Hot Chicken Takeover Review

59 Spruce St.
North Market, Second Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 800-4538
http://www.hotchickentakeover.com/

Top Tastes:

1. Wing Meal – “Hot” heat level
2. Waffles
3. Ma’s Sweet Tea
4. Banana Pudding
5. Ma’s Slaw

What is the most elusive meal in Columbus right now? Hands down, it is Hot Chicken Takeover. This new addition to the North Market has ridiculously limited hours and sells out nearly every day.  Because it is amazing, and the pursuit is half the fun.

Hot Chicken Takeover is only open Thursday-Sunday from 11-3. They occupy a cavernous second floor space at the Market, and they need every inch of that area to accommodate the cult-like following that descends upon the building to eat HCT’s offerings. Don’t let the line intimidate you though; the line moves pretty quick, and it is worth the wait.

The concept is simple. First, pick your meal. Options include wings, drumsticks, dark, white, or boneless. Hint: get there early if you want wings, as these tend to be the first item to go. Then choose your heat level: cold, warm, hot, or holy. I was too scared to try the “holy” heat level, as the “warm” is described as being “warmer than most mediums.” But if spice is your thing, “hot” heat should be enough to satisfy you.

All of the meal offerings are placed atop white bread. This bread acts like a sponge and soaks up all the chicken drippings, becoming soggy with flavor.  Are chicken and waffles more your style? Sub a waffle for the bread, and top your chicken with the ready supply of syrup. The sides that come with every meal are mac and cheese, Ma’s crisp and tangy slaw, and pickles. That’s it. But you won’t be disappointed by the lack of options, they are all phenomenal.

I’ll also confess – when I get wings, I always get blue cheese. But the ranch at HCT is insanely good. It is creamy, delicious, and is absolutely necessary to cool down the chicken’s heat. But if the ranch isn’t enough, wash all that chicken goodness down with the sweet tea. It is perfectly sweet, and you can get as many refills as you’d like – it comes with a meal purchase. You would think in a place like this, the dessert would be overshadowed by the chicken. But the banana pudding can hold its own! If you have any room left, you must get this pudding. The salty, crunchy topping is heaven.

Believe the hype, brave the crowds, and get to Hot Chicken Takeover. Now!

Culinary Clue: Call ahead! To ensure that you don’t miss out on the limited quantities, give HCT a ring and order your food for carryout. Also, they do a great job of updating their social media account to let hungry fans know about wait times and how many meals they have left.

Keep Connected,

Caroline