Get ready to turn up the heat for Nashville’s most notable culinary contribution, Nashville hot chicken. This fiery, crispy, flavor-packed dish has been a hometown favorite for generations, delivering the perfect balance of spice and Southern comfort in every bite. For an authentic experience, head to the birthplace of this fiery dish, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Other local favorites include Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Party Fowl, and Pepperfire Hot Chicken though nearly every restaurant in town offers its own take on the classic recipe.
Another Nashville tradition is the classic “meat and three”—a quintessential Southern meal that lets diners mix and match a hearty main dish with three comforting sides, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is customizable. This down-home classic is a staple of the city’s food scene and is often served cafeteria-style. Iconic spots like Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Loveless Cafe, Monell’s, Swett’s, and Puckett's Grocery will have you making tough choices between fried chicken, meatloaf, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes. Be sure to wash it down with a slice of homemade pie or a helping of banana pudding.
Barbecue is another pillar of Nashville’s culinary identity. The city boasts a number of award-winning barbecue joints, each with its own distinct flavors. Martin’s BBQ Joint, Peg Leg Porker, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, and Shotgun Willie’s BBQ each bring their own unique flavor to the barbecue scene, and locals often find themselves in heated debates over which one serves up the best smoked meats in town.
