreshing crunch and tanginess that balanced the richness of the cheese and chicken. Overall, all the flavors meld together beautifully, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal. If you're looking for a delicious takeout option that holds up during transit, Dave's Hot Chicken is definitely worth considering. The decorated is definitely street graphic, and I personally loved it Michael took care of me at check out. He was warm,inviting, and friendly. Vanessa handled the take out, she was efficient, detailed, and friendly. Thank you. It's definitely a great addition to the Turnpike. Iralis
We went here for lunch on a Thursday around 12:45p and it was still packed! Service - the service was great! Our cashier Michael was very enthusiastic, answered all of our first timer questions and didn’t make you feel rushed even with the long line behind us. Location - there’s plenty of seating inside and the decor is cool a lot of graffiti on the walls. Plenty of parking outside. Food - We ordered the 2 Slider Combo with Mac and Cheese. Along with the top loaded fries and a vanilla milkshake with m&ms. The word sliders was a bit deceiving I thought it’d be small so I got 2 but would’ve been good with 1. The chicken was delicious, I got hot spice and it was perfect! I also liked the slaw and pickles on the slider. The bun was a boring burger bun. I didn’t like the Mac and cheese at all the cheese sauce just tasted fake like it came out of one of those nacho cheese machines. Now the top loaded fries were so good would 10/10 recommend and order again! The milkshake was also great as it was loaded with mini M&Ms. I would visit again but just get those top loaded fries that comes with chicken already on it or a tenders meal rather than the sliders.
The manager at the Newington location in specific, I cannot tell you how important it is to be friendly to customers. My fiance and I have never been to a Dave's Hot chicken ever ! we were welcomed and helped in every area, the atmosphere was incredible the people were polite and helpful . The manager was above and beyond, he even brought us napkins as we dove into the delicious chicken we ordered. The food was hot and full of flavor. a date to truly remember. I can assure you , we will be back purely because of the people.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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