Dave’s Hot Chicken Orlando 2025: Spice Levels & The Reaper

Dave’s Hot Chicken Orlando: Are you ready to face the heat?

 With its official arrival in Orlando, Dave’s Hot Chicken is bringing its renowned Nashville-style hot chicken to Central Florida. With seven levels of spice—from “No Spice” for the weak of heart to the infamous “Reaper” for true heat seekers—this cult favorite, supported by famous investors like Drake, provides a powerful, flavorful experience. 557 N Alafaya Trail in the Waterford Lakes Town Center is the first location to open and sate your Nashville hot chicken craving in the Orlando area. The fact that the chicken used throughout the brand is certified Dave’s Hot Chicken Halal is also significant to many fans.

🌶️ Conquering the Heat: Everything You Need to Know in the Sunshine State

Orlando foodies could only imagine that ideal, crispy, juicy, and intensely spiced tender for years. The dream has now come true. However, it can be intimidating to take the counter. What ought one to order? To what extent is “Hot” hot? And really, is a waiver required for the Reaper?
The ultimate guide to making your visit to Dave’s Hot Chicken Orlando a fiery success has been brought to you by us after we’ve done the research and sweated through a few spice levels ourselves.

Where Can I Find Dave’s Hot Chicken in Orlando?

The first official opening was the focal point of the initial excitement. The first Dave’s Hot Chicken location in the Orlando area is located at 557 N. Alafaya Trail in the busy Waterford Lakes Town Center.
Lunch, dinner, and even late-night bites are available at this location. The company plans another location for Kissimmee (6113 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy), which will be nearer the theme parks, for those who live closer to the tourism corridor. Local people are buzzing about the new Kissimmee location, and they frequently mention it by its local address on Food Hall Road.

🗺️ The National Hype: From LA Pop-Up to Global Brand

It’s unbelievable that this enormous chain began in a parking lot. The brand’s explosive growth is demonstrated by its quick expansion from popular California locations like Dave’s Hot Chicken Seattle and Dave’s Hot Chicken Portland to East Coast locations like Dave’s Hot Chicken Wake Forest and the soon-to-open Dave’s Hot Chicken Pa (Pennsylvania).

If you’re wondering who’s driving this expansion, a quick search reveals that Bill Phelps, the CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, and other industry veterans have been instrumental in taking the concept from Orlando to Chicken Lubbuck and Dave’s Hot Chicken Wichita, Kansas. The widespread fanaticism is only exacerbated by new openings, such as the one in Dave’s Hot Chicken Redmond. The enthusiasm for their local stores is already evident among fans near the Dave’s Hot Chicken South Bend photos indeed.

🔥 Navigating the Legendary Dave’s Hot Chicken Spice Levels

• The heat is at the heart of Dave’s experience. The official breakdown of their seven infamous spice levels is as follows:
•  No Spice: Try it before you judge! This enables you to enjoy the creamy Dave’s Sauce and the expertly seasoned and fried chicken. Excellent for children or those who prefer pure flavors.
• Light Mild: A nice tingle. Start here if you enjoy a little pepper but are afraid of the burn.
• Mild: There are no training wheels. A decent, controllable warmth that gives a pleasant kick without being uncomfortable.
• Medium: Things start to get intriguing at this point. A pleasing, palpable heat. For many people who enjoy spice but still want to converse while eating, it’s the ideal place.
•  Hot: My own favorite. This level offers a powerful kick that makes you want to take a sip of your shake—a steady, addictive burn. When you want to taste the chicken and feel the fire, you order this.
• Extra Hot: We’re conversing now. This is a real challenge if “Hot” is too easy for you. Your ears may tingle, your nose will run, and you’ll undoubtedly reach for that kale slaw!
• The Challenge’s Reaper: Yes, you are required to sign a waiver. This is pure volcanic heat, featuring the ferocious Carolina Reaper pepper. It’s not a meal, but a battle. Be very careful, and perhaps bring some milk!

🐔 Must-Try Menu Items: Tenders, Sliders, and Sides

While the spice gets the headlines, the menu is simple and perfected. The two main options are the Tenders and the Sliders.

The Chicken Tender (A Halal Favorite)

The massive, hand-breaded, Halal-certified chicken tenders are the backbone of the menu. They are served traditionally on a slice of bread with a handful of crunchy pickles. Don’t skip dipping them in the sweet, tangy Dave’s Sauce—it’s the perfect, cool counterpoint to the heat!

The Hot Chicken Slider (The Fan Favorite)

If you want the full experience, get a slider. It features a tender (your spice level of choice) piled high on a soft potato bun, topped with creamy Kale Slaw and plenty of pickles. This is the meal that truly earned the hype!

The Best Sides to Cool the Fire

What’s the best way to handle the heat? With some truly fantastic sides! The Mac & Cheese is creamy comfort in a cup, and the Kale Slaw (not just an afterthought) is essential if you go past Medium. And of course, the Fries are seasoned and crispy—perfect for dipping.

FAQ: What are the typical dave hot chicken hours?

Dave Hot Chicken hours typically run from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, often extending to 11:00 PM or midnight on Friday and Saturday at many locations, including the one in Orlando. Always check the specific store’s hours before you visit, especially for late-night cravings!

💭 Conclusion: Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Worth the Hype?

So, is Dave’s Hot Chicken Orlando worth the buzz? Absolutely. It’s the perfect blend of high-quality, juicy chicken, a breading with a satisfying crunch, and a customizable heat experience that leaves other Nashville hot chicken spots scrambling to catch up. Whether you’re a spice novice or a seasoned chili-head chasing the Reaper, there’s a place for you at their table. Orlando’s food scene just got a whole lot hotter.

We want to hear from you! What spice level are you brave enough to try at Dave’s Hot Chicken Orlando? Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience!