The Sweet Heat Of Nashville

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A. Carolyn Studio

Fried chicken comes with its own extra kick of spiciness over in Nashville. Now those spices have found their way to Texas through Hattie B’s, a family-owned hot chicken franchise with restaurants in Tennessee, Georgia and Nevada. 

“I grew up in and around restaurants,” says Nick Bishop Jr., who co-founded Hattie B’s with his father. “My dad has run, operated and owned restaurants my entire life. Both of his brothers are in the restaurant business. His father — my grandfather — was in the restaurant business for 40-plus years. It’s just in our blood.” 

Fans of fried and spicy chicken can sink their teeth into the flavorful hot chicken Hattie B’s serves up daily at the Deep Ellum location, which opened in late February.

“It is equal parts pleasure and pain. There’s a little bit of heat to it, a little bit of sweet to it. It’s super savory,” Nick says about his hot chicken. “It really [has] got this addictive quality that has made it a popular thing.” 

Before testing your tastebuds, sip on a cocktail or two. Besides having its largest restaurant, the Dallas location is also the only Hattie B’s with a proper bar and cocktail menu. 

Shack Water, the franchise’s take on Ranch Water, features gin instead of tequila alongside grapefruit and Topo Chico. Hattie B’s take on a bloody mary is infused with flavors of hot chicken and dill pickles. And those who prefer wine will always be able to choose from two different rotating varietals, one of which will always be sparkling. 

When it’s time to dig in, Hattie B’s gives customers plenty of customizable options, including what heat level is best for your tastebuds. The Southern is some classic fried chicken with zero heat, while mild and medium heat levels offer just a touch of spice. Bolder diners can up the temperature with Hot!, Damn Hot!! and the hottest option available — Shut The Cluck Up!!! 

Once your spice selections have been made, it’s time to choose your chicken. The hot chicken sandwiches and tenders are some of the most popular items, which come either grilled or fried and with up to two sides of your choice. Those who enjoy the classics, however, can order the fried chicken with the bone in, choosing dark meat, white meat, wings or an entire half of a chicken. 

“There’s a little something for everybody,” Nick says. 

Families can order either jumbo tenders or a whole wings platter. Each comes with a choice of ranch, blue cheese or honey mustard on the side, and customers can order their platters in any quantity, ensuring no one will leave the table hungry. 

Lack of time also shouldn’t prevent a visit to Hattie B’s from happening. The franchise has several snacks on its menu, perfect for a quick stop or an easy midday pick-me-up. The crinkle-cut Dirty Bird Fries are topped with pimento mac and cheese, dark meat tender bites and what Hattie B’s calls “comeback sauce,” which is made with mayonnaise, honey and a bevy of spices. 

Fried pickles are another recent addition to the snacks portion of the menu, while Little ‘Uns are jumbo tender or dark meat nuggets with a side and a drink, perfect for smaller appetites or as a precursor to your main course. 

“I love welcoming people into our spaces, and I think there’s a lot of joy you can pass along with good food and good service,” Nick says. 

After being subjected to a host of delicious spicy fried chicken, it makes sense to finish off your meal with something sweet. Hattie B’s dessert menu is full of Southern favorites like banana pudding and peach cobbler. Root beer and Coke floats or a couple of scoops of ice cream can also make for a great way to end the meal. 

“From the type of people that we hire to the music that we play, it’s all been considered and thought about,” Nick says. “We’re really, really pumped to be in Dallas.”