Nashville’s culinary scene extends far beyond its famous hot chicken, offering a rich tapestry of Southern flavors and innovative dishes that define Music City’s food culture. From time-honored traditions to modern interpretations, here’s your guide to Nashville’s most iconic dishes and the best establishments serving them.
Hot Chicken: Nashville’s Claim to Fame
Prince’s Hot Chicken
- Signature Dish: Original Hot Chicken
- Location: 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm
- Phone: (615) 810-9388
- Website: princeshotchicken.com
The origin story of Nashville hot chicken begins at Prince’s, where Thornton Prince’s scorned lover attempted revenge by overseasoning his fried chicken with cayenne pepper. Instead of punishment, she created a sensation that would become Nashville’s signature dish. Today, Prince’s remains the gold standard, offering heat levels from plain to xxx hot. The chicken is methodically fried until golden, then painted with a cayenne-based paste that gives it its characteristic red hue and fierce heat.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
- Location: Multiple locations including 5209 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
- Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
- Phone: (615) 712-7137
- Website: hattieb.com
While newer to the scene, Hattie B’s has gained national recognition for making hot chicken more accessible to tourists and locals alike. Their “Southern” (no heat) to “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” heat scale offers something for everyone.
Meat and Three: The Southern Tradition
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
- Location: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-2:45pm
- Phone: (615) 256-4455
- Website: arnoldscountrykitchen.com
A James Beard Award winner, Arnold’s exemplifies the meat-and-three tradition. Their roast beef, carved to order, is legendary, as are their chess pie and banana pudding. The cafeteria-style service moves quickly, but expect lines during peak lunch hours.
Monell’s Dining & Catering
- Location: 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 8am-4pm
- Phone: (615) 248-4747
- Website: monellstn.com
Served family-style in a historic Victorian mansion, Monell’s offers authentic Southern classics like their famous skillet-fried chicken, green beans, and cornbread. The communal dining experience adds to the charm.
Barbecue: Smoked to Perfection
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
- Location: Multiple locations including 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
- Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
- Phone: (615) 288-0880
- Website: martinsbbqjoint.com
Martin’s whole-hog barbecue follows West Tennessee traditions. Their pulled pork is smoky and tender, but the real star is the redneck taco – pulled pork on a cornmeal hoecake with slaw and sauce.
Peg Leg Porker
- Location: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm
- Phone: (615) 829-6023
- Website: peglegporker.com
Known for Memphis-style dry ribs and smoked wings, Peg Leg Porker has become a Nashville institution. Their yardbird with white sauce offers a unique take on traditional barbecue.
Modern Nashville Innovations
Henrietta Red
- Location: 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-10pm
- Phone: (615) 490-8042
- Website: henriettared.com
While not traditional Southern fare, Henrietta Red’s wood-fired oysters have become a modern Nashville classic. The restaurant’s innovative approach to seafood in a landlocked city has earned national acclaim.
Husk Nashville
- Location: 37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210
- Hours: Dinner: Daily 5pm-10pm; Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10am-2pm
- Phone: (615) 256-6565
- Website: husknashville.com
Chef Sean Brock’s contemporary approach to Southern cuisine has created new Nashville classics like their famous cast-iron cornbread with bacon butter. The menu changes daily but always features innovative takes on Southern ingredients.
Sweet Traditions
Goo Goo Cluster Shop
- Location: 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10am-6:30pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-7:30pm
- Phone: (615) 490-6685
- Website: googoo.com
The Goo Goo Cluster, invented in Nashville in 1912, was the first combination candy bar ever created. The original features caramel, marshmallow nougat, and roasted peanuts covered in milk chocolate. The downtown shop offers classic varieties and premium versions.
Biscuit Love
- Location: Multiple locations including 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Hours: Daily 7am-3pm
- Phone: (615) 490-9584
- Website: biscuitlove.com
Their “Bonuts” (fried biscuit dough with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote) represent Nashville’s ability to innovate while honoring Southern traditions. These have become a must-try Nashville breakfast treat.
Hidden Gems
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
- Location: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm
- Phone: (615) 254-8015
- Website: boltonsspicy.com
While tourists flock to other hot chicken establishments, locals know Bolton’s offers some of the city’s spiciest and most flavorful versions. Their hot fish is equally legendary.
Loveless Cafe
- Location: 8400 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
- Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
- Phone: (615) 646-9700
- Website: lovelesscafe.com
Though technically outside city limits, no Nashville food guide would be complete without mentioning Loveless’s legendary biscuits and country ham. The recipes haven’t changed since 1951, and they still make biscuits from scratch every 20 minutes.
Tips for Visitors
- Best Times to Visit: Many popular spots have long lines during peak hours. Visit during off-hours (2pm-5pm) for shorter waits.
- Reservations: Higher-end establishments like Henrietta Red and Husk require reservations, often weeks in advance.
- Hot Chicken Warning: Start with medium heat unless you’re very experienced with spicy food. Nashville hot chicken is significantly spicier than most people expect.
- Local Etiquette: At meat-and-three establishments, know your order before reaching the counter, and have your payment ready to keep the line moving.
Note on Sources
This guide was compiled based on historical records, restaurant websites, and local food journalism. While we strive for accuracy, hours and details may change. It’s recommended to call ahead or check restaurant websites for the most current information.
Remember, Nashville’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new establishments adding their own interpretations of classic dishes while maintaining respect for the city’s culinary heritage. These signature dishes and the stories behind them are as much a part of Nashville’s culture as country music and Southern hospitality.
