Best Hot Chicken
Near CMA Fest 2026
Millions of fans are coming to Nashville for CMA Fest. Before you hit Nissan Stadium or Broadway, fuel up on the city's most legendary food.
Nashville Hot Chicken + CMA Fest = The Perfect Combo
CMA Fest brings 80,000+ country music fans to Nashville every year. While you're here for the music, you're also in the birthplace of one of America's most iconic foods — Nashville hot chicken. Crispy, cayenne-slicked, life-changing.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before a Nissan Stadium headliner or fueling a marathon day on Broadway, this guide has you covered with the best spots, timing tips, and heat-level advice for CMA Fest week.
Top 5 Hot Chicken Spots for CMA Fest Week
Ranked for proximity to CMA Fest venues, wait times, and how much locals actually love them.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Most Tourist-FriendlyBest pick for first-timers and groups with mixed heat tolerances. Broadway location gets packed during CMA Fest — go early or late.
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
The OGThe original. The legend. A pilgrimage every country music fan should make. Call ahead — waits can be long during CMA Fest week.
400 Degrees
Locals' #1Locals' secret weapon. Ask for '900 degrees' off-menu if you dare. This is where Nashville insiders take their out-of-town friends.
Red's 615 Chicken
Reddit #1Reddit's #1 rated Nashville hot chicken. The hot chicken crunchwrap is legendary. Locals rank this above Hattie B's every time.
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish
Closest to StadiumFounded by a former Prince's cook. Closest to Nissan Stadium. Their hot fish is legendary — don't sleep on it. Go for a late lunch before the show.
CMA Fest Hot Chicken Tips
Make the most of hot chicken during festival week with these local-tested tips.
Beat the Rush — Go Early
Downtown spots fill up 90 minutes before evening shows. Hit hot chicken spots between 4–5:30 PM for shortest waits. Post-show crowds hit late-night spots after 11 PM.
Nissan Stadium? Head to East Nashville
Bolton's on Main St is the closest hot chicken to Nissan Stadium — about 7 minutes by Uber. It's the perfect pre-game meal before an evening show.
Dial Back the Heat for Show Night
Nashville hot chicken can sneak up on you. If you're singing along all night, stick to medium. Save the X-Hot for a day show when you're not on a tight schedule.
Late Night Eats During Fest
Several hot chicken spots stay open late during CMA Fest week. Hattie B's Broadway location is typically open until midnight during festival days.
First Time with Nashville Hot Chicken?
Nashville hot chicken isn't just spicy — it's a whole experience. Our heat guide explains every level from Plain to "Shut the Cluck Up" so you know exactly what you're ordering.
Read the Heat Level GuideGuided Food Tours
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Nashville Food Tour — Hot Chicken & More
Eat your way through Music City with a local guide. Hot chicken, BBQ, and the stories behind them.
CMA Fest Hot Chicken FAQs
What is the best hot chicken spot near Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest?
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish on Main St in East Nashville is closest — about 7 minutes by Uber from Nissan Stadium. Red's 615 Chicken (Reddit's #1 pick) is another great option about 8 minutes west of downtown.
When is CMA Fest 2026?
CMA Fest 2026 runs June 4–7, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. The main evening shows take place at Nissan Stadium, while daytime stages are spread across downtown.
How hot is Nashville hot chicken, really?
Heat levels vary by restaurant. 'Mild' at most spots has noticeable heat, 'Hot' is genuinely spicy, and levels like '400 Degrees' or 'Shut the Cluck Up' are face-melting. If you're new to it, start at Medium.
Are Nashville hot chicken restaurants open late during CMA Fest?
Yes — most downtown and midtown locations extend their hours during festival week. Hattie B's Broadway location typically stays open until midnight during CMA Fest. Call ahead to confirm hours that week.
Where do locals eat hot chicken vs. where tourists go?
Locals swear by Red's 615 Chicken, 400 Degrees, and Bolton's. Tourists (and first-timers) usually go to Hattie B's or Prince's — both are great, but lines can be long during CMA Fest.
Explore the Full Nashville Hot Chicken Guide
20+ restaurants, heat level comparisons, neighborhood guides, and insider tips — everything you need for your Nashville trip.