Big Shake’s Hot Chicken & Fish

Local Nashville native here, know my hot chicken. This place rocks. Death Row is where it’s at. Can’t wait to try the challenge. Chicken is juicy, sides are good, heat level is HOT. There is nothing worse when I get the highest heat level and it doesnt burn like hell. Not a complaint here. As far as the shrimp burger they don’t seem to have it when I try to order it?! As far as the chicken though. It’s awesome.

I’ve never liked having to drive from Franklin to Nashville to get good hot chicken, and thank goodness, now I don’t have to. I’ve been to Big Shakes 3 times now, gotten something different every time and none of it has been less than excellent. I would put this and Hattie B’s as my 1a and 1b in no particular order, unless to give Big Shake’s the nod for their Hot Catfish. It is some of the best fried catfish you’ll ever have. Cooked perfectly and a flavorful, extra-​crispy but not too think crust. The chicken tenders are also well made, with just the right amount of crust and moist and tender all the way through. If you’re not feeling the hot chicken or fish for your visit, definitely try the Southwest Shrimp burger as it’s one of the best things on the menu. Sides are good and it’s nice to have a place that make good white beans. It’s great having a hot chicken joint in Franklin that’s finally worth the name.

7^th visit to this new location in Franklin. It was very busy, but the staff was pleasant and welcoming. Cool under fire! First time to try the large hot tenders vs the hot fried chicken and it was great. The tenders were large, plump and moist, and the heat level at «Stop, Drop, & Roll» was very manageable. The dipping sauce reminded me of an Alabama White Sauce/​Russian dressing hybrid, and it complimented the seasoned fries. The signature shrimp Burger is delectable and light. Nice spot for a quick lunch when you are in the neighborhood.

With five flavors of Nashville’s famous «hot chicken», I went with the «hot» and it was hot indeed. A half chicken looked like way too much food for one person, but there was a lot of batter on this bird. Once I dug in with a knife and fork to get past the hot (temperature hot, too) batter, the chicken was nice and moist and quite tasty.
A half chicken gets you two sides. The potato salad was very nice. Soft pieces of potato and bits of egg mixed up well. The white beans were too spicy and tasted of nothing but heat. I wouldn’t have that one again.
Service was good and the refillable Coke fountain was appreciated.
Was it the best «Nashville Hot Chicken»? I thought Hattie B’s was better, so I still have some more tasting to do on my next trip to the Athens of the South!

My first hot chicken experience, crybaby and stop drop n roll, the hotter variety were what we chose. Both were great, and noticeably different in heat factor. Both were crispy and moist. For sides the seasoned fries which were well seasoned and crispy, the daily greens and the coleslaw which was more vinegar than mayo and very good.
The southwest shrimp burger fried jalapeño, with ghost pepper mayo… sweet sweet golden nibbles. This captured all my attention! Thanks to fellow UnilocalER ZP. I gave this a shot, it was hands down the best thing I put in my mouth during my trip to Tennessee. The chunks of shrimp are present, the crisp jalapeño heat is there, cooled slightly by iceberg lettuce and the sturdy bun, oh my!
Live music, one guy, one guitar/​harmonica perfect background, it didn’t blow you away. Well it blew me away in shear fantastic-​ness. The staff were so quick, so friendly, so accommodating that I could see how a place like this could become a habit. The shop was also very clean when the staff were not elbows deep carefully attending to customers they were attending to the upkeep of the restaurant.

First time trying the Worlds Famous Shrimp burger but lemme tell you… This is amazing grace I had to go tell it on the mountain. It was cooked to perfection… If I’m lying, then I’m flying and I aint even left the ground yet! When you have time or if you dont, please make the time to go and order the Shrimp burger. You will not be disappointed. Their entire menu is awesome honestly!!! t!

I’ve had every hot chicken in Middle Tennessee at least twice, even the most obscure joints. My parents are chefs and I must say I inherited their discerning palate when it comes to delicious food.
Big Shake’s is the BEST HOT CHICKEN in the United States!!! End of story!!! Hattie B’s, Prince’s, Pepperfire, they all pale in comparison to what Chef Big Shake is cooking up. Shark Tank should have never turned down this multi-​million dollar operation.
Perfectly crispy outside, perfectly juicy inside, perfect fries and Mac ‘n’ cheese. The chef is a genius!!!
The proof that Big Shake’s is the best? Every single person who takes my advice and goes to Big Shake’s (at least 75 people by now) comes back and says «You were right, Big Shake’s is the best!» 100% satisfaction, that’s all the proof you need.

Traditional, delicious hot chicken! It’s almost as good as Hattie B’s. I will choose 1 step up in heat next time. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Packed house but only a 10mins wait at lunch time on a Friday. I will definitely be back for more!

Finally got a chance to try this place out. Dont expect to just walk in for take out, they cook to order so you might have to wait ten to 15 minutes maybe longer if they are really busy. I suggest you call in your order to save time. I got the original. Nice big and tender piece of chicken. No heat but spicy flavor. Next time I am going to give there cry baby a try. The fries were seasoned and good. Staff was very friendly. They need to offer a larger drink size even for those eating in so they dont have to keep getting refills. I look forward to going back.

Really nice and friendly people here and the food was awesome all around. I had the cry baby fingers and my husband the big mess. We loved the coleslaw to cool it all down.

Stopped in here on a trip down to New Orleans. It did not disappoint! Chicken tenders and fries were delicious! Would be better if they made their own sauces but all in all this was a great place and a good find. Big thanks to Unilocal

Learned about this place while getting a massage which I must say was awesome — Anyway this place was worth the drive. We dined at the Murfreesboro Rd location. Parking was easy. Very small location but we were able to find two seats with another family. Very nice casual family environment. The food was VERY good — I don’t think of myself as a cry baby but I was one at Big Shake’s. We had the Big Shake’s Combo Plater and it was worth the price. My husband enjoyed the white beans had to get an order to go with the leftovers. The Chicken and the Fish were seasoned perfect, I loved the toasted bread underneath the fish and chicken. The service was also very nice you could feel the positive and friendly energy. Great job Big Shake’s. Next time will try the chicken and waffles —

Big Shake’s serves up my idea of the kinda’ fried chicken I could eat everyday… tho’ it might not be in my best health interests.
Absolutely tender… absolutely moist… cooked to perfection through and through. Coated with a perfect crispy coating and wonderful savory spices. Original (which my wife likes) is crunchy-«delish» to the bone. The tenders on my «Hot Mess»…generous filets basted in Shake’s signature «Cry Baby Sauce» are totally on point!
OK…enough clichès. (Well, these sentiments are spot on too.)
Fries are crispy outside and tender inside, coated with a blend of great seasonings. The sides are all stellar… take your pick. I’m partial to the cooked fresh daily, smoky-​sweet and tender collar/​turnip greens.
Only tiny hinderance (for some folks perhaps) is that since everything is cooked to order, you sit and chat and listen to some great Soul music… and that’s not a bad thing either. So just plan a ahead… or call ahead.
Yesterday’s service did prove a tiny bit «off» because the cash register/​order system went down… but staff moved forward nonetheless. And one not-​exactly excusable hiccup was that my specific order sat in the window an extra 3 or 4 minutes ’cause everybody was scrambling to make up for the computer glitch.
Love it all the same. Great food. Great Staff. Great place for Nashville-​style Hot Chicken and so very much more. (Live music too — check website for details.)
PS Like the spaciousness of the new store.

The best all around chicken and sides for a good price. Everything is done well here, from the chicken (flavor and proper heat), sides, and value. Hard to believe, but this takes the top spot away from Prince’s for the best hot chicken in Nashville. Do not take my comment lightly, as that’s a big deal. I have eaten most all of the old school staples.
Better yet, they offer catfish, beans, greens, seasoned fries, shrimp, and many other southern favorites.
If I get a guest in from out of town, THIS is the first place I’m taking them. FYI, I have lived in or around Nashville for 15 years.

Big Shakes holds up to the competition, providing mouth watering fresh hot fried chicken. While this shop is in the style of the other big players in the Nashville hot chicken market, Big Shakes has a somewhat expanded seafood menu in addition to the stand-​by fried spicy chicken quarter on a slice of white bread and pickle chips.
A couple of added benefits to Big Shakes here. First, they have shakes– milkshakes. Second, they are located within a quarter mile off interstate 65. So it’s a perfect place to stop off if you’re from out of town traveling I65 and you want the Nashville hot chicken experience. You won’t be disappointed.

First time here today. The food was excellent. Had the chicken and waffles. It was hot fresh and delicious. The only problem with this place is the RIDICULOUS wait time. The restaurant as busy, no doubt. But still the line wasn’t that bad and there are only about forty seats inside and let’s be honest…90% of the menu is fried chicken in a various sauce. No reason it should take thirty minutes to get chicken and waffles… if you don’t mind the wait or lack of seating however, it’s excellent food.

Well it’s official. Since Gus’ fried chicken is no longer in Brentwood this place is my new favorite chicken place. The tenders were delicious. I had the cry baby sauce on them this time but I think I will step it up to the next heat level on the next visit. The food was served fast and hot. The music in the place might have been a little load but that could just be me so I’m not dinging them for that. Parking is a bit of a struggle and it is a drive for me from Nolensville but it’s worth it.

I always get the Stop Drop and Roll Catfish platter. I have never been disappointed!
The hot chicken is top notch, and by far the best representative of the «genre». The sides are all exceptional, but I highly recommend the white beans and greens. If you want to step out into the Shrimp Burgers… prepare yourself for a carnival in your mouth.
Service is always pleasant.

From Ohio and passing thru. Some of the best hot chicken that I’ve had. Easily taking my number one spot. The greens, I have no words except phenomenal as well as the potato salad! Well done Big Shake’s, well done.

This is Big Shake’s second location and I just finished lunch there. I got there at 1pm Saturday afternoon and the place was super busy. The order line moved fast and seats/​tables opened up and I was able to snag a table just a few minutes before my Hot Mess Sandwich arrived. I generally skip the fries but DO NOT skip taking a side or two. I opted for the turnip greens today. I got Cry Baby level but I’m moving up a notch.
The one improvement they can make is that their servers need to have BIG VOICES when they call customers names. The music is playing overhead (and it’s good music) so it’s difficult to hear.