"There are a lot of hot chicken places out there, but Bred Hot Chicken strikes the right chord. The Nashville-style crispy coating’s heat scale can reach ghost pepper-levels of spiciness. (First-timers are instructed to start with medium heat.) The Big O’ Sandwich is stuffed with Bred’s spicy crispy chicken, housemade pickles, and slaw in a toasted brioche bun. Crispy thick-cut fries are dusted with Old Bay seasoning, and signature iced tea is sweetened with raw honey and pure cane sugar. Co-owners Bred Scott and his wife, Laura, opened this new location inside San Juan Capistrano’s highly anticipated River Street Marketplace in early December 2024." - Jenn Tanaka