400 Degrees

In our book, Aqui Hines’ glorious deep-fried bird rivals the mighty Prince’s for its crackling crust and its proportion of flavor to pain. Thick-cut pork chops and crinkle-cut french fries also benefit from a dash of chef Hines’ hot seasoning powder. 

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

A loyal clientele considers this the equal of Prince’s, and some prefer it. It’s just as well-known for its hot fish — the distantly related Nashville specialty consisting of fried fish doused in mustard and hot sauce. 

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

With locations in Midtown, on Lower Broad, in Melrose, on Charlotte and beyond, Hattie B’s has built an impressive hot chicken empire. They’ve also landed at the top of the readers’ poll results in more than one installment of the Scene’s Best of Nashville issue. With heat levels ranging from “Southern” (i.e., no heat) all the way up to “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” — not to mention an array of addictive sides — the popular purveyors of fiery fowl have a little something for everyone.* 

Helen’s Hot Chicken 

Helen’s started in a little trailer on the side of a Nashville road, and it’s expanded to four Middle Tennessee locations and three spots out of state. 

Best of Nashville Winner:

Best Hot Chicken: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack 

The restaurant that made Nashville hot chicken a world-famous specialty serves it up in four varieties: mild, medium, hot or, for the truly reckless, extra hot. Prince’s is the yardstick by which everyone measures hot chicken in Nashville.