Now a Nashville calling card, hot chicken has a storied history—it involves a cheating man and the woman who had her revenge by frying up a fiery piece of fowl. Today, it’s sought out and replicated constantly—whether the heat is applied before or after the chicken is fried, fans can’t resist the tongue-tingling, sweat inducing burn. If you’re looking for the original, or an homage to it, here are the top five places to check out.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken
The Tennessean
Hot chicken originated with Thornton Prince III, and his great niece, Andre Prince Jeffries still carries the flaming torch. Look for their South Shack location, or for their food truck at 6th & Peabody in SoBro.
5814 Nolensville Pk., South Nashville, 6th & Peabody, 423 6th Ave. S., SoBro, 615-810-9388; Princeshotchicken.com
2. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
The Tennessean
With their seriously spicy fried chicken and fish filets, Bolton’s draws its own legions of fans, who also come for the Southern style sides and wings.
624 Main St., East Nashville, 615-254-8015, 2309-A Franklin Pk., South Nashville, 615-383-1421; Boltonsspicy.com
3. Pepperfire
The Tennessean
An homage to the original, Prince’s, Pepperfire’s spice blend has been honed and perfected. From Light Mild to XXX Hot, the intensity of the heat builds with each smokin’ bite.
1000 Gallatin Ave., Ste. C, East Nashville, 615-582-4824; Pepperfirehotchicken.com
4. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
The Tennessean
What Prince’s created, Hattie B’s brought to the masses. With colorful spaces, Southern sides, and a good amount of heat, it’s a fine rendition in its own right.
112 19th Ave. S., Midtown, 615-678-4794, 5209 Charlotte Ave., West Nashville, 615-712-7137, 2222 8th Ave. S., South Nashville, 615-970-3010; Hattieb.com
5. Party Fowl
Supplied
If you’re looking for more of a bar-like atmosphere, Party Fowl dishes it up, along with plenty of spicy fried chicken. Their brunch cocktails are epic, too.
719 8th Ave. S., SoBro, 615-624-8255; Partyfowl.com