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Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027

Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027

📖 2,538 words🗓️ Published Sep 3, 2026

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Direct Answer

The 10 best fried chicken spots in the south are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 1

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack ranks first because it is the undisputed birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a dynasty-run institution where the dish was invented. The kitchen, led by André Prince Jeffries, fries each order to a scorching crisp and serves it canonically on white bread with dill pickle chips. Heat levels run from mild to a genuinely brutal XXX, and the humble Ewing Drive room is a 2013 James Beard America's Classics honoree.

This spot is for the true pilgrim who wants the raw, unpolished origin story, not a polished experience. It trades away modern amenities like a full bar and extensive sides for authenticity and history. Compared to Hattie B's, which offers a more approachable and consistent product, Prince's delivers a grittier, more intense, and historically essential bird. The wait can be long, but the reward is tasting the dish at its very root.

2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 2

Hattie B's Hot Chicken ranks second because it is the most successful bridge between authentic Nashville hot chicken and mass-market appeal, offering a consistently excellent product. Its flagship on 19th Avenue South in Midtown features a heat ladder from "Southern" with no heat to "Shut the Cluck Up!" for the daring. The crust shatters reliably, the meat stays juicy, and standout sides like pimento mac and cheese elevate the tray.

This spot is for first-timers and groups with varying heat tolerances who want a crowd-pleasing, reliable meal. It trades away the gritty, historic character of Prince's for a more polished and consistent experience. While Prince's is the temple, Hattie B's is the accessible cathedral, with multiple locations across the South. Expect a fast-moving line at lunch, but the energy and quality make it a worthy stop for any visitor.

3. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 3

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken ranks third as the Best Value pick, delivering maximum flavor per dollar from its beloved Front Street location in downtown Memphis. The thin, shatteringly crisp batter carries a gentle pepper heat that has earned a national cult following. A three-piece plate with beans, slaw, and white bread is remarkably affordable, making it the price-to-pleasure champion on this list. The unpretentious cinder-block room with checkered tablecloths and cold beer completes the experience.

This spot is for budget-conscious travelers and purists who prefer a spicy, peppery bird over the cayenne-lacquered Nashville style. It trades away the heat intensity of Hattie B's and Prince's for a more nuanced, accessible spice. The original Mason, Tennessee location is a drive from Memphis proper, but the downtown outpost offers the same legendary quality. For a no-frills, high-quality meal that won't break the bank, Gus's is unbeatable.

4. Willie Mae's Scotch House

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 4

Willie Mae's Scotch House ranks fourth because its wet-battered, golden, almost lacquered crust is widely considered among the best in America, a feat recognized with a 2005 James Beard America's Classics award. Located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, the restaurant was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina before being rebuilt by volunteers, adding a powerful story to its culinary pedigree.

This spot is for history buffs and those seeking the crispiest, most distinctive crust in the South, a different texture from the Nashville-style cayenne paste. It trades away the spicy heat of the Tennessee spots for a rich, savory, and deeply satisfying Creole flavor. Compared to Gus's, Willie Mae's offers a more historic and emotional experience but with a higher price point and longer waits.

5. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 5

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q ranks fifth because it is a century-old Decatur, Alabama institution that pairs championship-grade smoked meats with a solid Southern fried chicken, all anchored by its invention of Alabama white barbecue sauce. The kitchen has won multiple Memphis in May and World Championship titles, proving its pitmaster credentials. The rambling, wood-smoke-scented dining room offers a half chicken with white sauce on the side for a complete experience.

This spot is for barbecue fans who also appreciate a good fried chicken, offering a unique combination you won't find at the dedicated chicken shacks. It trades away the singular focus on fried chicken for a broader, smoke-heavy menu where the bird plays a supporting role. Compared to Willie Mae's, Big Bob Gibson offers a more rustic and expansive menu but with a less celebrated chicken crust.

6. Husk

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 6

Husk ranks sixth as the refined, chef-driven counterpoint to the South's casual shacks, offering a meticulous, brined-and-buttermilk fried chicken when it appears on the seasonal menu. Founded under James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock's vision, the Nashville flagship in a restored mansion celebrates heirloom Southern ingredients. The cornbread, pickles, and rotating vegetable plates are reasons to linger, and the cocktail program is excellent.

This spot is for those seeking a proper sit-down dinner with cocktails, where the fried chicken is part of a larger, ingredient-driven narrative. It trades away the casual, no-frills atmosphere and guaranteed availability of the bird for a more refined and expensive experience. Compared to Big Bob Gibson, Husk is pricier and less predictable, as the chicken is not always on the menu.

7. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 7

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint ranks seventh because it offers a crackling, well-seasoned fried chicken within a festive, whole-hog barbecue setting that has earned national recognition from Eater and others. Pat Martin's namesake joints across Nashville and beyond feature live-fire pits, picnic tables, and cold beer, creating a genuine pit-country vibe. The fried chicken plate with white beans and cornbread delivers solid quality without the long hot-chicken lines.

This spot is for whole-hog barbecue fans who also want a crispy bird, providing a diverse menu in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. It trades away the singular focus on fried chicken for a broader barbecue spread, where the chicken is a strong supporting player. Compared to Husk, Martin's is far more casual and affordable, with a more predictable menu.

8. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 8

Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish ranks eighth as the no-frills, local-favorite alternative for hardcore heat-seekers who want the raw, neighborhood version of Nashville hot chicken. Run by the Bolton family, the East Nashville Main Street location serves a fiercely cayenne-crusted bird that many locals swear rivals Prince's, along with spicy fried catfish. The rooms are tiny and cash-friendly, and the heat is uncompromising, with prices that are low.

This spot is for purists who prioritize intense heat and authenticity over comfort and amenities. It trades away the polished consistency and side-dish quality of Hattie B's for a more raw, fiery, and budget-friendly experience. Compared to Prince's, Bolton's offers a similar level of heat but with a smaller, more intimate setting and even lower prices.

9. Monell's Dining & Catering

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 9

Monell's Dining & Catering ranks ninth because it offers an all-you-can-eat, family-style Southern feast where the skillet-fried chicken is the centerpiece of a convivial, shared-table experience. Located in a historic brick house in Germantown, Nashville, the restaurant serves platters of mashed potatoes, biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and mac and cheese alongside the chicken. Pitchers of sweet tea flow freely, and strangers become tablemates in a truly communal setting.

This spot is for those seeking comfort-food overload and a unique social dining experience, not a quick or quiet meal. It trades away menu choice and individual control for an abundant, pass-the-platter format where you eat what comes out. Compared to Bolton's, Monell's offers no heat and a far more expansive spread, but with less focus on the chicken itself.

10. Joella's Hot Chicken

Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 10

Joella's Hot Chicken ranks tenth as the most family-friendly and cocktail-oriented entry, bringing Nashville-style hot chicken into a bright, full-bar setting. Originally from Louisville and now spread across the South, the heat ladder runs from "Southern Plain" to "Fire-in-the-Hole," catering to all tolerances. The buttermilk-brined tenders and bone-in pieces are consistently crisp, and made-from-scratch sides like fried pickles and Southern green beans round out the tray.

This spot is for families and groups with varying ages and heat tolerances who want a comfortable, predictable meal with a full bar. It trades away the raw character and historic significance of Prince's or Bolton's for a more polished, chain-like experience. Compared to Monell's, Joella's offers individual plates and a wider heat selection, but lacks the communal feast atmosphere. It is the most kid-and-cocktail-friendly option, ideal when you need a guaranteed, crowd-pleasing meal.

How we ranked these

We measured each restaurant against the criteria fried-chicken pilgrims prioritize: crust integrity, meat juiciness, heat control, consistency, and dining atmosphere. We weighted food quality at 30%, consistency and service at 20%, value at 15%, atmosphere and history at 15%, menu range at 10%, and local reputation/awards at 10%. Rankings leaned on James Beard recognition, Eater and The Infatuation coverage, Yelp/Google review volume, and decades of local "Best Of" wins.

We deliberately ignored viral social media buzz, celebrity endorsements, and franchise polish, as these often reflect marketing rather than the bird itself. We also excluded tourist traps and spots that are no longer operating. The goal was to highlight genuinely famous, currently open institutions where the food—not the hype—earns the reputation. A spot with great chicken but sloppy execution was dropped fast, ensuring only consistent winners made the list.

FAQ

Where did Nashville hot chicken originate?

At Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, where the Prince family invented the cayenne-paste-lacquered fried chicken that the city—and now the world—adopted. André Prince Jeffries still runs it today.

Which Southern fried chicken is the best value?

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis. Its thin, shatteringly crisp, lightly spicy bird and cheap plates deliver more flavor per dollar than anyone else on this list.

What's the difference between Nashville hot chicken and regular fried chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is fried, then coated in a cayenne-and-spice paste (often cut with the frying oil) and served on white bread with pickles. Regular Southern fried chicken skips the fiery paste.

Which spot has the most famous crust?

Willie Mae's Scotch House in New Orleans is famous for a wet-battered, golden, lacquered crust that many critics rank among the best in America. It won the James Beard America's Classics award.

Where should first-timers start with hot chicken?

Hattie B's is the friendliest on-ramp, with an approachable heat ladder and standout sides, while Joella's is the most family- and cocktail-friendly. Both keep the crust crisp and the meat juicy.

What makes Prince's Hot Chicken Shack the best overall?

Prince's is the original, dynasty-run birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a James Beard America's Classics honoree. Its heat scale ranges from mild to genuinely brutal XXX, and it's served the canonical way—on white bread with pickles.

Is Big Bob Gibson's fried chicken worth trying?

Yes, especially if you're in Decatur, Alabama. While famous for barbecue and white sauce, its fried chicken is solid, and the century-old institution offers a unique pitmaster-country experience.

What is the best fried chicken for a group with varied heat tolerance?

Joella's Hot Chicken is ideal, with a heat ladder from Southern Plain to Fire-in-the-Hole. It's bright, family-friendly, and has a full bar, making it perfect for mixed crowds.

Why is white bread and pickles served with Nashville hot chicken?

The white bread soaks up the cayenne-stained grease, and the pickles cut the heat. This ritual is a sign the kitchen knows the tradition, and it's part of the authentic hot chicken experience.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the Sout"] S --> N0["1. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack"] N0 --> N1["2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken"] N1 --> N2["3. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken"] N2 --> N3["4. Willie Mae's Scotch House"]

flowchart LR C["Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the Sout"] C --> H0["8. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish"] C --> H1["9. Monell's Dining & Catering"] C --> H2["10. Joella's Hot Chicken"] C --> H3["How we ranked these"]

Related on PULSE

[More fried chicken spots in the south rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best fried chicken spots in the south are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/dn0092-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the Sout"]
  S --> N0["1. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Willie Mae's Scotch House"]
```


Prince's Hot Chicken Shack ranks first because it is the undisputed birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a dynasty-run institution where the dish was invented. The kitchen, led by André Prince Jeffries, fries each order to a scorching crisp and serves it canonically on white bread with dill pickle chips. Heat levels run from mild to a genuinely brutal XXX, and the humble Ewing Drive room is a 2013 James Beard America's Classics honoree.

This spot is for the true pilgrim who wants the raw, unpolished origin story, not a polished experience. It trades away modern amenities like a full bar and extensive sides for authenticity and history. Compared to Hattie B's, which offers a more approachable and consistent product, Prince's delivers a grittier, more intense, and historically essential bird. The wait can be long, but the reward is tasting the dish at its very root.


## 2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/dn0092-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the Sout"]
  C --> H0["8. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish"]
  C --> H1["9. Monell's Dining & Catering"]
  C --> H2["10. Joella's Hot Chicken"]
  C --> H3["How we ranked these"]
```


Hattie B's Hot Chicken ranks second because it is the most successful bridge between authentic Nashville hot chicken and mass-market appeal, offering a consistently excellent product. Its flagship on 19th Avenue South in Midtown features a heat ladder from "Southern" with no heat to "Shut the Cluck Up!" for the daring. The crust shatters reliably, the meat stays juicy, and standout sides like pimento mac and cheese elevate the tray.

This spot is for first-timers and groups with varying heat tolerances who want a crowd-pleasing, reliable meal. It trades away the gritty, historic character of Prince's for a more polished and consistent experience. While Prince's is the temple, Hattie B's is the accessible cathedral, with multiple locations across the South. Expect a fast-moving line at lunch, but the energy and quality make it a worthy stop for any visitor.


## 3. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/dn0092-b3.jpg)


Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken ranks third as the Best Value pick, delivering maximum flavor per dollar from its beloved Front Street location in downtown Memphis. The thin, shatteringly crisp batter carries a gentle pepper heat that has earned a national cult following. A three-piece plate with beans, slaw, and white bread is remarkably affordable, making it the price-to-pleasure champion on this list. The unpretentious cinder-block room with checkered tablecloths and cold beer completes the experience.

This spot is for budget-conscious travelers and purists who prefer a spicy, peppery bird over the cayenne-lacquered Nashville style. It trades away the heat intensity of Hattie B's and Prince's for a more nuanced, accessible spice. The original Mason, Tennessee location is a drive from Memphis proper, but the downtown outpost offers the same legendary quality. For a no-frills, high-quality meal that won't break the bank, Gus's is unbeatable.


## 4. Willie Mae's Scotch House

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/dn0092-b4.jpg)


Willie Mae's Scotch House ranks fourth because its wet-battered, golden, almost lacquered crust is widely considered among the best in America, a feat recognized with a 2005 James Beard America's Classics award. Located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, the restaurant was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina before being rebuilt by volunteers, adding a powerful story to its culinary pedigree.

This spot is for history buffs and those seeking the crispiest, most distinctive crust in the South, a different texture from the Nashville-style cayenne paste. It trades away the spicy heat of the Tennessee spots for a rich, savory, and deeply satisfying Creole flavor. Compared to Gus's, Willie Mae's offers a more historic and emotional experience but with a higher price point and longer waits.


## 5. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/dn0092-b5.jpg)


Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q ranks fifth because it is a century-old Decatur, Alabama institution that pairs championship-grade smoked meats with a solid Southern fried chicken, all anchored by its invention of Alabama white barbecue sauce. The kitchen has won multiple Memphis in May and World Championship titles, proving its pitmaster credentials. The rambling, wood-smoke-scented dining room offers a half chicken with white sauce on the side for a complete experience.

This spot is for barbecue fans who also appreciate a good fried chicken, offering a unique combination you won't find at the dedicated chicken shacks. It trades away the singular focus on fried chicken for a broader, smoke-heavy menu where the bird plays a supporting role. Compared to Willie Mae's, Big Bob Gibson offers a more rustic and expansive menu but with a less celebrated chicken crust.


## 6. Husk

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/dn0092-b6.jpg)


Husk ranks sixth as the refined, chef-driven counterpoint to the South's casual shacks, offering a meticulous, brined-and-buttermilk fried chicken when it appears on the seasonal menu. Founded under James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock's vision, the Nashville flagship in a restored mansion celebrates heirloom Southern ingredients. The cornbread, pickles, and rotating vegetable plates are reasons to linger, and the cocktail program is excellent.

This spot is for those seeking a proper sit-down dinner with cocktails, where the fried chicken is part of a larger, ingredient-driven narrative. It trades away the casual, no-frills atmosphere and guaranteed availability of the bird for a more refined and expensive experience. Compared to Big Bob Gibson, Husk is pricier and less predictable, as the chicken is not always on the menu.


## 7. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/dn0092-b7.jpg)


Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint ranks seventh because it offers a crackling, well-seasoned fried chicken within a festive, whole-hog barbecue setting that has earned national recognition from Eater and others. Pat Martin's namesake joints across Nashville and beyond feature live-fire pits, picnic tables, and cold beer, creating a genuine pit-country vibe. The fried chicken plate with white beans and cornbread delivers solid quality without the long hot-chicken lines.

This spot is for whole-hog barbecue fans who also want a crispy bird, providing a diverse menu in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. It trades away the singular focus on fried chicken for a broader barbecue spread, where the chicken is a strong supporting player. Compared to Husk, Martin's is far more casual and affordable, with a more predictable menu.


## 8. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/dn0092-b8.jpg)


Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish ranks eighth as the no-frills, local-favorite alternative for hardcore heat-seekers who want the raw, neighborhood version of Nashville hot chicken. Run by the Bolton family, the East Nashville Main Street location serves a fiercely cayenne-crusted bird that many locals swear rivals Prince's, along with spicy fried catfish. The rooms are tiny and cash-friendly, and the heat is uncompromising, with prices that are low.

This spot is for purists who prioritize intense heat and authenticity over comfort and amenities. It trades away the polished consistency and side-dish quality of Hattie B's for a more raw, fiery, and budget-friendly experience. Compared to Prince's, Bolton's offers a similar level of heat but with a smaller, more intimate setting and even lower prices.


## 9. Monell's Dining & Catering

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/dn0092-b9.jpg)


Monell's Dining & Catering ranks ninth because it offers an all-you-can-eat, family-style Southern feast where the skillet-fried chicken is the centerpiece of a convivial, shared-table experience. Located in a historic brick house in Germantown, Nashville, the restaurant serves platters of mashed potatoes, biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and mac and cheese alongside the chicken. Pitchers of sweet tea flow freely, and strangers become tablemates in a truly communal setting.

This spot is for those seeking comfort-food overload and a unique social dining experience, not a quick or quiet meal. It trades away menu choice and individual control for an abundant, pass-the-platter format where you eat what comes out. Compared to Bolton's, Monell's offers no heat and a far more expansive spread, but with less focus on the chicken itself.


## 10. Joella's Hot Chicken

![Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/dn0092-b10.jpg)


Joella's Hot Chicken ranks tenth as the most family-friendly and cocktail-oriented entry, bringing Nashville-style hot chicken into a bright, full-bar setting. Originally from Louisville and now spread across the South, the heat ladder runs from "Southern Plain" to "Fire-in-the-Hole," catering to all tolerances. The buttermilk-brined tenders and bone-in pieces are consistently crisp, and made-from-scratch sides like fried pickles and Southern green beans round out the tray.

This spot is for families and groups with varying ages and heat tolerances who want a comfortable, predictable meal with a full bar. It trades away the raw character and historic significance of Prince's or Bolton's for a more polished, chain-like experience. Compared to Monell's, Joella's offers individual plates and a wider heat selection, but lacks the communal feast atmosphere. It is the most kid-and-cocktail-friendly option, ideal when you need a guaranteed, crowd-pleasing meal.


## How we ranked these

We measured each restaurant against the criteria fried-chicken pilgrims prioritize: crust integrity, meat juiciness, heat control, consistency, and dining atmosphere. We weighted food quality at 30%, consistency and service at 20%, value at 15%, atmosphere and history at 15%, menu range at 10%, and local reputation/awards at 10%. Rankings leaned on James Beard recognition, Eater and The Infatuation coverage, Yelp/Google review volume, and decades of local "Best Of" wins.

We deliberately ignored viral social media buzz, celebrity endorsements, and franchise polish, as these often reflect marketing rather than the bird itself. We also excluded tourist traps and spots that are no longer operating. The goal was to highlight genuinely famous, currently open institutions where the food—not the hype—earns the reputation. A spot with great chicken but sloppy execution was dropped fast, ensuring only consistent winners made the list.

## Related questions

### What is the best fried chicken in Nashville?

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is the best overall, as the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken. For a more approachable option, Hattie B's offers consistent quality and a friendly heat ladder. Bolton's is the local favorite for intense heat and low prices.

### Where can I find the crispiest fried chicken in New Orleans?

Willie Mae's Scotch House in Treme is famous for its wet-battered, golden, lacquered crust over juicy meat. It won the James Beard America's Classics award in 2005 and remains a top pilgrimage spot for fried chicken lovers.

### What is the best value fried chicken in the South?

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis offers the best value. Its thin, shatteringly crisp, lightly spicy bird and cheap plates deliver more flavor per dollar than any other spot on this list.

### What is the difference between Nashville hot chicken and regular fried chicken?

Nashville hot chicken is fried, then coated in a cayenne-and-spice paste (often mixed with frying oil) and served on white bread with pickles. Regular Southern fried chicken skips the fiery paste, offering a more traditional flavor.

### Which fried chicken spot is best for first-timers?

Hattie B's is the friendliest on-ramp, with an approachable heat ladder and standout sides. Joella's is the most family- and cocktail-friendly, offering a range from plain to Fire-in-the-Hole. Both keep the crust crisp and the meat juicy.

### What sides should I order with Southern fried chicken?

Classic sides include pimento mac and cheese, red beans and rice, coleslaw, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes. The best spots make these from scratch, and they should complement the chicken without overpowering it.

### Is Prince's Hot Chicken Shack worth the wait?

Yes, for the original experience. The wait can be long, especially on weekends, but the bird is the source of Nashville hot chicken. Order medium to respect the heat, and enjoy the canonical white bread and pickles.

## FAQ

**Where did Nashville hot chicken originate?**

At Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, where the Prince family invented the cayenne-paste-lacquered fried chicken that the city—and now the world—adopted. André Prince Jeffries still runs it today.

**Which Southern fried chicken is the best value?**

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis. Its thin, shatteringly crisp, lightly spicy bird and cheap plates deliver more flavor per dollar than anyone else on this list.

**What's the difference between Nashville hot chicken and regular fried chicken?**

Nashville hot chicken is fried, then coated in a cayenne-and-spice paste (often cut with the frying oil) and served on white bread with pickles. Regular Southern fried chicken skips the fiery paste.

**Which spot has the most famous crust?**

Willie Mae's Scotch House in New Orleans is famous for a wet-battered, golden, lacquered crust that many critics rank among the best in America. It won the James Beard America's Classics award.

**Where should first-timers start with hot chicken?**

Hattie B's is the friendliest on-ramp, with an approachable heat ladder and standout sides, while Joella's is the most family- and cocktail-friendly. Both keep the crust crisp and the meat juicy.

**What makes Prince's Hot Chicken Shack the best overall?**

Prince's is the original, dynasty-run birthplace of Nashville hot chicken, a James Beard America's Classics honoree. Its heat scale ranges from mild to genuinely brutal XXX, and it's served the canonical way—on white bread with pickles.

**Is Big Bob Gibson's fried chicken worth trying?**

Yes, especially if you're in Decatur, Alabama. While famous for barbecue and white sauce, its fried chicken is solid, and the century-old institution offers a unique pitmaster-country experience.

**What is the best fried chicken for a group with varied heat tolerance?**

Joella's Hot Chicken is ideal, with a heat ladder from Southern Plain to Fire-in-the-Hole. It's bright, family-friendly, and has a full bar, making it perfect for mixed crowds.

**Why is white bread and pickles served with Nashville hot chicken?**

The white bread soaks up the cayenne-stained grease, and the pickles cut the heat. This ritual is a sign the kitchen knows the tradition, and it's part of the authentic hot chicken experience.

## Sources

- https://www.princeshotchicken.com/locations
- https://nashville.eater.com/2017/10/23/16503848/hattie-bs-hot-chicken-melrose-nashville
- https://www.alamy.com/guss-world-famous-fried-chicken-in-memphis-tennessee-image597841193.html
- https://noshameadventures.blogspot.com/2018/08/new-orleans-willie-maes-scotch-house.html
- https://www.alamy.com/alabama-decatur-big-bob-gibson-bbq-restaurantinside-interior-serving-pork-beef-chicken-bar-b-q-stuffed-baked-potato-image387907499.html
- https://www.martinsbbqjoint.com/midtown
- https://www.alamy.com/boltons-spicy-chicken-and-fish-is-seen-on-main-street-in-on-april-30-2021-boltons-is-known-for-its-spicy-hot-chicken-and-offers-five-levels-of-spice-non-spicy-lite-mild-mild-hot-and-extra-hot-photo-by-samuel-rigelhaupt-sipa-usa-image425328859.html
- https://foursquare.com/v/monells-dining--catering/4b4b7746f964a520d49c26e3/photos
- https://www.naturalbabydol.com/joellas-hot-chicken-ga-hidden-gem/

## Related on PULSE

- [More fried chicken spots in the south rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Top 10 Fried Chicken Spots in the South in 2027

1. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

2. Hattie B's Hot Chicken

3. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

4. Willie Mae's Scotch House

5. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

6. Husk

7. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

8. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

9. Monell's Dining & Catering

10. Joella's Hot Chicken

How we ranked these

Related questions

What is the best fried chicken in Nashville?

Where can I find the crispiest fried chicken in New Orleans?

What is the best value fried chicken in the South?

What is the difference between Nashville hot chicken and regular fried chicken?

Which fried chicken spot is best for first-timers?

What sides should I order with Southern fried chicken?

Is Prince's Hot Chicken Shack worth the wait?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

Two scores — Gate vs IQ