Nashville Food & Hot Chicken Tours
Taste spicy Nashville hot chicken, Southern comfort food, and BBQ!
Discover Nashville's delicious food scene - Southern comfort meets spicy innovation! Nashville food tours explore the city's signature dish: Nashville hot chicken (fried chicken coated in cayenne pepper paste - originated at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack!), alongside Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, meat-and-three plates, banana pudding, and Tennessee BBQ. Visit iconic joints like Hattie B's (tourist favorite), Prince's (original!), Bolton's (locals' choice), farm-to-table restaurants, food halls, and trendy 12South neighborhood eateries. Sample hot chicken at various heat levels (mild to "shut the cluck up"!), taste classic Southern sides, and explore Nashville's culinary evolution. It's spicy, soul-satisfying Southern food!
Why Choose Food & Hot Chicken Tours in Nashville?
Nashville Hot Chicken
City invented hot chicken - spicy, crispy, unforgettable!
Southern Comfort Food
Biscuits, gravy, meat-and-three, banana pudding - soul-satisfying!
Local Institutions
Visit family-run spots serving recipes for generations!
Food Innovation
Nashville blends traditional Southern with modern creativity!
Types of Food & Hot Chicken Tours in Nashville
Hot Chicken Tour
Sample hot chicken at 3-4 spots comparing styles and heat.
Southern Food Tour
Taste biscuits, BBQ, meat-and-three, and Southern classics.
12South Food Tour
Explore trendy neighborhood with modern Nashville dining.
BBQ & Whiskey Tour
Tennessee BBQ paired with local whiskey tastings.
What to Expect on Your Nashville Food & Hot Chicken Tours
Duration
Tours: 3-4 hours with 6-8 tastings replacing lunch or dinner.
Hot Chicken
Fried chicken with cayenne paste - choose heat level (mild to insane!).
Meat-and-Three
Nashville tradition - pick protein + three sides (mac & cheese, greens, etc).
Prince's Hot Chicken
Original hot chicken spot where dish was invented in 1930s!
Southern Sides
Collard greens, mac & cheese, fried okra, cornbread - classic Southern!
Food History
Learn about hot chicken origin story and Southern food traditions.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Hot chicken heat levels: START MILD! Even "medium" is seriously spicy.
Prince's (original, cash-only) vs. Hattie B's (tourist-friendly) - try both!
Bolton's locals prefer for authentic hot chicken experience.
Order milk with hot chicken - beer makes heat worse!
Meat-and-three lunch spots ($8-12) are budget Southern food.
Arnold's Country Kitchen (meat-and-three) cash-only, closes at 2:30 PM weekdays.
Come HUNGRY - portions are generous and tours have many stops.
Hot chicken is messy - bring napkins and embrace it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is Nashville hot chicken?
A: Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken coated in cayenne pepper paste! Invented 1930s at Prince's. It's crispy, spicy (mild to extremely hot), served on white bread with pickles. Heat levels: Mild, Medium, Hot, X-Hot, XXX. Start mild - even medium is VERY spicy!
Q:Where is the best hot chicken?
A: Prince's (original, most authentic, cash-only). Hattie B's (popular, tourist-friendly, consistent). Bolton's (locals' favorite, spiciest). Each has devoted fans! Debate rages endlessly. Tours let you try multiple - best way to decide yourself!
Q:How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?
A: VERY spicy at higher levels! Mild: Moderate kick. Medium: Quite spicy. Hot/X-Hot: Extremely spicy. XXX: Painful for most people! Order milk (beer makes it worse). Start mild - you can always go hotter next time. Don't underestimate it!
Q:How much do food tours cost?
A: Hot chicken tours: $60-90 (3-4 hours, 3-4 spots). Southern food tours: $65-95 (6-8 tastings). BBQ tours: $70-100. Private: $200-400 for group. Tours replace meals - good value for variety and avoiding bad spots!
Q:What is meat-and-three?
A: Meat-and-three is Nashville lunch tradition - choose one protein (fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chop) plus three sides from 8-12 options. $8-12 for filling Southern plate. Arnold's Country Kitchen is legendary. Cafeteria-style, quick, delicious!
Q:Can vegetarians eat in Nashville?
A: Challenging but possible! Hot chicken is chicken (duh!). However, sides are great: mac & cheese, greens, beans. Some restaurants offer cauliflower hot chicken. Nashville has veggie restaurants (Avo, The Wild Cow). Communicate needs - most places accommodate!
Q:When is the best time for food tours?
A: Year-round! Lunch tours (11 AM-2 PM) hit meat-and-three spots. Dinner tours (5-8 PM) for hot chicken (lighter lunch recommended before spicy dinner!). Food scene runs daily. Hot chicken anytime but prepare for heat!
Q:Should I try hot chicken?
A: ABSOLUTELY! It's Nashville's signature dish. Start with mild or medium heat level. Have milk ready. It's spicy but incredibly flavorful - crispy skin, juicy chicken. Even if not into spicy food, mild is manageable. Must-try Nashville experience!
Why Visit Nashville?
Grand Ole Opry and country music heritage
Vibrant Broadway district and live music
Famous hot chicken and Southern cuisine
Rich musical history and culture
Warm Southern hospitality
Perfect blend of music and culture
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Nashville enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (75-90°F/24-32°C), winters are mild (35-50°F/2-10°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.
Best Months
March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Peak Season
June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cooler weather.
Plan Your Nashville Trip
Transportation Tips
Public transportation includes buses and the Music City Star train. Renting a car provides flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Car Rental Deals in Nashville
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Nashville adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Nashville
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.