Heating Up in the Fox Valley: Our B+ Experience at Dave’s Hot Chicken
Hey foodies! We are back on the Appleton chicken trail. If you’ve been looking for things to do in Appleton, you’ve probably seen the bright lights and long lines at Dave’s Hot Chicken on W. Wisconsin Ave.
My son and I dropped in to see if the flavor lived up to the social media hype. After the final bite, we landed on a solid B+ review. Here is the breakdown:
The Flavor: Blackened Soul
I went with the "Mild" heat level. I was actually pleasantly surprised—it wasn't just "hot"; it had a really deep flavor that reminded me of a blackened-style seasoning. It had a nice savory kick that I really enjoyed.
My son opted for the "No Heat." It was a decent, standard chicken strip, but it lacked that signature punch found in the seasoned versions. One thing we both agreed on: the portions are good. When you order two "pieces," you are essentially getting two full chicken fillets. You definitely get plenty of meat!
The Sauces & The "Sticker Shock"
The Dave's Sauce was pretty good, though it’s definitely heavy on the mayo. If you love a creamy, rich dipping sauce, you’ll be a fan.
However, we have to talk about the bill. While the food itself is good quality, the total for two fast-food chicken dinners came to $41.15. Once you add in drinks, extra sauces, and the prompted gratuity at the counter, it starts to feel a bit "stupid" for a quick-service meal. It’s hard to call it a "budget" find when you're hitting nearly $20 per person for chicken and fries.
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for the best restaurants near me Appleton WI and want a unique, flavorful spice rub, Dave’s is worth a visit. The flavor is top-tier, just be prepared for the total at the register to be a little higher than your average chicken run!
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