This under-the-radar soul food spot is cash-only, and long-time locals say it’s well worth the trip to the ATM for a takeout lunch or early dinner at Lil Cee’s. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays starting at noon, Cedric’s traditional fried chicken, fried pork chops, and sides keep people coming back. Menus aren’t posted anywhere online and meat-and-two options change daily, so call before heading in to make sure that traditional fried chicken is an option.

Juicy, crispy fried chicken is served every day of the week at Monell’s, no matter what time of day it is. The family-style serving situation (during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Saturday’s midnight country breakfast) makes it easy to conceal how much fried chicken one is actually eating.

It has roots from the 1950s as a grocery store down in Leiper’s Fork, but Puckett’s also found its way to downtown Nashville, and serves its standout Southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans.

The fried chicken at this downtown restaurant and hangout has been a signature item since inception — it’s offered as a half chicken for $19.

The pickle-brined fried chicken at the Omni Nashville’s ground-level restaurant is some of the city’s best. It’s available by the half bird ($17) or full bird ($24), and comes with two sides. It can be kicked up a notch to Nashville mild or hot, for those looking for more heat.

Dan Robinson’s popular cafeteria-style meat-and-three serves traditional fried chicken on Mondays and Thursdays, so plan accordingly.

In order to try the fried chicken at this James Beard America's Classic award winner, you’ll have to get in line on Monday — that’s the only day of the week it's served.

Those south of Nashville proper can check off the meat-and-three and fried chicken boxes in one fell swoop at the Cool Springs eatery. Fried chicken is on the menu daily for crispy, crunch indulgence.