This is one I’ve been waiting to post for a while. As any of my former friends will tell you, I can chew anyone’s ear off about the benefit and power of hot chicken in Nashville. Maybe it’s because you just can’t get it anywhere else in the world. Maybe its because people who don’t like fried chicken still gorge themselves with it on a regular basis. Maybe its because I can’t find any other decent conversation piece. But whatever the reason, all brain function stops when someone foolishly brings up hot chicken in my presence: I become — Chicken Man! Just imagine the Hulk transforming from a businessman into a being with incomparable powers to walk, talk and act like a flaming idiot. [Watch the amazing documentary, 10 minutes long, about Prince's, and the idea of Chicken Man]
Chicken Man describes the hot chicken experience more frequently than insurance companies deny claims. You arrive at the hole-in-the-wall establishment on the outskirts of downtown, dodge the major potholes in the extra-space parking lot, ignore many people just sitting in their cars because they’ve already ordered and are waiting; somehow you’ve miraculously found your way to the front of the line without much ado, and you eye the menu. Before you order, you notice a plaque on the wall indicating that the humble place you’ve arrived also happens to be the Best Restaurant in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee General Assembly. In addition to making sure we can drink at bars while packing heat, the General Assembly has spoken.
Chicken Man takes a deep breath and orders. ”I’d like a quarter mild with mashed potatoes and slaw.” ”We don’t have mashed potatoes.” ”Oh, right…potato salad.” Jeez its been a while, Chicken Man thinks, and wonders if he remembered to bring cash – which is all they take. Once Chicken Man pays, the experience is just beginning, but that’s the most activity you will encounter for the next forty-five minutes. After you order, you will hopelessly eye tables of people who are also waiting, wondering when you can angle yourself into a seat. Be vigilant, and friendliness comes in handy.
Did you notice Chicken Man said mild? Yes, there have been instances where he’s been known to go darker, but usually mild is all he can take without tearing constantly. One of the best moments he’s had was being in line when some neophyte walked up to the window and casually said, “I’ll take hot.” With the instant reaction from the staff, ”You can’t handle it.” The rest of us in line cringed, generating a moment of camaraderie between you and whoever heard the foolish Hot request. It is possible to go extra hot, actually, but the person who last ordered it has not been seen in six months. They’re still on the can.
A part of the mystique of these chicken places rests in the secrecy of their recipe, the humility of the location, and the lengthy wait that is usually just as famous as their selections. On our recent trip, the Foodie team had had a grand total of a cupcake to eat that day – we were there for dinner, and we had all just finished moving furniture to a new place for most of the day. Chicken Man’s good nature was on trial, and he kept the smile on the face and the lingering anticipation of a great meal up for about 50 minutes. Then the arch-nemesis Hour Wait arrived and took control, relinquishing it’s hold on us fifteen minutes later. It is possible to call ahead and avoid some of the wait…give it a shot. Also on the planning side, bring your own platoon of napkins.
It was good, but not great as the memory of visits past. The cole slaw and potato salad were welcome relief from the spicy version of the chicken, which is mild in name only. Sadly, Chicken Man’s piece had been overdone and overbreaded, leaving a very difficult crunch to get to the meat within. Its also possible that Chicken Man’s taste has changed due to further explorations in the foodie world. If that’s the case, its probably because he passed the frog-leg space/time continuum in previous episodes. (See our review of Miel). There are some doors you just can’t turn back from. If only he had known.
All in all, its tough to call yourself a true Nashville Foodie if you haven’t tried at least one of the hot chicken places in Nashville. Prince’s is the champ, but consider avoiding the massive wait by hitting up Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish, 400 Degrees, or perhaps King Fish on Rosa Parks. While our experience this time around was mixed, we’ve never been disappointed before, and we certainly wouldn’t want anyone to skip the memorable event. Also consider marking your calendar for the Third? Annual Hot Chicken Festival (usually in early July). Just get there reallllly early if you want chicken without a massive wait, never knowing if they’ll run out, and bring ample cash for true sampling.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
123 Ewing Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 226-9442
