Nashville Hot Chicken Week 2025 is here and it’s time to heat things up! This year’s event takes place on January 27 to February 2. Indulge in fiery hot chicken creations from 48 different restaurants, each offering their own unique spin on this iconic dish for only $8.
Hot Chicken Week is a culinary adventure that lets you explore Nashville’s rich food culture while supporting local restaurants. From creative spins like empanadas and pasta to classic crispy sandwiches and traditional leg quarters, there’s something to satisfy every level of heat tolerance and flavor preference.
Read the Hot Chicken Week 2025 Guide and FAQ.
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Hot Chicken Week Kickoff Party
This year’s Hot Chicken Week Kickoff Party is at Tee Line on January 27th from 5-7PM. They will have drink specials, plenty of hot chicken, food samples, a photo booth, and plenty of other spicy activities. By attending this event, you can even score some extra points towards Hot Chicken Week prizes.
What To Do During Hot Chicken Week
Explore participating restaurants. Dive into the unique $8 hot chicken dishes crafted exclusively for this event. We’ve listed all the participating restaurants and their specials below, so you can start planning your hot chicken journey.
Savor and share your experience online. Visit as many spots as you can during the week, and don’t forget to share your fiery feasts on social media using #HotChickenWeek25. It’s a great way to show off your favorites and connect with other hot chicken fans.
Cast your vote for Nashville’s best hot chicken. Your opinion matters! After sampling these $8 creations, vote for your favorite dishes online to help crown the 2025 Hot Chicken Week champion.
Complete List of Participating Restaurants
This year’s Hot Chicken Week is the biggest yet with 48 restaurants participating across Nashville. Each of these restaurants brings its own personality and creativity to the table, making this week an unforgettable culinary journey. There’s something for everyone in this year’s restaurant lineup!

51 North Taproom
Dish: Taproom Hot Chicken
This cozy neighborhood favorite is known for its welcoming vibe, craft beer selection, and elevated pub fare. For Hot Chicken Week, 51 North Taproom serves up their Taproom Hot Chicken, a crispy thigh drenched in a flavorful six-chili oil. It’s perfectly balanced with slaw and pickles on a Charpier’s bun with a layer of griddled cheddar for extra indulgence. Served with a side of fries, this dish is an exciting, creative take on hot chicken.
Why They’re a Contender: With its rich chili flavors and the satisfying crunch of fried chicken, this dish delivers both heat and comfort—a must-try for fans of spice and pub classics.
Alba’s Empanadas
Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken Empanada
If you’re looking for a twist on tradition, Alba’s Empanadas is your spot. Their Nashville Hot Chicken Empanada reimagines the iconic dish, wrapping it in a flaky, golden pastry. Served with a spiced ranch dip and house-made pickles, these empanadas are portable perfection.
Why They’re a Contender: Alba’s seamlessly combines Latin flair with Nashville heat, proving that the magic of hot chicken knows no bounds.
Almost Friday Sporting Club
Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Known for its laid-back vibes and crave-worthy comfort food, Almost Friday Sporting Club has crafted a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich that checks all the boxes. Their buttermilk-fried tenders are slathered in a signature spicy sauce and paired with giardiniera mayo for a tangy kick. Served on an Italian bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion, plus seasoned fries, this dish is a full meal worth savoring.
Why They’re a Contender: The thoughtful balance of textures and bold flavors makes this dish a standout, and the addition of giardiniera mayo elevates it to the next level.
Amerigo Italian Restaurant
Dish: Hot Chicken Pasta Alfredo
Amerigo brings a unique Italian twist to the Hot Chicken Week lineup. Their Hot Chicken Pasta Alfredo pairs spicy chicken tenders with creamy fettuccine Alfredo, creating a rich, indulgent dish with just the right amount of heat.
Why They’re a Contender: This fusion of Italian comfort food and Nashville spice offers a creative experience you won’t find anywhere else, making it a strong competitor.
Babo Korean Bar
Dish: Fire Chicken
Babo Korean Bar is all about bold, vibrant flavors, and their Fire Chicken delivers just that. Brined, double-fried boneless thighs are tossed in a gochujang chili blend for a deep, savory heat. Served with cucumber kimchi and white rice, this dish bridges the gap between Korean spice and Nashville heat.
Why They’re a Contender: The perfect execution of crispy chicken paired with the unique tang of kimchi sets this dish apart. Babo offers something for adventurous eaters looking for global flavors.
Barrel Proof
Dish: Gochujang Hot Honey Chicken Slider
Barrel Proof’s Gochujang Hot Honey Chicken Slider is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky. A buttermilk-brined chicken breast is paired with tarragon pickles, gochujang mayo, and slaw on a toasted slider bun. Each bite is packed with layers of flavor.
Why They’re a Contender: This slider offers a sophisticated, flavorful take on hot chicken, combining sweet-hot honey and savory gochujang for an irresistible combination.
Bavarian Bierhaus
Dish: Hot Chicken Schnitzel
Known for their hearty German-inspired menu, Bavarian Bierhaus gives hot chicken a European twist with their Hot Chicken Schnitzel. A crispy, breaded chicken cutlet is coated in Nashville hot sauce, served on white bread, and topped with pickles.
Why They’re a Contender: The fusion of schnitzel technique with Nashville’s signature flavors is as fun as it is delicious, making this a memorable choice for Hot Chicken Week.
Beyond The Edge
Dish: TN Hot Wings
A long-standing neighborhood bar in East Nashville, Beyond The Edge keeps it simple yet irresistible with their TN Hot Wings. Featuring four smoked wings tossed in their signature Tennessee Hot Sauce, this dish packs a flavorful punch.
Why They’re a Contender: With their smoky preparation and bold signature sauce, these wings offer a straightforward yet satisfying take on hot chicken that’s perfect for wing enthusiasts.
Bishop’s Meat & 3
Dish: Leg Quarter with Side
Bishop’s is a classic Meat & 3 spot, and their Leg Quarter with Side lets you enjoy hot chicken with a true Southern touch. Choose your preferred heat level for the juicy leg quarter, accompanied by one of their beloved sides like fried okra, squash casserole, or carrot soufflé, plus bread or cornbread.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish keeps it traditional with a customizable heat level and Southern sides that make you feel right at home.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Dish: Hot Chicken Sandwich
Black Tap is a burger and beer destination, but they’ve nailed hot chicken with their Hot Chicken Sandwich. It features crispy chicken coated in hot chili oil and dry rub, paired with kosher pickles and house-made buttermilk-dill dressing.
Why They’re a Contender: The spicy dry rub and creamy buttermilk-dill create a crave-worthy combination, making this dish a worthy entry.
BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse
Dish: Dragon’s Breath Challenge
BoomBozz adds a playful element to Hot Chicken Week with their Dragon’s Breath Challenge. The goal? Devour six ultra-hot wings in seven minutes. Succeed, and you’ll earn bragging rights and a spot on their Wall of Fame!
Why They’re a Contender: This challenge is perfect for thrill-seekers who love testing their spice tolerance while enjoying delicious wings. It’s a hot chicken experience you won’t forget.
Brown’s Diner
Dish: Brown’s Spicy Wedge
A Nashville institution since 1927, Brown’s Diner has a no-frills charm and a reputation for serving honest, delicious food. Their Brown’s Spicy Wedge takes hot chicken in a refreshing new direction. Juicy, house-made Calabrian Hot Chicken Tenders sit atop a hearty iceberg lettuce wedge, dressed with blue cheese crumbles, crispy bacon, tomato, red onion, boiled egg, croutons, and ranch dressing.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish delivers bold heat while embracing classic Southern flavors. The combination of spice and cool, creamy elements makes it a standout.
The Countrypolitan Bar & Kitchen
Dish: Holy Hot Chicken Sandwich
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Countrypolitan combines style and substance with their Holy Hot Chicken Sandwich. A crispy Nashville Hot Chicken breast is paired with pickles, red cabbage, and a creamy buttermilk herb sauce, all served on a fresh brioche bun.
Why They’re a Contender: The addition of buttermilk herb sauce and red cabbage adds a fresh twist to this classic dish, creating a sandwich that’s flavorful, tangy, and refined.
Drifter’s BBQ Joint
Dish: Nashville Hot Smoked Chicken Wings
Known for their laid-back vibe and exceptional barbecue, Drifter’s BBQ Joint brings the heat with their Nashville Hot Smoked Chicken Wings. These four smoked wings are tossed in their rich, fiery Nashville Hot Sauce, blending smoky and spicy flavors in every bite.
Why They’re a Contender: The combination of expertly smoked wings and a bold, signature sauce makes this dish a standout for barbecue and hot chicken fans alike.
Family Tacos
Dish: Hot Chicken Tacos
This family-run gem brings a flavorful twist to the hot chicken tradition. Their Hot Chicken Tacos feature three crispy, spicy breaded chicken breast tacos topped with a Mexican pepper blend, grilled onions, fresh cilantro, and chipotle sauce.
Why They’re a Contender: These tacos bridge the gap between Nashville and Mexican cuisine, offering an exciting, portable take on hot chicken with smoky chipotle heat and vibrant toppings.
Gathre
Dish: Hot Chix Sandwich
Gathre is all about elevated comfort food, and their Hot Chix Sandwich hits the mark. Chipotle buttermilk-brined fried chicken is seasoned with a Sweet-Heat Chili spice blend and paired with Napa cabbage ranch slaw and a dill pickle on a soft brioche bun.
Why They’re a Contender: Gathre delivers a beautifully balanced sandwich with bold heat, creamy slaw, and a touch of sweetness—a modern twist on a classic hot chicken sandwich.
Germantown Café
Dish: Southern Style Slay
Known for its sophisticated take on Southern cuisine, Germantown Cafe offers the Southern Style Slay for Hot Chicken Week. Their perfectly crispy fried hot chicken is paired with creamy, tangy coleslaw and thinly sliced kosher dill pickles, stacked high on a freshly toasted Charpier brioche bun.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish captures the spirit of Nashville hot chicken while elevating it with premium ingredients and expert preparation.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Dish: Gus’ Nashville Southern Heat Wave Sizzle
Gus’s has a reputation for fried chicken perfection, and their Hot Chicken Week special doesn’t disappoint. Their Southern Heat Wave Sizzle includes two signature fried chicken wings, served golden and crispy, alongside 2 lbs. of perfectly seasoned fries. The star? A house-made Hot Honey Sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and unforgettable.
Why They’re a Contender: Gus’s brings the heat with their signature crispy chicken and unique hot honey sauce, offering a flavor-packed experience with every bite.
Harth Restaurant & Bar
Dish: Hot Chicken & Waffle Bites
Harth takes a fun, playful approach to hot chicken with their Hot Chicken & Waffle Bites. Boneless chicken thigh bites are marinated in spiced buttermilk, coated in waffle batter, fried, and topped with house-made Nashville chili crisp and powdered sugar. A side of maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Why They’re a Contender: This creative fusion of savory and sweet makes for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is original.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Dish: Leg Quarter with Drinking Buddy Beer Cheese Fries
A name synonymous with hot chicken, Hattie B’s showcases their classic expertise with a Leg Quarter served alongside crinkle-cut fries smothered in Drinking Buddy Beer Cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting dish with a spicy kick.
Why They’re a Contender: As one of the pioneers of Nashville hot chicken, Hattie B’s brings consistency, bold flavor, and an irresistible side dish to the table.
Hoppy Bird
Dish: Hoppy Hot Chicken Queso
Hoppy Bird takes hot chicken in a creative direction with their Hoppy Hot Chicken Queso. This smoked hot and spicy chicken cheese dip is topped with jalapeños and green onions and served with pita chips and a pickle.
Why They’re a Contender: Combining the heat of hot chicken with the comforting creaminess of queso, this inventive dish is perfect for those looking to dip into something unique and shareable.
International Tea & Coffee Co
Dish: Tea Time Hot Chicken
International Tea & Coffee Co steps into the hot chicken scene with the Tea Time Hot Chicken, a crispy fried chicken creation topped with spicy aioli slaw and fresh spring mix on a Charpier’s Bakery bun.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish combines elegance and heat, with a fresh take that pairs crispy chicken with vibrant, flavorful toppings.
Jasper’s
Dish: Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Jasper’s, known for its elevated casual fare, delivers a classic yet refined Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Juicy, spicy fried chicken is paired with dill pickles and creamy coleslaw on a buttery brioche bun.
Why They’re a Contender: Sometimes simplicity is best, and Jasper’s nails it with perfectly balanced flavors and high-quality ingredients.
JWB Grill
Dish: JWB Margaritaville’s Hot Chicken Special
JWB Grill brings tropical flair to Hot Chicken Week with their Hot Chicken Special. Crispy, hand-breaded chicken is topped with vibrant Caribbean slaw, spicy pickles, and a drizzle of sweet-hot honey on a toasted bun.
Why They’re a Contender: By blending Nashville heat with Caribbean flavors, JWB Grill offers a fun, unique dish that stands out in a crowded field.
Karrington Rowe
Dish: Hot Chicken Fried
Karrington Rowe is known for its elevated take on comfort food, and their Hot Chicken Fried sandwich is no exception. Crispy, golden-fried chicken is topped with tangy homemade bread-and-butter pickles and drizzled with a fiery Nashville Hot Comeback Sauce. Served on a toasted, buttery Charpier brioche bun with a side of perfectly seasoned French fries, this dish is a spicy, savory feast.
Why They’re a Contender: The house-made pickles and bold Comeback Sauce set this sandwich apart, offering a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory.
Library Restaurant & Lounge
Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffle
Library Restaurant & Lounge blends elegance and indulgence with their Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffle. A crispy fried chicken breast is coated in a house blend of Nashville Hot Chicken spice, served atop a sugar waffle with Thai bacon maple syrup on the side.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish masterfully combines sweetness, spice, and Southern charm, making it a standout option for those seeking a creative take on hot chicken.
Limo Peruvian Eatery
Dish: Peruvian Hot Chicken Sandwich
Limo Peruvian Eatery brings international flair to Hot Chicken Week with their Peruvian Hot Chicken Sandwich. Brasa-spiced chicken is paired with Rocoto sauce, crispy potato sticks, Criolla (Peruvian pickled onions), and Aji amarillo aioli, all served on Peruvian French bread.
Why They’re a Contender: By infusing Peruvian spices and flavors, this sandwich is an adventurous, flavorful fusion that redefines the hot chicken experience.
Makeshift
Dish: Hot Chicken Sandwich
Makeshift delivers a satisfying classic with their Hot Chicken Sandwich. Crispy fried chicken breast is stuffed with spicy garlic butter, coated in Nashville hot sauce, and topped with pickles, lettuce, cheese, and Ranch dressing.
Why They’re a Contender: The addition of spicy garlic butter elevates this sandwich, creating a rich, flavor-packed bite that’s hard to beat.
Nashville Palace
Dish: Hot Hen Revival
The Nashville Palace offers a bold take on hot chicken with their Hot Hen Revival. A whole Cornish hen is fried to golden perfection and seasoned with Nashville spice, served alongside crispy golden fries.
Why They’re a Contender: The Cornish hen’s presentation and exceptional seasoning make this dish a showstopper for those who want something different from the standard hot chicken offerings.
Only Chicken Mediterranean Restaurant
Dish: This
Only Chicken Mediterranean Restaurant offers a global spin on hot chicken with their Spicy Chicken. Prepared with Anatolian spices, the dish is served alongside pasta and a fresh salad, blending Mediterranean flavors with Nashville’s signature heat.
Why They’re a Contender: The Anatolian spice blend sets this dish apart, offering a spicy, aromatic twist that showcases the versatility of Nashville hot chicken in an international context.
Otto’s Bar
Dish: Spicy Tinga Tacos
Otto’s Bar serves up heat in taco form with their Spicy Tinga Tacos. Nashville Hot and Tinga spices blend together for a fiery kick, balanced by a fresh vinegar coleslaw and served on Roti bread.
Why They’re a Contender: The fusion of Nashville and Mexican flavors wrapped in tender Roti bread makes this taco a unique contender with a multicultural twist.
Park Café
Dish: The Fire Bird
Park Cafe keeps things fresh and flavorful with The Fire Bird. Grilled hot chicken tenders are served with house-made bread-and-butter pickles, green apple coleslaw, and a side of French fries.
Why They’re a Contender: The pairing of tart green apple slaw and juicy grilled chicken creates a lighter yet equally flavorful spin on hot chicken.
Pepperfire Hot Chicken
Dish: Hot Chicken Sandwich & Fries
Pepperfire sticks to the classics with their Hot Chicken Sandwich & Fries. Freshly fried chicken tenders are topped with poppy seed Slaw and house-made Sabi sauce for a flavorful kick.
Why They’re a Contender: The poppy seed Slaw and Sabi sauce add an inventive touch to a beloved classic, offering both heat and depth of flavor.
Plane Jane
Dish: Mile High Heat
Plane Jane brings the heat with their Mile High Heat sandwich. Featuring three different peppers, this crispy, juicy hot chicken creation packs a fiery punch that’s bold and unforgettable.
Why They’re a Contender: With its unapologetically spicy profile, this sandwich is perfect for heat seekers looking for a no-holds-barred hot chicken experience.
Prince’s Hot Chicken
Dish: Thornton’s Colossal Fries
Prince’s, the originator of Nashville hot chicken, brings a shareable option to the table with their Thornton’s Colossal Fries. Thornton’s crispy fries are topped with chunks of crispy tenders, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeños, queso blanco, and a garnish of cilantro and green onions. Choose your desired heat level to customize your experience.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish combines the iconic flavors of hot chicken with loaded fries, offering a crowd-pleasing, customizable option from a Nashville legend.
Punk Wok
Dish: Hot Chicken Bahn Mi
Punk Wok is known for its creative Asian fusion, and their Hot Chicken Bahn Mi is a testament to their culinary ingenuity. This classic Vietnamese sandwich gets a Nashville twist with hot chicken, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
Why They’re a Contender: The fusion of Vietnamese freshness and Nashville heat makes this bahn mi a standout, offering a vibrant mix of flavors that’s both bold and refreshing.
Red Onion
Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken Wrap
Red Onion combines heat and heartiness with their Nashville Hot Chicken Wrap. This dish features fried chicken tenders, homemade pickles, pickled jalapeños, and slaw, all wrapped in a cheesy jalapeño tortilla. A side of loaded potato salad completes this satisfying meal. Vegan options are available upon request.
Why They’re a Contender: The cheesy wrap and loaded potato salad offer a unique spin on hot chicken, making this dish a must-try for those seeking something outside the sandwich norm.
Red’s Hot Chicken
Dish: Hot Chicken Tater Cake
Red’s Hot Chicken delivers creativity with their Hot Chicken Tater Cake, a fried tater cake infused with pimento cheese, scallions, and Red’s peppers, topped with hot chicken, bacon, and Comeback Sauce. Served on a bed of arugula, it’s a flavorful feast.
Why They’re a Contender: This inventive combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy elements makes for a dish that’s both hearty and unique.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ at Chief’s
Dish: Rodney’s Hot Chicken Sandwich
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ brings their pitmaster expertise to hot chicken with Rodney’s Hot Chicken Sandwich. Juicy, golden-fried chicken is tossed in RS Hot Sauce and topped with creamy coleslaw, served on Martin’s Bun.
Why They’re a Contender: The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors makes this sandwich a fierce competitor in this year’s lineup.
Saint Anejo
Dish: Hot Chicken Nachos or Hot Chicken Taco
Saint Anejo gives you a choice between Hot Chicken Nachos and a Hot Chicken Taco. The nachos feature crispy tortilla chips loaded with charro beans, queso, diced hot chicken, hot chicken glaze, pico de gallo, guacamole, and scallions. The taco pairs fried tenderloin in hot chicken dry rub with slaw, glaze, and scallions on your choice of tortilla.
Why They’re a Contender: The option for nachos or tacos, paired with robust Mexican-inspired flavors, offers something exciting for every palate.
Scoreboard Bar & Grill
Dish: Toadally Chicken
Scoreboard spices things up with their playful Toadally Chicken, featuring deep-fried frog legs seasoned with their signature Nashville Hot blend and served with a side of seasoned fries.
Why They’re a Contender: This daring dish is perfect for adventurous eaters who want a unique take on Nashville heat, showcasing a creative twist on the expected.
Streetcar Taps & Beer Garden
Dish: Nashville Hot Snack Wrap
Streetcar offers a handheld delight with their Nashville Hot Snack Wrap, featuring two crispy tenders coated in hot oil and rub, wrapped in a flour tortilla with shredded lettuce, spicy mayo, and pickled jalapeños.
Why They’re a Contender: This sweet, spicy, and convenient wrap is perfect for a quick and satisfying hot chicken fix.
Taco Bamba
Dish: Caleb’s PoYo Caliente
Taco Bamba brings the heat with Caleb’s PoYo Caliente, a chile-spiced hot chicken wrap with Chipotle Ranch, cheese, pickles, slaw, and dill chips in a flour tortilla.
Why They’re a Contender: This wrap’s smoky, creamy, and crunchy components make it an irresistible fusion of bold flavors and textures.
Tee Line
Dish: Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Pillows
Tee Line gets creative with their Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Pillows—two cheesy, spicy chicken pillows drizzled with their house-made hot honey sauce.
Why They’re a Contender: The combination of gooey cheese, spicy chicken, and sweet-hot honey makes this dish both innovative and indulgent.
Tenn at Holston House
Dish: The Fiery Foul
Tenn’s Fiery Foul sandwich is a bold creation featuring chicken slathered in Carolina Reaper bourbon glaze, topped with house-made pickles and smoky mayo on a toasted bun.
Why They’re a Contender: The use of Carolina Reaper packs a daring punch, making this sandwich perfect for spice lovers who crave a real challenge.
Top Note Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Top Note’s Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a straightforward yet satisfying offering. Served open-faced on white bread, it’s topped with southern slaw and pickles and paired with fries.
Why They’re a Contender: This dish keeps it classic, letting the bold flavors of the chicken shine against the backdrop of traditional accompaniments.
True Music Room & Bar
Dish: Southern Spice Thigh
True Music Room & Bar presents their Southern Spice Thigh, featuring tender hot chicken paired with tangy fennel slaw and served on warm, artisanal bread atop spiced puffed rice for added crunch.
Why They’re a Contender: The blend of textures and sophisticated flavors makes this dish a refined take on Nashville’s beloved classic.
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
Dish: Southern Fried Quarter Chicken
Waldo’s sticks to their roots with the Southern Fried Quarter Chicken. Brined overnight in house-made Sidekick Brine, the bone-in chicken is fried to perfection and served with Texas toast and coleslaw.
Why They’re a Contender: With an emphasis on tradition and technique, Waldo’s offers a dish that’s simple, comforting, and undeniably satisfying.
Plan Your Hot Chicken Week 2025 Adventure
This event is more than just a food festival—it’s a celebration of Nashville’s culinary creativity and community. From neighborhood diners to high-end bistros, every restaurant brings something special to the table, showcasing their love for this spicy Southern staple.
Whether you’re a die-hard hot chicken fan or looking to try it for the first time, Hot Chicken Week is the perfect excuse to explore Nashville, support local chefs, and, of course, eat a lot of delicious food.

So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare for a week of spicy, savory fun. Don’t forget to vote for your favorites and join the conversation online. Let’s make Nashville Hot Chicken Week 2025 the hottest one yet!