Hattie B’s Hot Chicken opens first Chicago location, eyes Wicker Park for next opening

Popular Nashville hot chicken chain Hattie B’s debuted its first Chicago location on Friday, Feb. 27, in Wrigleyville on North Clark Street, according to a report by NBC Chicago. A second site preps for River North at 58 E. Ontario St. by early 2027, Block Club confirmed. The Wrigleyville spot nods to the Cubs with decor and an outdoor patio, NBC said.

The chain is also set to claim a prime Wicker Park spot. According to Block Club, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken will open at 1542 N. Damen Ave. by early 2027. The location sits next to the Damen Blue Line station.

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The move means Urbanbelly will close its restaurant there this year, Block Club confirmed, adding that Operator Cornerstone Restaurant Group said the lease is ending. The Asian street food spot, led by chef Bill Kim, launched in the neighborhood in 2016.

Spicy menu hits Chicago

Hattie B’s is reportedly familiar with the area. Block Club reported that the chain held a one-day pop-up in 2019 across the street at Dove’s Luncheonette. The new chicken location will seat 65 inside and 18 on the patio.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken lets customers pick heat from mild to scorching with ghost, habanero and cayenne peppers. Menu stars include jumbo tenders, chicken sandwiches, half-bird platters and sides like pimento mac and cheese, collard greens and bacon-cheddar grits, according to Block Club.

Father-son duo Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr. reportedly founded Hattie B’s in Nashville in 2012. It now runs 16 spots across six states, Block Club confirmed, and Chicago marks its initial Midwest push.