I took my first trip to Nashville this week for work.  I had heard so much about the Nashville scene that I really had no idea what to expect.  My group and I got in right around lunch time and decided that the first thing we had to try was Nashville Hot Chicken.  This is something that is starting to pop up more and more in southern areas outside of Nashville.  We did a little googling and everything very quickly pointed us to Hattie B’s.  Usually the line is out the clucking door at lunch time, but we lucked up and got in right before the rush hit.  We actually ended up eating quite a bit of fried chicken at several different establishments, but Hattie B’s was the one that we kept talking about.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Okay, so Nashville Hot Chicken; what is it exactly?  Short answer, it’s spiced fried chicken but that description doesn’t really do it justice.  The chicken is marinated in spices before and after it’s fried.  Hattie B’s tends to draw quite a diverse crowd so they have several variations of hotness for you to choose from.  Just a word to the wise from my group, the “Southern” was super tasty with really no spice to overwhelm you.  The Mild sauce was enough to make a nose run while the Medium sauce cleared a sinus or two at our table.  None of us were brave enough to try the “Shut the Cluck Up” level of spice.

Classic Southern Dessert

After our spicy entrees, a bite or two of something sweet and cool was definitely needed before we proceeded with out journey.  Hattie B’s has a couple of southern staples like cobbler and floats.  We went with an order of Banana Pudding.  Hattie B’s is a chunky version with large banana pieces, vanilla wafers as you do, and best of all, a meringue topping mixed in!  I’d definitely recommend saving room for any of Hattie’s desserts if for no other reason than to sooth you fired up tastebuds and tummy.

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