I had the opportunity to try Dave’s Hot Chicken — the brand’s fifth branch in Saudi Arabia and its first in Jeddah, located at the stylish U-Walk in the Al-Zahra district — shortly after its official opening earlier this month.
The chain is known for serving chicken with a wide range of spice levels, from “no spice” and “lite mild” to “medium,” “hot,” “extra hot,” and the notoriously intense “reaper.”
I was greeted on entering by a modern, well-designed interior and a vibrant, visually engaging atmosphere that added to the overall dining experience.
The menu features a variety of combo meals, Dave’s 1-4, served with sides such as kale slaw, crinkle-cut fries, and mac and cheese.
Each meal comes with its signature Dave’s sauce, pickles, and soft bread to complement the chicken tenders. Honey is also provided, offering an additional layer of flavor.
I ordered the tender and slider combo. I opted for the medium spice level, which still delivered a noticeable kick — unsurprising for a Nashville-style hot chicken spot.
From the first bite, the chicken stood out. It was well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a moist, juicy interior.
Although I had never tried honey with chicken before, it worked surprisingly well, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
The fries were equally impressive — hot, crispy, and well-seasoned — particularly when paired with the restaurant’s signature sauce.
I also tried their top-loaded fries, which come with Dave’s bites, cheese sauce, kale slaw, pickles, and extra sauces. They were rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
The restaurant also offers saucy bites in four flavors: spicy buffalo, honey teriyaki, spicy BBQ, and hot honey. They are flavorful on their own, but taste even better when paired with the ranch sauce.
To balance the heat, the menu includes a selection of refreshing slushes, such as blue raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, and orange. The watermelon flavor, in particular, was enjoyable and refreshing.
The staff provided excellent service. They were friendly while taking orders, and the restaurant itself was clean and well-maintained.
Overall, it was a great experience. Dave’s Hot Chicken delivers on its reputation for Nashville-style hot chicken and is well worth a visit — especially for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
