7 Black-Owned Restaurants in Nashville Where You Can Get Great Food

Since the pandemic, local restaurants and businesses have been hit particularly hard. In order to stay safe, a considerable amount of citizens in Nashville are refraining from going out. That’s why restaurants in Nashville are relying so heavily on their food delivery services. They are also taking extra precautions to protect both their staff and guests when people decide to dine at their restaurants. One way to help revitalize the local economy is to shop and dine locally at Black-owned food spots. Whether you choose to order take-out or dine outside, your decision to invest in local businesses can help keep the beautiful city of Nashville alive.

Want to treat your loved ones to a special gift? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to different restaurants around Nashville, including the ones we featured below! The next time your loved one decides to treat themselves with a hearty meal, they can use your GiftYa card. 

1. Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish

Popular restaurant in Franklin known for its wide variety of fried food

1203 Murfreesboro Rd, Suite 185 | Franklin | bigshakeshotchicken.com

Looking for a destination where you can order all of the tastiest fried chicken you could ever want? At Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish, you can treat yourself to one of the restaurant’s many hot chicken dishes. 

Whether you want spicy or mild chicken, you can find the perfect chicken dish to satisfy your cravings. Hot chicken plates filled with breasts, legs, and chicken are featured on the menu. Different combos like chicken and waffles and hot chicken tacos are also available to order. If you’re in the mood for fish, you can also find fried fish and shrimp dishes. As for dessert, you’ll love the Deep Fried Oreos!

“This place is awesome. I've ordered from here a few times and I've never been disappointed. The shrimp burger has a sauce on it that's nicely spicy and the fish and chicken is hot, crispy and delicious. $5 Friday meals get you either a catfish sandwich or a leg quarter. For $2.50 more you can get a side.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish. 

2. Cal’s Country Kitchen

Laidback spot where you can find some of the best soul food in Tennessee

222 Woodruff St. | Madison | calscountrykitchen.com

Cal’s Country Kitchen is a quaint, casual restaurant located in Madison. But while its exterior may not seem upscale or flashy, their food offers a delightful tasting experience like no other. For lunch, Cal’s Country Kitchen serves up delicious meals made from fresh meats and vegetables. Their entrees come with two or three sides and include fried chicken, fried pork chops, baked ham, and more! If you managed to save enough room for dessert, we recommend trying the Chocolate Fudge Pie or Walnut Brownies!

“Amazing food and prices. Some of the best soul food in town. I usually get the veggie plate. All of the veggies are delicious and comforting. The chicken and dressing is a favorite. Highly recommended.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Cal’s Country Kitchen. 

3. Helen’s Hot Chicken

Bustling restaurant in Nashville known for its hearty fried food dishes

1801 Jefferson St. Suite 101 | Nashville | helenshotchicken.com

Looking for a casual and cozy spot to enjoy some delicious Southern comfort food? Helen’s Hot Chicken might become your next favorite restaurant! Located on Jefferson Street near Fisk University, Helen’s Hot Chicken offers an unbeatable menu for its hungry guests. 

Everything from the chicken & waffles to the fried okra is made with love. You can also find delicious seafood dishes on the menu such as catfish and shrimp. Sweet drinks like blue raspberry juice and mango tea are also available and are great for washing down your food! 

“First time trying Hot Chicken while visiting Nashville and I'm so glad I came here! I was going to go to Hattie Bs because of the hype.. when I found out Helen's is black owned I decided to come and support. I got myself wings and I got my boyfriend the chicken tenders.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Helen’s Hot Chicken. 

4. Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria

Thick slices of savory pizza await you at this popular Nashville restaurant

911 Buchanan St. | Nashville | slimandhuskys.com

Who doesn’t love some delicious pizza every now and then? Whether you’re planning a movie night with your partner or a small gathering with some close friends, you’ll need some pizza to fill your stomachs. 

All of the pizzas at Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria are created from scratch and made from fresh dough daily. Its selection of artisan pizza including cleverly-named pies like the California Love and Red ight Special. Sweet cinnamon rolls are also available for dessert. From the Ninja Tarte to the Cookie Monsta, each roll is freshly-made everyday and features its own tweet toppings. 

“Note for next time: no sharing! Get your own pizza! This pizza place is legit and I would advise against sharing with your partner unless you are just wanting a snack. The husky size is great for an average sized appetite for one.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Slim & Husky’s. 

5. Bone’s Fish & More

Popular eatery serving delicious Southern fried fish since 2007

2597 Murfreesboro Pike | Nashville 

If you want some serious fried chicken and fish, you will love Bone’s Fish. Even though the exterior doesn’t look like much, it houses a lively kitchen that cooks some of the best food in Nashville. Fish sandwiches filled with tilapia and catfish, wings, plates, and hearty side items are all featured on the menu. Soda and juice are available for washing down your food. If you managed to save enough room in your stomach for dessert, we recommend ordering the caramel cake or peach cobbler. 

“I ordered the catfish combo with spaghetti and coleslaw. I also ordered a fruit tea and a slice of strawberry cake to cure my sweet tooth. My fried fish was hot, fried crispy like I like it, and seasoned just right. I don't eat everybody's spaghetti, but their spaghetti was almost better than mine.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Bone’s Fish & More. 

6. Fat Boy’s BBQ

Popular restaurant in Antioch known for its hearty portions of BBQ

2733 Murfreesboro Pike | Antioch | fatboysbbq.co

Located in Antioch, Fat Boy’s BBQ is another unassuming restaurant that services some delicious food. Made fresh everyday, its food includes baby back ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, and more. Fried sandwiches that come with one side are also available on the menu. To satisfy your sweet tooth, Fat Boy’s BBQ also serves homemade banana pudding, brownie fudge, and cornbread. 

“I'm all about fried Catfish so I decided to give their's a try and I was not disappointed. I have incredible respect for people who can make crispy but moist catfish, not overly breaded or salty, and they did a perfect job. Even though we ordered out it arrived crispy and flavorful and tasted amazing.”- Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Fat Boy’s BBQ. 

7. 400 Degrees Hot Chicken

Popular Nashville spot that has been featured on the Travel Channel and Great American Channel

3704 Clarksville Pike | Nashville | 400degreeshotchicken.com

Owned and managed by Nashville native Aqui Hines, 400 Degrees Hot Chicken offers a dining experience like no other. All of its dishes offer savory and delicious flavors for your taste buds to enjoy. Whether you purchase a leg quarter or plate or wings, you are sure to be satisfied and pleased with your meal. You can customize the hotness of your chicken from 0 degrees and plain or 400 degrees and flaming hot. 

“Let me start with the good. The chicken is so tender, juicy, and delicious. The sides are awesome. I love the beans and fries. The fries are seasoned nicely and crispy goodness. The beans are the right amount of sweetness to balance the heat from the chicken. Also, beware of the spice level. I think it's hotter than other hot chicken restaurants. The bad thing is how close this place is to my house. It’s walking distance.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for 400 Degrees Hot Chicken. 

You can find a number of fun and vibrant Black-owned cities in and around Nashville. Which ones are on your bucket list? Let us know!