"A modern hotspot that draws big lines with a wide range of heat levels and a more polished, visitor-friendly setup that’s great for first-timers." - Stephanie Gravalese
"One of the most popular stops for the city’s iconic spicy fried chicken, frequently cited among the go-to places locals and visitors seek for the classic hot chicken experience." - Missy Frederick
"A restaurant famed for its Nashville hot chicken, scheduled to open at Gallagher Way in early 2026, and expected to bring a spicier, heat-forward option to the area near the stadium." - Ashok Selvam
"A fan-favorite spot for Nashville's signature hot chicken, offering spicy, satisfying plates that can be had for under $15—an easy, affordable choice for a rowdy bachelorette or girls' weekend." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Hattie B's has perfected the method of hot chicken production, so you’re going to get a consistently cooked bird just about every single time. Locals love to sip an icy-cold glass of haterade when talking about the chain—it’s easy to feel like this is just hot chicken marketed to the masses. But their hot chicken has just the right amount of crispy skin-to-tender meat ratio, and an almost overwhelming number of different spice levels to choose from—the hottest tests even the mightiest tolerance for capsaicin. So yes, it’s a touristy spot with long lines at every location (go to the Melrose one), but you can’t deny good hot chicken when you taste it." - jackie gutierrez jones 2