Reviews of Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish (Restaurant)

Linita Santos

Omg! The best chicken wings I've ever had! So spicy and delicious! Staff is excellent.

Lawrence Owens

Man looks can be deceiving. The taste of the chicken is so unique that I’ll have to go back blindfolded

Gregory Platt

Great dive! This is the real hot chicken place. Ain't going to win the cleanest place award but that is not why you come. You come here to get real good hot chicken and fish. The wings are good. The fish sammich is great. The tenders are good. Why wait in line for 30 minutes at Hattie b's?

Keith Nettles

I've yet to try the spicy chicken. I can't seem to get away from that good fish. Started out with the catfish. Ate that for about 3 years. Now I'm trying the whitting. I have to eat here everytime that I come to Nashville!

Kenny Geiger

Love there spicey chicken thanks to Kimberly at steakly plumbing for telling me about this chicken an fish place love it

R Usery

Basic, cheap but delicious food, and very friendly staff!

Monisha Holman

Good food. Good service

Deirdre Oden

I went here with my boyfriend, it being his first time. I had a fried pork chop was delicious. I also had white beans which were too salty and turnip greens which were off tasting. He had the hot fish which was very good but he wasn't pleased with his turnip greens and was just okay with the spaghetti. I'll go back, again and again, but only for the meat portion of the meal.

Son B

The food here was good. I tried the whiting filet and the chicken. If you're not a fan of spice, get mild or no spice. I like spicy food and even medium was a bit much! My only complaint about this place would be the cleanliness.

Wendy Ashley

Busy and energetic crowd. Spicy tasty chicken.

Andrea Dean

Friendly, good cooking folks

Todd Jackson

This place is quite possibly the worst establishment in Nashville. Waited an hour on door dash then they cancelled. PLEASE everyone ban this place. What a joke..Horrible Horrible!!! Read the reviews..this place blows!

Daniel Brian

They almost killed my friend, who asked for them to make it as hot as possible. Gotta love a place that will do that!

Patrick Ross

Spicy? Yes, but that's the only seasoning; placed on the skin of the chicken. What about the meat of the chicken? It had NO TASTE. I wanted the plate with the two sides, but looking at the steam table the desire was lost. Although better then fast food, its still the lesser of two evils. How old are the accolades posted on the wall? Based on my experiences they need to come down. The two stars reflex food and service. The service was better then the food. It did not effect me, but I qustion how you can run out of food at 12:15pm? How is the placed managed?

George Leach

Bolton chicken is very good

Yulonda Crump

If you like "Nashville hot" food items and prefer a dried seasoned finish versus a wet/dipped finish, this is the place to go. The South Nashville location is far less busy than the one on the East side and is more likely to answer the phone when you're wanting to call ahead to place an order. Delish as usual!

Rajan Rajbhandari

Lived here for more than a decade and the combination of hot chicken and fish here is awesome. Tip: Here "Medium" means "Hot". And order by phone if you wanna eat quick.

Black Gold

Nothing special, but good food. Lady was talking over food that was not covered. Ran out of Grouper

Briana

Love it! Never had any issues and always great customer service!

Ronald Reeves

It was wonderful as always.

Ally Klingelhoets

Incredible. The medium had a good heat to it but the flavor was amazing!

Leslie Anderson

Food was great however employees acted like it was a bother to them to take our order & serve the food. Guess next time I’ll walk across the street to Hattie B’s vs. trying to eat the small local guys.

Juris Matusevics

Really good, fresh catfish sandwiches. Watch out for hot sauces, cuz they ARE spicy! I usually get mine plain.

Christopher Bailey

If you are looking for AUTHENTIC Nashville hot chicken, this is the place. When the lady at the register tries to talk you out of the HOT you may want to listen. They are NOT playing games. One bite had my mouth on fire. My eyes were watering to the point of tears trickling down my face. It was AWESOME ....LOL. The actual chicken was juicy and crispy but not all battered up. Honestly the mild would be a good way to start for most everyone. Work your way up if you want or can. The sides are obviously home made and delicious. This is NOT fancy at all. This is a chicken shack! The cashier came outside to check on me after I had a chance to try the chicken.....I guess she was wondering if I needed an ambulance. Oh by the way, a quarter of a breast and two sides was $8. I will go back.

Avery Tucker

Highly underrated & ridiculously hot... Bring water.

Iretta Waters

They food is HORRIBLE!! Mashed potatoes was full of pepper cabbage was awful, Chicken was bad! Fish over cooked, the staff looked angry! Pans looked dirty as if they dont change them out at all shame on Boltons

Lord Taylor

From Chicago... truly enjoyed the experience

Christopher Hooper

Absolutely love going here! What they do special is the hot fried fish plates. I usually get the hot catfish plate with all the dressing (mustard, pickles, onions) and it hits all the good tastes. Their sides are also really good, especially the baked beans. I try to visit every time I come to town. I highly recommend!

Ray S Ovalles-Nowden

Had the extra hot wings. Which is right up under devils breath wings and it was truly a treat. The quick tingling sensation becomes fireworks in just a couple more bites. Leaves you wanting more and high Hopes of not the burning to become tolerable but, the whole time it just seemed to continue to heat up. It's not a sauce, it's a rub. And a very flavorful one at that. Something to try before you die, because the best part is having the memory of that one time to tell everyone you know. How you survived a challenge that many people haven't dared to try.

Kailyn Neil

Long wait for ok food. The chicken spices were all on the surface, so it'll burn your lips more than your tongue. Good and hot chicken but the sides were just ok.

Jah Nashville

Good hot & spicy chicken

Bryant Goode

Loved everything

Paul Solans

Awesome chicken tender, Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy. Went with medium, was tasty af, but not too hot to enjoy. And the people were super nice too!

Robert Hill

I think this was exactly what we were looking for. The hot chicken was soooooo good. I ordered a step down from the hottest and lived. The lady behind the counter was very helpful with my kids. This felt like a truly old school, hole-in-the-wall chicken joint. Go next door for a beer, it'll help.

Nap Nappy

If you want hot come on over to Bolton's!! The mild is got some KICK!

Randy Edwards

Was not given a warm welcome upon entering the restaurant. Nearly walked out upon entering the restaurant after receiving the glares. If this restaurant had not been recommended to me by two different people I would have never eaten here. I ordered some mild tenders and a six piece wing meal both with two sides. The prices listed on the wall in the restaurant were $8.25 and $8.75. My total was $22 and some change. When I questioned the cashier about the price she responded that the prices must have changed since she last worked. The food was prepared to go despite me saying that we were dining in. The wings were very very spicy and I eat hot and spicy food regularly. There is only one spicy level above the "hot" wings that I had ordered. I had eaten at Hattie B's just two days earlier and these wings were way spicier than extra spicy at Hattie B's. Could have been coincidence, or not, but the cashier and another employee came outside and brought some extra napkins as we were nearly finished eating. I commented that I would like to know what the hottest wing was like if I had not already eaten it and they offered to make me one. I kindly declined as my mouth was already on fire after finishing all six wings. My face was becoming numb and started to sting about this time. Prior to ruining my taste with the hot wings I ate some of the turnip greens and Cole slaw which both tasted good. Based on my experience I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone!

Kim Manos

I picked up a door dash order here so I can't comment on food, they were busy but the place looked dirty and needed an update about 15 years ago..just felt grungie.

Mary Jo Gantt

We had the leg quarter chicken with mac n' cheese and turnip greens as well as Catfish with coleslaw and turnip greens. Both were ordered 'Hot'. Turnip greens were perfect. Mac n' cheese was bland and disappointing. Coleslaw was creamy and a perfect balance to the heat of the Catfish. Hot was good and spicy. While we like hot and spicy food and enjoyed it, I can see that the level of heat just below might be more enjoyable. There is no restroom and no beer so come prepared for that fact. We observed quite a few orders being picked up to go. I think you can also use GrubHub for delivery.

Phyllis Lester

By far the best hot chicken in town!

Zakeenah Smith

Food was great but that place needs better ventilation

Graham Hawley

Bolton’s is the place to go for the heat. This is a locals joint and if you’re looking for real hot chicken, this is the place! Skip the line at Hattie B’s and hop across the street to Bolton’s, you won’t regret it

Kenny Cranford

Great restaurant! The hot chicken lived up to the hype and the sides we're all solid as well. Inside is no frills but staff is all super nice. I'll be back again

Deborah Knoll

Really great catfish!! The staff was pleasant. Kind of a hole in the wall, could use some upgrading.

Aireona Williams

I ordered a whiting plate through DoorDash for my lunch break. That’s the only thing I get from there, my third time ordered this plate. The last time I got it there was bread, pickles and onions (didn’t mind, that is always in the plate) but this time there was mustard & hot sauce sprayed all over the fish, confused because it never comes like this so I called & told them I think I received the wrong order this looks like the whiting sandwich there is mustard and hot sauce all over the fish. Is it okay if I can just come myself to get the correct food (I was already 10 minutes into my lunch didn’t have time to wait for delivery again) the lady on the phone said “that’s how it comes, if you don’t want that then you have to specify it when you order it) no... I’ve order this the exact same way before never have I received it with mustard or hot sauce because I don’t eat those condiments. On the doordash website it lets you ADD these things onto your order which I did not. Then she told me to call DoorDash, they made my order wrong & wont take responsibility so that will be the last time I order from them.

James Wilson

Wow! Awesome food at very reasonable prices! I chose the half rack of ribs and they were fall off the bone deliciousness and very flavourful. I didn't even use the Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce that was on the side. I also chose the mashed potatoes and gravy and the green beens. Great experience! The owner walked around and asked how we liked the food, very friendly! Thank you.

Luke Jones

My favorite place to eat and I've been all over the world. Owner is nice too. I cry internally if I get there and they're out of greens.

Zack Foster

was looking for authentic hot chicken. first of all, this is probably the most disgusting restaurant i’ve ever been to. we’re talking 0 attempt at keeping this place clean. while waiting 45 minutes for my chicken tenders i read more of the negative reviews and was finally dissuaded to eat there after noticing all the ants crawling on my feet. left without receiving food. WILL NEVER COME HERE AGAIN.

Miklos Halmos

Had to try this Nashville hot chicken classic. Unfortunately I was super dissapointed. The staff were really nice, but the chicken was way overcooked and dry. I asked for the hottest they have, and it didn't dissapoint, but the seasoning was so dry, liked they rolled fried chicken in dry powder. I think they are great for the flavor, and maybe I just had old, end of the day chicken, so I hope that next time the chicken will be better.

Cheri Moreno

The food was good the place was nasty

Kate Clifton

I had the "hot" catfish today. It had a lot of heat but a lot of flavor as well. I love spicy and it had me sweating and teary eyed! Their tenders looked better than the competitors.

kamiyah Benford

Horrible! Food smelled and tasted like it has been cooked in old grease. My chicken tenders was cooked so hard I couldn't eat them. For almost $7 dollars with no fries that was my first and last time there

joe anglin

Stingy with side portions. Chicken and sides tasted good.

James Russell

This place will never disappoint you. Will serve such good and tasty food. Also, will give you an altogether fantastic dining experience. I usually visit Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish with my kids and I find this place really good. My wife also likes this place. They never let you down and always give you memorable experience. We usually go for birthdays and anniversaries to this place to celebrate.

Stacey Wheaton

It's delicious. You won't be disappointed but be forewarned go EARLY on Fridays because they run out of food quick!

Jeremy Springer

Great food

Flex Von

From a chicken a food pro

Kerri Bourne

Friendly staff and tasty food!

Tony Nicholson

Best hot yardbird in smashville

Christopher Bruner

Hottest chicken I have ever ate.

O.G. Stretch

Good food and friendly staff, I recommend eating here

Kandi lefkowitz

Tried the chicken on Wednesday and went back on Thursday. Thee BEST chicken I've ever had. Deborah is the best

LeeAnn James

It's country.... but love the aura and let's not forget the food.... it'll have you crying especially if you think your bold too eat extra hot....lol!

Laura Valentine

Great little place to get some awesome hot chicken! What the atmosphere lacks is more than made up by the delicious food, fast service and good friendly people. They are a bit heavy handed on the spice so step down a heat index of what you want. Mild was spicy and enjoyable while medium brought a little head sweat. Chicken tenders were a great quality chicken breast and delicious spice and they have some awesome sides.

Justin Van Schuyver

Little hole in the wall restaurant but food was excellent. They are heavy handed on the spicy so be aware. I would drop down a spice level from what you normally get at other places. They were super quick and very nice. If you want some hot chicken this is a great place to go.

Clarence Duncan

hot flavor, better be able to handle the heat..

Jared Simons

Took a little while to get the food but it is a smaller restaurant and they were certainly busy. Chicken was overall pretty great, friends who went with underestimated the heat though. Generally plan to get a heat level below what you're normally comfortable with!

Phom Sisoukrath

Place is small and atmosphere is not the best but the hot chicken is not bad if you’re wanting a good burn. Dry rub that’s pretty intense and not for the faint of heart. I’d like to go try the original location but had a good experience here. One of many Nashville Hot Chicken places, not my fav but one to check out on your hot chicken trek.

anthony folk

Chicken was good. Out of everything just about not even water or drinks other then orange soda. Sides were not good in any way taste like they were out of a can at best.

Chao Yu

The medium spicy chicken tender is actually hot. Recommend mild.

Rachel Wade

Fries cold... out of fish! Out of cheese! I won't be back.

S M

Excellent hot chicken and fish

Chris C

A nice little hole-in-the-wall place. Not a must-do but I didn't regret coming in to try it. Didn't have any catfish when I came in so I ordered the tilapia, which was well done and I enjoyed. Would have liked catfish though. The hot chicken is also pretty good!

Joseph K.

Stick with the chicken and fish. Fish is the mvp here.

Perry Martin

Dad has always said if you stick to the floor you should not eat there unless your kid is the one who made the mess. Well we stuck to floor and table. Smell of burnt grease accompanied us back out the door.

Megan Mason

Very friendly, best chicken in Nashville!! Chili will burn your mouth it's so hot!!

Jon Ireland

Loved the fact that it was mostly locals eating here and ther chicken and fish were tasty. Sides were so so and place needs a good cleaning.

Raman Lal

Terrible customer service, long food wait times, spices were dumped onto chicken rather than been cooked with its, sides were very watery. The place itself is very sketchy. Go to the other Bolton's or Hattie B's. Not this store.

Wayne Rathgeber

Get there early if you want a breast! Great spices.

Ryan Shanks

Food is super spicy. Nice staff.

montravil anderson

Side vegetables was old Caused us to get sick Chicken was not hot as requested

lauren g

Great food and service

victoria overton

Like it got. Go here. Fixed to order.

Angela Wilkerson

This joint has all the other fish sandwhiches beat. Best so far. I'll be coming back!!!!

n edwards

Very much a hole in the wall - but don't let that put you off. The chicken is amazing and HOT. Avoid the crowds at Hattie B's and walk a block down - it's not pretty or trendy but it's darn tasty.

Lashonda Smith

I have ate here several times in the past but today i ordered two chicken plates and added a piece on each plate when i got home 20 min away i noticed that all of my chicken was burned on the outside and bloody on the inside and when i called bk up there the lady told me that the greece was old and needed changed and offered my money bk or more food i choose my money as if it was cool and she was very rude i told her that they shouldn't be selling bloody burned food and she said yes u right but i will never eat here again

Michael Martin

The best hot chicken in town. Don't be mislead by the masses and other "tourist" popular locations. This is where you want to be for the best hot chicken and fish!

Claire Gardner

Better than Hattie B's and a must try if you want TRUE Nashville hot chicken! SPICY but very delicious hahah :) you can't go wrong with any fish option - very fresh!! Maybe get ranch on the side to subdue some of the spice or coleslaw!

Aquarius June

All I can say fresh fresh fresh I'm good

Sarah K

Ordered with DoorDash... Unfortunately several items were delivered incorrectly, and both the catfish and chicken weren't prepared well (chicken: dry, the seasoning literally just caked on to the outside in clumps... Fish: soggy). The portion of fries was also somewhat small (think kids meal at McDonalds). Maybe it's better in person, but if you're considering it for delivery go with someone else.

Jonathan White

This place is a local treasure. I had the best whiting fish sandwich (hot of course) I've had in a long time. And let's not forget about the sides- delicious and exactly what you want. Not to mention the ladies up front who are so friendly and helpful. I'll be making this a frequent stop for lunch.

David Owens

Chicken was bone dry and took forever to come out.

Sara Harvey

No frills, no bathroom, worth the wait! The chicken is UNREAL, there is a reason Bolton's is one of Nashville's original hot chicken spots! The sides are ok. I found the mac & cheese to be blah but the greens were amazing. I have had the tenders each time I've gone. A large, juicy piece of chicken, crispy breading and flavorful dry rub spice. Spice levels are plain (salt and a little pepper only), lite mild, mild, medium, hot, and insanely hot. I stick with medium for an intense heat that doesn't interfere with the flavors. If you are unsure, pick a lower heat and ask them to add more rub if it isn't hot enough. You can't unspice it if you choose too much! They warn you to wash your hands before touching anything after eating. SOUND ADVICE. If you are looking for an authentic Nashville hot chicken experience, don't be afraid to try this Nashville institution!

Zach Livengood

Definitely a hole in the wall. The chicken was too hot to even enjoy and I got medium. I can normally handle spicy foods, but this was rediculous. The first bite coated my mouth and throat with chili powder. Definitely will not go again. Go somewhere good like Prince's or Hattie B's.

Kendale Davis

The only thing I can say about Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish a must-have very delicious food and always a service with a smile guaranteed to get your belly full yum yum

DJ Flores

Saw the advertisement online. Must have been from years ago. It was 97 degrees and the place had absolutely no air except a rotating fan blowing. Could not sit down and eat with the extreme heat. The hot chicken wasn't even that good. Should have stayed in the extremely long line at Hattie B's

Jenny Carolina

Truly a gem. If you can handle regular buffalo wings kind of spicy, mild spicy hot chicken is a must. Chicken was delicious. Would go again when in town.

Samuel Nixon

Good, hot, fresh and at a decent price.

Peggie Johnson Carney

East Nashville location is the best.

Torrie Tovar

Just an FYI the mild is spicy! Like super spicy. My husband and brother got the hottest and my husband cried. But they go around trying the hottest chicken they can. But after I couldn't eat the milk I got some wings and it IS the best chicken!

Dan Gibala

Chicken and fish good, sides boring but trust me the reviews saying the place is a dive is under statement. It is pretty much disgusting. The entire floor is as sticky as a fly trap the ceiling fan had 1/2” of dust and grease and the outside is littered with trash all over its gross. Took my food to go because it was making me sick. I’m not to picky usually about this type of thing but the place is gross go to Hattie’s way better experience.

The Wizard

They should make you sign a waiver to eat this chicken. Thank god the lady at the counter talked me out of getting hot, but that wasn’t enough to save my soul. The medium might as well have been nuclear. I sat in shame crying, drooling, nose running eating my chicken tenders seasoned with what I can only assume is satans own seasoning trying not to let it whoop me. It did. And then did again the next morning. I will be back.

Joshua Reed

It was pretty good for hot chicken. The spice is sprinkled on top instead of mixed in with the batter and there's no oil mixture like other places. It has very limited seating and parking and has that mom and pap feel.

Keyana Johnson

Been going there for years best fried chicken place in Nashville I love it love it love it can't wait to have more I always get the hot wings just the right amount of spice with fries and baked beans extra pickles and extra bread and I am in heaven thank you both and chicken will see you soon

Laura Bauer

The medium is HOT. The children was perfectly cooked. The service was welcoming. I will go back next time I am in town.

Victor l Thomas

You get a lot of bang for your buck food it's really good they're very fast just a little bit unprofessional though

Greg Combest

Wanted to try what was dubbed one of the original hot chicken establishments of Nashville and i was definitely not disappointed. The chicken was hot and tender and made fresh. My only complaint was that the sides were very mediocre and seemed to be sitting for a while. Still a great staple in nashville and definitely somewhere worth checking out.

Blake Baldassari

Really hot and juicy. Good flavor in the chicken. Awesome greens and Mac n cheese

Jeannette Porrazzo

Catfish was fresh, good & large portion. Got the lite-mild fillet plate. Cold sides were warm by the time I got home, will try the mild or medium next time. It's a dive, old shack -building so don't expect it to be nice. The staff is friendly enough and helpful. I came at the end of the day so they seemed tired-to be expected.

Carolyn Carey

Food good I left her by the Bolton A Satisfied woman

Trey ok

Loved the food, loved the atmosphere, and loved the service. The cashier was even nice enough to let me charge my phone at the front when all the booths with outlets were taken. I'll definitely be returning.

Otoniel Barajas

it's really good hot Chicken

Frank Hise

This place is great.......really incredible food had both the catfish and chicken.......the hot is hot ....great flavor and kick......not sure about the mustard on the fish.....but my new go to place when in Nashville.....really awesome lunch

Robert Abel

Very friendly to an out of towner. Warned me away from "hot". Medium was just about perfect, enough heat to make my lips tingle, but not give me a gut ache. Chicken was cooked to a tee, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. I highly recommend eating here. I also really liked the tater salad. Drinks are limited, the only thing without sugar is bottled water. Fed 2 grown men plenty for $24.

Nick Last-Name

You don't need to look nice when you have chicken this good

Trombone Entertanment

The tenders are great and they are super filling

Raven Ford

The cook or owner (not sure) was offended when I asked to taste the mac n cheese. He let me do it but he was so pushy and weird that I ended getting mac n cheese as a side even tho I did not like it. It was bland. As chicken goes, it was okay. Nothing special.

Vilma Salamanca

10/10 would recommend. Yummy and great service.

Cory Cothron

Best hot chicken in Nashville and their turnip greens are the best I ever had