Dave’s Hot Chicken — Restaurant in Framingham

This place recently opened and I wanted to check it out. I have never been to a Dave's Hot Chicken spot but I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of chicken sandwiches. I got the #2 combo at the extra spicy level. Everything was very tasty. The extra spicy level was just a tad underwhelming for someone who really likes to crank up the heat, I think I will try the reaper spice level next time I return. My wife tried the medium level which allowed the flavor to be there without frying your taste buds. The chicken "sliders" are interesting. They are small enough that one might not fill you up but two was actually too much for me, especially when you order the combo with fries. The sauce that came with the meal was pretty good, kinda on the sweet side. It went well with both the fries and sandwiches. The fries were crispy and seasoned with some sort of spice that added some extra flavor as well. Pickles were just normal pickles, nothing to rave about.

Service was on point! We got our food extremely quick, especially with how busy they looked. Compared to the almost 2 hr wait that I had when the Raising Canes opened in Marlborough, this wait was nothing! Even on a regular day I would call the service quick. The employees were very attentive, asking if customers needed anything, helping older customers take pictures of the menu so they could see better, encouraging customers to check in on yelp so they can get a free milkshake. I saw an employee hand out free milkshakes when someone didn't claim their order. Just overall very friendly and willing to serve, not what you expect from a fastfood joint. This was probably due to how new the place was and wanting to create a strong impression, but it worked nonetheless.

The atmosphere was nothing to rave about, they have this graffiti aesthetic going on that I wasn't a huge fan of. This theme was present inside and outside of the restaurant. Music was playing just a little too loud for my liking but it didn't bother me much. It seemed like a lot of people were just there for takeout, but the restaurant had several tables for dine-in guests.

Overall, I would strongly recommend this place. These are better Nashville hot chicken sandwiches than the ones I've had in Nashville! I think Underdog in Allston still reigns supreme in my chicken sandwich tier list, but Dave's come high onto the list...

Having lived my entire life in los angeles before moving here last year, i actually never once tried daves. Saw this new location and figured id finally give it a shot. Got the 2 tenders combo with cheese fries. For spice level i got one no spice (just to see how good the actual chicken is) and one medium. IMO, its completely lacking in salt and flavor. The medium did pack a little heat. A sweet spice type of heat; but i found the overall flavor of the chicken bland. The cheese fries were good, but shouldve gone with regular fries.

I dont get the hype...I guess theres a reason why everyone raves about how juicy and fresh the chicken is (it was), but not how flavorful it is. (It wasnt) Sorry.

**EDIT/REVIEW UPDATE a year later and i have eaten my words in chicken. i love daves. the chicken is ALWAYS fresh, hot and juicy. while i still think the chicken itself probably lacks a bit in salt, the seasoning that comes with the heat levels makes up for it. the fries are also so good. never went back to the cheese fries. everything has such a satisfying crunch, it's actually an addicting texture. medium level sliders is my go-to as it has zero spice for me, but all the flavor. i'm the type of person who absolutely loves hot cheetos and can eat them non stop, but will die after about 5 takis, so i've never gone up to hot because i'm scared. 😔🤣 but maybe one day. also gotta say, while i've never eaten in, i always order on the app to pick up and the staff is always...

They opened today as I write, and they did fantastically well. They were making the rounds soliciting constructive feedback, so in that spirit: chicken- fantastic. So spicy (several spice levels from None to Medium to Reaper and many in between). Today, opening day, they asked me to try a honey packet, and I confess I lost the flavor because the hot spices were already doing so much. But I caught enough of a hint to know that’s a good choice too. If you’re getting medium spice or less, I bet that sweet & spicy would be a hit. Fries were wonderfully flavorful. Yes, you want the cheese fries. But even if you’re wrong, you’re right - the spice rub is delightfully savory. Milkshakes are great, I got it “top loaded” with M&Ms. Comes out quick too if the ice cream guy hears you order it over the cashier’s shoulder. Music was bangers all the time. Some others around me groveled about it, but I’m a fan. I wouldn’t hate it if it was turned down, but I hope the positive vibes of this place doesn’t get quashed by suburbanites’ stodginess. I wish napkin dispensers were at the table rather than just the counter. Easy to get your fingers messy and the (good) bread doesn’t stop that. And I want to help wipe the table a little bit and save y’all some effort.

A lot to love. Welcome...