Haven Hot Chicken Reviews: Tasting Nashville Hot Chicken in New Haven

Haven Hot Chicken has been bringing the flavors of Nashville hot chicken to New Haven since 2019. Located on Crown Street, this hot chicken joint has quickly become a local favorite, earning rave reviews for its crispy fried chicken coated in spicy cayenne and chili infused oil.

As a hot chicken fan, I was eager to check out Haven to see if it lives up to the hype. Below I’ll share my experience and review of the food, service, and ambience at Haven Hot Chicken.

Hot chicken originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s characterized by fried chicken that gets coated in a spicy chili oil, making it mouth-numbingly hot. The spice level ranges from mild to extra hot. Some hot chicken is also served with a range of Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and french fries.

This spicy fried chicken has become a sensation, spreading beyond Nashville to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and of course, New Haven. Restaurants offer their own spin on hot chicken, tweaking factors like the batter, spice blend, and heat level.

My Experience at Haven Hot Chicken

I visited Haven on a Saturday evening. The restaurant has a hip casual vibe with corrugated metal walls neon signs, and chicken wire light fixtures. Pop and old school hip hop plays in the background.

We sat at one of the picnic tables to peruse the menu. It’s short and sweet, with around 10 hot chicken offerings. There are chicken tenders and sandwiches plus “plates” with fried chicken on the bone.

The spice levels range from Country (no heat) to Haven Hot (their hottest) Sides include fries, slaw, beans, and cheese fritters I went with the hot chicken plate with a side of fries and slaw. My friend ordered a fried chicken sandwich with a side of beans.

Our food came out fast – just 10 minutes after ordering. The presentation was on point. My hot chicken plate was served on a metal tray lined with paper – perfect for catching any stray crumbs and drips. Four large chicken thighs were piled high, generously coated in chili oil and chopped pickled chiles. The fries were perfectly crispy and the creamy slaw helped offset the heat.

The chicken definitely lived up to its hot billing with a steady burn that had me sweating and reaching for my water. But it was far from overwhelming, flavored with spices and chili crisp rather than just straight heat. Each bite was juicy, the batter crispy yet thin enough not to overpower the chicken.

My friend enjoyed her fried chicken sandwich just as much reporting that the breast meat was juicy and flavorful. Her side of baked beans was sweet, smoky and spiced with cayenne.

The service was fast and friendly, with our server quickly refilling our drinks. For dessert, she recommended the soft serve ice cream which was the perfect sweet treat to cool our mouths after the spicy chicken.

Overall, I was very impressed with Haven Hot Chicken. The chicken itself was everything you could want in a hot chicken restaurant – juicy, crisply fried, spicy, and full of flavor. Paired with classic hot chicken sides like slaw and beans, it made for a satisfying and fun comfort food experience.

What the Reviews Say About Haven Hot Chicken

Looking at Yelp, Google, and Facebook, Haven Hot Chicken has over 200 reviews averaging between 4 and 5 stars. Here are some of the most common praise points:

• Authentic Nashville-style chicken – Most reviewers say Haven’s hot chicken is the real deal and transports your tastebuds straight to Tennessee. They nail the complex seasonings rather than just overwhelming heat.

• Crispy, juicy fried chicken – Reviewers love the crispy batter and juicy, tender chicken underneath. Even the breast meat stays moist, defying the usual pitfalls of fried chicken.

• Interesting sides – The core sides like slaw, beans, and fries get rave reviews. But customers also love the more creative options like pimento cheese fritters and vinegar-based cucumber salad.

• Spice level range – Reviewers appreciate the wide range of spice levels, accommodating both hardcore heat lovers and those who prefer mild. The heat builds slowly rather than punching you in the mouth right away.

• Great service – Multiple reviewers mention the friendly, attentive service that enhances the welcoming, casual atmosphere.

The few critical reviews focus on factors like the small seating area,pricing, and occasional dry chicken. But overall, most customers consider Haven Hot Chicken a must-try spot for hot chicken in New Haven.

My Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of your meal at Haven Hot Chicken, I have a few tips:

• Go with a group so you can sample multiple spice levels. I recommend getting at least one fried chicken sandwich and one chicken plate with bone-in chicken and sides.

• The medium and hot spice levels pack enough heat for most people. Only go extra hot if you have a proven high tolerance.

• Get both the slaw and baked beans to balance the heat and add flavor. The cheese fritters and cucumber salad are also great options.

• If you’ll be waiting a while for your table, put in your order at the counter first so your food will be ready faster.

• The indoor seating is very limited, so expect to wait at busy times or sit at the outdoor tables. In warm weather, it’s nice to dine al fresco anyway!

• Save room for dessert! The soft serve ice cream really helps cool your mouth. There are also cookies, brownies, and banana pudding available.

• Avoid peak dinner times if you don’t want to wait. Weekday lunches and early evenings tend to be less busy.

The Verdict: Worth the Hype?

In my opinion, Haven Hot Chicken absolutely lives up to the hype. Their chicken is amongst the best I’ve had outside Nashville, with a crispy exterior and perfectly juicy meat full of complex, addicting flavors.

The sides are excellent and they offer a wide range of spice levels so all customers can enjoy the chicken. Service is fast and friendly in the casual, hip space.

Minor drawbacks like small indoor seating and the occasional dry piece of chicken are far outweighed by what they do right. I’ll definitely be back to satisfy my hot chicken cravings at Haven.

In a city with no shortage of great fried chicken joints, Haven Hot Chicken stands out for nailing classic Nashville-style hot chicken. I highly recommend paying them a visit – just be prepared for some heat!