Chocolate Shake
Dave's hand-spun Chocolate Shake — rich, creamy chocolate ice cream blended thick and finished with whipped cream. Deep cocoa flavor, classic diner texture, and the dairy fat that makes it one of the best cooldowns for Nashville heat.
About the Chocolate Shake
The Chocolate Shake is the boldest of Dave's three core hand-spun shakes — a thick blend of chocolate ice cream and milk with deep, satisfying cocoa flavor and a smooth, spoon-coating finish. At 760 calories it's a touch richer than the Vanilla Shake, thanks to the added chocolate.
Like all of Dave's real-ice-cream shakes, the Chocolate Shake doubles as a serious spice-cooling tool. Capsaicin — the source of the burn in hot chicken — is fat-soluble, so the dairy fat in the shake binds to it and clears it from your taste buds in a way water and soda can't. The chocolate flavor is classic and not overly sweet, making it both a satisfying dessert and a practical cooldown after a Hot or Extra Hot order. It pairs especially well with savory, salty sides for a rich sweet-and-salty contrast.
What's Inside the Chocolate Shake
Chocolate Ice Cream
Real chocolate ice cream provides the deep cocoa flavor and the rich, creamy body — along with the dairy fat that makes the shake effective at cooling spice.
Whole Milk
Blended with the ice cream to reach the signature thick, drinkable consistency — thick enough to coat a spoon, smooth enough to sip through a straw.
Chocolate Syrup
An extra layer of chocolate syrup deepens the cocoa intensity and ensures the chocolate flavor carries through every sip.
Whipped Cream
Hand-finished with a swirl of whipped cream on top for a dessert-style presentation and an added layer of creamy richness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values — may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Choose Your Size
Order the standard size, or ask whether a smaller or larger pour is available at your location. Every shake is hand-spun to order.
Base Flavor
Chocolate is the base here — but you can swap to vanilla or strawberry, or use chocolate as the foundation for added mix-ins.
Add Toppings
Top-load your Chocolate Shake with Oreo crumbles, M&M's, or Fruity Pebbles for extra crunch and sweetness. Chocolate + Oreo is a fan favorite.
Extra Whipped Cream
Ask for an extra-heavy swirl of whipped cream on top for a richer, more indulgent dessert-tier finish.
Best Pairings
Hot or Extra Hot Tenders
The shake's dairy fat neutralizes the capsaicin on hot tenders — sip between bites to reset your palate and keep the heat manageable.
Spice Relief
Dave's Bites (Hot)
Bite-sized heat alongside a rich chocolate shake is the ideal snack-and-dessert combo — crispy spice and cold, creamy cocoa.
Snack Combo
Large Top-Loaded Fries
Chocolate and salt is a timeless combination — the creamy shake contrasts perfectly with the savory, cheesy loaded fries.
Sweet-SaltyFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the Chocolate Shake cost?
The Chocolate Shake costs $5.49 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations — the same price as the Vanilla and Strawberry shakes. Prices may vary slightly by location and are typically higher on third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
How many calories are in the Chocolate Shake?
760 calories per serving — slightly more than the Vanilla Shake (740) due to the added chocolate, and on par with the Strawberry Shake (760). The calories come from real chocolate ice cream, with 30g of fat and 95g of sugar per shake.
Does the Chocolate Shake contain dairy?
Yes — it's made with real chocolate ice cream and whole milk, so it contains dairy and is not vegan. It is vegetarian-friendly. Anyone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance should avoid it. Always confirm cross-contact risks with staff if you have a severe allergy.
Does the Chocolate Shake help cool down spicy food?
Yes — much more effectively than water or soda. Capsaicin, the compound that causes the burn, is fat-soluble. The dairy fat in the ice cream binds to capsaicin molecules and clears them from your taste receptors. Carbonated drinks can't do this. After a Hot or Extra Hot order, sipping the Chocolate Shake between bites noticeably reduces the cumulative burn.
Can I add toppings to the Chocolate Shake?
Yes — you can ask the crew to top-load it with Oreo crumbles, M&M's, or Fruity Pebbles. Chocolate with Oreo is an especially popular combination. You can also request extra whipped cream for a more dessert-style finish. Customization availability depends on location and how busy the crew is.
