New Haven, Connecticut is known for its famous pizza and burger joints. But recently, a new restaurant called Haven Hot Chicken has been making waves in the local food scene. This Nashville hot chicken spot is quickly becoming a favorite among chicken and spice lovers alike.
Haven Hot Chicken opened its doors in New Haven in 2019. Started by two Nashville natives, the restaurant aims to bring authentic Nashville hot chicken to New Haven. The owners missed the fiery fried chicken of their hometown, so they decided to introduce it to their new city.
The restaurant’s menu features classic Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and tenders. Diners can choose their preferred spice level, from no heat to extra extra hot Fan favorites include the Hot Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and Chicken and Waffles Sides like mac and cheese, fries, and coleslaw round out the menu.
In addition to the brick-and-mortar location, Haven Hot Chicken offers catering services for events and gatherings. The catering menu provides simplified options for feeding large groups.
What Makes Haven Hot Chicken Special
Several key factors make this new spot stand out in New Haven’s bustling food scene:
Authentic Nashville-Style Cooking
As native Nashvillians, the owners are committed to making their fried chicken as authentic as possible. They import spices directly from Nashville purveyors to get the seasoning just right. The chicken is marinated for 24 hours in a proprietary wet brine to maximize juiciness and flavor. After dredging in spiced flour, the chicken is fried to a perfectly crisp exterior.
Bold, Addictive Spice Levels
While the mild and medium levels provide a hint of heat, the higher spice options pack some serious punch. The extra hot and extra extra hot chicken truly live up to their Nashville pedigree. Even spice veterans remark on the lip-numbing, addictive heat. Diners beware – this fiery chicken is not for the faint of heart!
Focus on Fresh, Quality Ingredients
In addition to the star of the show – fresh, never-frozen chicken – Haven Hot Chicken uses high-quality ingredients across the menu. Housemade sauces and dressings, freshly baked buns, and crispy seasoned fries complete each meal. The dessert menu also features scratch-made banana pudding and specialty shakes.
Strong Community Engagement
Since opening, Haven Hot Chicken has made community outreach and philanthropy a priority. They donate a portion of profits to local charities and regularly host fundraisers. The owners also make an effort to hire staff from within the community.
What Customers Are Saying About Haven Hot Chicken
The response from New Haven diners has been extremely positive so far. Here’s a sample of what customers have to say:
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“The spicy chicken was amazing – so juicy inside with the perfect crunch outside. My mouth was on fire, but I couldn’t stop eating it!”
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“Usually I don’t like fried chicken sandwiches, but this one made me change my mind.” The bun and chicken were both so soft and tasty. “.
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“We ordered the family meal for a party – everyone loved it! The tenders were gone in minutes. Will definitely order from them again.”
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“This place has great customer service. Our big order got messed up, but the staff fixed it right away, no questions asked.” “.
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“The Nashville heat is no joke, but it’s so addicting! I still have dreams about the extra extra hot chicken.”
On review sites like Yelp and Google, Haven Hot Chicken currently holds 4+ star ratings, with many praising the authentic flavors and top-notch service. As word continues to spread, it’s likely the ratings will only go up.
What to Expect on Your Visit
If you want to know more about Haven Hot Chicken before you go, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
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Ordering: Get ready to choose your spice level and any customizations. The cashiers are happy to offer recommendations if you’re unsure. Don’t forget sides, drinks, and desserts!
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Wait Times: During peak hours, expect a short wait for your food. But your fresh, hot chicken is worth it! Grab a drink and have a seat while your order is prepared.
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Seating: The casual interior has plenty of booths and tables. For larger groups, make sure to look for the big family-sized tables.
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Service: The staff is friendly, efficient, and focused on customer satisfaction. They’re happy to modify orders or correct any mistakes.
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Chicken: When your order number is called, grab your tray loaded with piping hot fried chicken. Find a spot and dig in!
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Extras: Don’t forget to grab extra napkins and wet naps – the chicken tends to get messy, especially the saucier levels. Have water on hand to ease the spice.
Expanding Across Connecticut
Since its opening in New Haven, Haven Hot Chicken has expanded to multiple locations across Connecticut. There are now locations in Fairfield, Orange, Middletown, and more. Franchise opportunities are also available for qualified entrepreneurs interested in bringing Haven Hot Chicken to their town.
With its authentic Nashville style, spicy flavors, and focus on fresh ingredients, Haven Hot Chicken has filled a unique niche in New Haven’s dining scene. This hot chicken spot offers a truly special fried chicken experience you can’t find anywhere else in town. Stop by the New Haven location or check the website to find a Haven Hot Chicken near you. Just be prepared – this addictively spicy chicken might become your new obsession!
Family Review: Haven Hot Chicken
By Kris Forland & Family
Haven Hot Chicken located at 596 Westport Ave, in Norwalk, Connecticut
Finding Connecticut wants to give you a new type of review every month: a review of a family meal you order from a takeout place. My family of seven will try a new CT takeout place and write about the food in these reviews. 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. Strawberry and bananas go well together in the summer, and who doesn’t like strawberry cream pudding, nilla wafers, sliced banana, and juicy red strawberries?
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!
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN from Haven Hot Chicken – New Haven, CT
FAQ
How many haven hot chickens are there?
Have you heard of Haven Hot Chicken? It has nine locations in Connecticut and was started in 2020 by four local restaurant owners: Rob LaTronica, Craig Sklar, Jason Sobocinski, and Etkin Tekin.
Does Haven Hot Chicken deliver?
Get the Haven Hot Chicken menu items you love delivered to your door with Uber Eats.
What US city is known for its hot chicken?
Nashville hot chicken is a spicy and crispy fried chicken dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee, in the 19’s. It was created by Thornton Prince, who owned a fried chicken joint called Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.