Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken

Chicken restaurant · Joelton

Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken

Chicken restaurant · Joelton

3

5546 Clarksville Pike, Joelton, TN 37080

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Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null
Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken by null

Highlights

Specializing in hot chicken, loaded potatoes, and fried pickles  

Featured in Eater
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5546 Clarksville Pike, Joelton, TN 37080 Get directions

granddaddysfamoushotchicken.com

$10–20 · Menu

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5546 Clarksville Pike, Joelton, TN 37080 Get directions

+1 615 544 4553
granddaddysfamoushotchicken.com
granddaddysfamoushotchicken

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

The Best Traditional Nashville Hot Chicken in Nashville | Eater Nashville

"Just 20 minutes northwest of Nashville in the small town of Joelton, Tennessee, Granddaddy’s cranks out consistently good hot chicken. Besides the usual fried chicken offered at varying heat levels, Grandaddy’s fans rave about the hot chicken-loaded baked potato and various one-off specials like a deep-fried hot chicken chimichanga." - Kellie Walton

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-hot-chicken-nashville
View Postcard for Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken
@eater

Where to Eat Nashville Hot Chicken in its Hometown

"Just 20 minutes northwest of Nashville in the small town of Joelton, Tennessee, Granddaddy’s turns out consistently good hot chicken. Besides the usual fried chicken offered at varying heat levels, Grandaddy’s fans rave about the hot chicken loaded baked potato and various one-off specials like a deep-fried hot chicken chimichanga." - Eater Staff

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/nashville-hot-chicken-takeout-delivery-covid19
View Postcard for Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken
@eater

Nashville’s Best Hot-Inspired Dishes That Go Beyond Chicken or Fish - Eater Nashville

"Hot chicken fried rice; hot chicken stuffed potato." - Delia Jo Ramsey

https://nashville.eater.com/2021/5/29/22422039/nashville-hot-chicken-dishes-in-music-city
View Postcard for Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken

Harley E

Google
The foods awesome. Flat out terrific. It's a great home town feel with the spice and kick that is definitely unique. We loved it. Also the service was good, they cut up my daughter's order so it would be easier for her to eat and we didn't even ask, that really impressed us because it's those thoughts that matter. The little things you do for your customers. We loved it and will be back. There was some initial sticker shock on the price but the taste made up for it.

Gerry Sifuentes

Google
Everything was great. I’ve tried many hot chicken places and this is by far my favorite. Juicy chicken with a perfect crunch followed by flavorful heat. I got the medium and it was actually spicy. I recommend putting the spicy seasoning on fries, okra and anything else on the menu. Really glad I found this place. Can’t wait to make the trip back

Amanda Harris

Google
One of my absolute favorite hot chicken places. The food is outstanding. Everything is delicious, but the jumbo tenders, mac and cheese, and potato salad are out of this world. We eat there just about every weekend. In addition to the incredible food, the customer service is wonderful. Such a great family. We always look forward to chatting with Tommy, Grandaddy, and Kieon (spelling?). I 100% recommend them.

Real OG

Google
Local restaurant with food that'll satisfy that hot chicken craving without driving in to Nashville. Several spice levels to choose from. We tried mild medium and hot, all of which had good mix of heat and flavor. Mac n Cheese, corn and fries were also good. Pork bbq potato was generously portioned and definitely worth a try. Give yourself a little extra time and double check the accuracy of your order before you leave. It'll save you time and disappointment.

Michael Tilson

Google
Stopped by while recently visiting from the west coast. Had a fish fillet (mild) and quarter white chicken (medium). Chicken was very good, compatible with other top hot chicken places in Nashville. The fish was the star. It may have ruined eating fried fish for me in the future, as I am not sure I will ever be able to find anything this good in the future. Absolutely blew me away. Well done!

Scott Honeycutt

Google
Really good, hot and fresh food. This was my first trip here. I found the folks there extremely helpful. Here is a tip for you. Go here hungry and ready to do battle. The smell hits you from the time you walk in until the time you leave. Love the atmosphere. Some of the best fried corn on the cob you will eat. That's verified from a corn on the cob consumer. Check it out the next time you're close.

Houston Turntine

Google
Had a great experience there and will be back. Customer service was excellent from Tiffany and the hot chicken lit me up lol. It was delicious. So many options on the menu to come back and try something different. Running into this place today was a blessing. Also if you like custom cups, glasses etc get at Tiffany. Had to grab this Beetlejuice cup for the wife. It's a surprise. Gonna get a Philadelphia Eagles cup made next time for myself.

Andy Colley

Google
Granddaddy's is great if your looking for some good southern cooked food. The hot chicken and fish are fantastic and cooked perfectly. If you are in the area this is a must. They have a really nice menu with plenty for everyone. Will definitely be back
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Katie C.

Yelp
The BEST Nashville hot chicken! We stopped here on our way to Gatlinburg, TN. A bit off the highway but worth it! Not your chain restaurant, this chicken is the real deal - made to order, made with love and made spicy. Chicken was juicy, cooked to perfection and the hot oil was flavorful without being too greasy (cue drool emoji). I got the mild version and my husband got medium. Both had a delicious chili flavor and packed a lot of heat. The owner took our order, made our food and brought it out. He was so friendly and gave us a little background on the place. Great experience and the perfect way to start our trip to TN!
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Anita C.

Yelp
Good old fashioned mom and pop place on Old Hickory Blvd. in Old Hickory. Not very big. Nothing fancy. But you can still sit and enjoy your meal The staff/cooks are the friendliest people. The food is GOOD! My favorite is the pork chop sandwich. Flavorful, but not salty and the bread is not soggy with grease!
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Ryan P.

Yelp
Ok, big things come in small packages. This little off the beaten path find has taken the lead as my favorite Hot Chicken in Nashville. The breading is perfect and not over done. But mind your manners on the heat. If you are a spice aficionado start at Medium and work your way up. No joke, Grandaddy's brings the heat! Service fantastic as this is a family owned place. Do not miss coming here!!
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Ginnie G.

Yelp
This place is incredibly good. It's a shame they shut down. I've never had fried chicken as good as theirs.
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Linda_Stan -.

Yelp
Great Food. Chicken cooked just right. For sides we had greens, fried corn and fried okra. The greens and fried corn were great and the fried okra was not for us because it was pickled. Overall definitely a great option for Nashville Hot Chicken. Friendly staff. Recommended.
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Paulette H.

Yelp
I'm a lightweight so I got the regular chicken potato and it was great. But if your into hot chicken give this place a visit

PV Delivery T.

Yelp
I'm told this establishment went out of business. They had the best hot chicken around. Support LOCAL if you want places like this to remain OPEN.

Eric W.

Yelp
Food is outstanding. Always fresh to order. My experience with hot chicken places is if you ain't waiting it ain't worth it. Tommy is the best and realist. Great dude. Works his butt off. This is the best hot chicken in Nashville. Hands down. Actually has a flavor. If you are looking for spice; anything above medium is hotter than any other hot chicken shack. Not a paid review. Local resident.
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Catheline H.

Yelp
If it's the first time coming just order the mild if you are used to spicy food, hot for if you can eat spicy everyday. We ordered extra hot with a side of regret. From my bites there was flavor in the chicken. The heat is overwhelming and is a lingering burn. The spicy fries were great!
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Tyler K.

Yelp
Granddaddy don't play. They have six levels of heat, number three was hot. Hot was plenty hot. Service was the epitome of hospitality. Easily became my favorite hot chicken place in all of Nashville. Fried okra was top tier.

Crystal D.

Yelp
When they say hot is hot, believe them! I'm not one to shy away from heat and my eyes were watery from the moment the chicken hit my tongue. Great experience, will order medium next time so that I can finish my plate.
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John M.

Yelp
Grandpa's Famous Hot Chicken has brought hot chicken to the rural, small town of Joelton, Tennessee, roughly 20 minutes outside of Nashville, the city that made hot chicken famous. The staff is amazingly friendly. I have been hearing about this place and even though I had dinner already, I had seen that they will make you a single chicken tender. So I decided to give it a try. Now let me say that I am a huge fan of hot chicken. I have tried most of the places in Nashville and am always looking for new places to try hot chicken. In addition to hot chicken, they have multiple other food, so they should have something for everyone. I would be interested in trying their hot chicken potato. Which is a huge baked potato build with chopped chicken prepared in various heat levels. As for my rating, I was between giving them three stars and four stars. I would have to say the food is more three stars, at least the little bit that I had, but the overall experience was four stars.
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Steve M.

Yelp
This is how you judge a Hot Chicken place...if it's good Chicken without any sauce on it then it's good chicken!! Some places cover up average fried chicken with a great sauce. But Granddaddy's is just good freakin chicken!! Now the okra...I don't even like okra because you have to eat it right away before it gets soggy. Not here...crispy even when you warm it up later. I don't even need to say anything about the green beans...because you probably get it by now. Great, hole in the wall gem!!

Aidan L.

Yelp
This place has the best chicken in the Nashville area, I've tried countless places in downtown Nashville, and none of them come close to the quality of there chicken at granddaddy's

Stephen P.

Yelp
Another AMAZING meal from Granddaddy's Hot Chicken! Tommy (the owner) is a consummate professional and absolutely is the best in the business. For me, I think this is the BEST Hot Chicken in Nashville...bar none. He cooks all his meals to perfection and the savory flavors in his seasonings and spices just bounce off your taste buds. But beware!! If you think you are brave enough to embark on the super hot spices I must forewarn you...it is HOT! I always choose the mild spice because everything else will light your world on fire! I have eaten everything on his menu and you cannot go wrong. The Chicken Sandwich is a beast and make sure you go hungry when attempting to eat it. The ambience is perfect for your meal. This is some good ole' country cooking and dining. Take the time and dine there and say hello to Tommy and Sam. Two great American's producing some of the BEST hot chicken in Nashville!!
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Craig C.

Yelp
Unfortunately this was the only hot chicken I had on my last trip to Nashville, but it turned out to be the best I've had. I'm always on the hunt for good hot chicken on my visits to Tennessee, because up until recently the only "hot chicken" choice we had in NJ was KFC... notice the quotation marks. I went with the hot tenders and the spicy fries, and both were great. Crispy, hot, and flavorful. I also tried some of the "Thinking Twice" heat level tenders and they were no joke - the heat definitely builds on you for a good 10 minutes. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm in town.

Joyce E.

Yelp
The chicken is amazing, so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and the heat is hot!!! The seasoned fries were amazing. We keep going back for more!

Siobhan E.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I visited for a quick snack today. We were unsure when we parked up but thought we'd give it a chance. We had a super friendly greeting from staff and the food was amazing! FYI it's spicy af! My boyfriend was sweating/tearing up and he can usually take the heat. So, maybe go for a level below what you normally get. Glad we stopped for the chicken!!

T C.

Yelp
Black owned go support ,fish is also good.... be careful with Hot because it is really Hot Hot.My Husband and I passed this place all the time.Finally stopped by there one day .The Gentleman that own this restaurant food is good and Hot Lol.
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Nashville M.

Yelp
Great food awesome service very kind and generous portions love that they are in joelton hope they stay
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Victoria K.

Yelp
We stopped for lunch on a road trip. It's a little off the interstate and worth the detour. The chicken is so good and regardless of the spice level, the flavor is delicious. Good people, too.
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Kate C.

Yelp
Soooooo good!!! Everything I wanted. Super crispy, genuinely hot, totally delicious. Great little detour off the highway. Big parking lot with room for your trailer/camper/etc.
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Michael G.

Yelp
Loved this spot. Was totally worth the 20ish minute drive from downtown. I ordered 3 tenders, and am usually a big eater yet I got full off of 2 pieces. I ordered hot and am amazed. I'm even more shocked that there are 3 more heat levels above. Make sure you talk to the staff to clarify what heat level is good for you. I'm not from here I'm from across the country in Nevada, but will most definitely make an effort to return.
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Jennifer W.

Yelp
When I'm in the Nashville vicinity, hot chicken is a must. My best girl Kate assured me this unassuming little spot in Joelton could not be beat. She was oh-so-right. While Kate is a vegetarian, she was able to contact the owner Tommy in advance of our visit and he happily agreed to accommodate. He created a delicious vegan patty made of mushrooms and black beans just for her, atop potato and roasted broccoli - all prepared to a heat level of her liking. I had the hot chicken sandwich with spicy fries. All the food was outstanding. Grandaddy's is everything you want out of your hole in the wall joint - easy to find, ample parking, a kind and welcoming owner, and top notch food. This place is a stand out, and anyone who likes hot chicken should give it a try. Skip the chains and give this place your business instead.

William C.

Yelp
Amazing Hot Chicken. Don't try to me gung-ho and go for a heat level you can't handle. The chicken itself is too good for you to not enjoy because you are hurting. This business is trying to make some changes to stay in business so be patient with them and offer only constructive suggestions.
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Melissa M.

Yelp
Beats Hattie b's hands down! I've never been impressed with hot chicken much but I think it's my new favorite. I got the chicken kabab, it was amazing and the perfect amount, I got mild and it was perfect, I will try hot next time. My daughter got the tenders, they are big and juicy- these aren't frozen breaded tenders, these are big breast quarters cut up, battered and fried. My grandson called them phat tenders and he said phat with a pFries were good and I really look forward to trying the chicken potato and maybe the fried hot dog. Don't worry, this place is just a few miles from Beamon Park, you can go over there and walk it off. 9/12/19 Still the best in town! Get the okra!
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Jamie M.

Yelp
Overpriced hot chicken, wasn't terrible but wasn't worth the price and I'm not the typical "joelton" folk. I work downtown so I'm not above paying more for good food but it should be worth it.
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Keith C.

Yelp
Still can't believe how blessed our area is to have such a good hot chicken restaurant close by. All the food here is made once ordered. So everything come from pan to plate to table piping hot. I love the hot chicken tenders, potato salad and beans. Wow. What a meal. My wife digs her chicken and pickle shish-kabobs and will not order anything else. We also will get their hot chicken baked potato just to spice things up! Service is fast and friendly. Lots of room to spread out and over eat!

Mon B.

Yelp
Amazing everything my one recommendation is that you don't want to be born again I learned my lesson because I was born again

Sara H.

Yelp
Overpriced. To start, $3.50 for a tap soda and up from there, 20% added for rising costs, but the prices already seemed raised. Large piece of fish with spicy fries, 2 sodas and one chicken tender was over $30 after a tip. You aren't paying for ambiance. Food we ordered was fine but we won't be back. If you aren't used to spicy food medium will be too hot for you.
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Mike W.

Yelp
Nice HC. Perfectly cooked quarter, juicy, crisp. HC spice is cinnamon forward with an olive oil base(?). It works. Hot = Nashville Hot. Key elements of sugar and chili powder. Served NHC style white bread/pickles. SMOKES - 2 out of 3. The best thing I ate were the collard greens laced with all the proper parts of the pig. Love me some knuckle meat. A very innovative deep fried corn on the cob laced with the same hot sauce. Yummy. This corn alone could be the reason to venture here. Look for the Steel Horseman sign and they serve HC only Wed. - Sun. Very nice to have Snooty Fox along as a guide for this one. #neverstandinlineforhc
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Barry M.

Yelp
A friend and I played golf today in Joelton, TN and found this little restaurant. We decided to give it a try. A sign on the door declared you must wear a mask but, dog gone, not one of the people inside had on masks. Not even the staff. Well we walked up and tried to decifer the menu on the wall. It was not the perfect menu sign but I ended up ordering the two piece chicken meal hot (fries and beverage came with it). My friend ordered a medium chicken sandwich meal (fries and beverage). The tables - heck the whole ambience - was not inviting. We still found a corner table and waited for our food. It was delievered by the cook and was fresh and hot. Crispy chicken, spiced right, crispy fries, and we had the only table with paper towels on it. Ha! We had to request ketchup. Three school age kids around the restaurant and a steady stream of take out customers came and went as we ate. The food was good enough. It would have probably been better if we had taken the food home and ate. Food is at least a 4. Ambience maybe a 1. They could really make this nice with a little effort.
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Paul S.

Yelp
Amazing Charming owners run this family business making amazing great food including the first deep-fried hotdog I've ever had. Which is also the best hotdog I ever had in my life. And I don't normally even like hotdogs. The Hot Chicken Potato was way too much for me to eat but I finished it anyway because it was so good. I am going back to Granddaddy's ASAP!

Noel P.

Yelp
. Chicken was fine got four wings...there was no bread with my meal which is odd because that's a staple. The lady at the front desk..NOT friendly. And that's a huge turn off for me. Also four wings was 14 dollars. No bread and two pickles.

Brad C.

Yelp
Used to love this place when it was reasonably priced. My wife, 1.5yr old, and I ate there recently and spent $48 for lunch. I didn't receive any ranch for my hot tenders and they said they are $1 each. I paid for two and they weren't even a large size that they used to have. Now they are prepackaged GFS ranch dipping sauces (normal condiment size you receive from McDonalds, Wendy's, Sonic, etc..). Never have I been to a place that won't even give you some dipping sauces included with your food. I could understand charging for extras. So $50 for lunch counting the two ranches. The food is good, but for $50, I'll go elsewhere. Definitely isn't worth spending that much. Needless to say this left a "bad taste" in my mouth so to speak. Definitely can't recommend it any longer and won't go back.

Catherine M.

Yelp
Just what you want from a hot chicken restaurant! Big thick and juicy tenders! They were out of wings. And the other roasted chicken they recommended had a 20 minute wait time. Sauces on point! And the spicy fried okra is for sure worth a try! Stop in and give them some hot and spicy love.
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Julia R.

Yelp
Really good food and friendly service. We ordered chicken strips in mild, the potato in extra hot and the pizza. I LOVED the pizza and the chicken is tender, juicy and crunchy. Extra hot was not too- too hot, it was just right. I'm going to level up next time because I like hot chicken to be uncomfortable. This place a regular spot for sure.
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Stephanie W.

Yelp
Wow!! I'm so glad that I was able to enjoy this amazing place!! The hot chicken here is the best I have ever had! Better than Hattie's and Princes!! The chicken is so flavorful and moist! Not over powering, greatly seasoned. The corn on the cob is something you have to try!!

Michael M.

Yelp
All of the hot chicken places in Nashville have went down in quality and taste.Grandaddys keeps improving,and being a nahville native will say Grandaddys has the best tasting food in the hot catagory and especially the nashville hot chicken is a must try!!!

Markeisha M.

Yelp
Food is over priced and there is an extra charge for small portion condiments . This place also has very poor quality customer service. I was in town visiting and two of my cousins brought me to this place. In the past they enjoyed the food but this time was a disaster. I paid 14 for a medium piece of fish that was super salty(too much salt) and with two sides potato salad and okra. The okra was also super salty the potato salad was good. My two cousins paid around 35 bucks. One of my cousins food was not done right the way she requested and it was super salty. When she took it back for them to fix it the way she wanted the lady in the front was very rude and disrespectful and she even brought her husband out and he was even more rude. We were ripped off and this experience was a waste of time and a waste of money so We will not be returning to this place
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Loyd P.

Yelp
Food was good overall & customer service was A1. I enjoyed it, and was glad to see a smiling face! Thank you for coming to Joelton

Jim H.

Yelp
Amazingly delicious hot chicken. Also serve fish and outrageous done-up baked potatoes. Very tasty and generous side dishes. Slaw was outstanding. This is the real thing! Very friendly staff. Eat in or take out to very nearby Beaman park like we did. Don't miss this out of the way gem. Don't wait in line at other places. Support small business!

Barbie B.

Yelp
Service is fantastic! Amazing food!! It is the kind of food that is so good, that even though you can't take another bite...you do anyways! Love this place!!
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Logan C.

Yelp
Granddaddy's has the best hot chicken in the Nashville area. The hot chicken kabob comes with your standard hot chicken, but also Nashville hot fried pickles on it. The deep fried corn is another must-have on the menu. The standard heat level is a perfect balance of flavor and heat, and they'll crank up the heat at your request.

Allyse L.

Yelp
You gotta go to Granddaddy's! The chess pie is easily the best I've had my whole life. So far I can't tell if the hot chicken potato or the hot chicken and fried pickle kabobs are my favorite, but we've loved everything on the menu we've tried and we'll be back to try more! Also, the family is super friendly!
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P H.

Yelp
Fantastic hot chicken! Perfectly seasoned and the right amount of heat. Surprisingly, the sides are good too which isn't the case at all my other favorite hot chicken joints. Great owners!
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Rodger C.

Yelp
The hot chicken kabobs are awesome, but if you don't get the hot chicken loaded potato, you are not doing yourself justice.

Jen D.

Yelp
We stopped on our way back to Missouri. Definitely glad we did! Some of the best chicken and Mac & cheese. The chicken potato was delicious and the customer service was impeccable! Wish we had one closer to home!

Brabdi B.

Yelp
We live the hot catfish! We keep coming back just for that! The hot chicken is good as well. Good Mac n cheese and potato salad too!

D C.

Yelp
Great food! Love the hot chicken loaded potatoes and salads