As habitual restaurant goers, we are always excited when something new opens up for us to try. Katie’s obsession with fried chicken is well known, and we are constantly on the lookout for new contenders. Doug’s been to Nashville a couple of times and has had their legendary “hot chicken” but for Katie, it was something she’d never even heard of. Now that she knows what it is, her brain won’t let her forget.
We’d had a few friends go and recommend it, so we were excited to give it a try, but didn’t really know what the expect. This parking lot is known for being difficult in the best of times, and with significant construction currently surrounding it, the issues are compounded. So if you can, bike, walk or take the Max!
Despite it being a busy Friday at noon, things went fast. The line looked intimidating, but we got up to the counter to order quickly. We both decided to order chicken sandwiches with french fries and a side of pickles. You can pick various levels of spice for your chicken, and instead of ordering one of our sandwiches mild for Maddie, the delightful and patient man at the counter encouraged us to get a kids meal for her (good call). So we both got ours “hot” and picked some dipping sauces to go with it. Doug ordered a beer (a necessity with hot chicken) and Maddie was excited to hold on to our wooden number block as we navigated past the busy bar to a table in the back near the windows. The wait was surprisingly short before the same gentleman who took our order arrived with our food.
They aren’t kidding when they call it “hot” chicken – both temperature and spice. If you order your chicken hot, you’d better expect it to be spicy. And if you go beyond that, well, just know what you’re getting into. The spice is delicious and unique. It’s not the typical, vinegar-based buffalo style sauce that people of think of. It’s spicy, but very flavorful and adds an overall depth to the chicken. Adding a side of pickles provides a nice balance to the heat, so we would definitely recommend adding that. You can also get a variety of different dipping sauces, like a house sauce or ranch, which can help cut the heat a bit.
The portion is significant, it’s two very large pieces of chicken on a toasted bun. The bun is buttery and rich, and by toasting it, it holds up better to the juicy chicken without it getting soggy. That being said, you’re going to need napkins for this, especially if you get your chicken sauced, because it’s messy!
The french fries are unique, we’ve never really had anything quite like them. They crispy on the outside and potato filled on the inside. They’re size and shape makes them great for dipping in one of their many sauces (we really want to try the Fireball Maple syrup next time!). Our only complaint is that they weren’t very temperature hot, but then again, this makes them easier for Maddie to eat!
Speaking of Madeleine, the kids meal was a great call (after all who wants to share?). A single, large piece of (not spicy) fried chicken on toast, with a load of fries all to herself. Not that they prevented her from wanting to try ours (why is that kids always prefer what the other person has?). It was more than enough food to have some to bring home to augment her dinner later!
Music City Hot Chicken is definitely filling a void in Fort Collins, providing something unique, delicious and fun. The service was excellent, everyone was friendly and patient with first-timers. The atmosphere is lively, with a big bar, lots of light and smiling faces. Despite it being busy, we didn’t have to wait for a table or long for our food. Its the kind of first impression that makes us want to go back, and we definitely will. After all we still need to try their chicken and waffles!