Big Shake's Hot Chicken & Fish

Big Shakes is gimmicky, but if you can look past mediocre sour cream-loaded hot chicken tacos, there’s a really good sandwich to be had here. Their Hot Mess comes with ghost pepper mayo, crisp pickles and slaw, and a hunk of thigh. If you even have the slightest desire to add on cheese, do it.

The spice levels don’t reach Prince’s or Bolton’s heights (and neither does the quality of the tenders), but it’s where you can scratch your hot chicken itch if you’re in the Gulch or Franklin. There’s a lot of room to spread out in their Nashville proper location, with big booths and plenty of tables. There are also videos of the chef and founder making hot chicken for Rachel Ray replaying on the TV, in case you need some entertainment.