I’m going to shoot you straight: Lots of locals will never recommend going to Hattie B’s because it is characterized by slick branding, long lines, and has a few franchises under its belt. But here’s the truth: The actual chicken is in the same league as Prince’s. For spice level, their hot is comparable to Prince’s medium, and the tenders are juicier than anything not on a bone has a right to be. Now about those crowds: You can avoid those by doing three things: 1) go during off hours (2–5pm); 2) go to the West Nashville or 8th Avenue locations (Midtown is a zoo at pretty much all times); and 3) if time is really of the essence, order online or call-ahead, skip the line when you walk in, and grab it from the counter; you can then eat it in the store or take it out. Both locations have local beer on tap, but West Nashville also has a small outdoor play area and a patio. This is also the only place in town it’s respectable to order a hot chicken sandwich, and you should: the crispy, hot and juicy breast; the tart comeback sauce; the impossibly fluffy, buttery bun—it’s like a Chick-fil-A sandwich, but all grown up.