You order the tenders because that’s why you came. Then the table next to you gets a bowl of something steaming, orange, and unmistakably cheesy—and suddenly your order feels incomplete. Sides at Dave’s Hot Chicken are far from an afterthought. Here is an honest review of how Dave’s Cheese Fries, the fan-favorite Mac & Cheese, and the newest Loaded Hacks truly compare in flavor, quality, and value.
Quick Verdict: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Menu Item | Calories (Approx.) | Overall Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Crinkle Fries | 440 kcal | Crispy, well-seasoned with signature spice, excellent on their own. |
| Cheese Fries | 460 kcal | Great crinkle base, but liquid cheese sauce falls flat in richness. |
| Mac & Cheese | 290 kcal | The undisputed standout side—creamy sharp cheddar & fresh tender pasta. |
| Small Top Loaded Fries | 570 kcal | Flavorful toppings (slaw, sauce, spice) lift up the cheese base. |
| Large Top Loaded Fries | ~1,150 kcal | Massive portion built specifically for sharing among 2–4 people. |
*Nutrition and calorie counts reflect published menu guides. Individual location prep may cause slight variances.
Cheese Fries: Good Fries, Let Down by the Sauce
Dave’s standard crinkle-cut fries carry a well-earned reputation. They arrive golden, crispy, and lightly dusted with the signature Nashville spice blend without burying the potato flavor. Unlike many fast-casual joints where fries are a generic side, Dave’s plain fries hold their own.
The cheese sauce, however, is where the experience stumbles. Food reviewers (including in-depth rankings from Chowhound) have noted that the generic liquid cheese sauce lacks depth and feels somewhat synthetic compared to the rest of the craft menu. What makes the critique stand out is the contrast with Dave’s Mac & Cheese, which features a genuinely premium, savory cheese profile.
What’s Actually on Top of the “Top Loaded Fries”?
For those craving a higher-tier loaded experience, Dave’s Top Loaded Fries upgrade the basic cheese fries with an avalanche of savory toppings:
- Melted shredded cheddar / specialty cheese blend
- A generous drizzle of signature Dave’s Sauce
- Dave’s hot shake seasoning
- Optional diced jalapeños, pickles, or crunchy kale slaw depending on location customizations
Pro-Tip: Because fries soften quickly beneath warm cheese and sauce, Top Loaded Fries are best eaten immediately at the restaurant rather than in takeout containers.
Mac & Cheese: The Side Worth Building a Combo Around
Priced at approximately $4.29 (and only 290 calories), Dave’s Mac & Cheese is arguably the best single item on the side menu. It avoids the powdery, artificial taste common to quick-service macs, delivering tender pasta enveloped in a smooth, sharp cheddar sauce that hits the right balance of creaminess and structure.
Why Dave’s Mac & Cheese Works So Well:
- Natural Heat Buffer: The rich dairy fats act as an instant palate cleanser between bites of Extra Hot or Reaper chicken.
- Mild by Default: Ideal for kids or diners with low spice tolerance who still want to eat at Dave’s.
- Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious meat-free side (contains dairy).
- Combo Upgrades: Many locations allow you to swap fries for Mac & Cheese in standard combo meals for a nominal upcharge.
The New Move: Loaded & Spicy Buffalo Mac & Cheese
Dave’s has begun testing a Loaded Mac & Cheese and a Spicy Buffalo Mac & Cheese in select markets, generating viral buzz across TikTok. These test versions top the classic mac with chopped hot tenders, buffalo drizzle, and extra cheese seasoning. Diners report that the buffalo version packs genuine heat—making a cold Top Loaded Shake a mandatory pairing.
Viral Customer Menu Hacks
Regulars and food influencers have created popular custom combos worth testing on your next visit:
Top Dave’s Cheesy Hacks:
- The Mac-Loaded Slider: Spoon a generous scoop of Mac & Cheese directly inside your chicken slider bun on top of the slaw and pickles.
- The Mac Dip: Skip cheese fries entirely; order plain crispy fries and dip them straight into your warm cup of Mac & Cheese.
- Honey-Spiced Mac: Drizzle pure honey or hot honey over Spicy Buffalo Mac & Cheese to achieve a heavenly sweet-and-spicy balance.
- Shake Neutralizer: Pair loaded cheese items with a Strawberry or Oreo Shake to cleanly contrast the rich, salty savory flavors.
Best Pairings by Spice Level
- Medium or Hot Chicken + Mac & Cheese: The classic pairing. The creaminess cuts the cayenne sting perfectly.
- Mild / Lite Mild + Cheese Fries: Keeps the meal comforting without flavor clashing.
- Reaper / Extra Hot + Mac & Cheese + Loaded Shake: The ultimate survivor spread to manage the Scoville heat curve.
Quick Answers & FAQs
Are Dave’s Hot Chicken cheese fries worth it?
The fries themselves are high quality and crisp, but the standard cheese sauce receives mixed reviews. For cheese lovers, ordering plain fries and dipping them in Mac & Cheese is widely regarded as the superior option.
What is the highest rated side at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Dave’s Mac & Cheese consistently ranks as the #1 side across critic reviews and customer ratings due to its creamy texture and authentic cheddar taste.
Is Dave’s Mac & Cheese spicy?
The standard Mac & Cheese is completely mild and kid-friendly with 0 spice heat. The experimental Spicy Buffalo Mac & Cheese (available at select locations) has a distinct spicy kick.
Can you substitute Mac & Cheese for fries in combos?
Yes, most locations allow you to swap fries for Mac & Cheese or kale slaw for a small substitution fee when ordering at the counter or kiosk.
- Chowhound, “The Worst Food Option at Dave’s Hot Chicken Has So Much Potential,” chowhound.com
