Dave's Hot Chicken

El Cerrito, CA · Chicken restaurant

Rating
4.4/5
★★★★☆ 4.4
Reviews
20
Rank in El Cerrito
#20
of 65 restaurants
City Percentile
55%
rating percentile

Dave's Hot Chicken is a restaurant located in El Cerrito, CA. It is one of 65 restaurants listed in El Cerrito. Its 4.4-star rating is above the El Cerrito city average of 4.2 stars. It ranks #20 of 65 restaurants in El Cerrito. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Dave's Hot Chicken

TO LIVE AND FRY IN L.A. In 2017, four childhood friends came up with a simple concept — take Nashville Hot Chicken and make it better than anyone else in America. With only a couple thousand dollars to their name, they boot-strapped a pop-up concept... More

Hours

Saturday10 AM–
Sunday10 AM–
Monday10 AM–
Tuesday10 AM–
Wednesday10 AM–
Thursday10 AM–
Friday10 AM–

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Wes Harris · Jan 2026

This location is relatively new and sits in a larger shopping center, which makes it easy to get in and out. Plenty of seating inside and parking is open and free, which already puts it ahead of half the fast casual places around here. Food is solid and consistent. You know what you’re getting, and that’s a good thing. The chicken delivers every time. Huge underrated win: they have Coke Zero. Panda Express next door does not, and honestly there are days we come here purely because Coke Zero exists. No shame. The milkshakes are also a great treat, especially with the toppings. Definitely not an afterthought on the menu. One surprise standout beyond the chicken is the fried pickles. Really unique, really tasty, and not something you’d expect to be that good here, but they are. Overall,

★★★★★ 5.0 Frances Rones · Dec 2025

It was my first time to try Dave’s. Prior to this, I would get my spicy chicken sandwich either in Walnut Creek or Oakland. Glad to hear about this and it’s closer to home. Got the #2 sliders. Chicken was moist and bun was soft. You get to choose your spice level and I chose mild. Tolerance for spice is pretty high so now I know I can go for medium or higher next time. Also tried their hot honey saucy bites. The honey didn’t make the chicken soggy - still crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Pet, probably their store manager, was amazing. Their store has excellent customer service. Will definitely go back to this location again!

★★★★★ 5.0 C W · Jun 2025

The chicken is fried perfectly—crunch on the outside, still moist inside. The heat builds but doesn’t kill the flavor, which is key. Fries were solid (seasoned well, not soggy), toast buttery and addicting, and the Dave’s sauce ties it all together. Slaw was just OK, kind of an afterthought. What works: – Fast service, even with a crowd – Clean space, solid branding – Chicken actually seasoned through, not just dusted with spice What could improve: – Limited seating in some locations – Slaw and pickles could be fresher – Prices are a little steep for tenders, but the portions are big

★☆☆☆☆ 1.0 Aisha Wright · Feb 2026

I ordered the not chicken loaded fries for pickup. First and last time patronizing. Walked in and no one acknowledged me although they both we looking at me. I stepped forward, and said I am here for a pickup. He snatched off the rack dropped it on the counter. Didn't hang it to me. With my pickup I requested napkin and utensils, neither of which were in the bag. So I ask for a fork, the lady said what do you want, I repeated myself a fork please. Then she pointed she pointed to the fork and asked do you want a fork? I responded, yes I would like a fork. So she grabbed the fork, and I preceded to ask for a napkin, and she responded we don't have napkins. I open up my container of not chicken loaded fries and there was no cheese sauce, there was no sauce whatsoever, one pickle, probably ab

★★★★★ 5.0 Diego Lomeli-Katen · Aug 2024

First time here as I was just visiting in town. Food was fast to come out and staff was very friendly. I got a slider and tender combo both hot. Was kinda heavy on paprika but still oddly sweet. Not my favorite, but I think I'd like it a lot more if got a more mild flavor or even spicier depending on what seasonings they use. The chicken itself was very moist and well made. I'd definitely come by again if in the area.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Outdoor Seating ✓ No Contact Delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Onsite Services ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine In ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo Dining ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating ✓ Comfort Food ✓ Quick Bite ✓ Counter Service

Services

Chicken restaurant

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.