Baton Rouge has no shortage of fried chicken spots, but this summer, a new contender entered the ring: Dave’s Hot Chicken.

With its arrival came huge crowds, and on opening weekend, eager customers lined up out the door, sometimes waiting as long as two hours to get a taste of the spicy, crispy fare that has turned this West Coast chain into a national sensation.

Originally founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly rose from a small pop-up stand to a booming franchise with locations across the country. The Baton Rouge restaurant, located near LSU’s campus, marks one of the latest additions.

If its food wasn’t enough, Dave’s local promotion was wild enough to attract additional customers, large huge inflatable mascots and drone light shows in the sky.

On a recent visit, I ordered the tender and slider combo meal with a medium-spiced slider and a mild tender, alongside a side of cheese fries and a strawberry lemonade to drink. The total came out to $23.74, a bit steep compared to traditional fast food, but fairly standard for Nashville hot chicken spots.

The service was efficient and friendly, with counter service and a staff that kept the line moving smoothly. Despite the crowd, I was able to find a seat easily.

The atmosphere was casual but thoughtfully designed, with plenty of LSU-inspired art and murals lining the walls, a nice nod to its location, and a smart move to appeal to the local crowd.

The food itself largely lived up to the hype. The chicken was crispy, well-fried and flavorful, with the medium spice level offering just enough of a kick to tingle the tongue without overwhelming it. The mild tender, however, was relatively plain, more suited to diners who shy away from heat. For spice lovers, the “hot” or even “extra hot” levels might be a better bet.

The cheese fries were straightforward but satisfying: classic crinkle-cut fries smothered in a generous layer of nacho cheese. The strawberry lemonade was sweet and refreshing.

Beyond the food, Dave’s Hot Chicken seems tailor-made for LSU students. With its proximity to campus and late-night hours, the restaurant stays open until midnight on weekends. It’s bound to become a go-to spot for late-night cravings and post-game bites.

Of course, no restaurant is perfect. The prices may feel high for some students, especially when compared to more budget-friendly options in the area.

Still, Dave’s Hot Chicken brings something new to Baton Rouge’s fried chicken scene.