Review Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

Matt Pietri

This was a big deal for me. My first experience with truly authentic Nashville Hot Chicken. And it did not disappoint. Be ready for a wait as it's a busy and popular place. However it's completely worthwhile as the chicken was spectacular. Perfectly crispy batter and cooked to perfection. You can get varying levels of heat and they all run fairly spicy. I went with the extra spicy for full effect and it was painfully delicious. Loved the pride and enthusiasm from the staff as well. It's quite apparent this is a labor of love for them.

Aaron Britting

I decided to eat at Bolton's because I seen it on a show with Anthony Bourdain. Let me tell you it did not disappoint. The chicken was crispy, tender, and juicy. If it's your first time eating here the spice level is a little misleading but delivers. This is truly a Nashville institution and is what all other Nashville hot chicken places should aspire to be. It's the standard by which all others should be judged. My wife got the light mild which gave her a good mouth burn and I got the hot. Let it be known that I am a spice junkie and this did not disappoint and I ended up needing some ranch dressing to cool it down a bit. They use a dry rub which keeps the chicken crunchy which makes it so much better than the other wet sauce based places and the sides were amazing. I had the mac and potato salad and my wife had the coleslaw and green beans and they all hit the spot. The only negative I had was the drinks were not cold enough but that could have been because of the heat from the spice. I will leave you with this... if you really want to experience Nashville hot chicken at it's finest... you need to try Bolton's.

N

Passable for chicken. Spiciest one out of the bunch (mild will.get you). Their rub is apllied lightly, but flavor isn't all there compared to the other big boys. Catfish was stupendous , would go back strictly for the fried fish. Old neighborhood joint, kinda run down , but can see why it's a neighborhood staple.

Ted Faulkner

Bolton's is a Nashville institution and a forefather of the Hot Chicken so I was very excited to finally visit. We ordered the leg quarter, chicken on a stick ( because food on a stick is always better!) and the catfish sandwich. I found the chicken to be cooked very well and the seasoning was very delicious while still being pleasantly warm. The medium was definitely packing some heat, akin to a Serrano pepper. The baked beans were sweet and delicious, the other sides were okay. The catfish sandwich was crispy and delicious, the mustard worked well with the heat, cannot wait for my next one!

Art Dopplis

We saw this place on one of Guy's shows and just had to try it. The fish was great. Had a good flavor, and the hot is hot, so be prepared. Their wings are pretty big, and they're fried crispy. The wife didn't like the coleslaw, though. I'm not sure why. Overall, it was a good meal. If I'm the area, we may stop by again. We just wouldn't make the 45-minute trip just to eat.

Richard Pagano

Incredible chicken and fish. Absolutely delicious, and the most authentic! Everyone is super cool too. Don’t be fooled by the competition, this is THE spot for your hot chicken. Mac&Cheese is fantastic too!

Frederick McDonald II

The crew said this place has been there for 75 years if I remember correctly. I saw the catfish in the menu and had to check it out. Got the medium because I was told it was considered hot. It's spicy but not as hot as I was expecting. Tried the hot as well, which was hotter but not overwhelming. My tolerance is a little higher so if you aren't into hot/spicy food, a step below medium should be fine. The catfish was delicious, good fries, green beans were also hot and very tasty. Ohh, can't forget the strawberry pie. I didn't eat the pie right away. It sat in the car for 20 minutes and with that suns heat warming it up, I would definitely get it again. I would check it out if you're coming to Nashville.

Aagya

Their medium is very spicy. I got the mild and had to soak some of the spices off with my bread. Chicken was good. Sides were ok. Service was fast. Place is very old and not kept well. Women restroom was out of order.

Michael Fuller

Super solid hot chicken. Got to talk to one of the cooks for a while - real sweet dude! Adding some history behind our experience was awesome. Also for those playing along at home - the mild is pretty spicy. I'd like to think I can hang a little with some fairly spicy stuff. The lip tingles were real on the mild. Buyer beware.

Nathan Wranovsky

Everybody says you have to try Hot Chicken around Nashville. Well, we did. It was pretty good! However, I don’t know if I’d need to go back. The chicken breading was some of the best I’ve had on chicken tenders. The fries were fine, the Mac n cheese was ok, and the slaw was average for a restaurant. There are six spice levels — nothing, extra mild, mild, medium, hot, and fire (or something like that). I’m ok at spice, but I thought I’d try extra mild just so that I didn’t regret it. Oh boy. My mouth was on FIRE. It was a good kick, but boy oh boy did it HURT. If you’re like me and like some kick to your food but aren’t spice crazy, be warned: don’t be brave. The chicken is delicious; but I’m not sure if I’d come back for $15+ a plate. It’s worth the stop to say you’ve had hot chicken.

Erica O.

This place is SO good! We got Nashville hot chicken tenders and the crust was crunchy but juicy and soft at the same time, the inside was juicy and tender and the flavor was perfect. I had leftovers and couldn't wait to eat it again that night. I will say though that when they say hot, they absolutely mean it! I can usually handle anything spicy, but I got medium and my mouth was on fire 🔥 I might have to get mild next time, but I know it's just as good because that's what my daughter got. The macaroni and cheese and cole slaw was good too. I can't wait to come back and I want to try the fish next time too.

Albert Guerra

It's hot and I mean really hot, like burning, I had the medium level, the potato salad I had to throw it away unfortunately it wasn't for me. They do really good hot chicken though, I'd come here again, the guy at the counter seemed really nice 👍 I appreciate that. Dining room and bathrooms need to be renovated.

Trevor Thompson (interwebTREV)

Y’all…please take the name of this place literally…the chicken is HOT!!! Hahaha, aside from the heat, the chicken is legitimately so well seasoned & delicious. I simply got 3 hot tenders & as someone who prides themselves on being able to handle quite a a bit of heat, I could only manage to eat 2 of 3 & it was a task. I was sweating, snotting & crying all at once. But again, it’s hot chicken, that’s what’s supposed to happen & again, it was so flavorful & delicious. I’d highly recommend this place!

Andrea M.

Outside patio is pet friendly! Bolton's has delicious fried chicken with a KICK. My husband LOVES spice and I got him the fries chicken with mild seasoning and he said it has a kick. I tried a little bit of the seasoning and my mouth was burning lol

Bruce D'Mello

I won't say much , don't even bother with other reviews. Go here and get the fish , the chicken wings and the sides ...they are the definition of keeping it real. The owner and the chefs at the back are warm and friendly, I felt like home.

John Ashley

The food was fantastic! I got the medium and just be warned it brings the heat, I enjoy spicy food quite a bit, and it would definitely be at the high end of the scale most places. The sides were amazing. We had spaghetti, green beans, baked beans, mac and cheese, and Cole slaw. The place definitely had a kind of a local dive joint feel, which is something I look for when I am out traveling. Top 5 for chicken places I've been to across the country so far.

James Swalwell

Everyone be warned... Do not be a hero. I love spicy food and got a medium and a hot. The medium almost killed me. My lips and tongue are on fire. I am driving a few hundred miles back home today and am not brave/dumb enough to eat the hot before getting in a car with my wife for the next 5+ hours.

CJC

Disappointed. Really enjoy hot chicken - have been to Hattie B’s and Princes, wanted to try Bolton’s. Arrived for dinner Sunday @ 5:00, were out of chicken breasts, only had wings, nuggets, and chicken on a stick (I get it, they close at 7). However they ran out of beverages in August! 85 degrees outside. Had our dinner, chicken was good, not great. Mac and Cheese was mushy and unappealing. I’m sure Bolton’s can do better with the food, running out of drinks is unacceptable.

Reuben Benjamin

I have no idea how anyone eats their food and lives to tell the story. They have 5 spice levels and I would not suggest going above 3. It's really tasty but also debilitating after a certain point (level 4 was all we could even touch). I would say this is more memorable than Prince as an experience because of their spiciness, but I think I would tradeoff that for slightly more edible food. However, it certainly beats the crazy long waits at Prince's.

Skylar Huntington

Bolton's is right up there with Prince's for old school, authentic Nashville hot chicken, but has the added perk of having hot fish. The sides are better than Prince's and Hattie B's, and there is rarely a long wait, unlike the former two. Be sure to get one of the cool sides with your meal, as Bolton's is also the most liberal with their cayenne pepper on the standard 'hot.' If you want a true Nashville hot chicken experience, this is your best bet for cost, taste, lack of packed-ness, and heat.

Hjohnson289

Great Food! Quick Wait time!. Best Nashville Hot Chicken I've tasted ever! The staff was friendly. My order came out in less than five minutes. The prices were reasonable. They have a variety of delicious sides that you get your money's worth for. I highly recommend this place!

MoodyFoody

Curiously Insistent Service. I own a business within 2 blocks of Bolton's, and eat here between 2x- 6x a month. The service is usually bad or horrid, but the price is right and the chicken is good so I tough it out. Today was the last straw! I arrived, tapped on door for service and the young lady slid the window open, as if to take my order. I have my order, to which she didn't acknowledge but continued to take a phone order then rudely asked me to repeat my order since she ignored me the first time. I gave it (again), paid, and she slid the window closed with no fanfare. In walks a couple and she immediately opens window with a smile (note: they did not knock), she laughs and engages them. The couple say they aren't from the area and are passing through. She makes them feel right at home. Why did they get great service and I did not (especially since I am/was a semi frequent customer)? It's easy to say because I'm African American and the couple was Caucasian, but the staff and owners are African American also. Not sure, but I'll NEVER eat here again. Right after the Caucasian couple ordered, a younger African American couple came in and got the same piss poor service I received. SMH...do better.

Eowens_23

Love this place. The best whiting fish in town.

Catherine Smith

Watch out for the wings, check them before you leave. PLEASE I was very disappointed, guess back to the other place!! -----03 Jul, 2014----- Bought chicken wings, they wasn't crisp, no season and instead of wings I got ings. They were the smallest wings I've seen, my 8 month old grandbaby would have look like whats this!!! I kno

Lisar1998

Good food questionable service. This little place is a piece of heaven if you like fried fish sandwiches. I'd actually they have the best fried fish sandwich in the city of Nashville, a must visit on any trip to the city. I've never had anything else on the menu, cant get past how good the fish sandwiches are. Having said that, the jury is still out on the service. While the service isn't poor, it's not very personable either. I'd think a place this quaint would offer more personable service. The guy behind the tinted window can be a little disconcerning, and calling the place can be a little unnerving. I'd certainly recommend this place but put on your big boy/girl hat when ordering, becasue the service can offer a little jolt to one's ego.

Thegst

Fantastic place - no frills inside or out but freshly prepared, delicious and HOT. I was a first timer to Nashville hot chicken and went for 6 wings, medium - it was plenty hot enough. Crispy, spicy and good. I'll be going back

Dave Dubs

Super small and sketchy outside, fine inside, and it rocked. Ran into awesome chef sean brock sweating it out and everyone loved the food. Hot legs, mac and cheese and greens. Awesome! Go hot or go home. But make sure to buy an extra drink. Sean's table swears princes goes to another level with heat but loved the flavor at boltons.

David Chen

Great food/good people. I have been in nashville 3 months and cant believe this is the 1st time ive had hot chicken. called in an order to boltons for a medium chicken w/ cole slaw and it was ready in 10 mins. the chicken was awesome and spicy in the best way possible, and the slaw was on point. great food, reasonably priced, and the guy takin my order was cool too. in regards to the last poster they do seem like no nonsense people so maybe you were rude? manners never hurt. yes parking was a little weird but its a soul food restaurant... what were u expecting valet parking? try calling in or coming earlier in the day.

Harmony Hensley

KEEP DRIVING - DON'T STOP. We tried to eat at Bolton's East Nashville location this evening after reading such great reviews on Urban Spoon. Upon pulling into the small parking lot a staff member rudely informed me I was parked wrong. (Honest mistake given that the pavement is very uneven and all of the paint is very faded). I moved my car and we headed inside. When we walked in they were carrying out a huge catering pan of chicken to put on the grill, and we arrived over an hour before closing time. Two other couples were served in the time it took us to get parked (correctly) and come inside. We sat in the restaurant for about 5 minutes before a staff person peeked his head in the door and informed us they were going to close early and wouldn't serve us. It was a VERY STRANGE and VERY RUDE experience. We went down the street and had an amazing meal at Edley's BBQ. When we drove back by on our way home it looked as though the restaurant was still open. I have never had such an awkward experience at a restaurant in my life. So I would say, keep driving and enjoy a pleasant and delicious experience at Edley's.

Nate665

Incredible!. The chicken was amazing of course. If you order "hot", not even "extra hot", just "hot", be prepared because it has roughly the heat of "native hot" Thai food. Juicy, crispy crust, very spicy, AMAZING. However, that wasn't even the best part. They had perhaps the best turnip greens I ever ate, and this is from a Tennessee redneck who has eaten a LOT of turnip greens. This was the Melrose location.

Reelgee

Downhome. Taste and feel!! Almost like my uncles are in the kitchen...LOL. Great food!!

Pigpen

Mighty Fine. One of the best pieces of fried chicken ever! I ordered mine spicy and it couldn't have been any better. Nothing left but bones. Will be back again . . . probably tomorrow.

Bigperm20

Best hot chicken in Nashville, by far. I live a lot closer to Prince's and I will drive the extra few miles to go to Bolton's. If you are new start with the mild or you will regret it!

FloridaChas

The best chicken I've had in years, and the greens and green beans were mighty flavorful too. A few days ago I stopped at a famous chicken eatery in Indiana and found the bird disappointingly greasy. Bolton's is packed with flavor, not grease.

Hannah - Inner I Art

Why, yes! My lips are pleasantly puffy after eating that chicken. I am a harsh judge & I was charmed by this place. We were the only non locals in this joint, which we found simple & small. The baked beans & greens are flavored better than average for the area, & the woman working there was friendly & quick. BUT the most important part is IT'S LEGITIMATE SPICE! I have never had spicier chicken, & I've tried quite a few. I've noticed, being pigmently challenged & from out of town I have to look people square in the eye & say, "I would like mine quite spicy. I can handle in." to be believed. (This is advice for those that thought it wasn't spicy enough.) Thanks for a fun experience!

Shannon Bogan

Bolton's was just okay. The chicken was overcooked and dry. The seasoning wasn't very spicy. And the fries were old. Sorry but Prince's Hot Chicken wins this head-to-head battle.

Kevin

The service I received on my most recent visit has officially caused me to rethink visiting this establishment again. When you choose to spend your hard earned money at any place, gaining a feeling of appreciation should be a given. This particular visit I was second in line behind another customer. When I made my way to the window, the guy, who I assumed to be the owner, rudely told me it would be a few minutes and closed the window. The impression I received was that he could care less about receiving my business. I stood patiently, however, waiting for him to return. Finally, another customer came in and it was only then that a young lady came to the window. At that point, I finally received my call in order, which was cold by that time. Needless to say, I refuse to spend anymore money at this place and refuse to send anymore referrals. Often it seems that certain types of establishments fail to focus on what matters most, ALL of its customers and not just the ones that.........(I will stop there. I'm sure the owner could fill in the blank ).

We Were Promised Coleslaw

It feels right eating hot chicken in a concrete block building. Don't go for the ambiance, unless eating in a garage is your idea of a great time. Go for the hot chicken thigh plate, the greens and the spaghetti. It's classic East Nashville hot chicken, and it's absolutely wonderful.

Jesstina Lascola Bushery

Whitefish was great and spicy means spicy. Nose running sweating spicy but yummy! Service was friendly and fast.

LilPiggy

Fried Chicken Of The Gods. Nashville is lucky to have multiple hot chicken restaurants, especially since I've never seen any in other cities. The food was awesome; I got the fried chicken hot and thought the flavor was perfect. Never had a perfect hot chicken before and if I lived here I would be there at least once a week. Take out is the way to go cause there's only a few tables and once the swarm of hungry people come in there's no room. Also got the green beans and greens as sides and they were great as well. One warning for first time visitors, there is a small parking lot beside the parking spaces along the side of the building and only one way to get out. And that exit looks like a regular parking spot if you're not paying attention. I parked there and had to move and I heard them tell 2 other people that came in to move their cars too. This is a great place and I'd definitely go back but if I owned the joint I'd put up a more noticeable warning to dumb and hungry tourists like me not to park in that spot.

JB

Great Fried Chicken. This is for most a take out only restaurant. It's worth it though. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside without being greasy. Great spice with just the right amount of heat. The macaroni and cheese, green beans, and pinto beans were all good. Didn't like the greens but it might have just been me.

Mark Forrester

Bolton's hot and spicy Grouper sandwich overwhelms the white bread in terms of size and heat, not to mention flavor. The skillet fried filet has crunch and an appetizing afterglow of pepper and herb goodness.

John

Best Chicken Ever. Just got done eating at Bolton's for the first time today. After years of reading about the "Hot Chicken" in Nashville, I finally took the time to drive down and check it out. I tried the Breast plate and the Chicken on a Stick. I got one Hot and the other Medium. The Hot was perfect for me with the right amount of pain and pleasure. The chicken was the absolute best I've had anywhere (and this boy knows his fried foods). The people working there are great. I can't wait to go back many more times again. They need to get a Bolton's food truck going and bring that goodness to the outlying counties.

Jamie

Knock on the pink door!. The most unusual place I have eaten since being in Nashville. You have to knock on the pink door to order. Weird. The place is like a shoe box and a little dingy. But I have to say- the fried cat fish - spicy style is pretty....pretty....pretty damn good!

Tiffany Spence

Best in the city!!!. Dont judge a book by its cover. If I was just visiting the city, I wouldnt give this place a second look. On the outside it looks like a hole in the wall, but the food is delicious. This place has the best fish anywhere in the city. I have tried the chicken as well but the whiting fish is what keeps me coming back. I dont care for the sides very much though so I usually just get french fries or just a sandwich. The only thing I dont like about going there is the parking, or lack of parking space. It is located on a busy street and I usually have to either park on the street or back out into the traffic to get out of the tiny parking area. Totally worth it to give this place a try though.

RapperBC

Extremely unique and flavorful. And HOT!. I just, finally, drove in and got some Bolton's. I've been wanting to do this for years now! I'm eating their chicken right now. Holy fireballs it is hot, but I cannot for the life of me stop eating it. I got the breast platter, spicy, with greens and mac & cheese. I am literally crying, not because I am sad, but because I have found something truly wonderful. And hot. And you should too. Extremely friendly service. Awesome people! If you get the spicy, it's enough... more than enough! But dang it's good! If you're in ANY doubt, get the mild. I'm serious about this hot thing... I like hot food, but damn. Still, it's amazing!!! Oh Lord. More water please, now. Gotta go.

Gregory McCubbin

Warning: the "Spicy" version is VERY spicy. No one at my table couldn't finish theirs. The mild has plenty of kick to it. All in all, very good though.

Glenn Phillips

It is the whole package. Hot Chicken at its finest. With due respect to Prince's, Bolton's gets it right every one of the several dozen times I have eaten it. It is never dry and is suprisingly consistent with the heat. Treat yourself to a plate. With two sides it is a good value and the sides themselves are excellent. The greens, in particular, are spot-on. Take the time to soak in the scene by eating in. Rolls of paper towels for napkins, plastic red-checked table cloths, and an eclectic assortment of promotional material is cool enough. When Bolton's is full of its regulars, however, the vibe is so East Nashville. Whether you are a native or a transplant, that's probably why you are on this side of the river.

EastSider

Holy Mother of everything holy. Food cooked to order. chicken was stupid good juicy hot and amazing. Mac and cheese was so/so. Fries were fries. But the chicken and grouper..........yum!

Vandyhawk

Really disappointed. After having an absolutely horrible experience at Prince's, I read some reviews and though I'd try out Bolton's. Parking, big problem because there is none. But that was ok, part of the charm. People working there MUCH nicer than previously mentioned Prince's. Ordered the hot chicken, came out in a relatively short time for a chicken shack. Problem, tasted like it had been under a heat lamp for 2 hours, dry dry dry. Heat was good and bearable but way to dry. I will try again though, good service and polite folks there.

S-wag

If you haven't been here...go RIGHT NOW.. Bolton's was one of the first places I ate at when I move to Nashville. If you haven't had hot chicken and live in or visit Nashville you have committed a huge wrong. Please, please, please do not be put off by the little tiny building. It is so worth it to stop in. Fabulous hot chicken with tons of character with a unique Nashville vibe. I couldn't ask for anything else. If nothing else, call ahead for pick up!

KM

Chicken so nice ya pay for it twice...

NashvilleFoodSnob

Great chicken, but the sides are not very good.

Jason.a.sparks

They have both chicken and fish: Most places in town only do chicken. Hot fish is just so damn good, I prefer catfish or whiting. And I always get it as a sandwich with “everything but cheese”, which is sliced white onions, yellow mustard, dill pickles and hot sauce. That sammich completes me.

Mike Stanley

Bolton’s doesn’t look like much from the outside, or on the inside, for that matter. Located on the side of a busy street with very little parking, it would be easy to miss if you weren’t looking for it. The dining area is very small, which makes me think they probably do as much or more take-out business than dine-in. I followed the instructions and knocked on the pink door to let the cook know I was ready to place my order. I couldn’t decide if I wanted chicken or fish, so I ordered both; the spicy chicken dinner with green beans and macaronic & cheese, and a spicy grouper sandwich.

Nooschi

Whenever I visit my family in the South, I always end up dragging them to little dives in the most random parts of town. Nashville is known for their Spicy Fried Chicken. Spicy AND Fried you say? I'm there!! There are two places in Nashville that are a MUST for spicy fried chicken: Prince's Hot Chicken and Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish.

Cynical Cook

both the chicken on a stick and the hot fish sandwich make Bolton’s a must stop.

EatItAtlanta

While flavorful, the spice wasn’t all that hot, and I’m sorry to report the chicken was not good. Very, very overcooked. In fact, it’s tough to get a chicken thigh that dry. A disappointing first foray into hot chicken, save for my home attempts.

Eric And Katie

Bolton's is the definition of a chicken and fish shack and a Nashville institution that I always enjoy, no matter how weird it gets. It's basically

Review Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish - Nashville