Even upscale restaurants are cashing in on our Nashville hot chicken tradition.
The deep roots of hot chicken, however, are tied to the overindulgent drinker, the night-shift worker and those rolling out of jazz clubs in the wee hours. Legend has it that it was originated by a vengeful wife who heavily peppered her husband’s chicken to punish him for his carousing. To her chagrin, he loved it and asked her to make it again.
Historically you’d order a chicken breast or thigh/leg quarter that came on a slice of white bread with pickle chips and maybe some fries on the side. However, hot chicken comes in many forms these days.
Here’s what you do When Not Everyone Wants Hot Chicken.
Downtown
Hattie B’s
Probably the best publicized and most popular (though not my favorite) purveyor. Locations downtown in the Fifth and Broad complex, Midtown, Melrose and Sylvan Park area. The latter two will be less crowded. Their mac’n’cheese has a great kick and the banana pudding is pretty amazing too.
Locals Tip
Avoid the line by ordering online to-go. You can even download their app.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
It’s the oldest of the bunch, most legendary and heir to the hot chicken mythology. Locations in Assembly Food Hall in the Fifth and Broad complex and in south Nashville (5814 Nolensville Pike #110, Nashville, TN 37211).
Locals Tip
If you’re going to Assembly Food Hall, the line is almost always much shorter at Prince’s than at Hattie B’s. Case in point: I recently counted 45 people lined up outside the door at Hattie B’s vs. 2 people in line at Prince’s. Budget your time wisely, people.
Within 3 Miles of Downtown
Lilly’s Hot Chicken
Nashville Farmers Market Haven’t had a chance to check it out but I love Farmers Market. Right next door are the Tennessee State Museum AND the Bicentennial Mall State Park. Just beyond the park is the home of the Nashville Sounds, our baseball team.
Party Fowl
The Gulch and Nashville airport A few blocks south of Music City Center, Party Fowl is a little trendier than my traditional taste buds favor. More likely to find tourists than hot chicken aficionados here. Unlike most joints, they’ve got a full bar and run happy hour specials during the week.
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish
East Nashville In business since the ’90s, it’s very old school with a tiny cinder-block joint typical of traditional hot chicken shacks. Some love it but I wasn’t inspired. I do love that they describe their spiciest version as “call-on-the-Lord” hot.
Helen’s
Jefferson Street, Midtown, and Madison Didn’t love or hate it. And it took a dang long time for a near-empty restaurant. Hopefully your experience will be better.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Nashville Airport, GEODIS Park They haven’t announced the exact location but it’s coming soon to Jefferson Street.