Tasty Tuesday: Hattie B's Hot Chicken

I made it out to Hattie B's yesterday.

Why it matters: It was my third effort to try the Nashville-based hot chicken stop that opened its doors Dec. 10 at Stadium Commons.

• A busy week kept me from going for the grand opening, and when I swung by after work on Friday with the kiddos, the line was a little too long for us (out the door and down the sidewalk across the street).

Zoom in: So, for lunch Monday, I took my chance. The line was nearly out the door just after 12:30pm, and all the indoor tables were taken so folks were waiting on orders outside.

• I saw a few people turn back at the door after seeing the line, but I made it from the door to placing my order in right at 10 minutes and waited on my order for roughly another 10 minutes.
• Propane heaters on the patio took the bite off the cold weather but it's the food that really warms you up.

By the numbers: I ordered two meals: tenders with mac and cheese and fries, and a medium-spicy fried chicken sandwich with fries and cole slaw. After a 20% tip, it came to $40.31.

• The meals were around $11, and it was an extra $3 for the additional sides, and $3 for a Coke. Post-tax, pre-tip total was $34.06.

Driving the news: It was delicious. Everything was good.

• I chose medium spicy to get a sort of baseline on spice level, and because the menu notes that it's the most popular.
• It's spicy but not over the top. Spicy enough to notice with plenty of flavor, but not breaking you out in a sweat. I think I'll step up a level on my next visit.
• Sides were also on the level, and for those who care: They have the good ice.

Zoom out: They also have cocktails and boozy Coke and lemonade Icees, as well as floats with Coke products.

The bottom line: Add it to your to-do list. Try to go outside peak times to miss the crowd, but even if you go during the rush, the line moves pretty fast.

Go deeper: Free People coming to Stadium Commons