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7 Best Places for Hot Chicken in Nashville

Traveling isn’t just restricted to sights and attractions. Immersing yourself in the culture also includes trying local cuisine. Hot chicken isn’t just a trend in Nashville; it’s almost a way of life. Music City is loaded with fantastic eateries that cater to the hot chicken. We’ve put together this list for those who are coming to the city for the first or seventh time, to try some of the best hot chicken this town has to offer. A word to the wise, read the menu before ordering your portion! Southerners like their chicken as spicy as it comes. You’ll want to know what level of spice you’re getting yourself into.

1. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

If you’re looking for the original, a place where you can have a good ole’ plate of hot chicken, look no further than Prince’s. There are six levels of spiciness to choose from giving each patron the ability to choose the precise level of heat they want. It should be said; good things come to those who wait. Perfection can’t be rushed, so make sure to visit when you’ve got plenty of time to sit back and enjoy.

2. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s is one of those no-frills establishments that put most of its efforts into delivering savory food. Located in Midtown, Hattie’s is a tourist-friendly destination serving up juicy and delicious chicken. For those who aren’t into hot and spicy foods, beware of their “Shut the Cluck Up.” It will make even the most experienced spicy chicken connoisseur pucker. Sides include traditional green beans or french fries.

3. Pepperfire Hot Chicken

Pepperfire’s chicken should come with a warning. Patrons of this establishment describe this place as HOT in all caps. They do cater to more than one taste bud if you want to play it safe stick to the mild or medium range. Items range from tenders to a whole chicken, and each meal is served up with two sides of your choice. Beware here as well, your sides also come with heat level!

4. The Farm House

If you’re interested in dining at a farm-to-table restaurant, you should try The Farm House. The style is a bit more contemporary than the others found on this list, but their hot chicken offerings still pack a punch. The chef’s specialty is the hot chicken in a candied skin served over a bed of biscuit puree. The result is a Goldilocks effect of being not too hot or not too mild. It’s just right.

5. 400 Degrees

Rather than being a brick-and-mortar dine-in, 400 Degrees is a food truck parked on Clarksville Pike. Tourists can stop by for southern comforts like chicken and sweet tea. The name refers to the degrees of heat the chicken is offered, 100 being the mildest and 400 being the spiciest. Unless you have a strong constitution, most people hover around the 200 mark where the chicken still has a nice bite!

6. Big Al’s Deli

Usually when an eatery’s name includes adjectives like “big,” you know you’re getting something delicious. Big Al’s is another no-frills diner that feels like you’re having dinner in someone’s home. Exactly as the name describes, the portions served are large, so make sure you leave plenty of room to eat when visiting! Service is notoriously friendly, and if you’re lucky you’ll have a chance to speak to Big Al himself who is often found in the kitchen.

7. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

Bolton’s attracts an eclectic mix of individuals. If you’re looking to sit amongst the locals, Bolton’s is the place to be. It offers delicious Southern cooking like turnip greens, baked beans, and corn on the cob. You can order hot chicken, BBQ, pork chops, or for something a little different, fried fish. The cooking at Bolton’s is delicious and as a result, attracted the attention of many different food critics.

Looking for more ways to make the most out of your trip to Nashville? Sweet Magnolia Tours has been providing tourists with an experience they will never forget for over 27 years. Learn more about our Nashville vacation packages by visiting our website.