Atlanta Spotlight: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, has established a significant presence in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing its renowned take on Nashville hot chicken to the city.¹

What Makes It Unique

Hattie B’s is unique for several reasons, primarily centered around its signature dish and the dining experience:

• Nashville-Style Hot Chicken: It is a key player in popularizing authentic Nashville hot chicken, a dish where fried chicken is basted in a fiery, spiced fryer oil mixture after cooking.² The Atlanta location was one of the first Nashville hot chicken imports to the city.³

   

• Variety of Heat Levels: Customers can choose from a range of six heat levels, catering to all spice preferences, from “Southern” (no heat) to the ultra-spicy “Shut the Cluck Up!!!”™ (which reportedly contains ghost peppers). This customization is a major draw.
• Atmosphere: The East Atlanta location, housed in a renovated 1950s-era Phillips 66 gas station, offers a distinctive and appealing setting.⁴ The West Midtown location also features a private dining room for events.

   

• Southern Sides: The restaurant is also praised for its high-quality Southern sides that complement the chicken.⁵

   

History

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2012 by a father-and-son team, Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr. The concept was created to capitalize on the dish made famous by Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville.⁶

The company has successfully expanded across the Southern United States and beyond.⁷ The first Atlanta location opened, bringing the authentic Nashville hot chicken experience to the city and drawing considerable attention. Nick Bishop Sr. has an Atlanta connection, having lived there as a teenager and worked for the Morrison’s Cafeteria chain.⁸

Customer Feedback Highlights

Customer feedback generally praises Hattie B’s for:

• Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Many reviewers note the excellent flavor and tenderness of the chicken, even past the spicy crust.⁹ The bone-in dark meat and the chicken sandwich are frequently recommended.

   

• The Heat: The intense heat of the higher spice levels (“Damn Hot!!” and “Shut the Cluck Up!!!™”) is often highlighted, appealing to spice enthusiasts. The ability to choose the heat level is a key positive.
• Sides: Southern sides like Pimento Mac & Cheese, Red Skin Potato Salad, and Banana Pudding are highly acclaimed and considered to be on par with the quality of the chicken.¹⁰

   

• The Hot Chicken Sandwich: This item, topped with creamy coleslaw, Nashville Comeback Sauce, and a pickle, is often cited as the best menu option.¹¹

   

• Service: Many reviews commend the staff for their friendly and helpful “Southern hospitality.”

Highlight Menu Items

Beyond the various bone-in and boneless chicken plates, some standout menu items include:

• The Hot Chicken Sandwich: A fried chicken breast (spiced to your heat level) with creamy coleslaw, Nashville Comeback Sauce, and kosher pickles on a bun.¹²

   

• Jumbo Tenders: Available fried or grilled, served with your choice of heat.¹³

   

• Bone-In Plates: Quarter or Half Birds (available as dark, white, or mixed meat), served with white bread, pickles, and a homemade side.¹⁴

   

• Dirty Bird Fries: Crinkle-Cut Fries topped with Pimento Mac & Cheese, tender bites, Nashville Comeback Sauce, and pickles.¹⁵

   

• Pimento Mac & Cheese: A favorite among the side dish options.¹⁶

   

• Banana Pudding: A highly praised dessert made with homemade vanilla custard, bananas, and vanilla wafers, topped with toasted meringue.¹⁷

   

Significant Events

While a specific, landmark single event isn’t widely detailed for the Atlanta locations, the following are significant in the context of its history in the city:

• Opening of the First Atlanta Outpost: This was a significant event as it introduced a major player in the Nashville hot chicken scene to a new, major Southern city, establishing the brand’s reputation in Atlanta. The initial opening was met with long lines and considerable anticipation.
• Expansion in Atlanta: The successful launch and subsequent expansion to a second location (West Midtown) indicates the brand’s strong reception and growth in the Atlanta market.
• Community Events: Like many restaurants in the area, the Atlanta locations likely participate in local food festivals, community fundraisers, and offer catering services, though specific recurring large-scale public events are not broadly documented.

Location, Contact, and Web Information

Hattie B’s has two locations in Atlanta: