Exploring All the Delicious Haven Hot Chicken Locations

As an avid food blogger who is always on the lookout for the next great meal, I was thrilled when the well-known Haven Hot Chicken restaurant chain opened several new locations in Connecticut. Haven has a cult following of spice lovers who come to get their fix of their crispy, juicy Nashville-style hot chicken.

This article will give you an overview of all the current Haven Hot Chicken locations in Connecticut. It will also talk about what makes each one different and give you tips on how to get the most out of your Haven hot chicken experience. Have you heard of this amazing bird before? If not, keep reading to find out about all of Haven’s hot chicken spots and start planning your trip!

For those not already familiar with Haven, here’s a quick primer before we dive into the locations Founded in 2021 by Howard Pulley, Nadim Sbaihat and Wally Abdul, this halal hot chicken concept was inspired by the famous hot chicken shops of Nashville Their signature spicy birds are brined for 24 hours in a proprietary blend of spices, dredged in a cayenne and garlic flour, and then fried to golden crisp perfection.

The chicken is available in six spice levels ranging from no spice (Southern) to extra spicy (Reaper). Sides like fries and coleslaw help balance out the heat. Family meal packs with tenders and chicken sandwiches are available too. Every order also comes with Haven’s famous spiced honey butter toast for dipping.

Haven’s popularity grew with the opening of new locations, but the original New Haven location is what got people interested in the first place. Let’s explore each spot!.

New Haven

As the original location, the New Haven Haven Hot Chicken restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. Opened in 2021 right on Dixwell Avenue, this casual counter-service shop serves piping hot chicken in a no-frills setting. With its close proximity to Yale University, you’ll often find students mingling with locals.

You can order all of Haven’s chicken cuts on the menu, from bone-in quarters to tenders and sandwiches. The classic potato salad is a must-try, and don’t forget the toast with honey butter! You can also order online for easy takeout from the New Haven location.

Orange

The next Haven Hot Chicken opened just a short drive from New Haven in Orange CT. Located in a plaza off Boston Post Road, this location has a bit more seating than the original spot. Huge foldable tables and bench seating give it a fun picnic-like vibe.

Since Orange has more families, this Haven location smartly expanded the kids menu options. The chicken tenders meal comes with a drink and fries, or you can get nuggets. Kids can also get chilled fresh fruit or applesauce as healthier sides. For grown-up fare, consider building your own chicken sandwich or trying a chicken quarter with mild spice.

Norwalk

Haven brought the heat further south to Norwalk in 2022. Conveniently located right off I-95, this Norwalk spot has a drive-thru window, making it easy to grab Haven hot chicken on the go. You can phone in pickup orders too.

Inside, the dining space has an industrial modern feel with exposed ductwork, subway tile, and reclaimed wood accents. In addition to the full menu, rotating specials like Nashville hot chicken mac and cheese keep things interesting. Be sure to also try Norwalk’s selection of cheesecake flavors for dessert.

North Haven

The North Haven Haven Hot Chicken restaurant is tucked into a shopping complex right off Route 15. Thanks to ample parking, it’s an ideal spot for grabbing takeout to enjoy at home. North Haven was Haven’s first location with a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which lets customers mix and match soda flavors.

Food-wise, North Haven has a robust catering menu. For feeding a crowd, you can order a 20-piece family meal with choice of two sides and buttery toast. This location is also known for exceptional customer service—the friendly staff make you feel right at home.

Storrs

Recognizing the potential of hungry college students, Haven Hot Chicken brought the spice to Storrs in 2022. Situated near the UConn campus, this location stays busy serving chicken to the college crowd. The Storrs outpost has limited indoor seating, so many students opt for takeout.

Since students love snacking, unique menu items like cheesy bacon ranch fries and fried Oreos are bestsellers here. Tenders and sandwiches satisfy cravings on the go too. And the Storrs Haven stays open late—until 10 pm during the week and midnight on weekends—to accommodate night owl dining hours.

Middletown

The newest addition to the Haven family opened in Middletown, CT in early 2023. Centrally located right on Main Street, this Haven Hot Chicken is primed to become a local favorite.

With its bold blue and yellow color scheme, the Middletown spot brings serious visual appeal. Inside, fun touches like chicken wire dividers and custom murals celebrate the Haven brand. In terms of food, Middletown serves up the classics like bone-in fried chicken and sandwiches. Keep an eye out for specials exclusive to this location too.

Coming Soon: Newington and Oxford

Haven Hot Chicken shows no signs of slowing down the expansion. Two more Connecticut locations are slated to join the flock in 2023. Construction is currently underway on the Newington restaurant, conveniently located right off the Berlin Turnpike. And the Oxford outpost is also set to open later this year.

Based on how quickly the existing Haven’s have developed loyal followings, these new locations are sure to be hot spots. Check back on the Haven Hot Chicken website for opening updates!

Tips for the Best Haven Hot Chicken Experience

Now that you’re familiar with every open and upcoming Haven Hot Chicken restaurant in Connecticut, let’s go over some tips to make sure your visit is finger lickin’ good:

• Know your spice tolerance. If you’re new to Nashville hot chicken, start mild and work your way up. You can always go hotter next time.

• Try different cuts of chicken. Bone-in quarters and tenders each have their perks, so sample both.

• Take it easy on the slaw. The creamy coleslaw helps balance spice, but go slow if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Use that honey butter toast! Dragging the toast through juices and honey butter cools your mouth.

• Order online for faster pickup. Skip the line by ordering online and scheduling a pickup time.

• Make it a meal. Round out your chicken with classic sides like potato salad, fries, or baked beans.

• Come hungry and be prepared to wait. These juicy birds are worth the wait, but extra patience goes a long way.

• Ask for recommendations. Haven’s staff know the menus inside and out and can offer custom spice guidance.

• Grab napkins and wet wipes. Fried chicken is messy business, so come prepared to avoid a saucy disaster.

• Try new locations. Each Haven has a unique vibe, so explore a few to find your favorite.

Get Out There and Get Your Hot Chicken Fix!

Thanks to the growing number of Haven Hot Chicken locations across Connecticut, spice seekers now have plenty of convenient options for scoring these iconic hot birds. Whether you prefer takeout or dining in, bone-in or tenders, mild or ultra-spicy, there’s a Haven restaurant ready to fulfill your hot chicken cravings.

So rally your fellow chicken enthusiasts, study up on the Haven map, and start planning your hot chicken adventure. From New Haven to Storrs and everywhere between, crispy, juicy Haven birds await. Just be warned—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Now get out there and make Haven your new go-to for premium halal Nashville hot chicken. I can’t wait to hear your spicy stories!