For my second hot chicken on this latest trip to Nashville, I went with Pepperfire, visiting for a Saturday lunch. I guess it was too cold for the locals, with a high of only 20 degrees, so the place wasn't very busy at all during my visit. I ordered on the kiosk at the front counter - while ordering is somewhat impersonal, the employees are also available to answer any questions. They quoted twenty minutes, but it took 25. A lot of the reviews state that this place is take-out only. This is no longer the case. There's a large seating area with plenty of tables to choose from. Classic Dark, Spark Plug ($10.99) - This meal includes a thigh/drumstick quarter, fried to perfection, dry rubbed with seasoning, then doused in cayenne oil. The dish looks mean coming to the table given the fiery dark red color, but at Spark Plug, level 3 of 6 spicy, it's not too bad at all, equivalent to about a medium spicy at other places. It's enough to elicit just a bit of sweat from me, warming the mouth and throat as the spices hit. It's not nearly spicy enough to be overwhelming, nor does the heat cover up any notes from the Nashville hot spices. This mixture has just a tiny hint of sweetness, but is mostly salty, heavily peppery, and earthy and smoky. There's a bit of an anise-like quality as well. Some older reviews mention that the chicken tastes too heavily of cumin, but I didn't get that feeling at all. I do feel like the chicken isn't brined at all, so while the exterior is flavorful, the interior tastes somewhat bland, other than a mild natural chicken flavor. The breading is thinner on top and more craggly on the bottom. The skin isn't completely rendered so it helps adhere the breading to the chicken, preventing large swaths of breading from detaching. It has a nice hearty crunch. The chicken inside is moist, flowing with juices. Since it's on the lower end of fry times (still cooked through), the meat isn't able to detach from the bone that well. I actually had a lot of trouble trying to detach the drum from the thigh due to the cartilage still firmly adhering the bones together. It's definitely more of a two handed fried chicken, so prepare to get all fingers dirty. (4/5) The chicken comes with a slice of bread and some pickles on the side, as is traditional. There's more oil soaked into the bread for a medium compared to what I remember from other places. In fact, some parts of the bread were completely soaked through and turned into mush. I don't feel as if the spice level is higher than a normal medium from somewhere else though. The chicken also comes with one side, of which I went with the Green Chili Mac & Cheese. The green chile definitely isn't as fresh as what could be found in New Mexico. It's rather vegetal and contributes somewhat of a bitter note to the mac & cheese which I didn't find to be that pleasant. The cheese sauce is thinner, but still creamy. It's not overly salted. The mac is cooked until very soft, but not to the point of being mushy. Apparently they are known for this side, which is why I ordered it, but I found it to be somewhat underwhelming in both flavor and texture. (3/5) I had some food left over at the end of the meal and decided to do a direct comparison against the other two places I visited this time around (Prince's and Red's). Heating the chicken up in an air fryer and eating them side by side with the other hot chickens, I found Pepperfire to be the blandest in taste and the least spicy. I'm honestly kind of disappointed in Pepperfire. It's still above average hot chicken, but it pales in comparison to other places around Nashville (heck, I've had much better hot chicken outside of Nashville). I was waffling a bit between giving a 3 or a 4, but ultimately decided to go higher. Bathrooms - Single unisex room read more

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Oh hot damn, the hot chicken is fire here! I was lucky that my Airbnb was nearby, so I made a quick stop for take out to enjoy at my patio. The restaurant is simple and people probably will easily pass by. They do have a dining area after you make your order on the kiosk. Even though I was putting my order in myself, the employee was friendly and offered recommendations for me. I ordered the Tenders Hot Chicken Sandwich ($11.99) at Spark Plug heat level. I enjoy spicy, but didn't want to lose taste in my mouth. Quite frankly, I think I could've gone more spicy though but was still very satisfied. I also chose the Green Chili Mac and Cheese to pair with it and added an extra Pepperfired Okra ($4) on the side too. My order was ready within 5 minutes and I was on my way. The hot chicken sandwich was so thick, flavorful, and juicy. You would think that the thigh would be juicier than the tenders, but they really know what they're doing here. It was no question that this sandwich beats Hattie B's, which I also had at the same time. On the other hand, the mac and cheese was a bit lackluster. It could be cheesier and more flavorful. Despite that, I'd come back just for the hot chicken sandwich again. Unfortunately, it's a bit out of the way to come here if you're staying near downtown Nashville though. It's definitely more of a locals spot, but so good! read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Tender Sandwich (Spark Plug) with Green Chili Mac & Cheese and Pepperfire Okra. - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Came around 2PM on a weekday. You order on a machine and your order gets called out, an employee greeted me and told me to let them know if I had any questions. I got the Tender Royale, which they say is the signature dish - 3 tenders and a deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich, along with a side, two slices of pickles, and your choice of sauce. I got mac and cheese for my side and sabi sauce - unsure what sabi sauce is but it was tasty! Order came out quickly, everything was piping hot and freshly made. The deep-friend grilled cheese sandwich was crispy on the outside and cheesey on the inside, so much so that it oozed out quite a bit. Really tasty, I really liked it. The chicken was juicy in the middle, outside was crispy and spicy (I got Hot Rod, level 4 out of 6 where 0 is no spice). A bit pricey at almost $18 post-tax, but it was a lot of food, two people can probably comfortably share this dish. Would recommend! read more

Every single time I have eaten here it's just been amazing. During hot chicken week two years ago, this place stole my heart and i haven't had a favorite since. I always get the learners permit- perfect level of spice . Maybe go own spice level down if you're not super used to spice . I will be back 100% . The food is quality every time period read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken sandwich - heat level : learners permit Side of fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Great friendly staff, SUPER juicy and actually SPICY delicious chicken, the fried grilled cheese is insaneeee, and the green chili mac!!!! WHEW. would pick this place over some of the bigger named chicken spots in town. TRY IT!! read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I have to say I've only had the food by delivery which took a bit of time. I did need to throw the fries in an air-fryer and then they were fine. We have always been Hattie B's people and still are when it comes to sides, but Pepperfire wins the chicken fight! I have only had Training Wheels and it's PLENTY spicy for me and I like some spice. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken has been on my "must try" hot chicken list for a while. Ambiance - pretty darn bland. You place your order on a tablet at the counter and take a seat in the restaurant that is basically a big, empty box with tables and chairs. I'm not an advocate for stupid decorations that don't make sense, but there was no vibe in that room. Chicken - pretty darn good! I got the Quarter Breast Classic White plate with the "Overdrive" spice level. It was definitely spicy but not make-you-sweat spicy. It was pleasantly spicy so that I could enjoy the chicken. My chicken was piping hot (yay!) too. My collard greens were barely warm (boo) but they had good flavor. My husband ordered the Hot Chicken Tacos and devoured them. He said he would definitely order them again. He chose the Green Chili Mac 'n Cheese and did not finish it, which is rare for him. He said there was no flavor. So the chicken was a win but the side was not. Overall, we had a good experience and I would return for some more heat! read more

Spice level: 5/5 Taste: 5/5 Crunchiness: 2/5 I'm visiting Nashville, TN, and was recommended to try this place! It's a small hole in the wall with limited seating but plenty of parking. I've tried Nashville fried chicken the first time in Maryland with similar spice levels but different names. What I love about Nashville fried chicken is that it is typically overall well seasoned. When I had eaten the Nashville fried chicken in Maryland, it was one of my top chicken places ever! The crunchiness with the flavors and spice level. But, when I tried pepperfire hot chicken, the chicken was barely crunchy. The seasons and heat were spot on. I ordered spice level 4, and I'm typically someone who could tolerate my heat. It was definitely spicy, and I would probably go one level down the next time I order it to actually enjoy the taste more. I wish the sandwich as well had more of a crunch to it! There needs to be more texture in the chicken sandwich. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Really enjoyed the chicken here. Heat goes from 0-6 and true to description. Chicken is moist and breading perfectly done. Have to try the fried grilled cheese sandwhich. It's awesome! Did not enjoy the fried Okra, but that may be just me. read more

Ate in store. Pretty damn mid. Almost $15 for a chicken sandwich that you have to build yourself on your plate. Note for the restaurant, you'll save money on ramekins if you take the two seconds to make the damn sandwich instead of individually packing each item. As for spice, my 80 y.o. mother could handle the level 4. Though, I wouldn't know that beforehand because they won't let you sample their spice. Also, the chicken was dry AF. As was the bun that was comically too small for the amount of dry chicken. The slaw was...there. The green chile mac and cheese...had the minimum number ingredients to call itself that. They have seasonal items permanently on the menu for you to ask them about and have them deny. You have to fill your water cup at a room temp water fountain that half of it doesn't work. The interior looks like a door dash hub. There is 0 soul at this place. At least the chicken was cooked all the way.. read more

Passing through Nashville, our family decided that we obviously needed to try the hot chicken. In our experience, the big name joints usually ride on their "local attraction" factor more than the quality of their product. Admitting that - Pepperfire hot chicken is the only place I've had Nashville hot, but OMFG! This place is delicious, folks. Hands down. It's so good that we now make a detour when traveling to stop in and eat. I'm not joking. The chicken has always been made to order. It's crispy and steaming when we get it. The meat is JUICY and the flavor is simply amazing. The combination or rub and sauce and crispy, flavorful chicken is like DANG! They have several different heat levels - and lemme tell you - the heat levels they describe are 100% accurate. I bring this up because I like spicy food... but I am disappointed every time I order anything "hot" at most places simply because my palette is used to spicy on a whole different level. These guys absolutely nail it. I'd even recommend ordering one notch below what you think you'd like just so that you can enjoy the flavor more. It's that good. Anyway - every time we eat there it has been everything we expect and then some! I'm eating some now 600 miles and a day later and it's still crispy! read more

This place is very convenient considering it's just up the street. Very small on the inside and can only go in to pick up and if you place an order it has to be done through the kiosk. They only accept credit or debit. NO CASH! Order was ready before the original quoted time, which is a plus. Everything seems to be very fresh. Only complaint I have is the apples. I ordered apples hoping for some decent baked apples. I'm aware these were out of the fan and most people who serve apples get them from a can. But maybe switching the brand of them would be good. They didn't have much flavor and tasted very artificial. The tenders were great along with the fried okra. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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The chicken here is AMAZING!!!! I was slightly skeptical when I walked in, only because this is a "grab and go" spot with only a few chairs and two tables. No reason for that to deter me, it was very clean. Food was slightly pricier $12-15 a plate. But let me tell you..... SO WORTH IT! The bread, the pickles, the slaw, THE CHICKEN! All so delicious. I got the #3 spice which is just enough to taste it. My son got #4 spice which was a little hotter but still very delicious. Oh and the fried okra!!! Next time I'm trying the fried pickles cause the pickles were so fresh. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This is a TO-GO ONLY spot now! It isn't as good as I remember, and I'll give reasons why. First of all, they no longer do the version that comes with a waffle. This is a missed option that I felt was simple and still delicious back when this restaurant was open in East Nashville on Gallatin. Second, the spice levels are quite misleading. Don't go with anything below a level 4 if you want to taste any heat at all. While their seasoning looks like a ton if you get a level 3, it's as mild as a plain tender. I will give them credit for having super juicy and soft chicken tenders. It was not dry at all. Their fries are good, and their cinnamon apples are as good as I remember. I also like their fried okra also this is very reminiscent of a frozen variety you can buy at a grocery store. Overall while the quality of the food is good, the fact that the spice levels are inconsistent and it isn't readily know that this location is now to-go only bring their rating to a 4 star. read more

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Great Nashville Chicken place. Prince's delivers a more classic rendition of the chicken, but Pepperfire is VERY spicy and better for those who have graduated from the kids'-menu level spice other joints offer. Most people will start with "Trainin' Wheels", which carries a small kick that comes relatively quick. It's manageable by hot chicken fans, but it's spicy for a first-timer. Then people will kick it up a notch with "Learner's Permit", which wields a kick fairly quickly and has a lasting spicy aftertaste, but it's nothing too crazy yet. Some people may skip levels one and two and head straight for "Sparkplug". It's just as menacing as its name: it kicks up fast and doesn't let down easily. You'll have a mouthful of spice for the rest of your meal. It's hard to eat three whole tenders of such rich, spicy white meat! Real thrill seeks and spice freaks will opt for "Hot Rod". A truly potent breed of hot chicken, it bears a quick burst of fiery pain and then maintains a consistent level of scorch in the back of your throat. Eat slowly, it may hurt you! Veterans will surely appreciate the fifth level of chicken, "Overdrive". Whew, it certainly put my mouth on overdrive! It's VERY spicy, so intense, that it may congest you and bring tears to your eyes. It's a fireworks show for the mouth. While you may not be able to see these bursts of light, you'll taste the vibrant flavor erupting every time. But for the most daring customers, those who have no regard for the wellness of their tastebuds, there is one final option laying in wait. "No Refunds" is the final challenge for anybody who dares think they've mastered the menu. It is a gradient both in and out, and in the middle, a wildly strong burning sensation will shock your gizzard. More than one bite of this chicken is an achievement that deserves a trophy. I was only able to finish one tender of this chicken, and I've had three whole tenders of Prince's XXX Hot and Hattie B's Dang Hot. Pepperfire seals the title of spiciest chicken by far. The takeout is efficient and nicely priced. However, the space only seats 10, so don't plan to dine in. For those craving a ludicrously spicy slam-dunk, Pepperfire will not disappoint. read more

Chicken was all spice no flavor despite being covered in seasonings. I ordered a sandwich at hot level and my friends ordered sandwiches at medium, having tried both I can say there is a very small difference between the two levels of heat both are very hot. read more

With their last move I lost touch with Pepperfire, but my buddy and I found them today. I had forgotten just how good they are. Hands-down the best in the Nashville area, and we have tried them all. Tenders were outstanding. Crispy exterior, very moist interior, and the heat level was exactly as ordered. Excellent potato salad and baked beans. Owner Isaac is a first class guy, and the young woman helping him was efficient and friendly. At the moment it's more of a takeout place. They have 2 small round tables at the entrance, but the owner plans to add seating down the road. Today we ate at one of the tables, but I think more often I'll be ordering it to go. Can't wait to go back! read more

Excellent Hot Chicken meal! The Apple Jack (Hot Chicken, Grilled Cheese and Apples) is a perfect balance of flavors. The restaurant is take out only (no seating) but a different restaurant in the building has a few outdoor picnic benches. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - the front of the restaurant - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Hot chicken in Nashville just goes together and Pepperfire does belong in the list of hot chicken places to try. The chicken is seasoned well and orders come out around the expected 20 minutes or so wait. The reason for the 3 stars is that they only offer to go orders. If you don't live on that side of town by the time you are able to eat your food then your food maybe cold. Also they don't have wings!!!! Granted I do like the option of having legs but who don't serve wings at a chicken spot? 3 wings and fries is my go to at every chicken spot to compare each of them. Overall I'm not disappointed at the food itself. It's good but nothing particularly stands out amongst the hot chicken spots in Nashville. And yes the chicken is hot read more

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Amazing chicken in the Nashville area 100% recommend for anyone around Nashville. Mary messed up my order but it was quickly fixed.

Made up for my last experience but don't see the rude guys no more so that was a plus

best hot chicken this side of the cumberland. yelp wants me to make this review a little longer. read more

Phenomenal chicken! Sparkplug heat level was perfect. The apple jack is what I had and it was just superb!

A decent takeout Nashville hot chicken place, it takes cards only and you do everything yourself on the screen which leaves you to wonder about the tip button. The supposed hot didn't taste much different than our medium though we could have gotten the same by mistake. Decently flavored. The fried grilled cheese was actually the best part by far. I'm from out of town and my fave, Reds, closed early so we chose here. No regrets. 3.75 star. read more

Really good! I think the sabi sauce should just automatically be on the sandwich--a little dry otherwise but over great and I loved the care put into the packaging for takeout read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I live between Pepperfire and Hattie B's and Pepperfire wins hands down. However it's take out only.

Good, but dare I say not as good as when they were in the place on Gallatin Pike. But a very flavorful and delicious local hot chicken that doesn't quite get as much attention as some of the other big ones but is just as good. Crispy and hot, with great sides read more

We've been big fans for 5 years and endured the long chicken winter when they were changing locations. Best hot chicken in Nashville. Great family-fun shop. Great sides. read more

Pepperfire Hot Chicken - Chicken Shop Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I heard that Pepperfire Hot Chicken has a cult following and I can see why. Loved, loved this place. Great batter, crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. Spice was phenomenal, hot and tasty. This is how cravings are made. Staff working there were friendly and helpful. It is a walk in and carry out type place, which is unfortunate as I feel their chicken would be even better if could be ingested upon preparation. But after a five minute drive home, still packed the heat and flavor. Tried their okra, banana pudding and potato salad sides. All quite good, and adds clout to their superstar- hot chicken. Pepperfire is a great representation for Nashville hot chicken experience. I'm so thankful it was suggested to me. Super Pepper-Fired up to go again. read more

Love there hot chicken. The tender royal is the best. I have never had a bad meal from there.

First off, to be clear, the chicken is pretty good. I'd put it up there with most of the hot chicken joints in town insofar as quality (nothing to write home about, but definitely on the tasty side). That said, these prices are ridiculous. If you're going to give me $18 chicken tenders, I'm going to rate them like $18 chicken tenders. Unless something changes, you're better off heading to other parts of town to get your hot chicken fix. read more

We ordered through DoorDash. The chicken was 5 star! Loved it. Even at "low heat", was spicy. The mac and cheese wasn't so great. I prefer a mac and cheese that is baked. read more

I am on a mission to try as many of the top tier Nashville hot chicken outposts as I can. Pepper fire has appeared in a few online lists and a couple of YouTube ones so I added to my list. I ordered the chicken breast and wing with Mac n cheese and fries as my sides. The spouse ordered the chicken tenders. We also added the fried green tomatoes. I got the heat level right below the hottest- I can't recall the terminology at the moment. Tender's heat was the middle heat. The chicken breast was very good. Coating was seasoned well and crispy without being overly greasy. Heat was good- not too much to make unbearable or inedible. The tenders were also very good. I would also highly recommend the fried green tomatoes. They are some of the best I've had recently. Skip the fries they are underwhelming. Mac and cheese was above average. Also I had to deduct points for the lack of an eating area since it's take out only. Overall it was a great experience and I would come back and maybe try their highest heat level- maybe. In terms of where Pepperfire ranks with the other hot chicken establishments I would rank in descending order: Party fowl, pepperfire, Hattie Bs, Prince's. read more

Surprised that there aren't more positive reviews of this place! I had been wanting to try this place for a long time, and tonight I finally decided to have it delivered. I had the Tender Royale, and I can't get over how good it was. I wasn't sure what to think about the fried grilled cheese that comes with it, but it was like a giant mozzarella stick. Delicious. The "Hot Rod" had the perfect amount of heat and the green chile Mac and cheese and banana pudding were perfect sides. Can't recommend this place enough read more

I was a huge fan of the pre-pandemic Pepperfire on Gallatin Rd., but this one doesn't resemble it in the slightest. The chicken was soggy--not a hint of crunch in it, not nearly as flavorful as I remembered. Also, they no longer offer leg quarters--just breasts and drumsticks. Wassup with that? Maybe if they offered dine-in and enabled you to get the product fresh off the stove it would be better. Until they do, I won't be going back. read more

i use to be a huge fan of pepper fire when it was at both locations on gallatin rd. unfortunately the last 2x i've been to the new one in west nashville the tenders have been very very very disappointing!! they are not tender at all. hard to chew almost like stale gum. only giving one star because the okra was & is always on ponit. read more

I'd been waiting to try Pepperfire for quite a while after someone recommended it to me when I first moved to Nashville. Finally, they reopened, and let me say, it more than lived up to the hype! Maybe the most tender Nashville hot chicken I've had! The sides are also the best I've had from any hot chicken shack. Great heat levels and their spice doesn't take the same toll on you the next day as some other places lol! Overall, I highly recommend Pepperfire! Great food, great prices, and generous portions. What more do you need?! read more