Whether it is their juicy chicken tenders or their chicken sliders, new kid on the chicken block, Dave’s Hot Chicken, has plenty of great options to choose from. But with two similar menus, how does it compare to the beloved Raising Cane’s, which has become a local standard for chicken in Massachusetts?
Founded in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly became one of the most popular chicken restaurants in America. It now has a location on Park Ave. in Worcester and another in Framingham. Their menu includes chicken tenders, sliders, french fries, and shakes, which are all delicious options. Their famous chicken has seven different spice levels, ranging from no spice to their hottest level, Reaper.
During my visit to Dave’s Hot Chicken in Worcester, I was immediately impressed by the fast food restaurant’s atmosphere. The walls were filled with colorful graffiti art, the floors and tables were clean and the place was busy. Additionally, the restaurant felt very similar to Raising Cane’s. Overall, the restaurant was energetic and had a welcoming atmosphere.
I ordered one tender and slider, both their third highest spice level, Hot, along with a side of fries and a soda. I also got their signature Dave’s sauce that came with the meal. The chicken was flavorful and juicy with the spice level being what I expected. I especially liked mixing the Dave’s sauce with honey and dipping the chicken in it, which made the meal even more enjoyable. When comparing it to Raising Cane’s, it was apparent that the hot chicken at Dave’s had much more flavor, along with far better french fries due to their delicious seasoning.
The service was good as well. All of the workers were friendly and helpful. They were also very attentive, and it did not take long at all for my food to be ready. My meal came out to around $22, and I thought the food was pretty well priced, as you get a lot of food for your money.
With the high-quality food, interesting atmosphere and good service, Dave’s Hot Chicken is a place I could see myself going to again. In comparison to Raising Cane’s, I think the food is far better and it’s the overall superior option for fast food chicken.
