It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for this year’s fifth annual edition of the Nashville Scene Hot Chicken Week, but we have indeed reached that milestone again. This year’s week of the rolling biddy buffet will take place Feb. 1-7, with roughly two dozen local eateries taking part by offering their take of Nashville iconic hot chicken.
Now this isn’t necessarily intended to definitively determine who makes the absolute best hot chicken in town, because many of the longtime practitioners of the dark art chose not to participate. Plus, that's a very subjective decision to make! That’s totally cool, and you should frequent your favorite spots whenever you choose. But during this special week, nontraditional outlets like Chago’s Cantina, Farm Burger and Royal Boba show off their creativity by offering small plates of hot chicken or hot chicken-adjacent dishes.
A small change in this year’s competition is a slight increase in price for each restaurant’s offering, up a buck to $7. Even with that increase, this isn’t always a money-maker for the participants, but instead a way to draw in new fans who wouldn’t normally think of them for hot chicken. You’re encouraged to visit as many spots as you’d like from this list of participants and tag your favorites on the socials for a chance to win prizes.
If you want to plan your work and work your plan, click through the links of this year’s competitors to see in advance what they’re serving. I’m particularly looking forward to sampling the Hot Chicken Kabob at Peachtree Drive In Neighborhood Grill and comparing the Hot Chicken Tacos at Chago’s and Taco Mamacita.
As always, we at the Scene ask you to be patient, because there may be longer waits than usual, and some places may run out of food. That’s a good thing in these times, when the participating restaurants could use extra business more than ever. Please consider ordering something in addition to the featured dish, and tip outrageously if you’re able. And remember that carryout options will also be available at most participating restaurants.
Most of all, have fun and help hot chicken continue to take flight!
