I’m not going to lie, guys. Riverfront Tavern out in Mount Juliet has been in my doghouse for awhile. We hosted our first annual Preds Watch Party there last year (February 27, 2018 to be exact), and the servers acted like they were irritated that we brought them business. Also, half the people at the watch party complained about shitting themselves the day after.
So, after that day, I conceded that Riverfront Tavern wouldn’t be much more than a place to stop in and grab a beer (good beer list) and pretzels (seriously, the pretzels are delicious, have never been messed up, and go great with the cheese sauce) before a movie. But, that was about it – I took it out of my dinner rotation and didn’t miss it one bit.
Now, I know you’re probably reading this post and thinking, “fuck – look at Stoney going in on Riverfront Tavern here. I thought this was a nice website.” But, I’m just being transparent – we always pride ourselves on being honest writers.
At the same time, I’m willing to give people and places a million chances. Just because I didn’t like something a year ago, it doesn’t mean I won’t like it today, right? Well, a couple of weeks ago, some friends and I were on our way to Gladeville Community Center wrestling. I knew every spot in Providence would be packed, but we wanted a quick bite.
So, I suggested Riverfront Tavern because I knew it wouldn’t be packed. Turns out, they have some new items (and some new faces serving, for that matter) that have revitalized that menu like crazy. Four dudes left that place satisfied, with no complaints whatsoever, that Friday night.
One of those new menu items was an order of Nashville hot chicken sliders. Let’s see how it stacks up against the other places I’ve reviewed so far.
Food Pics
Ratings
Flavor: 7/10 – Nailed the flavor. This is exactly what hot chicken is supposed to taste like. It’s a diverse and dynamic heat – not just bathed in black pepper like some other establishments in the area. I also love that they’re served on dinner rolls – that slightly sweet taste complemented the heat very well.
Texture: 6/10 – Above average. Poppa Bear will always vouch for the chicken tenders at Riverfront, and I believe that’s what the sliders were made of. I can’t confirm, so as a journalist, I shouldn’t report that, but I believe that’s what it was. Anyway, I’m with Poppa Bear – this is a decent cut of chicken.
Heat: 6/10 – The heat wasn’t intense by any stretch of the imagination. It was rather enjoyable, but could’ve used a little bit of an extra kick.
Fixins: 6/10 – Major points for getting a pickle on every slider. My biggest pet peeve when it comes to hot chicken is places holding back with the pickles. Also, the fries were fresh and damn near perfect.
Overall: 6.25/10 – This new menu is a game-changer. I’ve had these twice in the last week and a half, and it’s become one of my favorite quick meals around town.
CURRENT NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN RATINGS
- Scoreboard Bar & Grill (6.62/10)
- Riverfront Tavern (6.24/10)
- Helen’s Hot Chicken (5.75/10)
- Party Fowl (3/10)
Lol – I’ve only reviewed four hot chicken dishes so far. Also, keep in mind, these rankings are JUST for the hot chicken and not the restaurant as a whole.
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- Von Elrod’s (8.17/10)
- Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) (7.125/10)
- Homegrown (6.5/10)
*Keep in mind, we’re just starting out. This list is only 10 deep at this point. Stay tuned as we continue to build our anthology of Nashville reviews.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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