Eric S.
Yelp
LOVE ME TENDER(S)
What Dave's Hot Chicken lacks in variety, they make up for in consistency.
For the last couple years, I've been seeking the ultimate Nashville hot chicken experience, whether it's a sandwich or breaded tender. Some have come close (Fry the Coop) and others have been middling at best. Dave's makes a more-than-decent effort.
Dave's Hot Chicken has a few locations in the Chicago area: on North Ave in Melrose Park, on Western Ave in the city, and this one in Naperville at the northwest corner of Route 59 & 95th St, next to Smashburger and between Biaggi's and a Currito.
These hombres have 7 levels of spice, ranging from 'none' to 'reaper'. John Q Public might enjoy the 'mild' or 'medium', but people who enjoy spicy things would be best off with the 'hot' or 'extra hot'. 'Reaper' sounds like a stretch, even for a guy like me who admittedly loves pushing the heat envelope.
Their menu has only four choices: 2 tenders, 2 sliders, 1 tender & 1 slider, or 1 slider. Simple, no? Aside from fries, the only options for sides are mac & cheese and kale slaw. Dave's can maintain tight control over quality by keeping their menu limited, which makes sense.
I got the #1 combo (2 tenders + fries, $12), and my wife had the #3 combo (1 chicken slider + 1 tender + fries, $13). Each order comes with sliced bread, pickles, and a small cup of Dave's sauce -- a tasty concoction of mayo, mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. I tipped the guys here an extra buck and they threw in a couple bonus sauces, which I appreciated.
My gripes with Dave's are the elevated cost (by comparison, Burnin' Mouth in Yorktown Mall has incredible hot chicken at a MUCH better value), and the fact that my 'hot' was anything but. In fact, my first thought was "did they give me the wrong heat level?" The tenders were flavorful and juicy but I was disappointed with the lack of spiciness. I guess next time I gotta up the ante.
* TL;DR *
Dave's is good stuff, but after two visits they've fallen short of my expectations, lofty though they might be.
2 tenders for $12 is an awful lot (fries are $3.50, that comes out to $4.25/tender!) especially considering that drinks aren't included with a combo. Fries are great and so is their signature sauce, but last visit I was totally underwhelmed with the heat level as advertised.
I've had better, both in Nashville and outside of it. Still dig 'em, and I'll probably come back at some point.