Hey foodies! I’ve been dying to share my thoughts about this spot that’s been getting tons of buzz lately. If you’re a fan of Nashville-style hot chicken or just curious about what all the fuss is about you’re in the right place. Today I’m deep-diving into Haven Hot Chicken in New Haven, Connecticut – a place that’s been setting taste buds on fire (literally) and getting people talking all over town.
What’s the Deal with Haven Hot Chicken?
Located at 21 Whitney Ave in New Haven, Haven Hot Chicken has quickly become a hotspot for spice lovers and chicken enthusiasts alike The restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, which, if you’re not familiar, is fried chicken coated in a spicy paste that can range from mild to tear-inducing hot.
When I first heard about this place, I was skeptical. I mean, there’s plenty of fried chicken joints out there, right? But with a solid 4.3 rating from 359 reviews on Restaurantji, I figured there must be something special happening here.
The Menu: What’s Worth Ordering?
Haven Hot Chicken’s menu is pretty straightforward, which I actually appreciate. They’re not trying to do too much – they’re focusing on doing one thing really well. Based on customer favorites and my own experience, here are some standout items:
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The Chicken Sandwich – This seems to be their signature item, with one reviewer calling the garlic parm version the “best chicken sandwich” they’ve ever had That’s a bold claim, but after trying it myself, I gotta say it might be true!
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Chicken & Waffles – A classic combo that they execute perfectly. The sweetness of the waffles balances out the heat from the chicken.
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Sweet Heat Mac Bowl – If you’re looking for something a bit different, this mac and cheese topped with their hot chicken is a game-changer.
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The Great Banana Pudding Drive – Don’t sleep on dessert! Multiple reviewers mentioned the banana pudding as a must-try.
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Tendie Trio Combo – Perfect if you want to sample different heat levels or share with friends.
The Heat Levels: No Joke!
Let me warn you right now – when Haven Hot Chicken says hot, they MEAN hot. Their heat scale is no joke, and I learned this the hard way.
Their “Haven” flavor, which isn’t even their hottest option, had me sweating bullets. One reviewer mentioned they “couldn’t stop eating” despite the intense heat, which I totally get – it’s that perfect combination of pain and pleasure that keeps you coming back for more.
My advice? If you’re not used to spicy food, start lower than you think you need to. You can always go hotter next time, but you can’t un-eat a piece of chicken that’s melting your face off!
The Experience: Quick but Worth It
One thing to note is that Haven Hot Chicken is primarily a takeout spot. There’s limited seating, and during peak hours (lunch and dinner), the place can get pretty packed. But don’t let that deter you – the line moves quickly, and the staff is consistently described as friendly and professional.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM, which is great for both lunch crowds and late-night cravings.
How Does It Compare to Other Chicken Joints?
I’ve tried a lot of chicken places in my day (probably too many for my own good), and I can confidently say that Haven Hot Chicken stands out from the crowd. When compared to chains like Popeyes or even other local spots like bb.q Chicken New Haven or Garden Catering, Haven offers something unique.
The quality of the chicken is excellent – always juicy on the inside with that perfect crispy exterior. And their flavor profiles are more complex than your average fast food joint. It’s clear they’re putting thought and care into their recipes.
What Real Customers Are Saying
I don’t want you to just take my word for it, so I dug into those 359 reviews to see what patterns emerged:
The Good
- 71% of reviewers gave Haven Hot Chicken a perfect 5-star rating
- Food quality consistently scores high (4.4 out of 5)
- Service gets an impressive 4.5 out of 5
- Many reviewers praise the portion sizes as generous
- The atmosphere, despite being primarily takeout, scores a respectable 4.3
The Not-So-Good
- 12% of reviewers gave only 1 star (though this is typical for any restaurant)
- Some mention long wait times during peak hours
- A few complaints about pricing (though most seem to find it fair for the quality)
Is It Worth Your Money?
Haven Hot Chicken falls into the “$” price category, meaning it’s relatively affordable. For the quality of food you’re getting, I think it’s definitely worth the price. A meal here won’t break the bank, but it will satisfy both your hunger and your craving for something flavorful.
The Sandwich Combo seems to offer particularly good value, giving you a taste of their famous sandwich along with sides.
Beyond the Chicken: Other Things to Know
Haven Hot Chicken isn’t just about the chicken. They offer some nice touches that make the overall experience better:
- Vegetarian options are available (the “not Chicken Sandwich” looks pretty good!)
- They have a kids’ menu for the little ones who might not be ready for the heat
- Online ordering is available, which is super convenient for pickup
- They’re situated near other popular spots like Town Pizza and New Haven Salad Shop, making it a good area to explore
My Personal Experience
I visited Haven Hot Chicken on a busy Friday night, and despite the line, I was impressed with how efficiently they moved people through. The staff was friendly and patient with my questions about heat levels (I’m such a newbie when it comes to super spicy food).
I ordered the Chicken Sandwich with “mild” heat (playing it safe) and a side of their mac and cheese. The sandwich was INCREDIBLE – perfectly crispy, juicy chicken with just enough heat to make it interesting without being overwhelming. The mac and cheese was creamy and delicious, complementing the sandwich perfectly.
What really stood out to me was the quality of the chicken itself. This isn’t some frozen, mass-produced stuff – you can taste the difference.
Tips for First-Timers
If you’re planning your first visit to Haven Hot Chicken, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Order online if possible, especially during peak hours
- Start lower on the heat scale than you think you need – you can always go hotter next time
- Don’t skip the sides – they’re not an afterthought here
- Try the banana pudding – seriously, multiple reviews mention it as a standout
- Be prepared to wait during lunch and dinner rushes
Who Should Try Haven Hot Chicken?
- Spice enthusiasts looking for a genuine challenge
- Fried chicken lovers seeking quality over quantity
- Anyone curious about Nashville-style hot chicken
- People who appreciate simple menus done exceptionally well
- Those looking for a quick but satisfying meal
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- If you absolutely can’t handle any spice (though they do have non-spicy options)
- If you’re looking for a sit-down dining experience with table service
- If you’re on a strict diet (let’s be real, this is indulgent food)
The Verdict: Believe the Hype
After trying Haven Hot Chicken myself and researching hundreds of reviews, I can confidently say that this place lives up to the hype. With consistently high ratings across Google (4.6), Facebook (4.5), and Tripadvisor (4.5), it’s clear that they’re doing something right.
The combination of quality ingredients, perfect execution, and friendly service makes Haven Hot Chicken a standout in New Haven’s food scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s definitely worth adding to your must-try list.
Final Thoughts
Haven Hot Chicken has found that sweet spot (or should I say spicy spot?) between casual fast food and gourmet quality. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how good simple food can be when it’s done with care and attention to detail.
So, is Haven Hot Chicken worth checking out? Absolutely. Just remember to choose your heat level wisely, come hungry, and maybe bring some tissues for when those spice tears start flowing!
Have you tried Haven Hot Chicken? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! What heat level did you brave, and what’s your favorite item on the menu?
Until next time, keep eating delicious things!
P.S. If you do visit, don’t forget to try that banana pudding. Seriously. I’m still thinking about it weeks later.
Family Review: Haven Hot Chicken
By Kris Forland & Family
Haven Hot Chicken located at 596 Westport Ave, in Norwalk, Connecticut
We at Finding Connecticut hope to bring you a new kind of review every month: a take-out family meal review. In these reviews, my family of seven will try a new take-out place in CT and review the food. We’ll supply you with the overall feel of picking up the food or having it delivered. We’ll tell you what we ordered, and each of us will share our thoughts on the overall experience. Armed with this knowledge, maybe you and your family can branch out and try new things – or avoid them in some cases. We’d also love feedback on these reviews and suggestions of where you’d like us to try.
Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, Connecticut
Our first pick was Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, at 596 Westport Ave. The staff at this location were super accommodating and friendly. Haven Hot Chicken is clearly a popular place. There weren’t many in-house dining groups, but a steady stream of takeout orders while we were there. The very happy staff took our order and had us out the door in no time. The packaging was sturdy, keeping the food warm and intact during the ride home.
Take out bags at Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, Connecticut
The star of the meal was undoubtedly the buttermilk-marinated chicken sandwich. We ordered a variety of heat levels to satisfy everyone’s spice tolerance. The “Mild” was perfect for the adults—crispy, flavorful, and just enough kick to make it interesting without being overwhelming. For the kids, the “Hot” and “Extra Hot” options delivered that addictive burn that leaves you reaching for more despite the heat. The sandwich includes creamy vinegar slaw, garlic-dill pickle, and Rob Sauce on a toasted Martin’s potato bun. The chicken was juicy inside, with a perfectly crispy coating that held up even after the drive home. What a fantastic sandwich!
Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, Connecticut
We also ordered the sides, which didn’t disappoint. The mac and cheese was creamy and rich, a comforting complement to the spicy chicken. The coleslaw was refreshing, with just the right balance of tanginess to cool down the heat. The fries were crispy and seasoned well, making them a favorite among the kids. And the pickles were everything you would want a pickle to be – just amazing.
Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, Connecticut
We had a few Strawberry Banana Puddings and a few Banana Puddin’s for dessert. These were also a hit with the family. Who doesn’t like the classic summer pairing of strawberries and bananas? Strawberry cream pudding, nilla wafers, sliced banana, juicy red strawberries & whipped topping – all just so good.
The Family Breakdown Review:
Kris – “The Chicken Sandwich was really good – so tasty! It earns the reputation of Crispy, Crunchy, Juicy, Spicy and Delicious!”
Camille – “Honestly, one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had.”
Anne – “My favorite was the Strawberry Banana Pudding. J”
Caleb – “This is my new favorite chicken sandwich in the state! Next time I might not go so hot!”
Harrison – “The spice level was perfect, the chicken was perfect!”
Aunia – “I loved the staff when picking it up – they were so nice. The food was equally wonderful!”
Lily – “It was delicious – but I have to get the OOM = extremely Spicy next time!!”
Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk, Connecticut
Haven Hot Chicken in Norwalk is a fantastic option for a family take-out night. They are friendly and helpful and have amazing food. The variety in heat levels makes it suitable for all ages, and the sides are just as enjoyable as the chicken. We’ll be returning for another round of deliciousness. This will become one of our families’ staple go-to places! Haven Hot Chicken is also located in Fairfield, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Newington, New Haven, and Storrs. Check them out!
HAVEN HOT CHICKEN FIRST TRY! #havenhotchicken #chickensandwich #foodie #chicken #hotchicken #spicy
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