NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon. Photo by Joey Fletcher.

Having fun tasting the surface of the sun. A journey into Nashville’s hot chicken.

February 1 marks the beginning of the Nashville Scene’s annual Hot Chicken Week in which restaurants across the city put their spiciest foot forward. While only allowing your stomach only a week to digest as much hot chicken as it can handle is brave, we’d like to share with you our favorite places to enjoy this hometown speciality all year long.

Prince’s Hot Chicken

A spice level that’s off the charts, a meal at Prince’s can be accurately described as, “hurts so good.” Kiera suggests that you make sure to get a bit of cool coleslaw in every bite of hot chicken to give just the slightest bit of relief as you lean in to take that next bite.

Hattie B’s

If you’re looking for some spice that’s a bit more forgiving, you can’t go wrong with a plate from Hattie B’s. Plus, they have really delicious crinkle cut fries

Bolton’s On Main St

It’s hard to describe Bolton’s any more accurately or succinctly than how Joey put it, “Hot, local, potato salad. And they have blue Powerade.” Bolton’s spice means business and its hot catfish is also delicious. Well really, everything is delicious. Go see for yourself!

NashHouse Southern Spoon & Saloon

An approachable take on the spicy Nashville classic, Nash House’s hot chicken is served over corn cakes that help combat the spiciness.

Hot Stuff Spicy Chicken

The hot fish from Hot Stuff is our very own spice king’s favorite. Justin recommends the fiery hot fish - definitely worth the drive to Antioch from wherever you are!

The Row Kitchen & Pub

Spicy and delicious, The Row’s hot chicken is served over a corn cake to help cool down your palate between bites. Looking for the ultimate hot chicken meal hack? Top your order with an over easy egg - you can thank us later.

400 Degrees

Located in North Nashville, 400 degrees spice means business! Whether you enjoy the lowest level of heat, 100, or are ready to turn up the heat to 400, make sure to buckle up. Your taste buds are in for quite the ride! And if you have room left at the end of your meal, Kristine recommends the chess pie.

🎶 Hot Chicken in the City! 🎶