Dave’S Hot Chicken Vs Howlin Rays: Which One Suits Your Preferences Better?
What To Know
- The chicken is then coated in a blend of cayenne, paprika, and other spices and fried in peanut oil.
- The coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side that provides a nice contrast to the heat of the chicken.
- The potato salad is a unique and flavorful side that is made with a blend of potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, and onions.
When it comes to Nashville hot chicken, two names stand out above the rest: Dave’s Hot Chicken and Howlin’ Ray’s. Both chains have gained national acclaim for their fiery fried chicken, but which one reigns supreme? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history, flavors, and experiences of Dave’s Hot Chicken vs. Howlin’ Ray’s to determine the ultimate winner of this mouth-watering showdown.
History and Origins
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2017 by Dave Kopushyan, a Los Angeles native who was inspired by the legendary Nashville hot chicken scene. After experimenting with recipes in his own backyard, Kopushyan opened his first brick-and-mortar location in Hollywood, California. Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly gained a cult following for its crispy, juicy chicken and its signature “heat level” system, ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.”
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s was founded in 2012 by Johnny Ray Zone, a former chef at the acclaimed restaurant Animal in Los Angeles. Zone’s passion for Nashville hot chicken led him to develop his own unique recipe, which features a blend of cayenne, paprika, and other spices. Howlin’ Ray’s opened its first location in Chinatown, Los Angeles, and has since expanded to several other cities across the United States.
Flavors and Heat Levels
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a wide range of heat levels to cater to all spice tolerances. The “No Spice” option provides a mild kick, while the “Mild” and “Medium” levels offer a more moderate heat. The “Hot” and “Extra Hot” levels are for those who enjoy a serious burn, and the “Reaper” level is reserved for the most daring spice enthusiasts.
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s also offers a variety of heat levels, but their system is a bit more straightforward. The “Mild” level is mild indeed, while the “Medium” level provides a noticeable kick. The “Hot” level is for those who like their chicken with a serious amount of heat, and the “Extra Hot” level is not for the faint of heart.
Chicken Quality and Preparation
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken uses fresh, never-frozen chicken that is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours. This process helps to create a juicy, tender chicken that can withstand the intense frying process. The chicken is then coated in a secret blend of spices and fried to perfection.
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s also uses fresh, never-frozen chicken that is brined in a secret solution for 24 hours. The chicken is then coated in a blend of cayenne, paprika, and other spices and fried in peanut oil. This results in a crispy, flavorful chicken that is sure to satisfy.
Sides and Sauces
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a variety of sides to complement its hot chicken, including fries, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. The fries are crispy and well-seasoned, while the mac and cheese is creamy and flavorful. The coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side that provides a nice contrast to the heat of the chicken.
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s also offers a variety of sides, including fries, coleslaw, and potato salad. The fries are crispy and well-seasoned, while the coleslaw is creamy and tangy. The potato salad is a unique and flavorful side that is made with a blend of potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, and onions.
Service and Atmosphere
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for its fast and friendly service. The staff is always happy to help customers choose the right heat level and provide recommendations for sides and sauces. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with a focus on providing a great dining experience.
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s is known for its long lines and limited seating. However, the staff is always working hard to get customers their food as quickly as possible. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with a focus on creating a fun and memorable dining experience.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken Champion
After carefully comparing the history, flavors, chicken quality, sides, sauces, service, and atmosphere of Dave’s Hot Chicken vs. Howlin’ Ray’s, we have reached our verdict:
Dave’s Hot Chicken is the ultimate Nashville hot chicken champion.
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a wider range of heat levels, higher-quality chicken, and a more consistent dining experience than Howlin’ Ray’s. While Howlin’ Ray’s has its own unique appeal, Dave’s Hot Chicken is the clear winner when it comes to overall quality and value.
Top Questions Asked
Which is hotter, Dave’s Hot Chicken or Howlin’ Ray’s?
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a wider range of heat levels, including the “Reaper” level, which is not available at Howlin’ Ray’s.
Which has better chicken quality, Dave’s Hot Chicken or Howlin’ Ray’s?
Both Dave’s Hot Chicken and Howlin’ Ray’s use fresh, never-frozen chicken. However, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s chicken is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours, which results in a juicier, more tender chicken.
Which has better sides and sauces, Dave’s Hot Chicken or Howlin’ Ray’s?
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a wider variety of sides and sauces than Howlin’ Ray’s. Dave’s Hot Chicken’s fries are also consistently crispy and well-seasoned.
Which has better service and atmosphere, Dave’s Hot Chicken or Howlin’ Ray’s?
Dave’s Hot Chicken has a more consistent dining experience than Howlin’ Ray’s, with faster service and a more laid-back atmosphere.