There's a perverse pleasure that comes from hot chicken’s scorching sensation.
No wonder Dave’s Hot Chicken is spreading like wildfire across the Midwest. The Los Angeles-based company, which launched in 2017 as a street food pop-up, opened its first Cleveland location in Lakewood in January. Another is on the way in Ohio City with more than a dozen to follow in the region. The Lakewood spot had a block-long line of worshippers pilgrimaging to this temple of spice during its first few days.
The revelation found upon arrival is a fast-food environment, a concise menu of tenders and “sliders” (not sure why they’re called this when they’re just full-sized sandwiches) or a combo of both, and sides such as fries and mac and cheese. Seven levels of spice range from no spice to reaper, which one must sign a waiver to consume.
Our resident spice fanatic found extra hot, the second hottest spice level, to properly push the boundaries, while the medium still offered an adequate kick of heat for the spice-curious eater. No matter your desired heat level, the No. 3 combo ($12.69), which presents crinkle fries, a tender on sliced white bread, a slider with kale slaw, pickles and Dave’s sauce, gives you a little taste of everything. Add cheese sauce for 50 cents as a nice creamy way to dampen the heat. 15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-238-4999, daveshotchicken.com
