To be such a big time food city and a major up-and-comer on the culinary scene, Nashville just doesn’t seem to have the wing game pinned down. I’m not saying there’s not good wings downtown. I’m just saying – you won’t find wings downtown that are so much better than the outskirts that it makes driving downtown worth it. If you’re willing to head out to my hometown in Mount Juliet, about eight miles or so East of town, you’ll find quite the unique selection of wings that go far beyond your standard issue buffalo and celery.
Oh, and if I’ve missed a spot, or need to try some wings somewhere I haven’t had ’em yet, don’t hesitate to let my ass have it in the comments.
My Favorite Wings in Mount Juliet
5. The Goat – I’ve had some bad luck at The Goat in recent months…err…I should say, the last few months before the quarantine. The food and service have both been a little hit-or-miss. But, the one constant….okay, the second constant because those tater tots are pretty damn good…is the wings. Personally, I like a good Cajun wings, and The Goat has those covered. But, the most regular choice my girlfriend and I make is the BBQ.
4. Slim Chickens – full review – Again….and I know my friends and family are tired of hearing about it….where else can you get a box of wings AND tenders for around $10?!?! That just doesn’t happen. The chicken itself is good, but what sets Slim Chickens apart is their wide array of sauces – mango habanero and Korean BBQ are two flavors that are hard to come by, but Slim Chickens absolutely aces both.
3. Kat’s – full review – Kat’s has the best bar food in town, and I will die on that hill any day of the week. You can have your Jonathan’s. You can have your USA Bar & Grill (are they even still open?). Give me the wings at Kat’s. What makes them so good, and so different, is that they aren’t as heavy on the sauce. The wings aren’t as messy, and the sauces taste a little more cooked into the wing itself, without sacrificing any of the flavor.
2. Martin’s BBQ – It’s awfully hard to walk into Martin’s and NOT order any sort of barbecue or brisket. But, if you haven’t tried their smoked wings, you quite frankly, haven’t lived yet. They’re smoky and flavorful, and they’re so damn tender, they fall right off the bone. Pair ’em with some Alabama white sauce for some wings you won’t get anywhere else.
1. Catch 22 – full review – Speaking of wings you won’t get anywhere else, Catch 22 is probably the area’s best kept secret. The Cheerwine red pepper wings are a sticky revelation that give the wings a sweet glaze with a subtle hint of heat. Their “liquid gold” flavor ain’t a bad choice, either. Their entire menu makes them the best meal in Mount Juliet – but the wings alone stand out on their own.
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)
- Red’s 615 Kitchen (7/10)
*Keep in mind, we’re just starting out. This list is only 31 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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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