TENNASSEE - Nashville may be known as the birthplace of hot chicken and home to country music--and bachelorette parties--in spades, but its restaurant scene goes well beyond fried chicken and biscuits, drawing chefs from all across America who aspire to take advantage of its fresh ingredients and creative spirit. Here's why Nashville ranks as one of America's premier culinary destinations.
1. Nashville's Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Known for Nashville's unique deep-fried poultry specialty, spiced from mild to ultrahot levels. Its origin story is truly fascinating and delicious: according to legend, Thorton Prince was often visiting his sister's fried-chicken shop when one day, she decided to throw him off by whipping up an even hotter batch than usual for him to devour without realizing all the peppers and spices she'd added - instead he asked for more!
2. Hattie B's Spicy Fried Chicken
Hattie B's has long been considered the pioneer of spicy fried chicken across America and beyond. Their tiny restaurant located just on the fringe of Broadway entertainment area often has lines stretching down the street; food quality remains consistent while their staff is warm, friendly, and efficient; menu offerings range from Southern (no spice) to Shut the Cluck Up which features tasty options including tenders, wings, sandwich plus classic sides like pimento mac and cheese, green beans or potato salad for an authentic southern experience that won't disappoint!
3. Loveless Cafe
While many people flock here for the world-famous biscuits (the secret recipe is a closely guarded secret, even from staff members), other items on the menu are equally good. The fried chicken and pork barbecue platters are a fan favorite, and you can't go wrong with a plate of the famous "Lil' Biscuits" served with country ham and pimento cheese.
4. Pancake Pantry
At Hillsboro?s popular Pancake Pantry restaurant in Hillsboro, it's rare not to see a line stretching around its building, even on rainy days! Since opening as a family business in 1960 and being passed through generations until being taken over recently by family friend Crosby Keltner.
5. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville stands out among a packed Lower Broadway, as one of its many honky tonks for several city blocks. Though not as flashy as some other bars along this sometimes-racy street, Tootsie's is still one of the city's greatest legends
6. Puckett's Restaurant and Grocery
Puckett?s is well known for their delicious BBQ made with slow smoke from Cherry wood, but they also produce signature sauces, rubs and spices sold at Kroger and Publix grocery stores across Tennessee. In turn, part of their proceeds from sales support scholarships through Hospitality TN that provide future hospitality leaders.
7. Bobbie's Dairy Dip
Bobbie?s Dairy Dip has been serving delicious shakes and ice cream to West Nashville residents since 1951. As a no-frills drive-in restaurant with only outdoor tables available for seating, this place doesn't offer indoor seating but does feature an easy walk-up window and some outdoor tables for customers to use.
8. 400 Degrees Hot Chicken
Nashville-style hot chicken plates & comfort fare from a vibrant red food truck with table seating are now available at this bright red food truck! This restaurant's fried chicken has earned rave reviews as some of the finest in town. Coated with butter, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar for maximum sweetness while mitigating heat, their dish has earned accolades from customers around town.
9. Party Fowl Hot Chicken
Located in the heart of Nashville, Party Fowl specializes in the music city’s most beloved dish, offering Local Brews, Boozy Slushies, and Brunch. The full-service restaurant features signature hot chicken dishes, salads, sandwiches, and tacos with heat levels ranging from traditional Southern Fried to the spiciest signature level, Poultrygeist. Other popular menu items include a hot chicken n’ cheddar sandwich, a hot chicken poutine, and a hot chicken Cuban sandwich.
10. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish
Bolton's offers an assortment of bone-in chicken parts ranging from legs, wings, and breasts to catfish and whiting filets that have been perfectly seasoned and fried to an audible crunch. In addition, their tasty selection of Southern sides such as turnip greens, potato salad, mac and cheese, and turnip greens is always delicious - each served at their discretion between mild or fiery levels of spice intensity.
