Hot Chicken–Where to Find It and How to Eat It
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 order a chicken breast or thigh/leg quarter that comes 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. TIP: Avoid the line by ordering ahead to-go. They’ve even added an 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).
TIP If you’re going to Assembly Food Hall, the line is almost always much shorter at Prince’s than 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. Fun to visit the stalls–especially the weekend flea market. And right next door is the Tennessee State Museum AND the Bicentennial Mall State Park.
Big Shakes
North Gulch. Located at 421 11th Avenue, N., Big Shakes deservedly grew from a tiny cafe in Franklin to multiple locations. It’s one of my favorites because their chicken is both hot and flavorful–not just hot. I like their catfish too. So-so on their cornbread. Thrillseekers may want to order their ghost fries.
Party Fowl
The Gulch 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
They haven’t announced the exact location but it’s coming soon to Jefferson Street.
Red’s 615 Kitchen
West End/Centennial Park This tiny spot gets giant praise, particularly for their hot chicken tenders on pimento mac’n’cheese and their unique crunchwrap–chicken, mac and crispy bacon folded into a grilled tortilla (pictured). For what it’s worth, some traditionalists disqualify Red’s because it doesn’t offer a bone-in, skin-on option. I say their very crispy texture and balanced flavor overcome that legalism.
Eat on their six-stool porch, shuffle it over to the Springwater bar next door (assuming you order beverages) or take your order across the street to Centennial Park. Note their limited hours: Wed-Thurs 11am-3pm, Fri and Sun 11am-4pm, Sat 11-6pm.
