Music City. Nashville has a big title to live up to as the ultimate country music center of America. What else is this crazy little town known for? The FOOD. Moving down here I was excited to indulge in all the Southern goodies…the pulled pork on Broadway, the swanky restaurants in the Gulch, the hipster hangouts of East Nashville, and the classic biscuits of Loveless. One little specialty I just recently took a bite of? Nashville’s infamous hot chicken. Mmmm all of the buttermilk marinated, cayenne pepper fused, fried, heart-attack-on-a-plate deliciousness that anyone can ever hope to feast on. Served with a piping hot basket of fries or on white sliced bread, mild or the hottest of hot, any chicken lover can find a Nashville hot chicken dish that’s to die for. Join me in my excursion through the most finger lickin’, mouth scorching, and infamous hot chicken joints in town – A Lil Taste of Nash’s Top 3 Hot Chicken Joints.
3. Servin’ it up right in Hillsboro: McDougal’s Chicken
Wall to wall decorations – frames, local mementos, deer heads, Vandy gear, memorabilia, collectables – walking into this place is a cluster of Nashville’s past and present. Located right in Hillsboro, this one draws in the college crowd by the flocks. Best-seller? Their small basket of fried tenders and fries tossed in their most famous “Honeybee” sauce
2. Servin’ it up in Midtown: Hattie B’s
Hattie B’s is the newest hot chicken shack in town. However don’t let the trendy ambience deceive you. These guys don’t mess around. When they describe their best-selling dish, their “damn hot” chicken, the spiciest on the menu… they mean HOT. Walking in, the staff was mid-experimenting with an even hotter sauce. In tears. Chugging milk. We, too, tasted this madness and can assure you they continue to outdo themselves with each new spice level they create. Think you have the guts to stomach their Damn Hot? You should probably think again. Consider this a warning.
1. Servin’ it up for Generations: Prince’s Hot Chicken
This hole-in-the-wall located off Dickerson Pike is considered the pioneer in Nashville hot chicken. The legend behind hot chicken lays in the story of original owner, Thornton Prince. Passed through generations, this story’s retold now by his great niece, Andre Prince Jeffries, who currently manages the restaurant. According to the story, Prince was a bit of a womanizer and one morning his girlfriend decided to serve him up a little piece of revenge – an incredibly spicy rendition of her fried chicken dish. Prince allegedly liked it so much that he made his own creation and started dishin’ it out at his restaurant. Now decades later, Prince’s is known to be the best hot chicken in town. I promise you it is definitely worth the 20 minute trek from the heart of downtown Nashville to take a bite of their simple yet mouthwatering hot chicken breast sandwich, served with seasoned fries, ketchup, and pickles. You have to taste hot chicken just one time and Prince’s is absolutely hands down the place to go.
