World Famous Hotboys Chicken — Restaurant in Novato

AMIGO MIOS! MY FRIENDS! BEHOLD...THE HOT CHICKEN JOINT to beat em all! I went here earlier today for the first time, accompanied by a lifelong friend whom gave the place pretty high praise, and it was no embelishment to say the food was TASTIER THAN HELL! The choice of varying levels of increasing picante chile rub used on the food gave me the impression that not only do the people that frequent this joint have a wide and varied taste , but that the restaurant can easily cater to any and all tolerances for spice, little or large. IT struck me as odd that the must un spicy choice was referred to as "southern", and I chuckled that if folks from the south knew, they would flip, but after a hearty laugh, We ordered chicken tenders with the third most hot rub: Medium PLUS!!!! Above that, if we had been so much bolder, were only the choices of "HOT" and "HOT HOT!", which had a LOT of warnings attached, such as basically needing to deal with the heat for the better part of 2 whole days afterwards. I was curious, but as I said, we elected to try something just a tad less intense. AND YET...STILL IT WAS FIRE! It was not unpleasant either, as the tenders were accompanied wiht some THICCC slices of doughey bread that may have had more spicey rub on them, which was awesome and terrifying tbh lol, ample dipping sauce, and some tasty home made mac and cheese on the side with diced little bits of chilie in it. The service was great, any and all questions were answer well, and the atmosphere was chill. They eve had some modern takes on old school arcade games that many would recognize from their past. I would certianly eat there again, as it is a full dining experience, and thats my "HOT TAKE"! ^

Unfortunate Update: I've been craving Hot Boys for months and finally made it back today. I called in my order (medium hot chicken sando combo with a soda and an extra money sauce).

I was told they'd provide 3 sauces but I only received one. When I picked up my food, the guy at the counter forgot to give me my drink and I had to ask for it.

Both of those things are not big deal but then they SKIMPED me on the chicken. Like really bad. It was a chicken tender in the sandwich and half the sandwich had no chicken at all.

Complete opposite from every other time I've been here and raved about how awesome it was. The service was lack luster to the point I didnt even let them know they dropped the ball because it was clear they didnt care. Not the same employees that were working last time I was here.

Felt like I ate a chicken nugget. There wasn't even enough chicken to break the smallest sweat. Super disappointed this time around and am a little embarrassed I've sang their praises so hard. Good chance that will be the last time I go there unfortunately.

The photos attached to this review are from my original 5 star across the board. Today's visit was such a bummer I didnt even want to take a picture. Total bill was over $19 and I was not thrilled.

------Original Review-------

Downright delicious. We live in Southern California and I crave this place more ofter than I'd like to admit. Quite possibly my new favorite spot. Service is stellar. Food is consistently phenomenal and the ambiance is great. Super casual with lots of cool pictures/graffiti to look at while you deal with the delicious heat. Nuggets with no spice are good for kiddos. Nice selection of...

I had been looking for some soul food near the hotel and the internet gods served me up this place like a hundred feet away.

Small place with plenty of seating with a lot of character. Bright colors, some retro games, and a playlist the folks (and I) that work there can dig.

I got the Mac n cheese loaded baked potato, which isn't always listed on the menu in case they run out of potatoes. It was so indulgently rich, cheesy, creamy, tangy, and savory. God dang it wa good l. I threw some pickles on the side one some of it too. Don't sleep on this.

I also got the classic full chicken sandwich. I love the fact they use thighs instead of breast as that dark/light meat mix make the sandwich so much richer and textured. The topping balance was excellent and cut into the heat with some acid and creaminess.

The heat system is unique to them just like some of the dishes themselves. I got medium, and they emphasize medium is HOT not like all caps crazy hot, but it's easily as hot as if not hotter than Dave's or other large chains Hot. I personally think Hotboys medium is hotter than Daves' hot level, and because I keep drawing the comparison, it's also just way better than Dave's overall (and Dave's ain't bad). I was very happy with the medium heat but could not handle more. If I come back I may even bump down a level.

Bottomless fountain drinks, dope.

Please go here. It's...