Located in the Milk District, Chicken Fire is a locally Black-owned spot specializing in Nashville style-hot chicken. With its first permanent location opening in late 2020, Chicken Fire is still bustling with business and support nearly three years later.
With outstanding customer service and quality food, it is easy to understand why Chicken Fire has built such a loyal supporter base.
Atmosphere
Chicken Fire’s atmosphere is casual yet bustling, boasting a dining room with an updated, modern aesthetic. I visited the restaurant during lunch, which meant that the dining room was fully packed. If you are intent on finding a seat, you will have to arrive early to beat the midday rush.
Even if the dining room is full, Chicken Fire offers plenty of flexibility with takeout and delivery options. I opted for takeout and received my food after a 15-minute wait. I appreciated the customer service experience, although limited due to orders being taken digitally, I was still greeted at the counter and over the phone when I was notified that my order was ready.
The Menu
Chicken Fire’s menu is simple, with each entrée constructed around Nashville-style hot chicken offered at several heat levels, with sides of seasoned crinkle-cut fries and coleslaw.
I ordered the “Hot Box” which consists of two jumbo tenders, a slice of bread, pickles, fries, and slaw. The portion size was more than generous for one person, as the jumbo tenders are truly huge. There are six spice levels ranging from “Soulful” to “Hot X,” and I opted for the second level, “Meek.”
The Taste
The spice level was accurate to the menu description: even the second level packed some noticeable heat. The chicken was tender and juicy, not at all dry as some white meat tends to be, especially when fried in large pieces. The breading was seasoned heavily, and balanced with heat, smokiness, and a hint of sweetness with a crunchy, almost brittle exterior.
The fries are extra crispy, and the seasoning blend matches the chicken without adding additional heat (the fries can also be modified to have no seasoning, in which case they would be a great palette cleanser). Overall, my experience at Chicken Fire certainly lived up to the standard touted by the community, and is well worth a visit.
