Restaurants
Finger-Lickin’ Fun and Milkshake Magic at Dave’s Hot Chicken
Come for the Chicken, Stay for the Cauliflower, Fries and Milkshake Madness, but Beware of the Reaper’s Fiery Bite.
September 17th, 2025
Think all fried chicken is the same? Think again. Tucked in West Palm Beach, Dave’s Hot Chicken is turning ordinary meals into a flavor-packed adventure that keeps fans coming back—even on a Tuesday night. I sat down with Chelsea Norris, the store’s General Manager, to get the inside scoop on what makes this spot sizzle.
Since opening in 2017, Dave’s has been raising the heat and setting the bar. “We’ve taken over the charts of chicken because we just know how to spice it,” Chelsea said. But the secret ingredient isn’t just the seasoning, it’s the genuine guest experience. “We pride ourselves on giving top-quality food and service while being our authentic selves,” she explained. And that authenticity shows in every crispy, golden bite.
Unlike rushed fast food, Dave’s is fast casual with flair. Orders typically hit the counter in four to five minutes, but Chelsea suggests allowing 10 minutes for the full experience. Why? Everything is prepped fresh daily from the chicken to the bread to the fries. Chelsea notes, “We come in four hours before opening to make sure everything meets our standards. Freshness is non-negotiable.”
Now, let’s talk taste. The chicken? Juicy, perfectly spiced, with a crunch that’s music to your mouth. But here’s the twist: you don’t have to be a meat-eater to get hooked. Dave’s serves hand-cut, fried-to-perfection cauliflower that’s surprisingly addictive. “Even people who think they don’t like cauliflower end up loving it,” Chelsea said. And honestly, once you try it, you’ll understand why, it’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and seasoned to perfection.
However, sides at Dave’s deserve their own standing ovation. Guests can divulge on fries lightly dusted with house spices, kale slaw with a surprising drizzle of honey, or creamy mac and cheese that pairs beautifully with just a touch of mild spice. Chelsea laughs as she recounts guests creating their own “junk fries,” layering fries, mac, sauce and honey into one glorious bite.
Sweet cravings aren’t left out either. Launching September 30, the Fruity Pebbles Milkshake is like eating cereal straight from the box: colorful, crunchy and downright fun. And for drinks, the playful Slushers, inspired by Usher, keep the vibe lively and refreshing.
Community is as much a flavor as the food itself. Every October 23rd, the store honors investor Drake with free sliders, music and celebrations that often wrap lines around the building. Chelsea emphasizes inclusivity too: “We’re halal, so almost everyone can enjoy our food safely. And we never cut corners, no MSG, no shortcuts.”
Feeling brave? The Carolina Reaper chicken delivers a fiery punch guaranteed to test your spice tolerance. Chelsea jokes that it “makes grown men cry,” but for those who dare, just make sure to have your milkshake close by.
From humble beginnings to over 330 locations across 48 states and Canada, Dave’s Hot Chicken has expanded quickly, but it hasn’t lost its soul. “We want every guest to leave blown away,” Chelsea said. “Our team loves what we do and that energy shows in every dish.”
So, whether you’re crunching on chicken, savoring surprisingly tasty cauliflower or drizzling honey on your kale slaw, Dave’s Hot Chicken is ready to spice up your mid-day meal.
This 10-seat omakase opening in Miami is about to be one of the hardest reservations to get. Takay on Coral Way combines high-level sushi, intentional design, and a guest experience that feels personal from start to finish.
March 17, 2026
Miami, if you love a beautifully done omakase, this is one to have on your radar.
There is a new omakase concept opening this spring on Coral Way, and it already feels like the kind of place people will be trying to get into early. Takay is an intimate 10-seat experience created by founders Glen Kotlyarski and Yoni Matz, bringing together serious culinary pedigree with a very intentional, guest-focused vision.
Let’s start with the people behind it, because that is really what defines this concept.
Chef Glen Kotlyarski leads the culinary experience, bringing more than 2 decades of fine-dining expertise. His background includes the Jean Georges group and Miami’s Michelin-starred Hidden, and that level of precision and discipline is felt in every course. His approach draws from traditional Edomae sushi techniques, while staying grounded in seasonality and balance.
Alongside him, co-founder Yoni Matz brings a strong hospitality perspective shaped by years of building and operating restaurant concepts. His influence is clear in the overall experience, which is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and engaging rather than overly formal or intimidating.
And you feel that from the moment you arrive.
The space, designed by Japan based architecture firm KTX, is quietly stunning. Guests enter through a Japanese Zen garden, setting a calm and intentional tone before stepping inside. The interior blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with subtle Miami influence, featuring natural materials, soft lighting, and a sculptural wooden wave installation inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The entire room is designed to slow you down and bring your attention fully into the experience.
Takay’s omakase follows a classic Edomae style, with two nightly seatings, each centered on a 17- or 20-course progression. Seafood is flown in from Japan and paired with seasonal ingredients from local farms, allowing the menu to evolve continuously.
The experience moves through sashimi, nigiri, and composed dishes, with each course prepared directly in front of guests and thoughtfully explained. It feels interactive, personal, and immersive, making the entire evening feel intentional.
It strikes that rare balance where the experience feels polished and high-level, but still comfortable enough to fully enjoy without overthinking it.
When it opens, Takay will offer a 17-course signature omakase at $225 per person and a 20-course extended omakase at $275. Each seating includes a welcome beverage, with optional sake, champagne, and wine pairings available.
Takay is located at 2296 Coral Way in Miami and will be open Tuesday through Saturday with seatings at 6 pm and 9 pm.
In a city known for large, high-energy dining scenes, Takay introduces something a little more intimate and intentional. It is the kind of place that focuses on the details, and those are usually the ones that stand out the most.
Reservations are expected to be limited. Learn more HERE
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