Dave's Hot Chicken Kids Menu: What to Order for Kids
Taking kids to a place called "Hot Chicken" sounds risky. It is not. Dave's is easy to order for kids once you know two things. There is no real kids menu. And the heat is a choice you can turn off. Here is how to feed a kid at Dave's without tears.
Does Dave's have a kids menu?
No, not an official one. Dave's does not print a separate kids menu. No store keeps a special kids board. But that is fine. The regular menu has plenty that works for kids. You just order smaller items and skip the heat. Most locations are happy to help.
The best kid-friendly orders
You build a kid meal from the normal menu. Here are the best picks.
- A No-Spice slider. Crispy chicken, pickles, and a soft bun. The easy favorite for most kids.
- A Mild tender, set to No Spice. Just the chicken, great for dipping.
- Mini sliders. A smaller, kid-sized slider that is easy to hold.
One note on size. A single mini slider is light. The full minis order is bigger. Two small kids can split it.
Sides and drinks for kids
Keep the sides simple. These are the kid-friendly ones.
- Mac & cheese. Soft, mild, and a kid classic. About 290 calories. It is also the best side on the menu.
- Fries. Crinkle-cut and easy. About 440 calories.
- Kale slaw. Lighter, if your kid eats greens.
For drinks, pick water or a small soda. A small shake makes a nice treat. The shakes are rich, near 740 calories, so let kids share one. The full numbers are in the calories guide.
Start at No Spice
This is the rule every parent needs. Always order No Spice for kids. Dave's serves Nashville hot chicken. Even the low levels can feel strong to a child. No Spice gives the same crispy chicken with zero heat. It is the mildest of the seven spice levels. Move up slowly, next time, only if they ask.
One more note. The chicken is breaded in wheat and soaked in buttermilk. So check the allergen guide if your child has a food allergy. When in doubt, ask the staff at your store.
Find your nearest Dave's
Hours and layout change by store. Some have a drive-thru, which helps a lot with kids in the car. Use the official Dave's Hot Chicken store locator to find the closest one. It lists the address, phone, and live hours.
Want to know if your store is open now, or has a drive-thru lane? Our hours and drive-thru guide shows the typical times and how to check yours fast. A quick look saves a hungry-kid meltdown in the parking lot.
The order I'd get for a kid
Here is my pick. A No-Spice slider, a side of mac & cheese, and water. Simple, soft, and mild. For a smaller child, swap in a mini slider, cut up. For a treat, split a small shake. That is a full kid meal for around six or seven dollars.
So Dave's works for the whole family. The kids get No Spice. You get to order real heat. New to the menu yourself? Start with the what-to-order guide. Then everyone leaves happy, and nobody cries — except maybe you, at Reaper.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dave's Hot Chicken have a kids menu?
Not an official, chainwide one. Dave's does not print a separate kids menu. But most locations make kid meals easy with smaller items — a No-Spice slider or a Mild tender, plus a simple side. You order it from the regular menu.
What can kids eat at Dave's Hot Chicken?
A No-Spice slider or a Mild tender works best, with fries, mac & cheese, or kale slaw on the side. The mini sliders are a good kid size too. For a drink, water, a small soda, or a small shake. Always set the spice to No Spice for young kids.
How much is a kids meal at Dave's Hot Chicken?
There is no fixed kids-meal price, since it is not an official menu. As a guide, a slider with a small side runs about $5.99 to $7.49, and a tender with a side about $5.49 to $6.99. Prices vary by location.
Is Dave's Hot Chicken too spicy for kids?
It can be, so order No Spice. Dave's is Nashville hot chicken, and even the lower heat levels can feel strong to a child. No Spice gives the same crispy chicken with zero heat. Start there, every time, for young kids.
What spice level should a kid get at Dave's?
No Spice. It is the mildest level, with no heat at all, just the seasoned, crispy chicken kids actually like. You can always go up a level next time. For a child, No Spice is the safe and simple choice.
Are Dave's mini sliders good for kids?
Yes. The mini sliders are a smaller, kid-friendly size and easy to hold. Order them No Spice. A single mini slider is light; the standard minis order is bigger, so it can be shared between two small kids.
Does Dave's Hot Chicken have anything for a toddler?
Yes, with care. A No-Spice tender or mini slider, cut up, plus plain fries works for many toddlers. Mac & cheese is a soft, mild option too. Check for allergies first, since the chicken is breaded in wheat and marinated in dairy.