Massachusetts: Our Most Popular Football Beverage Is Surprising

At the end of a long and memorable NFL season, we tend to reflect upon the highs and lows of what our favorite team accomplished (or didn't) this year. Restaurant management software company Toast, recently published detailed information on the food and drink highlights this for the 2023 NFL season. In Boston, the alcoholic beverage of choice that Patriots fans grabbed for most during football games was a particular wine type.

Overall, Toast says the market experienced a "6% increase in restaurant food and alcohol sales on Sundays during the NFL season compared to out of season."

Mashed broke down alcohol's popularity with football fans even further. Ahead of the big game, they specifically detailed which alcohol got the overall biggest boost for NFL Sundays. The answer was that hard seltzer saw the biggest increase by far. Mashed said, "Hard seltzer was the most popular drink to sip on during a game; the beverage saw a whopping 47% increase in consumption on football Sundays compared to Sundays during the rest of the year."

Wine popularity was up an astounding 94% in Boston this NFL season as the top beverage of choice. To add context here, Toast specifically categorizes it as "Wine (other)." There is a separate category for red wine so wine (other) would then align to white wine, rose, or sparking wine being the most popular Boston order. Joining this wine was then red wine and hard seltzer as the three alcoholic drinks of choice to accompany NFL games for New England fans this season.

In addition, Toast detailed similar information on the food choices. Boston football viewers seemed to have downed a lot of chicken wings this fall. Per Toast data, wing orders increased by 73%.

In order to compile this information, Toast studied data through their point-of-sale software system. Specifically, they analyzed the order differences per item on NFL Sundays through mid-December. The restaurant industry as a whole saw alcohol orders up 6% this football season.

The upcoming Super Bowl is obviously another major impactful day when it comes to the food and beverage industry. It's fair to say your food and drink choices to accompany your game festivities are crucial decisions. The joy of not having your team in the Super Bowl is that New England fans can order a bucket of wings, pour some sparkling wine, and just enjoy the game.

Throughout New England, I've recently noticed the tag of  "Nashville" has been applied to many chicken sandwiches. No matter if I am in a local pub or tavern, barbeque establishment, or really a restaurant of any kind, this menu item is everywhere. Here, I've highlighted four great places to get a tasty Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in Massachusetts today.

First, what exactly does this term refer to? "Nashville chicken's signature heat comes from a spice blend that usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other secret ingredients," Main Bird Hot Chicken explains.

So, in short, we are talking about a piece of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiched between a bun (typically, brioche). However, it needs to have the aforementioned spice rub. Then, add in some slaw or pickles to take the sandwich to the next level.

Although it appears to be more on-trend and ubiquitous now in Massachusetts, Mashed explained this style has a history going back over 75 years. In their 2021 story that specifically profiled the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they say, "This fiery brand of fowl, which originated at a Tennessee institution with a royal name, marries a southern classic with a hit of tongue-tingling heat."

Mashed explains that a historical Nashville establishment named Prince's Hot Chicken can be pointed to for serving up one of the first memorable of these spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

The Massachusetts establishments that have mastered the craft of this sandwich have a few things in common. First, they don't overdo it with the toppings. That can take away from the mixed spice flavor. Next, they pair the sandwich with a side, but not one that takes the attention of the main act. Lastly, they include an option to make it unique. That can be a spicy mayo, ketchup aioli, or fried pickles.

Here are four great places in Massachusetts you need to know about, to get a great Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.

I'll start with the most recent one I've had. The Buckley Kitchen keeps it perfectly basic. There's a significant crunch, but the chicken is not overly fried. The only challenge is whether you pick the seasoned fries or homemade tater tots to pair with it. The Buckley also has an extensive beer and wine list. The Maine Lunch IPA sounded the part, as a pint that would pair perfectly with their Nashville Hot, and it did not disappoint.

This restaurant now has two locations for you to pick from to grab their mouth-watering Nashville Hot. You have to search for it on the menu. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken "House Special" comes with the option to add Nashville Hot. Then, if you have room, throw in a baked mac and cheese to share, and thank me later for a meal you will be burning to return for. Buttermilk & Bourbon has two restaurant locations in Massachusetts. There's the Boston spot, at 160 Comm. Ave. Then, in Watertown, you can find this establishment in the Arsenal Mall (100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.) Both are open seven days per week.

This establishment is only about two years old, but they have already made quite a name for themselves. Flanders Field not only serves an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they also have 100 beers on tap. Each of them is served in the glass or mug that it is meant to pair with. Furthermore, Flanders Field often holds beer pairing events where they take you through some of their items on tap and what they pair well with in the given the season.  They describe their style as, "Farm fresh, locally sourced, in-house prepared food with a Northern European and American influence."

There's a Nashville Hot all over the menu at Lily P's. The "Lower Broadway" is the most traditional Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich item. However, there's also the "Hot N' Honey" which simply adds black pepper honey to the party. Then, you can order your tenders, fried chicken pieces or an entire bucket in a Nashville style. Equally as interesting here, is that Lily P's is also well known for their Oysters. They offer traditional Wellfleet Oysters, or a Roasted and Fried style. Lastly, while you are waiting for your main course, grab their cheddar popcorn app to hold you over.  The only catch here is that in late September they will not be open on the weekends.