Prince's Hot Chicken - Southern, Nashville

5055 Broadway, Stall # 2268, Nashville CA 37203
Parking: paid parking lots and street parking
Hours: Sun-Thurs 10:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-Midnight

Last Visited: August 10, 2023

Food: 3 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $$ 

The origins of hot chicken are often attributed to the legend of Thornton Prince, a ladies' man that stepped out on his girlfriend one day and when she found out, she crafted her revenge.  The Sunday fried chicken dinner she was cooking would be doused with hot spice, and instead of the revenge she had hoped for, he wanted more.   

Located in the Assembly Food Hall, Level 2 South, you'll find Prince's Hot Chicken amidst many choices of Nashville fare.  From the street level, this is a bit hidden, but once you navigate the space, it's not hard to locate the line of folks excited to enjoy the original hot chicken.  

After having a number of days of barbecue and other fried chicken dinners, I opted for a salad with mild chicken tenders. One thing you should know is that the Assembly Hall doesn't offer the full range of chicken dishes (like leg quarters or breast quarters) that Prince's Hot Chicken South offers, but you can still get wings and tenders.  This operation seems like they limited the menu purposely to address the crowds.

- Fried Chicken Salad - This came with two tenders (choose your own spicy level) and the salad contained spring mix, grated cheese, a few cucumber slices, and grape tomatoes. Choose your own dressing. It's a hearty portion and the greens are fresh.  The salad appears pre-packed and waits in the window while your chicken is being prepared.  The tenders are white meat and while juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, the amount of oil on the paper wrapping the tenders was a bit unappetizing.  The good thing is that the chicken is served separate from the salad.  Compared to another famous fried chicken spot, it seemed inferior, but okay.  $12

While it was fresh and tasted fine, I thought the mild was still a bit too mild, and I would choose medium heat next time.  Given the limited menu, I probably would head to Prince's Hot Chicken South so I could compare them against their competition better by ordering a friend leg quarter instead.  Service was okay, but nothing special - not extra friendly, but not bad either. 
Overall, it was just an okay experience.