William W.
Yelp
The comparisons between Outlanders and McDougal's near Vanderbilt are impossible to ignore. They have an identical vibe and both specialize in fried chicken. However, they are indeed unique and individual destinations with very different menu items.
For those of us who remember eating at the Nolensville branch of McDougal's - before it closed in 2015 due to financial mismanagement - Outlanders occupies the exact same building. No wonder it feels like a McDougal's! So how does the food measure up to the legend, and the high standards Middle Tennesseans have for southern cuisine?
The Freebird Sandwich is an absolute masterpiece, everything I would ever want to cram into a massive, calorie-laden piece of Americana. Just think about this description: Two thick pieces of garlic butter Texas toast and Swiss cheese (or American) surround chicken fingers in the house-made Freebird sauce (akin to buffalo sauce) with pickles (and/or mayo, lettuce, and tomato) and a mound of fried mac-n-cheese in the middle. Are you serious? How could you pass up this sandwich?
Hack: I even stuffed some of my fries inside the sandwich and drizzled my side of blue cheese dressing all over it. That exponentially elevated the wicked flavor combinations!
Speaking of the fries, they are nearly perfect. I usually like fat fries, but these shoestrings were impeccably seasoned and tender with a slight crunch. The Nashville hot chicken tenders are a worthy addition as well. Having eaten at all 43 hot chicken joints in Middle Tennessee, and even making it at home to perfection, I've got some pretty high standards. I'd give Outlanders a solid 7, which is a good rating. It competes well with our most famous dish and the enormously stiff competition that comes with the territory.
Unlike most places, the hot chicken is not offered at different heat levels, and the default setting is quite spicy, even for someone who loves heat. There is more focus on spiciness than flavor, and I'm not a fan of that gritty, oily texture this and other Nashville hot chickens have.
But it's a good quality product, the chicken and batter are both excellent in every dish, and I highly recommend Outlanders.