If you’re not yet familiar with hot chicken, it’s a brined fried chicken brushed with an oil-based paste generally made with cayenne pepper. It is served with pickles on white bread. Originating in Nashville, it is not a buffalo chicken, as it is less salty and tangy. It’s also delicious. Joella’s has six flavors to choose from, from “Southern” (no sauce) to “inferno” (I think you get the picture). The sauces run the gamut of the heat scale, and these aren’t watered-down sauces. If you can’t handle heavy heat, you may want to try “Ella’s favorite.” The typically boring “hot” designation will actually leave you with your nose running. With the plate you also get two sides, and these sides are first-rate. Joella’s also has a unique self-serve beer tap. Get there early, as lines can form.
Check out our "Cheap Eats Part 2" round-up for 20 places in Lexington to get a great meal under $10!
