Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its rich music scene, but the city is also famous for its mouth-watering hot chicken. Two iconic establishments, Hattie B’s and Prince’s, have been serving up this beloved dish for decades, leaving locals and visitors alike to ponder the age-old question: which is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both restaurants, their unique approaches to hot chicken, and what sets them apart from one another.
A Brief History of Nashville Hot Chicken
Before we dive into the specifics of Hattie B’s and Prince’s, it’s essential to understand the origins of Nashville hot chicken. This style of fried chicken is believed to have originated in the city’s North Nashville neighborhood in the 1930s. The story goes that Thornton Prince, the founder of Prince’s, created the recipe as a way to spite his girlfriend, who had been complaining about his late-night carousing. Prince’s girlfriend, tired of his antics, asked him to cook her some fried chicken, but she requested that it be made extra hot to punish him for his behavior. Prince, not one to back down from a challenge, created a recipe that would become the foundation of Nashville hot chicken.
The Birth of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Thornton Prince’s hot chicken quickly gained popularity, and in 1939, he opened Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, a small restaurant located in the North Nashville neighborhood. The shack, which still stands today, became a staple of the community, attracting locals and visitors from all over the city. Prince’s hot chicken was served with a side of bread and pickles, a tradition that continues to this day.
The Rise of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Fast-forward to 2012, when Hattie B’s Hot Chicken was founded by Nick Bishop Sr. and his son, Nick Bishop Jr. The Bishops, who had previously worked in the restaurant industry, were inspired by the rich history of Nashville hot chicken and wanted to create their own unique take on the dish. Hattie B’s quickly gained popularity, thanks in part to its trendy location in the Midtown neighborhood and its creative approach to hot chicken.
Hattie B’s Innovative Approach
While Prince’s has remained true to its traditional recipe, Hattie B’s has taken a more innovative approach to hot chicken. The restaurant offers a variety of heat levels, ranging from “Southern” (no heat) to “Shut the Cluck Up” (extremely hot). Hattie B’s also offers a range of creative sides, including Southern favorites like mac and cheese and baked beans, as well as more unique options like spicy corn nuts and local honey.
Head-to-Head Comparison
So, how do Hattie B’s and Prince’s stack up against one another? Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the two restaurants:
| Category | Hattie B’s | Prince’s |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Levels | 6 heat levels, ranging from “Southern” to “Shut the Cluck Up” | 4 heat levels, ranging from “Mild” to “Extra Hot” |
| Sides | Creative options like spicy corn nuts and local honey, as well as Southern favorites like mac and cheese and baked beans | Traditional options like bread and pickles, as well as Southern favorites like coleslaw and baked beans |
| Atmosphere | Trendy location in the Midtown neighborhood, with a modern and sleek decor | Traditional, no-frills atmosphere, with a focus on the food rather than the ambiance |
Prince’s Traditional Approach
While Hattie B’s has taken a more innovative approach to hot chicken, Prince’s has remained true to its traditional recipe. The restaurant still serves its hot chicken with a side of bread and pickles, just as Thornton Prince did back in the 1930s. Prince’s has also maintained its traditional, no-frills atmosphere, with a focus on the food rather than the ambiance.
What the Locals Say
So, what do the locals think about Hattie B’s and Prince’s? We spoke with several Nashville residents to get their take on the two restaurants.
“I’m a Prince’s girl, through and through,” says Sarah Johnson, a Nashville native. “There’s just something about the traditional recipe and the no-frills atmosphere that can’t be beat.”
“I love Hattie B’s,” says Mark Davis, a local food blogger. “The creative sides and heat levels are a game-changer. Plus, the atmosphere is always lively and fun.”
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision between Hattie B’s and Prince’s comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a traditional, no-frills hot chicken experience, Prince’s is the way to go. But if you’re in the mood for something more innovative and creative, Hattie B’s is the better choice.
Conclusion
The debate between Hattie B’s and Prince’s is a longstanding one, with each side having its own loyal followers. While both restaurants offer delicious hot chicken, they approach the dish in different ways. Prince’s traditional recipe and no-frills atmosphere are a testament to the city’s rich history, while Hattie B’s innovative approach and creative sides offer a fresh take on a classic dish. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Nashville, both Hattie B’s and Prince’s are must-visit destinations for any hot chicken lover.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the question of which is better, Hattie B’s or Prince’s, is a matter of personal preference. But one thing is certain: Nashville hot chicken is a culinary treasure that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you’re a fan of traditional or innovative, there’s a hot chicken joint in Nashville that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
So, which team are you on? Team Hattie B’s or Team Prince’s? Let us know in the comments!
What is the Great Nashville Debate?
The Great Nashville Debate refers to the ongoing discussion and rivalry between Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Prince’s Hot Chicken, two of the most popular hot chicken restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee. The debate centers around which restaurant serves the best hot chicken, with each side having its own loyal followers and defenders.
The debate has been fueled by food critics, bloggers, and enthusiasts who have visited both restaurants and shared their opinions on social media and review platforms. While some argue that Hattie B’s is the superior choice, others claim that Prince’s is the authentic and original hot chicken experience.
What is the history of Prince’s Hot Chicken?
Prince’s Hot Chicken has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s when Thornton Prince III opened the restaurant in North Nashville. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique hot chicken recipe, which was created by Prince’s wife, who was tired of his philandering ways and decided to serve him a dish that would teach him a lesson. The recipe, which included a special blend of spices and a crispy exterior, became a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Over the years, Prince’s Hot Chicken has remained a family-owned business, with the current owner, André Prince Jeffries, being the great-niece of the founder. The restaurant has expanded to several locations in Nashville and has been featured on numerous food shows and publications, including the Food Network and The New York Times.
What is the history of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken?
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken was founded in 2012 by Nick Bishop Sr. and his son, Nick Bishop Jr. The restaurant is named after the Bishop family’s matriarch, Hattie B. Bishop, who was known for her Southern cooking and hospitality. The Bishops developed their own hot chicken recipe, which is inspired by the traditional Nashville-style hot chicken, but with a few modern twists.
Hattie B’s quickly gained popularity for its high-quality ingredients, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has expanded to several locations in Nashville and has been featured on numerous food shows and publications, including the Food Network and Southern Living.
What is the difference between Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken?
One of the main differences between Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken is the flavor profile. Prince’s Hot Chicken is known for its bold, spicy flavor, which is achieved through a special blend of spices that is applied to the chicken during the cooking process. Hattie B’s, on the other hand, offers a milder flavor profile, with a focus on the quality of the chicken and the cooking technique.
Another difference is the atmosphere. Prince’s Hot Chicken has a more rustic, no-frills atmosphere, with a focus on the food and the community. Hattie B’s, on the other hand, has a more modern and trendy atmosphere, with a focus on customer service and amenities.
Which restaurant is more popular among locals?
Prince’s Hot Chicken is generally considered to be more popular among locals, who have been loyal to the restaurant for generations. Prince’s has a strong following in the Nashville community, and many locals consider it to be the authentic and original hot chicken experience.
However, Hattie B’s has also gained a loyal following among locals, particularly among younger generations who appreciate the restaurant’s modern take on traditional hot chicken. Ultimately, the choice between Prince’s and Hattie B’s depends on personal preference and individual tastes.
Which restaurant is more popular among tourists?
Hattie B’s is generally considered to be more popular among tourists, who are drawn to the restaurant’s trendy atmosphere and high-quality ingredients. Hattie B’s has been featured on numerous food shows and publications, which has helped to attract visitors from around the world.
Prince’s Hot Chicken also attracts tourists, particularly those who are interested in trying the authentic and original hot chicken experience. However, Prince’s may not be as well-known among tourists as Hattie B’s, which has a stronger online presence and more locations in tourist areas.
Can I try both restaurants and decide for myself?
Absolutely! Both Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken offer a unique and delicious hot chicken experience, and the best way to decide which one is better is to try them both for yourself. Many visitors to Nashville make it a point to try both restaurants during their stay, and some even go back and forth between the two to compare and contrast.
Whether you prefer the bold, spicy flavor of Prince’s or the milder, more modern take of Hattie B’s, you can’t go wrong with either choice. So why not try both and join the Great Nashville Debate for yourself?