Hattie B’s, Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known for country music, bright lights, and lots of bars, but food-wise, there is one thing you must try when you go to Nashville: Hot Chicken. One of the mainstays of Nashville chicken is Hattie B’s, so I made a point of stopping in while I was here. I spent about 30 minutes waiting in line for this meal, and it was worth it.

There are a few ways you can order at Hattie B’s, but the first thing you will need to decide is what level of heat you want. If you do not want any heat they do offer “Southern-style”. Otherwise, the heat goes in increments:

  • Mild: Touch of heat
  • Medium: Warming up
  • Hot: Feel the heat
  • Damn hot: Firestarter
  • Shut the cluck up: Burn notice

Your next choice will be the form of chicken. One great option is sandwich style. This comes with a fried chicken breast, coleslaw, special sauce, and kosher pickle. It is served with one side of your choice, such as southern greens, crinkle-cut fries, red skin potato salad, pimento mac and cheese, baked beans, black eye pea salad, or more creamy coleslaw.

Otherwise, you can choose a plate that has options on its own as well. Basically, you need to choose the part of the chicken you want to eat. This can be breast, wing, thigh, leg, tenders (no bone), or wings. These plates come with two sides, which is nice to try a few different things. 

Sirved must try’s

  • Dirty bird fries: These are fries like I have never had before. With seasoned crinkle-cut fries on the bottom, topped with pimento mac and cheese and dark meat chicken tender bites, along with the special sauce, green onions, and kosher
    pickles…you are basically eating the ingredients in the chicken sandwich on top of fries. It is salty and crunchy, and really tasty all around.
  • At least medium on your chicken: If you HATE spicy food then try the mild, but they are known for their hot chicken so I recommend at least medium!
  • Lemonade: It is hand-squeezed, not too sweet, and the perfect accompaniment to hot chicken. You can also try the sweet tea which Tennessee is known for.
  • Chicken sandwich: If you decide against the dirty bird fries, the chicken sandwich is the next best thing. It is also a safer choice if you aren’t sure you want to try the fries, with similar flavors.

If you are heading to Nashville, Hattie B’s is definitely worth waiting in line for. The flavors are amazing, and it is true southern food, done right, at a great price. 

Explore Hattie B’s restaurant menu in Nashville, Tennessee here.