Hot chicken is a signature dish in Nashville, and Hattie B’s is supposed to serve some of the best.
I recently took a quick trip to Nashville, as media for the 47th Pillsbury Bakeoff (more on that in a future post!). It was my first time visiting the South, and I took full advantage of any free time I had– trying to soak up the atmosphere and eat as much as I could. I completely fell in love with the hospitality and amazing comfort food. When researching for my trip, I learned that hot chicken is a local specialty in Nashville. It’s a type of fried chicken, usually pan fried, that is then brushed with a spicy sauce.
The most famous place for hot chicken is Prince’s, but I read really good things about Hattie B’s and it was a lot closer to my hotel. My uber driver, a 20 year resident of Nashville, confirmed Hattie B’s is the best place to go and he goes at least once a week.
The heat levels on the chicken range from “mild” to “shut the cluck up!!!” I found that quite amusing. Even though the restaurant was packed, the staff was super patient and friendly with us as we decided.
Small white meat plate (breast + wing)
Small dark meat plate (thigh + leg)
The chicken is served on top of a slice of bread with some pickles on top. Each plate also comes with two sides.
For the heat level, we ordered medium and hot. Both were spicy, but not overwhelming.
The chicken was as good as advertised. The skin was crunchy and spicy, the inside meat still juicy and flavorful. It reminded me a little of Thomas Keller’s buttermilk fried chicken, which is my favorite fried chicken recipe, and just as I was thinking that, I saw a poster of his book with his signature on the wall. Apparently he’s been here too.
Black Eye Pea Salad, Pimento Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Southern Greens
I adored the southern greens which had a good smoky bacon flavor to them. I also really liked the potato salad because it didn’t have too much vinegar or mayonnaise and really let the potato be the star.
Overall, we had a really delicious meal here. I’ve already promised Mr. K that I will recreate the recipe and it just so happens Hattie B’s recipe can be found here. While dining here, the staff approached us several times to check how we enjoyed our meal. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming, and even though there is limited seating and a constant flow of people looking for seats, no one rushed us to leave. The warm hospitality just made the meal even better.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
https://www.hattieb.com/
Mmm, that chicken looks like it’s super crispy! It sounds delicious. I’ve never considered Nashville for travel but I might just for some chicken, haha.
There was sooo much good food in Nashville. The biscuits, gravy, grits, BBQ!! and of course the chicken, sweet fruit tea, etc. Oh and they have a Jeni’s ice cream too!
The food looks amazing! I miss Nashville; for good family style eating/Southern hospitality, have you checked out Monell’s dining & catering?
I did not have a chance to check them out. hopefully next time!
Everything you had looked tasty, especiallybthat spicy looking chicken skin! Excited to read the rest of your Tennessee posts.
it was really good! Will be sharing more posts soon!