As more of hot chicken’s old guard staples continue to fly the coop, it’s refreshing to see the long-awaited return of one of our favorite poultry purveyors. It was touch and go for a couple of years, but despite numerous obstacles, Pepperfire Hot Chicken has finally reopened. And while the establishment has jumped the river and resituated in The Nations with brand-new digs and a refreshed look, not much else has changed — and that’s exactly the point. The same unique spice blend that long set the restaurant apart from its peers is as flavorful as ever. And this bone-in bona fide doesn’t just offer leg and breast quarters — the deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich known as the Peppercheese still finds its way onto multiple dishes, and classic Southern sides like poppyseed slaw and sweet cinnamon apples are a complement to every dish.
Best Hot Chicken Return
