11 Cities Where US Foodies Are Finding Their Next Obsession

8. Nashville—Fusion Flavors and Hot Chicken Hype

Nashville’s musical legacy merges seamlessly with its culinary creativity, particularly in the realm of spicy hot chicken—a local obsession gaining nationwide fame. But the city’s food offerings go further, embracing Southern-fusion dishes, international flavors, and trendsetting chef-owned eateries clustered in buzzy neighborhoods. Downtown food halls, like Assembly Food Hall, gather diverse concepts under one roof, creating lively hubs for locals and visitors. The scene pulses with energy, where classic barbecue stands beside inventive vegan diners and global-inspired taprooms. Food festivals and chef competitions keep the culinary conversation fresh, attracting a steady influx of talent. For foodies, Nashville’s signature heat comes not just from its chicken, but from an ever-churning scene that rewards curiosity with bold new tastes.