Dave’s Hot Chicken opens restaurant in Miami, Florida | Miami Herald
- ️Thu Feb 27 2025
That’s so fire.
The fast-food joint that Drake helped put on the map is expanding in South Florida.
Dave’s Hot Chicken just opened a new location in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
Founded by four pals as a popup in an L.A. parking lot in 2017, Dave’s got a nice boost when the rapper became a fan, and an investor, four years later.
Now the Instagram magnet — with 200-plus spots worldwide, including in Aventura and Pembroke Pines — even gives away free food on the “God’s Plan” singer’s birthday. (Michael Strahan and Samuel L Jackson are also investors.)
The fast-casual eatery specializes in colorful decor by local artists, and, of course, plump meets crispy chicken that burns your mouth to smithereens.
Naturally, you’ll love every second of the pain because, face it, if you wanted your tenders plain, you have you other options (except on Sunday).
What sets Dave’s recipe apart is that the star of the show, even the mildest version, is packed with Creole seasoning — and heat.
There’s even a flavor for the braver among us who must sign a waiver beforehand: The Reaper, with roughly 1.5 million Scoville Heat Units or SHUs. Fans of the online talk show “Hot Ones” may already be familiar with the Scoville scale, which measures capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers. Ouch.
“Due to its extremely hot nature,” begins the ominous release of liability for diners and 18 and up,“[this dish] can cause you harm, including but not limited to bodily injury, property damage, emotional distress, even death.”
You can order the chicken in slider form, too. Dave’s signature sauce is not on Cane’s level, but definitely worthy. Sides include salty meets crispy crinkle fries, briny pickle chips and a cooling kale slaw, which will quickly become your best friend.
Pro tip? BYOM. Bring Your Own Milk.
DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN
Where: 2431 NW Second Ave., Miami
Info: 305-874-7449; www.daveshotchicken.com
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 3:33 PM.
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.