Hot Chicken Takeover image

Hot Chicken Takeover

Restaurant Chicken restaurant

Spicy Nashville-style fried chicken & Southern sides in a barnlike space with counter service. People often mention chicken, good, great, Chicken, fries, pudding, service, amazing, nice, sandwich,


Address

59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

Website

hotchickentakeover.com

Contact

+1 614-800-4538

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 10:30 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10:30 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:30 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:30 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (39) good (21) great (13) Chicken (12) fries (11) pudding (10) service (10) amazing (8) nice (8) sandwich (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 LeWayne B. 2 years ago on Google
    Was told coming to the North Market while visiting Columbus was a must since there's so many merchants and restaurants to choose from. Of those, they recommended Hot Chicken Takeover, so I gave it a try. I've had Nashville's hot chicken before, so wasn't sure how authentic this would be. It was almost closing time at 3p, so there were only a few people at the approx. 6 tables inside. If it's ever crowded, you can sit at the common upstairs eating area above the market. Cashier was polite and helpful in placing my order. At the end, they take your name and call your name when your order is ready. Ordered the 4 drums with hot heat and a side of Ma's Mac. Also, ordered a side of waffles and the banana pudding for dessert. Food was ready within 5-10 minutes and was extremely fresh. Chicken and waffles were still piping hot and steaming when they came out. Chicken was served on a few slices of bread and pickles on top. Chicken was amazing and much better than I could've imagined. This was the real deal. It was extremely crispy on the outside while still extremely juicy on the inside. The heat was there, but not overbearing where it overtakes the actual seasoning. I will try the Holy heat next time to see if that's too much heat. The waffles were just as good. It was 3 small triangles slightly dusted in powdered sugar. They were very crisp with a sweet flavor, but not so much that it tasted like a dessert. They went well with the chicken like a chicken and waffles meal. The banana pudding was very good. I couldn't pinpoint it, but it had a specific sweet flavor that was different than the sweet pudding or custard. It's served in a cup with layers of pudding, custard, banana, whipped cream, and topped with crumbles. I mixed it all up for a nice mix of flavors and textures. Highly recommend going to Hot Chicken Takeover and not just for one thing. Chicken was amazing which you can customize to your heat tolerance. Waffles were a good side item that complements the chicken. Lastly, the banana pudding was a great dessert to finish the meal.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jessica 9 months ago on Google • 479 reviews
    Came for a Yelp event and tried the new Jumbo tender sandwich. The chicken was juicy and the toppings all went well together but the bun was a bit dry. I ended up deconstructing and eating everything with a fork. The banana pudding is amazing! This location seems to have staffing issues but instead of closing they had 1 person running the whole front of house from the pick up window. The person working Saturday was doing a great job!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chase E. 1 year ago on Google • 559 reviews
    AMAZING hot chicken just like the kind I'd eat in Nashville! Great fries as well in a cool atmosphere. Definitely my favorite place to eat in North Market and maybe in all of Columbus. Love that they let you split flavors! Definitely recommend everyone check this place out.

  • 5/5 Joshua W. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a holy @#$& chicken sandwich, some mac and cheese, and bread pudding here. The chicken sandwich was pretty spicy, but it's normal spicy for anyone that eats foreign food. The mac and cheese was good, and cheesy. The bread pudding was really sweet and had good chunks in it. The chicken itself, was very thick, it had taken me many bites to finish. I put their ranch sauce on top of the chicken sandwich which tasted good. I would recommend the chicken sandwich to anyone that is looking for a lunch in the area. I will definitely be coming back for another meal.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 r d. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    I went to lunch here and it was amazing! Kaitlyn was so friendly and welcoming had a great conversation and helped me with food recommendations . Having lived in Nashville for years it was a nice supremely to find a hot chicken place up north with just the right amount of spice . Its also located in the market which is a great space ! I will definitely be back thanks for the great food and service !
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The Elevator and Airplane F. 1 year ago on Google
    Hot Chicken Takeover has to be one of my new favorite restaurants in Columbus. Seriously, they make some dang good chicken. We stopped at the north market for dinner recently and I went straight to HCT. I got a Sandwich with fries and a Boylan’s black cherry soda. Everything was amazing. The chicken was hot and crispy, and the fries were perfect. Overall, if you’re at the north market, Hot Chicken Takeover gets a high recommendation from me!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthany K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, employees, and management are all in good spirits and very genuine. It's just a bonus that the food is good... Whatever this company is doing to inspire their employees, is genuine compassion, and I am going to be back 😁
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nate Slappey I. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I were driving through and stopped to check out this place. This is the best hot chicken we’ve had since visiting Nashville. Definitely a must try for anyone, I would highly recommend. The flavor and seasoning on the chicken is really really good. We need one of these in Michigan!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Courtney H. 2 years ago on Google
    Spicy vegan nuggets are so good!! I get the warm ones and they are still pretty hot! I love that they have meat free options. Their Mac n cheese is also so so yummy!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady F. 1 year ago on Google
    Came in from our of town for business and omg. I love their chicken. Melissa is amazing . Great customer service and wonderful management as well. If I return to Columbus I am coming back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan G. 2 years ago on Google
    Best chicken I ever had. Mac n cheese is also great. Food and service was excellent. Definitely coming back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael K. 11 months ago on Google
    Always a great experience, excellent food! Make sure you download the app ahead of time for a $5 instant reward and other app only specials!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kimberley W. 8 months ago on Google
    The chicken was hit and fresh. Everything had great taste and texture. They were out of a number of items that I have liked to try. I thought the piece of bread was random and unnecessary.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lesley W. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    We are here in the Short North Food Tour and we each got a kid's tender meal. The chicken was fresh and seasoned very well! We were shocked at how good the cole slaw was! It was a vinegar based instead of mayo based slaw and I would definitely try it again!

  • 5/5 Dayana K. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    I had this placed saved in my “want to visit” list for over a year. I finally had a chance to try it and I was not disappointed! I shared an order of 5 whole wings medium, plus waffle fries. I was surprised how juicy the chicken was, the meat was literally falling off the bone. The “sauce” had a nice level of spice. Not too spicy but with a kick, chicken was very well seasoned overall. Now, the waffle fries. These waffle fries do not compare to any chain waffle fries like chick-fil-A’s. The fries alone get a 5 star rating in my book. Price is reasonable and there is plenty of seating. The food came out quickly and piping hot. Excellent fried chicken joint.

  • 2/5 Brandon C. 5 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    The mighty all fall eventually. I used to love coming to this place. But now they nickle and dime you. I got 4 drumsticks and got the most baby drumsticks I've ever seen. I've had bigger wings from roosters. I stuck with them through the price increases but expected the service and food to not decline. They also charge for sweet tea and only give one slice of bread. I won't be back here. After tip its 20 dollars of disappointment.

  • 1/5 Kei K. 6 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Service and atmosphere was good, food was the complete opposite. Not good! This is my first time having it..The food wasn't hot, very bland..no flavor, and the breading was falling off of the Chicken Tenders. Everything couldve been cooked a little longer. Very unacceptable and I wouldn't try it again.

  • 5/5 Traveling while M. 1 year ago on Google • 10 reviews
    We read every one star review for HCT and I can definitively say. 1. The chicken is crispy 2. The chicken pieces are a good size 3. The spice level for “holy” was tolerable to me, a novice spice eater. It did however leave my lips burning and make my ears ring a bit. 4. The Mac is an easy mac style, not a baked mac, but nevertheless having a strong cheese flavor and just the right amount of salt. I suggest you order drinks before checkout, because you will need something to cool the spice, and unless you’ve paid for drinks, you’ll be sipping on iced tap water. It’s a nice spot, inside the North Mall on the second floor and I would definitely go again. Oh, don’t be reluctant to park in the parking garage. The 20$ fee is repulsive at best, but the North Mall shops validate your parking and you can get the first hour free. We stayed for an hour and 5 minutes and paid just 1$. That’s a win to be only walking distance from the door.

  • 5/5 Shieva E. 7 months ago on Google
    We came here last year. If I find my photos of our food I’ll be sure to add them later. But the chicken here is delicious. It does give us a little bit of Nashville vibes in here! Kiddos love the food as well. The workers were nice and well mannered. Took care of us.

  • 3/5 Joe M. 1 month ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    If you like Nashville hot chicken you may be disappointed. We tenders and a tender sandwich with a side of coleslaw. Food was fine but I’ve had way tastier hot chicken. Maybe my expectations were too high. The atmosphere was also subpar. Felt like an elementary school cafeteria to me. With all of the food options downtown I doubt I’ll be back.

  • 5/5 Rachel B. 9 months ago on Google
    Everyone was friendly and Kevin at the Clintonville location was especially helpful in helping us chose for our first time dining here. Wings and waffles were so good! The macaroni and cheese was delicious as well. The ranch complimented the hot sauces very well. We sat outside on a nice patio area out front. Will definitely be back when in the area again! So much better than Raising Canes down the street

  • 5/5 Tina C. 7 months ago on Google
    One of my friends wanted to visit here for food and I was pleasantly surprised to find they have a vegan option! The plant-based nuggets were so good, and I got looks of approval from my meat eating friends that tried a bite too. I love that I can enjoy a vegan ranch option with it too. I got a good amount of nuggets in my meal. Thanks for the food and good service!

  • 3/5 Brian K. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Chicken is definitely hot (spicy). I got “warm” heat and my mouth was on fire. The chicken came out hot and and slightly tough/dry. It definitely lacked the wow-factor that I was expecting. I was hoping for a bone-in breast. All they have are boneless breasts. Got Ma’s Slaw and didn’t care for the strong vinegar smell and taste. Sweet tea seemed a little watered down. The restaurant closes at 5:00pm. I went at 4:45. Maybe I would have been more impressed had I gone during the lunch hour.

  • 5/5 Roebuck F. 11 months ago on Google
    Great service, great food. Cashier with red hair was very nice an accommodating. Here’s a hack. Put Mac and cheese on top of the fries drizzle with ranch.

  • 5/5 Karl K. 8 months ago on Google
    Best Chicken and waffles ive ever had. Wings were so hot and fresh. Waffles had funnel cake flavor to them

  • 5/5 Christopher P. 1 year ago on Google
    They've got the real deal when it comes to Nashville. Spicy chicken. Fried fresh when you order it. A great location, perfect for families or groups- lots of tables and plenty of room to spread out. The sides are good as well-- waffles, french fries, and banana pudding. The restaurant is upstairs above all the other booths in the market. Definitely worth a trip if you're in the area and like spicy chicken.

  • 5/5 AC 1 year ago on Google
    Had the hot tender basket with mac and coleslaw, also tried the fries my wife got and everything was great and seemed very homemade. The service was good and all of the employees were very nice. The ranch was amazing they should bottle and sell it. My wife said the banana pudding was the best she ever had, I tried it and agree. It's not often you go somewhere and they do everything right, highly recommend, wish they were closer to where I live.

  • 5/5 Collin H. 1 year ago on Google
    Take pics of the bird to make your friends jealous! HCT has the best quality food options of any chicken spot in town. They’re the ONLY real hot chicken joint in Columbus. They treat customers right, they treat employees right. It shows in how happy everybody on both sides is even when North Market is BOOMING and BUSY. Columbus is a better place because of Hot Chicken Takeover

  • 5/5 Matt C. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow! What a sandwich! Highly recommend! Every single thing about this sandwich was just right - pickle, slaw, chicken, bread, house ranch - the total package! Can't wait to visit again!

  • 1/5 Bryan M. 2 years ago on Google
    Place is insanely slow. Only open for 4 hours a day but can’t manage to stay afloat during lunch rush. Ordering ahead online doesn’t help especially when people are in line at the location to order because you’ll get skipped. Great food but nowhere near being worth waiting an hour and spending your entire lunch break just waiting on food. Last time ever coming here.

  • 5/5 K G. 2 years ago on Google
    Maureen was A1 on customer service! Very friendly and warm ❤️ Definitely coming back to this location just because of her hospitality! Love the chicken !

  • 5/5 Justin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Mondays are rough, and an extra drum in my HCT meal may have just been the inspiration I needed. Thanks, Joe and team!!!

  • 5/5 Charles G. 2 years ago on Google
    Hot chicken takeover is the best Nashville hot chicken I have had! I have been to multiple hot chicken take over locations this is the original this is the one to go to great service great people

  • 5/5 Tony G. 2 years ago on Google
    The chicken was amazing. The staff was friend and provided quick service. Definitely recommended


Call +1 614-800-4538 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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