Nashville Scene’s Hot Chicken Week Starts Today—Here’s Where to Dig In

Nashville’s food scene is about to get seriously spicy! Hot Chicken Week kicks off today, bringing together the best spots in town for a week-long celebration of the city’s most famous dish.

Whether you’re a heat-seeking veteran or a first-timer ready to test your taste buds, this is your chance to explore incredible flavors and creative twists on Nashville’s signature fried chicken. Get ready to eat your way through the hottest week of the year!

1. 51 North Taproom

Tucked away as a local gem, 51 North Taproom knows how to make regulars feel at home while welcoming newcomers with open arms. During Hot Chicken Week, they’re rolling out a spicy special that honors Nashville tradition while adding their own signature touch.

Expect crispy, juicy chicken that packs a punch without overwhelming your palate. The staff here are friendly and happy to guide you through the heat levels if you’re unsure. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stay awhile, soaking in the neighborhood atmosphere.

2. Alba’s Empanadas

Who says hot chicken has to stay on a bun? Alba’s Empanadas is shaking things up by stuffing Nashville’s famous fiery chicken inside golden, flaky pastry pockets. This fusion idea brings together Latin American comfort food with Southern heat, creating something totally unique.

Each empanada is hand-folded and baked to crispy perfection. The combination of tender, spiced chicken with the buttery crust is surprisingly perfect. You get all the flavor and heat in a portable package that’s easy to eat on the go.

If you’re looking for something different this Hot Chicken Week, this is your spot to try something bold and unexpected.

3. Amerigo Italian Restaurant

Italian cuisine meets Nashville heat at Amerigo, where they’re serving up hot chicken pasta that sounds wild but tastes absolutely amazing. Imagine tender pieces of spicy fried chicken tossed with perfectly cooked noodles, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs. It’s a marriage of two beloved food traditions that shouldn’t work—but totally does.

The restaurant’s cozy, upscale atmosphere makes it a great choice for a sit-down meal during the week. You’ll appreciate how the pasta helps balance the chicken’s heat while still letting those bold flavors shine through.

4. Babo Korean Bar

Korean and Southern flavors collide at Babo Korean Bar, where they’re putting an Asian spin on Nashville’s classic dish.

Think crispy hot chicken glazed with gochujang, topped with kimchi, and served with sticky rice. The combination of Korean chili paste and Nashville spice creates layers of heat that build with every bite. The fusion makes total sense when you think about it—both cuisines celebrate spice and fried chicken perfection.

This spot is perfect for adventurous eaters who want to experience hot chicken in a whole new way during this special week.

5. Beyond The Edge

Sometimes you just want the traditional stuff done right, and Beyond The Edge delivers exactly that with their classic Tennessee hot wings. No fancy twists or fusion experiments here—just perfectly fried wings coated in authentic Nashville hot spice that’ll make your taste buds dance. The recipe stays true to the roots of what made this dish famous.

The wings arrive crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and covered in that signature cayenne-based coating. You’ll get the traditional pickles and white bread on the side to help cool things down.

6. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Black Tap is famous for their over-the-top burgers and shakes, and this week they’re bringing that same energy to a hot chicken sandwich special. Picture a massive piece of crispy fried chicken, slathered in spicy sauce, piled high with toppings, and squeezed between a toasted bun. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth every napkin you’ll need.

Their craft beer selection pairs perfectly with the heat, helping to cool your mouth between bites. Come hungry and ready to tackle a sandwich that’s as big on flavor as it is on size.

7. BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse

Feeling brave? BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse is throwing down the gauntlet with their Dragon’s Breath challenge hot wings that are not for the faint of heart. These wings are seriously spicy, designed to test even the most experienced heat lovers.

The name alone should tell you what you’re getting into—this is extreme heat territory.

The challenge aspect adds extra excitement to Hot Chicken Week, turning your meal into an adrenaline-pumping experience. If you complete it, you might even earn bragging rights or a spot on their wall of fame. Just remember to pace yourself and have plenty of drinks ready!

8. Hattie B’s

No Hot Chicken Week would be complete without Hattie B’s, one of the most famous names in Nashville’s hot chicken scene. They’ve been serving locals and tourists alike for years, building a reputation for consistency, quality, and serious heat. The line might be long, but it moves fast, and the wait is always worth it once you taste their perfectly seasoned chicken.

You can choose your heat level from Southern (no heat) all the way up to Shut The Cluck Up (extremely hot). The sides are fantastic too, especially the creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw.

During Hot Chicken Week, expect the energy to be even higher as fans flock to celebrate this iconic spot.

9. Maggie’s Place

Maggie’s Place holds a special spot this year as the official kickoff host for Hot Chicken Week, making it the perfect starting point for your spicy adventure. They’re going all out with special events, live music, and of course, delicious hot chicken that showcases why Nashville loves this dish so much. The atmosphere will be buzzing with excitement as the week officially launches.

Expect great vibes, friendly faces, and a menu designed to celebrate everything that makes hot chicken special. Maggie’s has that neighborhood feel where everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer.

10. Prince’s Hot Chicken

You can’t talk about Nashville hot chicken without mentioning Prince’s, the legendary spot where it all began decades ago. This is where the recipe was born, created after a spicy revenge prank actually turned into one of Nashville’s greatest culinary gifts. Prince’s has stayed true to their roots, serving hot chicken the old-school way in a no-frills setting that lets the food speak for itself.

The chicken here is the real deal—crispy, fiery, and unforgettable. Generations of families have been coming here, and during Hot Chicken Week, the place becomes a pilgrimage site for hot chicken lovers.