4. Restaurants

Maniac’s

99 Seaboard Ln,Ste 500, Brentwood, TN, 37027
  • (615) 370-2803
  • Store is closed

Maniac’s Menu

  • Main

Healthy Meal suggestions for Maniac’s

  • Main

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  • Roger C.

    My wife and I ate at Maniacs last night. We had the fried chicken tenders, the broiled chicken tenders and a side of chicken wings. The fried chicken tenders are very good, but they're very different from the normal fried chicken tenders. These have a very heavy breading and the texture of a funnel cake. If you don't like heavy breaded tenders or funnel cakes, don't try these. The broiled are also very good and moist. My wife mentioned that they were the best she has ever eaten. The wings were not our favorite. They weren't seasoned very well and the smoke flavor was too strong. We sampled most of their sauces and they were all very delicious. All in all we really enjoyed our meal at Maniacs.

    (4)

  • Madison N.

    The best chicken fingers I've ever had. They fry them in a batter that's similar to that used in a funnel cake! I know that sounds strange, but it's magical. Not sweet at all, just crispy, light, and keeps the chicken super juicy. The fries are heavenly. I'd suggest doing double fries rather than coleslaw. There are multiple sauces, but I'd stick with the ranch and super spicy one (I cant remember the name of it). The semi spicy one wasn't spicy at all and was waaaay too sweet from the molasses they use. Also steer clear from the lemon oil type sauce....all I tasted was olive oil. Those are my only criticisms! If I lived in the area I'd come here way too often, so often that they'd know my name and probably name a sauce in honor of me for my patronage. Go now and try it!!!!

    (5)

  • Teresa B.

    With all the rave reviews I was expecting a little better. I ordered the 3 piece chicken tender basket. The portions were very generous and the chicken was tender and juicy - the breading was very much like tempura which was odd to me. I will go back to try the grilled tenders or the wings since the chicken was so juicy and tender. I had the honey mustard sauce and the mustard sauce with horseradish and both were very good. My 3 piece chicken basket came in under $7 so it was a bargain - especially considering the portion size.

    (3)

  • Tracy M.

    Chicken fingers are huge! Fries were fresh and delicious. Choosing up to two different sauces was great. The Cajun mustard had a great flavor and so did the honey mustard. My kids loved it all and ate everything.

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    Maniacs definitely has yummy chicken! Hand breaded, unique flavor, delicious fries. I felt where they were lacking was their sauce selection. Just not NEARLY as delicious as nearby McDougals. However the staff has been friendly each time I've been there, and it's a great place to get Chicken Fingers. Bummer they are closed on Sunday, but that's one of the perks of owning your own business!

    (4)

  • Kayla B.

    This is what chicken tenders are supposed to taste like... Tender!! You can choose your chicken to be broiled or battered. The batter is perfectly seasoned. They offer a selection of sauces to accompany your chicken. I picked ranch and it tasted home made. Yummy! The French fries are also great... They are like shoe string fries

    (5)

  • Ozro D.

    Solid chicken and a huge list of sauces to choose from, what more do you want? In my two trips to Maniac's - which have given me a taste of their tenders, wings, and a handful of shared appetizers - I have been very pleased with my food. While not quite as good as McDougal's (my personal favorite tenders in town), I have nothing negative to say about the chicken here. Also, it's a different style than McDougal's, so it's not really direct competition. The one place where Maniac's is lacking is the vibe. As part of a strip center, they're obviously restricted in their decor options, so they can't go all-out like McDougal's. In lieu of fun decorations, they've hung up random art from (assumedly) local artists, each piece for sale at absurd prices. No offense to the struggling artists featured - most of it is not very good and creates an odd experience while dining. Bad art aside, the food obviously comes first. And in that department, Maniac's is a success. Now that the Cool Springs McDougal's has closed, this is a great option if you don't want to drive to Hillsoboro Village.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Wings were good but not great. Needed a little bolder seasoning. Chicken tenders, both boiled and battered, were great. Excellent choice of sauces. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Good value with reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Madison W.

    Great chicken tenders with a light crispy batter. The egg rolls are also some of the best I've ever had! It's also now the only chicken tender place in cool springs now. But either way it was always my favorite. Swing by and give it a try. The toughest part may be choosing your sauce to complement the tenders.

    (5)

  • Kelly W.

    Amazing food! The mesquite smoked wings are unbelievable! The battered chicken tenders are enormous and totally awesome! Great service! Totally will come back.

    (5)

  • Jack W.

    We just spent $40 there on to go orders only to find that cole slaw was missing. Ok that happens, but what was irritating is that we called to let them know and basically got no response. Love their tenders and fries but the service is slow and now this...

    (2)

  • Jacob S.

    Today was my first time at Maniac's. Some other guys from the office were going, so I went along. I tried the Cajun Love Sandwich with Coyote Sauce instead of the default horse-radish stuff. Very reasonably priced and crazy flavorful. I was surprised that it came with an order of fries. Most similar restaurants overcharge for the main dish and then another slight up charge for a side. For $8, I got a delicious broiled chicken sandwich and a decent amount of their unique fries. The service was great too! The cashier was friendly and easy to talk to. She even cut up a little bit. They were quick to grab the finished dishes off the table, so we had more elbow room. I would definitely recommend Maniac's if you're in the area and you're looking for some new flavors to test drive! :)

    (4)

  • David S.

    Love you some thick, heavy, pancake-battered, deep-fried chicken tenders? Nah? Me either. But, if that's your thing, Maniacs may be the place for you! Fried or broiled are the options. Maybe I'll try broiled next time. Fresh fries were GREAT. Coleslaw was certainly different. The Coyote sauce was interesting, but my hankering was for chicken. Fried chicken. Crisp, light breading that dances on your tongue and crunches at each bite without hiding the meat in a greased rain slicker. I picked up the first golden tender and sank my teeth in. The slicker ripped apart and spewed steamy naked chicken like Alien spawn. It bounced a time or two on the plate and came to rest upon the fresh fries. Steam from the rain slicker left in my hand scalded my finger tips. I dropped the useless batter. The ordeal was unappealing, but the meat was good and the people were nice. Surveying the wreckage of my plate I found the remains of oily, pancake-thick, poultry rain gear each like the last: useless. And the alien chicken gone. I survived multiple assaults by chicken in raincoats. Not doing that again. The tenders weren't a winner for me, but I'll come back once more to try the wings.

    (2)

  • Billy H.

    I decided to try Manics after a Costco run. I was craving some fried chicken covered in sauce and this place seemed to fit the bill. We dinned in on a somewhat busy Saturday afternoon. The boy taking our order was friendly, however when I ordered the 4 tender tossed in the bang bang sauce (very spicy the menu board says), he said "ummm, that's going to be really hot." I felt like he was saying that people don't usually order that & therefore I shouldn't get it because it would be hot. After a moment of silence I said that I'd take it with the coyote sauce, a sauce that is spicy as the menu board says. I ordered the 4 tenders meal tossed in coyote with just fries. I'd read the reviews on hear about the coleslaw not being very good. I also ordered a side of blue cheese to dip my chicken in. I waited for a second at the counter after the transaction was over because I thought I was going to be given a cup, but one of the food runner ladies told me the cups were by the fountain machine. It didn't take us very long to get our food. The food runner lady/server was nice, but a little curt. I was impressed with the fries, they were salt-and-pepper and have a light seasoning on them. I also really enjoyed their blue cheese, I'm not for sure if they make it at the restaurant or not but it was great. The chicken was good, but I had an issue with the breading. It's a light tempura type of batter and it kept coming off. It wouldn't stay on the chicken at all. You'd have to cut off a piece & then get the chicken on the fork & then follow it up with the breading. I also wasn't crazy about the coyote sauce, it wasn't spicy at all. I wished I'd gotten the bang bang sauce. Overall I love the fries & the chicken was good. A little bit of a hassle to eat though, maybe if I are the tenders with my hands it would've been fine, but the breading falling off was a pain. One last note, the online menu has its prices off. It has the 5 piece tenders as $8.25 online and in store its $9.25. A lot of other pricing errors.

    (4)

  • John T.

    Ok so let me qualify the 4 rating by saying the food was awesome, the service was great, but the price was slightly on the steep side. If my meal had been about $2.00 less I would have give this place 5s. I know that night seem petty but people work hard for a dollar these days and there are chicken places out there that are just as good and cheaper. That being said. The chicken was service quickly and was hot and fresh. I liked the twist on the batter, instead of being breaded, the tenders are tempura battered and fried. MMMMMM! This causes the sauces to cling better and increases the flavor. Also the tenders are marinated so they have a good flavor even without the breading. I only had one side and it was the fries. Shoestring fries are not everyone's cup of tea but they were tasty and hot. I find most people in the south prefer steak fries but I'm not that picky as long as the taste good. So in concluding I would come back, but I can't make this place one of my regular haunts just because of the price, but it is by far the best chicken tender place near coolsprings, Franklin, Brentwood area. Hope this review is helpful and enjoy eating. Later.

    (4)

  • Bryan H.

    The fries are good and the chicken fingers (breaded) are very good. It is a long wait, but everything is hot and cooked right then...no hot plates. Sauce choices are numerous and good (I like the bang bang).

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    This is my daughter's favorite chicken place and my wife's favorite salad place. they would rated higher than I do only because I wish they had beer and I always have a hard time reading their menu. The food is good if you choose the correct sauce, so try getting more than one sauce to be sure. Unfortunately the dining room has an echo that is distracting to me. I sure do wish they sold beer.

    (4)

  • John W.

    This place has horrible slow incompetent service ... Really bad and annoying. Avoid this nasty place or you will feel sick after eating there. Needs new ownership and the staff need training or replacing. The health inspector needs to check this filth out.

    (1)

  • Chris B.

    I just finished my fourth visit. I keep forgetting to only order the broiled strips. Don't get me wrong, they have amazing fried strips, but they leave me feeling that fried food blues feeling. The salad is good needs a little more kick in the dressing. The egg rolls have a mild kick with excellent avocado dip.

    (4)

  • Matt W.

    Jonesing for fried chicken after a failed attempt at lunchtime. Staying in Brentwood, and reluctant to drive back into a Nashville that turns out to be eleventy billion times bigger than I imagined. The Lovely A. says she found someplace, so in the car we go. On the way I learn more. It's fast casual. It's not really a fried chicken place, more of a wings and tenders place. But she thinks I'll like it. I try to keep an open mind, A. has been on an incredible hot streak, but visions of dried out chicken like objects that fell off the back of a Sysco truck are dancing in my head. We get there and the place is nearly empty at 7:30. Not a good sign. I mourn the passing of The Streak and steel myself for the first bad meal I've had in 10 days. I'm going to cut to the chase - I've had Thomas Keller's fried chicken, and what I was served at Maniac's is just as juicy and even more tender. The place is aptly named, because the food is friggin' insane. The batter is similar to what you get on good fish and chips. Light, crispy, and delicious. The sauces are awesome - you can taste the olive oil finish with the lemon shallot sauce, the Coyote sauce is spicy *and* delicious, the honey mustard was perfect. The salad was made with fresh greens that probably never saw the inside of a plastic bag. The fries were great, but overshadowed by that amazing chicken. If I hadn't run out of food I would still be eating. We looked over into the kitchen and saw what appeared to be high school students. Found out that they close at 8PM (why they were so empty). So a bunch of high school kids gave me some of the best chicken I've ever had half an hour before closing at a fast food place. Nothing is ever going to surprise me again.

    (5)

  • David V.

    We had the broiled chicken tenders. Although the portions were not big, they were filling. The sauces were very tasty. I thought the h2 sauce was the best sauce as it was creamy, had a bit of habanero kick, but also sweet. Price is very good. Our kid had thekids meal and it was cheap and he was full. Good simple food.

    (4)

  • Brittany G.

    Came here based on other Yelp reviews. Ordered the battered tenders and fries. Food came out hot, chicken is tender and delicious.

    (5)

  • Dylan F.

    Solid chicken! Really good batter and fresh almost shoestring fries; the coleslaw is not so good though. Large variety of sauces to please most everyone! I get the habanero and their ranch, which are both good. The thing that really stands out about this place is the service though. On our first visit it was pretty slow and I ordered their spicy sauces, which is typical. As my girlfriend and I are eating the owner came out and gave me the "h2" sauce which is honey mustard and habanero mixed(awesome stuff) free of charge. That stood out, and everytime I go there the employees seem to be happy and dedicated which tells you a lot about a place!!

    (4)

  • Dean M.

    Greasy fries, salad was ok, wings seemed underdone, tenders were weird, like they boiled the chicken first - breading was soggy. The lady up front was nice... Cant go back.

    (2)

  • Rick M.

    Fantastic chicken tenders! I recommend the H2 sauce for dipping. The chicken is super moist and very flavorful.

    (5)

  • Daniel B.

    I have enjoy Maniac's from the time they opened the doors many moons ago. As a Nashvillian, anything that reminds me of the ole' Cooker restaurants is a good thing. The light frothy tempera like batter on the tenders is a good thing! The original honey mustard is a great compliment as well as all their sauces. I like to share the tender sauce with thin cut fries...good stuff. Don't forget the slaw...it's a yankee style slaw that fits in well down here. One nice touch to this place is the viewable kitchen with a staff dressed in chef and sous chef clothing...it's an upscale touch to a laid back fried food in a basket joint. For those who choose non-fried food...you can have your party, too. It's all good.

    (4)

  • Michael L.

    Disclaimer: Only been here once. Tasty chicken, but doesn't necessarily twist my nipples Positive: +Juiciest chicken tenders I've ever had. +Fries are DEFINITELY on point. Negative -Crowded lunch hour -Closed Sunday -Habenero sauce is downright disgusting. In all fairness, the lady at the counter offered me another sauce in addition to that one in case I didn't like it, but I thought she was pulling my man-card. I lived in New Orleans. I can take the heat. It just plain tasted foul. Avoid. Bottom Line: As long as you avoid the habenero sauce, you're good. I keep meaning to come back, but it's off the beaten path and I only seem to remember on Sundays when they're closed after I shop at Costco

    (3)

  • James B.

    Best chicken strips ever. End of story.

    (5)

  • Anthony C.

    I have only had Maniac's a handful of times, but each time has been spectacular! I know what you are saying. "I've had McDougal's, Otters, Zaxby's, etc....how different can this place really be?" Trust me. It's in a class of it's own. I have only ever had their tenders, but the menu also has salads, sandwiches, and wings with about ten different sauces to choose from. Some of the more interesting sauces that I've noticed include: Cajun Love with horseradish & mustard, Lemon Shallot, and Coyote, which is sweet and smoky with chipotle flavor. But back to the real reason you should go....the tenders. An order of three will be plenty, unless you are absolutely starving, in which case you can get four or five tenders. Trust me, on an average day three will be a challenge. The batter is what makes Maniac's so unique, and IMHO, a superior tender. It is a hybrid breading, which seems to be crossed between a traditional tender crust and tempura. The tenders are lightly surrounded by the batter, with a slight hint of rosemary and a few other herbs and seasonings. The tenders come with two sauce choices, and I always get their smoky sweet barbecue, and their creamy honey mustard. The honey mustard is so good with the herb and seasoning combination on the tenders and is also my favorite for the fries. Speaking of sides, I have to say, I don't care for their slaw, so I usually just order fries for both sides. Not to mention, their fries are hand cut shoestring and seasoned well with salt and pepper, so they are the perfect crispy addition to the tenders. So before you write off Maniac's as just another chicken tender place, give it a try and see if you agree that it is a bird of a different feather. That was bad. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

    (4)

  • Samuel E.

    I really can't get enough of this place. It has the best fried chicken hands down. I don't think I will ever eat fried chicken at another place again....and that is not hyperbole.

    (5)

  • Matthew P.

    Super simple menu. If you like chicken tenders, then this is your place. They have a couple of other items, but most people go here for their chicken tenders. They have great salads with chicken on top (grilled or fried). Very good homemade sauces. French fries are super salty, which I love, and kind of crunchy, which I also love.

    (5)

  • Amie S.

    Some of the best chicken strips you will ever eat. Great staff and service! I have never been when it's not packed, but yet it still never takes too long.

    (4)

  • Allan H.

    The chicken was good, but not good enough to go back. I ordered double fries instead of the coleslaw, and it looked as if I only had a single order of fries. In addition to the food, the ambiance was not that great.

    (2)

  • Mitch S.

    Food and service all excellent. My wife absolutely loved the Maniac Salad!! Only thing that kept them from getting 5 stars is that I mentioned the fries were too salty. Instead of making a new order for me I got an excuse and was told next time ask for light seasoning.

    (4)

  • Lynette P.

    I heard rave reviews about this place but I was not particularly enthralled by anything I had here, nor was my friend who went with me. We both found there was wayyy too much breading on the chicken and it seems to flake off in chunks when we were eating. The sauces were good but nothing that I would remember forever. We also had the rolls which were pretty good, if you like peppers because the pepper taste was overwhelming. With so many good choices in the area, I would not return here.

    (2)

  • Mike M.

    I find myself going here quite often for business lunches, but I love trying all of the different sauces! The staff is great and the tenders are delicious. They do have a little too much breading at times, but I am beyond full after a four tender meal even peeling off the excess. Can't beat it for 8 bucks.

    (4)

  • Matt M.

    Sweet cheesus they have the best chicken fingers ANYWHERE! I was a regular at Maniac's while I was working in Franklin, and I'd hit this place up at least once a week. They offer broiled and fried tenders, but you'd be crazy not to go with the fried. Each little tender somehow floats in midair while a savory breading holds it in. The breading is not just your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill breading. No sir! It may not be the 11 herbs and spices the Colonel has, but then again, there really is no comparison. It's nice and herby, with maybe a hint of rosemary. They offer fries and slaw, but I usually just double-up on the fries. Three tenders is enough to fill me up, and they're perfectly paired with their BBQ and/or honey mustard dipping sauces. They offer many other sauces - habanero, ranch, Cajun love and a few others that escape me right now. The menu overall is pretty simple, which usually means they know how to do one thing well - and they certainly do. In addition to the tenders combos, you can also get a salad or their Cajun Love sandwich, as well as their Texas egg rolls (similar to a spicy, southwest-type egg roll with corn, black beans, cilantro, etc). There's never been a bad item or a bad experience with Maniac's. I'd give these guys and gals 100 stars if I could.

    (5)

  • Ken J.

    Very limited menu, but what they do, they do well. I like the smoked wings (coyote wings) and the eggrolls a lot. She likes the Cajun love sandwich. The fresh cut fries are good and they have malt vinegar which is good.

    (5)

  • Randy B.

    Simply the best chicken fingers in the chicken fingers industry! This is a kids playground...VERY kid friendly...so it can be loud and a bit scary for a single guy, or for a casual date. It's not quite a Chuck E Cheese, but close! Seriously great, and truly the best I've ever had -- 10 homemade sauces to choose from -- but isn't life just grande when things are battered?

    (4)

  • Billy H.

    Hands down the best chicken tenders I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Dude S.

    Chicken strips done like fish and chips My new favorite place for chicken. The bang bang sauce is awesome. I will definitely be back. The service is great as well.

    (5)

  • Bobby H.

    Incredible food, very friendly servers, price quality is a good match. The selection is small but the homemade quality is worth the narrow choices. Sauces are a specialty here! The atmosphere is very inviting while keeping a nice blend of modern and classic. Will make this a stop when passing through!

    (5)

  • Dewayne J.

    The chicken is awesome. This is really fresh. My kids love to eat at Maniacs. All of the sauces are excellent. I like to dip with lots of flavors and they have it all. Ranch is the best and always a staple but I also like spicy with flavor and the "Bang Bang" delivers without being too hot. Maniacs is our favorite. I try to stop by at least once a week. Try it, you wont be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    Maniac's is hands down the best chicken finger joint anywhere. The chicken is always tender and juicy. The breading is crisp but light enough to fall off the chicken. The fries are delicious. When I go here, I always buy more chicken than I think I can eat, because I always wind up eating it. Try it out. You will not regret the decision.

    (5)

  • David O.

    Found my visit to Maniac's to be pretty decent, but mostly average. I did not, however, order the Breaded Tenders which it sounds like is what all the fuss is about. The Tenders and Fries were good but I've certainly had better food at other "Wing Joints" While I'd likely eat here again, I wouldn't make a special trip.

    (3)

  • Joseph B.

    This place Is absolutely amazing. Their sauces r perfect and fresh. I just don't think you can experience food like this anywhere else. This is the only place I will eat a salad and be satisfied when I'm done

    (5)

  • Broderick C.

    OMG I didn't know! The chicken was the best that I have ever had at a restaurant and the honey mustard was perfect. Everything they make is good!

    (5)

  • Elliott W.

    Probably the best chicken fingers in town. Consistent good service. The tempura batter is delightful and there are a good selection of sauces. Thin cut fresh fries are great. If your are in the mood for a salad the chicken finger salads with pecans are delicious as are the southwestern chicken, corn, and black bean eggrolls. If you can't make up your mind between eggrolls and fingers, the staff is more than happy to a la carte a basket with your preference.

    (4)

  • Erin H.

    Probably the best wings Ive had. Usually get Coyote wings with Ranch. I only wish they had celery.

    (5)

  • John M.

    Out of all the chicken finger places in Nashville, Maniac's is probably my favorite. It doesn't quite meet the nostalgia or love I have for Guthrie's from my college days, but they provide a unique take on chicken fingers that I appreciate. Their chicken fingers remind me a lot of the ones from Houston's back in the day. They are fried in a light and airy type of batter very similar to tempura. The chicken has never been dry and always fresh as can be. Another unique feature about Maniac's is that they make their sauces from scratch. I recommend the ranch and honey mustard. The sides are your typical fries and cole slaw but again they are all quality products. The British side of me appreciates the malt vinegar they provide as it goes well with their style of frying the chicken and the fries. Make sure to check it out if you're in the Cool Springs area. It's right behind Costco.

    (4)

  • Ben S.

    Battered chicken is great, but definately not healthy.. lol

    (5)

  • Kirsten S.

    This place is right down the road from my office. I can even walk there in nice weather. If I call ahead and place an order it's ready for me when I get there. There's not a huge variety on the menu, but what they do, they do well. My boys and husband always order the battered chicken fingers, I typically get the broiled so I feel better about my "healthy" choice. (Then I snatch what my 3 year old doesn't eat). The fries are great. They are skinny and seasoned. My husband who hasn't ever eaten anything he thought was too spicy, likes all of the options that they have for dipping sauces. When I'm working late and then running to a meeting, the Maniac Salad is my go to meal on the run. (Note: the fries and battered fingers lose some of their greatness when put steaming into a styrofoam container). They use great lettuce and seasoned pecans. It's not a cheap salad, but it's way better than most fast food. All of their dressings are homemade. I especially like the ranch and blue cheese.

    (4)

  • Cassidy N.

    Surprisingly good. I didn't know what could really be improved on when it comes to simply fried chicken tenders, but they do something with their batter that makes the biggest, crispy flakes I've ever had, and at the same time, the chicken is still super tender. And on top of the great food, the service is really friendly and helpful. They know that they are one of a kind and understand when people who have never been there try them out, so they take the time to explain your options, and even what sauces they would recommend. So basically, great food and great service. Definitely worth trying.

    (5)

  • Cami H.

    Yummy! We will stop the next time we're traveling through! The homemade chicken tenders were amazing, the fries were delicious, and both the Cajun chicken sandwich and the Texas egg rolls were wonderful.

    (5)

  • Brad B.

    My wife really likes the Southwest Egg Rolls. Appreciate that they offer broiled/grilled chicken fingers & not just the fried variety. Another reviewer was spot on when he said the fry method here is more of a fish & chips style fry than a traditional fried chicken fry. Lots of different sauces & options, but a relatively short & simple menu. They do one thing & do it pretty well. Owner is a big supporter of the Nashville Predators -- if you're a Preds fan, support the business that have supported your team and helped keep them in Nashville!

    (3)

  • Michele H.

    This was my first time at Maniacs. When a friend asked me if I wanted to go there for lunch, I had to ask where it even was and I live in the area. I'm definitely glad I went! Although after reading some of the reviews, I kinda wish I had tried the chicken fingers. I went the healthier route and had their Maniac salad. It was delish! They have a whole board of dressings and I decided to go with their honey mustard. I was guessing since it was first on their list, it must be a house special. I guessed right...it was really good. I think next time I go (because I will go back), I'm going to workout really hard before and try their battered chicken tenders.

    (4)

  • Anita A.

    I wish I could give Maniacs 10 stars! You haven't had these fries before! This guy has it hands down! And don't try dipping them in his personal rendition of ranch. Oh. Man. He makes this lemon shallot vinegrette that I couple with the ranch over his chicken tender salad. I also top the salad with the fries instead of croutons. Hush Yo Mouth delish!! That is all. Go get some.

    (5)

  • Tonya O.

    My experience with Maniac's recently was okay, but I feel like it's just another attempt at reinventing the chicken tender. I ordered the grilled chicken that came with fries, slaw and two choices of sauce. The chicken was flavorful, and I felt like I didn't really need the sauces. The fries were really good and perfectly salted. I'm not much of a fan of creamy slaw, but the few bites I had were good. Since the food is made to order, there is a slight wait, but it wasn't too long. The servers will bring it to your table, so there's not people standing around waiting. All in all, my experience wasn't the best ever since I can get chicken tenders at many places, but it was good enough to go back again if I am in the area.

    (3)

  • J C.

    While Zaxby's will probably always be my first love, Maniac's ranks right up there with the best. I'm a fan of their light breading and interesting sauces. And I love that you can mix and match the breaded tenders with the grilled tenders. I haven't yet had the privilege of trying out the "egg rolls" yet (I'm afraid of keeling over from a heart attack), but I hear they're divine. One of these days, I'll get around to trying them. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the unique ranch sauce, the creamy cole slaw, some well seasoned fries, and a big ol' bite of moist and juicy chicken.

    (4)

  • Marcus P.

    I ate here for lunch the other day.. Wow. If you like fried chicken tenders these may be the best you've ever had. The batter that these are fried in has a distinct taste; almost a funnel-cake consistency. They have a good selection of classic sauces with a fair mix of adventerous sauces. I'm anxious to try some of the other sauces next time I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Austin S.

    When it comes to chicken fingers, this place reigns supreme. The chicken fingers are always moist and cooked perfectly. I have spent way to much time at this place and can vouch that I have never had a piece of chicken that wasn't cooked perfectly and fresh. The chicken almost has a tempura batter (very light, fluffy, but crunchy), something you would normally find at an upscale restaurant. I would highly suggest trying the chicken fingers battered before ever venturing into the healthy section of broiled fingers. If you want to go semi-healthy at Maniac's then try the salad. It is a very fresh spring mix of lettuce topped with a bunch of fixings including candied pecans. You can get the salad topped with broiled or battered chicken and it is awesome either way. I normally hate salads but this is a very refreshing salad that will not disappoint. One of the most important aspects to Maniac's is the fresh dipping sauces. These include, barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, and habenero. My favorite is the ranch which is homemade and a very original ranch. I would suggest asking for a side of it with your battered fingers or on your salad. The price is a little bit more than most of these types of places but you really are getting a superb product. The chicken here is so far above a Zaxby's, McDougal's, or just about any other chicken place that it is not even funny. I was also a little disappointed the one time I ventured out and got a chicken sandwich, not sure why, but it didn't seem to be as flavorful or original as the chicken fingers.

    (5)

  • rob h.

    My mom loves this place.

    (3)

  • matt c.

    Interesting place. I love the chicken, batter and the spicy, flavorful bang bang sauce, or what there was of it. I shelled out 6 bucks for what most people would call a sample, like the kind you get in a dixie cup at Publix. Other people say that their own chicken tenders were bigger, so I guess it's like gambling. My three chicken strips had an average length of 2.5 inches, batter included (and there is a lot of cripsy nodules on this batter which exaggerate the length). Unlike the other reviewer here, I did not get an extra. :( The fries were a little soggy, too. The cole slaw is kind of weird, flat square cuts with a sauce more like ranch than mayo. Despite the great batter, this place is still a let down, especially in view of the hype and price. In that regard it's like the "5 Guys (burglars and fries)" of chicken places.

    (3)

  • Scott V.

    The chicken and fries are good, I will give them that. I was a regular customer there for years until one day I decided to place a phone pickup order to take home for dinner. I usually just show up and order, but thought I would do a phone in so that I wouldn't have to wait when I got there. So I placed my order, which they said would be done in 15 minutes. I get there 20 minutes later and my order was not ready. They said they have to make chicken for people in the restaurant first. THEN WHY TAKE MY PHONE ORDER? idiots. I then had to stand there another 10 minutes for them to make my chicken. I was visibly annoyed but they didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with their phone-in order processing. I WILL NOT GO BACK AND WILL BE SURE TO TELL ALL MY FRANKLIN COWORKERS MY EXPERIENCE THERE.

    (2)

  • Brandon J.

    Unlike standard fried chicken joints, Maniacs chicken strips more closely resemble batter fried fish than country fried chicken. Don't worry, they dont taste like fish, that I just the best way I can think of to describe it. Their chcken strips are definitely the best in the area. The place has a neat atmosphere too. Great place to stop in for lunch.

    (4)

  • Mariela C.

    I randomly ended up here after getting my hair done at Salon P'Nash and was really pleasantly surprised. An eternal die-hard fan of fried chicken and chicken wings, Maniacs gave me a great taste of both. Along with their really good chicken (in fried and wing variety) they had some great dipping sauces. We also ended up getting a salad because it looked so good on the menu, and was totally happy about that decision once we tried it. Definitely worth checking out!

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    Maniacs is known for their chicken and they don't disappoint. I also enjoy their eggrolls too while their fries are okay. If you're in the Cool Springs area and looking for your chicken fix I suggest checking them out.

    (4)

  • John G.

    This was a tough 4 stars to give, because even though their chicken is some of the tastiest chicken in town, but the price seems a bit spendy for the delivery. I had the 4 broiled chicken tenders and it was $6.00. They were pretty small, so I was very happy that they added an extra one in there for me. I thought that seemed fair. Most of the selections come with french fries, cole slaw, and two dipping sauces. All in all the food is fantastic, but I would like to see the prices stay where they are for a while.

    (4)

  • Russell E.

    The chicken (and fries) here are top notch, but the tempura breading is different than what you would expect from, say, a Kentuckian. Test the waters.

    (4)

  • Zach G.

    It's another CHICKEN place that comes with French Fries. As if we needed another one. But this one comes with a bit of different type of chicken...its battered in what I can only assume is Tempura batter of some kind or grilled with cilantro lime butter (which is my favorite choice of the two)....the stringy hand cut fries are good but I just end up using the fresh sauces (not made by robots according to their website) use it because boring old catsup just doesn't do it for me anymore. The funny thing is their hottest sauce is WEAKKKKKKK...The Habanero sauce wasn't even hot to me (then again I love the hottest of the hot...native thai..FTW)...but the Bang Bang is MUCH more flavorful and has that heat I crave...so go check it out its decent sustenance for lunch.....end scene.

    (3)

  • Lauren S.

    Overall: Juicy chicken with really great sauces and fries. That's about it. (but i'm ok with that!) As far as chicken tender places go, it keeps up with the pack. Food: I got the grilled (or i believe they may call it broiled) and my friends got the usual fried. I was a big fan of the grilled, it was very flavorful and tasted great with the honey mustard dipping sauce. The fried option came with a big pile of fried bits and looked pretty great, though I think the flavor fell a little flat. Now to the fries... where can I start? Well, I'm not a french fry girl. (heresy, i know.) That being said - these fries were awesome. Big grains of salt & cracked pepper and were crispy without being dry. My only complaint is that there isn't much by way of side options. If you want a salad, you have to order a whole salad. If you want tater tots, onion rings, pickles or any other fried southern favorite - go somewhere else. Location/Service: It's in the Cool Springs area so there's parking-a-plenty. The food came out quick and it was piping hot. I can imagine it gets busy over the lunch hour, though so plan ahead and go during an off-ish time.

    (3)

  • Brad W.

    Parts of the tenders were still raw. 90 percent breading 10 chicken. Fries were very soggy and no more than bits. Not worth the money or the time!

    (1)

  • David B.

    This place would be 5 stars if it were not for the fries. Though tasty, they are always over-loaded with pepper and sea salt. The staff is super friendly and the tempura tenders are second to none. I also can not deny all the gourmet sauces.

    (4)

  • Taylor T.

    Maniac's has possibly the best chicken tenders I have ever tasted. They have a crispy flaky outer batter that cruches perfectly in your mouth. The selection of sauces is great, as well. My sister has ordered their grilled tenders and she likes those (and so does my mom). Whenever I'm down in Brentwood I'm always tempted to go over there. The environment is alright. A little small. During the lunch hour it can get a little crowded (which is a good sign...means the food there is good). Just writing this review is making my mouth water...oh dear :P

    (4)

  • Nancy Y.

    I love this place! When I come back home from school - this is one of my must go to restaurants. The meat is tender, vegetables are fresh, the bread is baked to perfection. The staff is friendly and service is quick. It gets kind of busy during the lunch hours but I never had trouble finding a table.

    (5)

  • Jo W.

    I have been a patron of Maniac's for about two years now. The food is EXCELLENT! Always fresh, crisp, seasoned just right and the price is just right for what yout get. They have several "homemade" (made fresh, no preservatives) dressings to choose from. WARNING: If you're prone to addictions, you might stay clear of the RANCH dressing....seriously, it is THAT good!!! The kitchen is set up visible to the customers, a feature I especially like! ...and the owner is always very friendly. Try it out...you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Roger C.

    My wife and I ate at Maniacs last night. We had the fried chicken tenders, the broiled chicken tenders and a side of chicken wings. The fried chicken tenders are very good, but they're very different from the normal fried chicken tenders. These have a very heavy breading and the texture of a funnel cake. If you don't like heavy breaded tenders or funnel cakes, don't try these. The broiled are also very good and moist. My wife mentioned that they were the best she has ever eaten. The wings were not our favorite. They weren't seasoned very well and the smoke flavor was too strong. We sampled most of their sauces and they were all very delicious. All in all we really enjoyed our meal at Maniacs.

    (4)

  • Jacob S.

    Today was my first time at Maniac's. Some other guys from the office were going, so I went along. I tried the Cajun Love Sandwich with Coyote Sauce instead of the default horse-radish stuff. Very reasonably priced and crazy flavorful. I was surprised that it came with an order of fries. Most similar restaurants overcharge for the main dish and then another slight up charge for a side. For $8, I got a delicious broiled chicken sandwich and a decent amount of their unique fries. The service was great too! The cashier was friendly and easy to talk to. She even cut up a little bit. They were quick to grab the finished dishes off the table, so we had more elbow room. I would definitely recommend Maniac's if you're in the area and you're looking for some new flavors to test drive! :)

    (4)

  • Dean M.

    Greasy fries, salad was ok, wings seemed underdone, tenders were weird, like they boiled the chicken first - breading was soggy. The lady up front was nice... Cant go back.

    (2)

  • Rick M.

    Fantastic chicken tenders! I recommend the H2 sauce for dipping. The chicken is super moist and very flavorful.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    I find myself going here quite often for business lunches, but I love trying all of the different sauces! The staff is great and the tenders are delicious. They do have a little too much breading at times, but I am beyond full after a four tender meal even peeling off the excess. Can't beat it for 8 bucks.

    (4)

  • Matt M.

    Sweet cheesus they have the best chicken fingers ANYWHERE! I was a regular at Maniac's while I was working in Franklin, and I'd hit this place up at least once a week. They offer broiled and fried tenders, but you'd be crazy not to go with the fried. Each little tender somehow floats in midair while a savory breading holds it in. The breading is not just your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill breading. No sir! It may not be the 11 herbs and spices the Colonel has, but then again, there really is no comparison. It's nice and herby, with maybe a hint of rosemary. They offer fries and slaw, but I usually just double-up on the fries. Three tenders is enough to fill me up, and they're perfectly paired with their BBQ and/or honey mustard dipping sauces. They offer many other sauces - habanero, ranch, Cajun love and a few others that escape me right now. The menu overall is pretty simple, which usually means they know how to do one thing well - and they certainly do. In addition to the tenders combos, you can also get a salad or their Cajun Love sandwich, as well as their Texas egg rolls (similar to a spicy, southwest-type egg roll with corn, black beans, cilantro, etc). There's never been a bad item or a bad experience with Maniac's. I'd give these guys and gals 100 stars if I could.

    (5)

  • Ken J.

    Very limited menu, but what they do, they do well. I like the smoked wings (coyote wings) and the eggrolls a lot. She likes the Cajun love sandwich. The fresh cut fries are good and they have malt vinegar which is good.

    (5)

  • Randy B.

    Simply the best chicken fingers in the chicken fingers industry! This is a kids playground...VERY kid friendly...so it can be loud and a bit scary for a single guy, or for a casual date. It's not quite a Chuck E Cheese, but close! Seriously great, and truly the best I've ever had -- 10 homemade sauces to choose from -- but isn't life just grande when things are battered?

    (4)

  • Billy H.

    Hands down the best chicken tenders I have ever had.

    (5)

  • John T.

    Ok so let me qualify the 4 rating by saying the food was awesome, the service was great, but the price was slightly on the steep side. If my meal had been about $2.00 less I would have give this place 5s. I know that night seem petty but people work hard for a dollar these days and there are chicken places out there that are just as good and cheaper. That being said. The chicken was service quickly and was hot and fresh. I liked the twist on the batter, instead of being breaded, the tenders are tempura battered and fried. MMMMMM! This causes the sauces to cling better and increases the flavor. Also the tenders are marinated so they have a good flavor even without the breading. I only had one side and it was the fries. Shoestring fries are not everyone's cup of tea but they were tasty and hot. I find most people in the south prefer steak fries but I'm not that picky as long as the taste good. So in concluding I would come back, but I can't make this place one of my regular haunts just because of the price, but it is by far the best chicken tender place near coolsprings, Franklin, Brentwood area. Hope this review is helpful and enjoy eating. Later.

    (4)

  • Bryan H.

    The fries are good and the chicken fingers (breaded) are very good. It is a long wait, but everything is hot and cooked right then...no hot plates. Sauce choices are numerous and good (I like the bang bang).

    (4)

  • Madison N.

    The best chicken fingers I've ever had. They fry them in a batter that's similar to that used in a funnel cake! I know that sounds strange, but it's magical. Not sweet at all, just crispy, light, and keeps the chicken super juicy. The fries are heavenly. I'd suggest doing double fries rather than coleslaw. There are multiple sauces, but I'd stick with the ranch and super spicy one (I cant remember the name of it). The semi spicy one wasn't spicy at all and was waaaay too sweet from the molasses they use. Also steer clear from the lemon oil type sauce....all I tasted was olive oil. Those are my only criticisms! If I lived in the area I'd come here way too often, so often that they'd know my name and probably name a sauce in honor of me for my patronage. Go now and try it!!!!

    (5)

  • Chris L.

    This is my daughter's favorite chicken place and my wife's favorite salad place. they would rated higher than I do only because I wish they had beer and I always have a hard time reading their menu. The food is good if you choose the correct sauce, so try getting more than one sauce to be sure. Unfortunately the dining room has an echo that is distracting to me. I sure do wish they sold beer.

    (4)

  • John W.

    This place has horrible slow incompetent service ... Really bad and annoying. Avoid this nasty place or you will feel sick after eating there. Needs new ownership and the staff need training or replacing. The health inspector needs to check this filth out.

    (1)

  • David S.

    Love you some thick, heavy, pancake-battered, deep-fried chicken tenders? Nah? Me either. But, if that's your thing, Maniacs may be the place for you! Fried or broiled are the options. Maybe I'll try broiled next time. Fresh fries were GREAT. Coleslaw was certainly different. The Coyote sauce was interesting, but my hankering was for chicken. Fried chicken. Crisp, light breading that dances on your tongue and crunches at each bite without hiding the meat in a greased rain slicker. I picked up the first golden tender and sank my teeth in. The slicker ripped apart and spewed steamy naked chicken like Alien spawn. It bounced a time or two on the plate and came to rest upon the fresh fries. Steam from the rain slicker left in my hand scalded my finger tips. I dropped the useless batter. The ordeal was unappealing, but the meat was good and the people were nice. Surveying the wreckage of my plate I found the remains of oily, pancake-thick, poultry rain gear each like the last: useless. And the alien chicken gone. I survived multiple assaults by chicken in raincoats. Not doing that again. The tenders weren't a winner for me, but I'll come back once more to try the wings.

    (2)

  • Samuel E.

    I really can't get enough of this place. It has the best fried chicken hands down. I don't think I will ever eat fried chicken at another place again....and that is not hyperbole.

    (5)

  • Matthew P.

    Super simple menu. If you like chicken tenders, then this is your place. They have a couple of other items, but most people go here for their chicken tenders. They have great salads with chicken on top (grilled or fried). Very good homemade sauces. French fries are super salty, which I love, and kind of crunchy, which I also love.

    (5)

  • Billy H.

    I decided to try Manics after a Costco run. I was craving some fried chicken covered in sauce and this place seemed to fit the bill. We dinned in on a somewhat busy Saturday afternoon. The boy taking our order was friendly, however when I ordered the 4 tender tossed in the bang bang sauce (very spicy the menu board says), he said "ummm, that's going to be really hot." I felt like he was saying that people don't usually order that & therefore I shouldn't get it because it would be hot. After a moment of silence I said that I'd take it with the coyote sauce, a sauce that is spicy as the menu board says. I ordered the 4 tenders meal tossed in coyote with just fries. I'd read the reviews on hear about the coleslaw not being very good. I also ordered a side of blue cheese to dip my chicken in. I waited for a second at the counter after the transaction was over because I thought I was going to be given a cup, but one of the food runner ladies told me the cups were by the fountain machine. It didn't take us very long to get our food. The food runner lady/server was nice, but a little curt. I was impressed with the fries, they were salt-and-pepper and have a light seasoning on them. I also really enjoyed their blue cheese, I'm not for sure if they make it at the restaurant or not but it was great. The chicken was good, but I had an issue with the breading. It's a light tempura type of batter and it kept coming off. It wouldn't stay on the chicken at all. You'd have to cut off a piece & then get the chicken on the fork & then follow it up with the breading. I also wasn't crazy about the coyote sauce, it wasn't spicy at all. I wished I'd gotten the bang bang sauce. Overall I love the fries & the chicken was good. A little bit of a hassle to eat though, maybe if I are the tenders with my hands it would've been fine, but the breading falling off was a pain. One last note, the online menu has its prices off. It has the 5 piece tenders as $8.25 online and in store its $9.25. A lot of other pricing errors.

    (4)

  • Lynette P.

    I heard rave reviews about this place but I was not particularly enthralled by anything I had here, nor was my friend who went with me. We both found there was wayyy too much breading on the chicken and it seems to flake off in chunks when we were eating. The sauces were good but nothing that I would remember forever. We also had the rolls which were pretty good, if you like peppers because the pepper taste was overwhelming. With so many good choices in the area, I would not return here.

    (2)

  • Matt W.

    Jonesing for fried chicken after a failed attempt at lunchtime. Staying in Brentwood, and reluctant to drive back into a Nashville that turns out to be eleventy billion times bigger than I imagined. The Lovely A. says she found someplace, so in the car we go. On the way I learn more. It's fast casual. It's not really a fried chicken place, more of a wings and tenders place. But she thinks I'll like it. I try to keep an open mind, A. has been on an incredible hot streak, but visions of dried out chicken like objects that fell off the back of a Sysco truck are dancing in my head. We get there and the place is nearly empty at 7:30. Not a good sign. I mourn the passing of The Streak and steel myself for the first bad meal I've had in 10 days. I'm going to cut to the chase - I've had Thomas Keller's fried chicken, and what I was served at Maniac's is just as juicy and even more tender. The place is aptly named, because the food is friggin' insane. The batter is similar to what you get on good fish and chips. Light, crispy, and delicious. The sauces are awesome - you can taste the olive oil finish with the lemon shallot sauce, the Coyote sauce is spicy *and* delicious, the honey mustard was perfect. The salad was made with fresh greens that probably never saw the inside of a plastic bag. The fries were great, but overshadowed by that amazing chicken. If I hadn't run out of food I would still be eating. We looked over into the kitchen and saw what appeared to be high school students. Found out that they close at 8PM (why they were so empty). So a bunch of high school kids gave me some of the best chicken I've ever had half an hour before closing at a fast food place. Nothing is ever going to surprise me again.

    (5)

  • David V.

    We had the broiled chicken tenders. Although the portions were not big, they were filling. The sauces were very tasty. I thought the h2 sauce was the best sauce as it was creamy, had a bit of habanero kick, but also sweet. Price is very good. Our kid had thekids meal and it was cheap and he was full. Good simple food.

    (4)

  • Brittany G.

    Came here based on other Yelp reviews. Ordered the battered tenders and fries. Food came out hot, chicken is tender and delicious.

    (5)

  • Dylan F.

    Solid chicken! Really good batter and fresh almost shoestring fries; the coleslaw is not so good though. Large variety of sauces to please most everyone! I get the habanero and their ranch, which are both good. The thing that really stands out about this place is the service though. On our first visit it was pretty slow and I ordered their spicy sauces, which is typical. As my girlfriend and I are eating the owner came out and gave me the "h2" sauce which is honey mustard and habanero mixed(awesome stuff) free of charge. That stood out, and everytime I go there the employees seem to be happy and dedicated which tells you a lot about a place!!

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I just finished my fourth visit. I keep forgetting to only order the broiled strips. Don't get me wrong, they have amazing fried strips, but they leave me feeling that fried food blues feeling. The salad is good needs a little more kick in the dressing. The egg rolls have a mild kick with excellent avocado dip.

    (4)

  • Amie S.

    Some of the best chicken strips you will ever eat. Great staff and service! I have never been when it's not packed, but yet it still never takes too long.

    (4)

  • Mitch S.

    Food and service all excellent. My wife absolutely loved the Maniac Salad!! Only thing that kept them from getting 5 stars is that I mentioned the fries were too salty. Instead of making a new order for me I got an excuse and was told next time ask for light seasoning.

    (4)

  • Allan H.

    The chicken was good, but not good enough to go back. I ordered double fries instead of the coleslaw, and it looked as if I only had a single order of fries. In addition to the food, the ambiance was not that great.

    (2)

  • James B.

    Best chicken strips ever. End of story.

    (5)

  • Teresa B.

    With all the rave reviews I was expecting a little better. I ordered the 3 piece chicken tender basket. The portions were very generous and the chicken was tender and juicy - the breading was very much like tempura which was odd to me. I will go back to try the grilled tenders or the wings since the chicken was so juicy and tender. I had the honey mustard sauce and the mustard sauce with horseradish and both were very good. My 3 piece chicken basket came in under $7 so it was a bargain - especially considering the portion size.

    (3)

  • Dude S.

    Chicken strips done like fish and chips My new favorite place for chicken. The bang bang sauce is awesome. I will definitely be back. The service is great as well.

    (5)

  • Bobby H.

    Incredible food, very friendly servers, price quality is a good match. The selection is small but the homemade quality is worth the narrow choices. Sauces are a specialty here! The atmosphere is very inviting while keeping a nice blend of modern and classic. Will make this a stop when passing through!

    (5)

  • Dewayne J.

    The chicken is awesome. This is really fresh. My kids love to eat at Maniacs. All of the sauces are excellent. I like to dip with lots of flavors and they have it all. Ranch is the best and always a staple but I also like spicy with flavor and the "Bang Bang" delivers without being too hot. Maniacs is our favorite. I try to stop by at least once a week. Try it, you wont be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    Maniac's is hands down the best chicken finger joint anywhere. The chicken is always tender and juicy. The breading is crisp but light enough to fall off the chicken. The fries are delicious. When I go here, I always buy more chicken than I think I can eat, because I always wind up eating it. Try it out. You will not regret the decision.

    (5)

  • David O.

    Found my visit to Maniac's to be pretty decent, but mostly average. I did not, however, order the Breaded Tenders which it sounds like is what all the fuss is about. The Tenders and Fries were good but I've certainly had better food at other "Wing Joints" While I'd likely eat here again, I wouldn't make a special trip.

    (3)

  • Tracy M.

    Chicken fingers are huge! Fries were fresh and delicious. Choosing up to two different sauces was great. The Cajun mustard had a great flavor and so did the honey mustard. My kids loved it all and ate everything.

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    Maniacs definitely has yummy chicken! Hand breaded, unique flavor, delicious fries. I felt where they were lacking was their sauce selection. Just not NEARLY as delicious as nearby McDougals. However the staff has been friendly each time I've been there, and it's a great place to get Chicken Fingers. Bummer they are closed on Sunday, but that's one of the perks of owning your own business!

    (4)

  • Kayla B.

    This is what chicken tenders are supposed to taste like... Tender!! You can choose your chicken to be broiled or battered. The batter is perfectly seasoned. They offer a selection of sauces to accompany your chicken. I picked ranch and it tasted home made. Yummy! The French fries are also great... They are like shoe string fries

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    Probably the best wings Ive had. Usually get Coyote wings with Ranch. I only wish they had celery.

    (5)

  • Ozro D.

    Solid chicken and a huge list of sauces to choose from, what more do you want? In my two trips to Maniac's - which have given me a taste of their tenders, wings, and a handful of shared appetizers - I have been very pleased with my food. While not quite as good as McDougal's (my personal favorite tenders in town), I have nothing negative to say about the chicken here. Also, it's a different style than McDougal's, so it's not really direct competition. The one place where Maniac's is lacking is the vibe. As part of a strip center, they're obviously restricted in their decor options, so they can't go all-out like McDougal's. In lieu of fun decorations, they've hung up random art from (assumedly) local artists, each piece for sale at absurd prices. No offense to the struggling artists featured - most of it is not very good and creates an odd experience while dining. Bad art aside, the food obviously comes first. And in that department, Maniac's is a success. Now that the Cool Springs McDougal's has closed, this is a great option if you don't want to drive to Hillsoboro Village.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Wings were good but not great. Needed a little bolder seasoning. Chicken tenders, both boiled and battered, were great. Excellent choice of sauces. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Good value with reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Madison W.

    Great chicken tenders with a light crispy batter. The egg rolls are also some of the best I've ever had! It's also now the only chicken tender place in cool springs now. But either way it was always my favorite. Swing by and give it a try. The toughest part may be choosing your sauce to complement the tenders.

    (5)

  • Kelly W.

    Amazing food! The mesquite smoked wings are unbelievable! The battered chicken tenders are enormous and totally awesome! Great service! Totally will come back.

    (5)

  • Jack W.

    We just spent $40 there on to go orders only to find that cole slaw was missing. Ok that happens, but what was irritating is that we called to let them know and basically got no response. Love their tenders and fries but the service is slow and now this...

    (2)

  • Joseph B.

    This place Is absolutely amazing. Their sauces r perfect and fresh. I just don't think you can experience food like this anywhere else. This is the only place I will eat a salad and be satisfied when I'm done

    (5)

  • Broderick C.

    OMG I didn't know! The chicken was the best that I have ever had at a restaurant and the honey mustard was perfect. Everything they make is good!

    (5)

  • Elliott W.

    Probably the best chicken fingers in town. Consistent good service. The tempura batter is delightful and there are a good selection of sauces. Thin cut fresh fries are great. If your are in the mood for a salad the chicken finger salads with pecans are delicious as are the southwestern chicken, corn, and black bean eggrolls. If you can't make up your mind between eggrolls and fingers, the staff is more than happy to a la carte a basket with your preference.

    (4)

  • Daniel B.

    I have enjoy Maniac's from the time they opened the doors many moons ago. As a Nashvillian, anything that reminds me of the ole' Cooker restaurants is a good thing. The light frothy tempera like batter on the tenders is a good thing! The original honey mustard is a great compliment as well as all their sauces. I like to share the tender sauce with thin cut fries...good stuff. Don't forget the slaw...it's a yankee style slaw that fits in well down here. One nice touch to this place is the viewable kitchen with a staff dressed in chef and sous chef clothing...it's an upscale touch to a laid back fried food in a basket joint. For those who choose non-fried food...you can have your party, too. It's all good.

    (4)

  • Michael L.

    Disclaimer: Only been here once. Tasty chicken, but doesn't necessarily twist my nipples Positive: +Juiciest chicken tenders I've ever had. +Fries are DEFINITELY on point. Negative -Crowded lunch hour -Closed Sunday -Habenero sauce is downright disgusting. In all fairness, the lady at the counter offered me another sauce in addition to that one in case I didn't like it, but I thought she was pulling my man-card. I lived in New Orleans. I can take the heat. It just plain tasted foul. Avoid. Bottom Line: As long as you avoid the habenero sauce, you're good. I keep meaning to come back, but it's off the beaten path and I only seem to remember on Sundays when they're closed after I shop at Costco

    (3)

  • Anita A.

    I wish I could give Maniacs 10 stars! You haven't had these fries before! This guy has it hands down! And don't try dipping them in his personal rendition of ranch. Oh. Man. He makes this lemon shallot vinegrette that I couple with the ranch over his chicken tender salad. I also top the salad with the fries instead of croutons. Hush Yo Mouth delish!! That is all. Go get some.

    (5)

  • Tonya O.

    My experience with Maniac's recently was okay, but I feel like it's just another attempt at reinventing the chicken tender. I ordered the grilled chicken that came with fries, slaw and two choices of sauce. The chicken was flavorful, and I felt like I didn't really need the sauces. The fries were really good and perfectly salted. I'm not much of a fan of creamy slaw, but the few bites I had were good. Since the food is made to order, there is a slight wait, but it wasn't too long. The servers will bring it to your table, so there's not people standing around waiting. All in all, my experience wasn't the best ever since I can get chicken tenders at many places, but it was good enough to go back again if I am in the area.

    (3)

  • Anthony C.

    I have only had Maniac's a handful of times, but each time has been spectacular! I know what you are saying. "I've had McDougal's, Otters, Zaxby's, etc....how different can this place really be?" Trust me. It's in a class of it's own. I have only ever had their tenders, but the menu also has salads, sandwiches, and wings with about ten different sauces to choose from. Some of the more interesting sauces that I've noticed include: Cajun Love with horseradish & mustard, Lemon Shallot, and Coyote, which is sweet and smoky with chipotle flavor. But back to the real reason you should go....the tenders. An order of three will be plenty, unless you are absolutely starving, in which case you can get four or five tenders. Trust me, on an average day three will be a challenge. The batter is what makes Maniac's so unique, and IMHO, a superior tender. It is a hybrid breading, which seems to be crossed between a traditional tender crust and tempura. The tenders are lightly surrounded by the batter, with a slight hint of rosemary and a few other herbs and seasonings. The tenders come with two sauce choices, and I always get their smoky sweet barbecue, and their creamy honey mustard. The honey mustard is so good with the herb and seasoning combination on the tenders and is also my favorite for the fries. Speaking of sides, I have to say, I don't care for their slaw, so I usually just order fries for both sides. Not to mention, their fries are hand cut shoestring and seasoned well with salt and pepper, so they are the perfect crispy addition to the tenders. So before you write off Maniac's as just another chicken tender place, give it a try and see if you agree that it is a bird of a different feather. That was bad. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Out of all the chicken finger places in Nashville, Maniac's is probably my favorite. It doesn't quite meet the nostalgia or love I have for Guthrie's from my college days, but they provide a unique take on chicken fingers that I appreciate. Their chicken fingers remind me a lot of the ones from Houston's back in the day. They are fried in a light and airy type of batter very similar to tempura. The chicken has never been dry and always fresh as can be. Another unique feature about Maniac's is that they make their sauces from scratch. I recommend the ranch and honey mustard. The sides are your typical fries and cole slaw but again they are all quality products. The British side of me appreciates the malt vinegar they provide as it goes well with their style of frying the chicken and the fries. Make sure to check it out if you're in the Cool Springs area. It's right behind Costco.

    (4)

  • Ben S.

    Battered chicken is great, but definately not healthy.. lol

    (5)

  • Kirsten S.

    This place is right down the road from my office. I can even walk there in nice weather. If I call ahead and place an order it's ready for me when I get there. There's not a huge variety on the menu, but what they do, they do well. My boys and husband always order the battered chicken fingers, I typically get the broiled so I feel better about my "healthy" choice. (Then I snatch what my 3 year old doesn't eat). The fries are great. They are skinny and seasoned. My husband who hasn't ever eaten anything he thought was too spicy, likes all of the options that they have for dipping sauces. When I'm working late and then running to a meeting, the Maniac Salad is my go to meal on the run. (Note: the fries and battered fingers lose some of their greatness when put steaming into a styrofoam container). They use great lettuce and seasoned pecans. It's not a cheap salad, but it's way better than most fast food. All of their dressings are homemade. I especially like the ranch and blue cheese.

    (4)

  • Michele H.

    This was my first time at Maniacs. When a friend asked me if I wanted to go there for lunch, I had to ask where it even was and I live in the area. I'm definitely glad I went! Although after reading some of the reviews, I kinda wish I had tried the chicken fingers. I went the healthier route and had their Maniac salad. It was delish! They have a whole board of dressings and I decided to go with their honey mustard. I was guessing since it was first on their list, it must be a house special. I guessed right...it was really good. I think next time I go (because I will go back), I'm going to workout really hard before and try their battered chicken tenders.

    (4)

  • Cassidy N.

    Surprisingly good. I didn't know what could really be improved on when it comes to simply fried chicken tenders, but they do something with their batter that makes the biggest, crispy flakes I've ever had, and at the same time, the chicken is still super tender. And on top of the great food, the service is really friendly and helpful. They know that they are one of a kind and understand when people who have never been there try them out, so they take the time to explain your options, and even what sauces they would recommend. So basically, great food and great service. Definitely worth trying.

    (5)

  • Cami H.

    Yummy! We will stop the next time we're traveling through! The homemade chicken tenders were amazing, the fries were delicious, and both the Cajun chicken sandwich and the Texas egg rolls were wonderful.

    (5)

  • Brad B.

    My wife really likes the Southwest Egg Rolls. Appreciate that they offer broiled/grilled chicken fingers & not just the fried variety. Another reviewer was spot on when he said the fry method here is more of a fish & chips style fry than a traditional fried chicken fry. Lots of different sauces & options, but a relatively short & simple menu. They do one thing & do it pretty well. Owner is a big supporter of the Nashville Predators -- if you're a Preds fan, support the business that have supported your team and helped keep them in Nashville!

    (3)

  • J C.

    While Zaxby's will probably always be my first love, Maniac's ranks right up there with the best. I'm a fan of their light breading and interesting sauces. And I love that you can mix and match the breaded tenders with the grilled tenders. I haven't yet had the privilege of trying out the "egg rolls" yet (I'm afraid of keeling over from a heart attack), but I hear they're divine. One of these days, I'll get around to trying them. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the unique ranch sauce, the creamy cole slaw, some well seasoned fries, and a big ol' bite of moist and juicy chicken.

    (4)

  • Marcus P.

    I ate here for lunch the other day.. Wow. If you like fried chicken tenders these may be the best you've ever had. The batter that these are fried in has a distinct taste; almost a funnel-cake consistency. They have a good selection of classic sauces with a fair mix of adventerous sauces. I'm anxious to try some of the other sauces next time I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Zach G.

    It's another CHICKEN place that comes with French Fries. As if we needed another one. But this one comes with a bit of different type of chicken...its battered in what I can only assume is Tempura batter of some kind or grilled with cilantro lime butter (which is my favorite choice of the two)....the stringy hand cut fries are good but I just end up using the fresh sauces (not made by robots according to their website) use it because boring old catsup just doesn't do it for me anymore. The funny thing is their hottest sauce is WEAKKKKKKK...The Habanero sauce wasn't even hot to me (then again I love the hottest of the hot...native thai..FTW)...but the Bang Bang is MUCH more flavorful and has that heat I crave...so go check it out its decent sustenance for lunch.....end scene.

    (3)

  • Lauren S.

    Overall: Juicy chicken with really great sauces and fries. That's about it. (but i'm ok with that!) As far as chicken tender places go, it keeps up with the pack. Food: I got the grilled (or i believe they may call it broiled) and my friends got the usual fried. I was a big fan of the grilled, it was very flavorful and tasted great with the honey mustard dipping sauce. The fried option came with a big pile of fried bits and looked pretty great, though I think the flavor fell a little flat. Now to the fries... where can I start? Well, I'm not a french fry girl. (heresy, i know.) That being said - these fries were awesome. Big grains of salt & cracked pepper and were crispy without being dry. My only complaint is that there isn't much by way of side options. If you want a salad, you have to order a whole salad. If you want tater tots, onion rings, pickles or any other fried southern favorite - go somewhere else. Location/Service: It's in the Cool Springs area so there's parking-a-plenty. The food came out quick and it was piping hot. I can imagine it gets busy over the lunch hour, though so plan ahead and go during an off-ish time.

    (3)

  • Brad W.

    Parts of the tenders were still raw. 90 percent breading 10 chicken. Fries were very soggy and no more than bits. Not worth the money or the time!

    (1)

  • David B.

    This place would be 5 stars if it were not for the fries. Though tasty, they are always over-loaded with pepper and sea salt. The staff is super friendly and the tempura tenders are second to none. I also can not deny all the gourmet sauces.

    (4)

  • Taylor T.

    Maniac's has possibly the best chicken tenders I have ever tasted. They have a crispy flaky outer batter that cruches perfectly in your mouth. The selection of sauces is great, as well. My sister has ordered their grilled tenders and she likes those (and so does my mom). Whenever I'm down in Brentwood I'm always tempted to go over there. The environment is alright. A little small. During the lunch hour it can get a little crowded (which is a good sign...means the food there is good). Just writing this review is making my mouth water...oh dear :P

    (4)

  • Nancy Y.

    I love this place! When I come back home from school - this is one of my must go to restaurants. The meat is tender, vegetables are fresh, the bread is baked to perfection. The staff is friendly and service is quick. It gets kind of busy during the lunch hours but I never had trouble finding a table.

    (5)

  • Russell E.

    The chicken (and fries) here are top notch, but the tempura breading is different than what you would expect from, say, a Kentuckian. Test the waters.

    (4)

  • Austin S.

    When it comes to chicken fingers, this place reigns supreme. The chicken fingers are always moist and cooked perfectly. I have spent way to much time at this place and can vouch that I have never had a piece of chicken that wasn't cooked perfectly and fresh. The chicken almost has a tempura batter (very light, fluffy, but crunchy), something you would normally find at an upscale restaurant. I would highly suggest trying the chicken fingers battered before ever venturing into the healthy section of broiled fingers. If you want to go semi-healthy at Maniac's then try the salad. It is a very fresh spring mix of lettuce topped with a bunch of fixings including candied pecans. You can get the salad topped with broiled or battered chicken and it is awesome either way. I normally hate salads but this is a very refreshing salad that will not disappoint. One of the most important aspects to Maniac's is the fresh dipping sauces. These include, barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, and habenero. My favorite is the ranch which is homemade and a very original ranch. I would suggest asking for a side of it with your battered fingers or on your salad. The price is a little bit more than most of these types of places but you really are getting a superb product. The chicken here is so far above a Zaxby's, McDougal's, or just about any other chicken place that it is not even funny. I was also a little disappointed the one time I ventured out and got a chicken sandwich, not sure why, but it didn't seem to be as flavorful or original as the chicken fingers.

    (5)

  • rob h.

    My mom loves this place.

    (3)

  • matt c.

    Interesting place. I love the chicken, batter and the spicy, flavorful bang bang sauce, or what there was of it. I shelled out 6 bucks for what most people would call a sample, like the kind you get in a dixie cup at Publix. Other people say that their own chicken tenders were bigger, so I guess it's like gambling. My three chicken strips had an average length of 2.5 inches, batter included (and there is a lot of cripsy nodules on this batter which exaggerate the length). Unlike the other reviewer here, I did not get an extra. :( The fries were a little soggy, too. The cole slaw is kind of weird, flat square cuts with a sauce more like ranch than mayo. Despite the great batter, this place is still a let down, especially in view of the hype and price. In that regard it's like the "5 Guys (burglars and fries)" of chicken places.

    (3)

  • Scott V.

    The chicken and fries are good, I will give them that. I was a regular customer there for years until one day I decided to place a phone pickup order to take home for dinner. I usually just show up and order, but thought I would do a phone in so that I wouldn't have to wait when I got there. So I placed my order, which they said would be done in 15 minutes. I get there 20 minutes later and my order was not ready. They said they have to make chicken for people in the restaurant first. THEN WHY TAKE MY PHONE ORDER? idiots. I then had to stand there another 10 minutes for them to make my chicken. I was visibly annoyed but they didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with their phone-in order processing. I WILL NOT GO BACK AND WILL BE SURE TO TELL ALL MY FRANKLIN COWORKERS MY EXPERIENCE THERE.

    (2)

  • Brandon J.

    Unlike standard fried chicken joints, Maniacs chicken strips more closely resemble batter fried fish than country fried chicken. Don't worry, they dont taste like fish, that I just the best way I can think of to describe it. Their chcken strips are definitely the best in the area. The place has a neat atmosphere too. Great place to stop in for lunch.

    (4)

  • Mariela C.

    I randomly ended up here after getting my hair done at Salon P'Nash and was really pleasantly surprised. An eternal die-hard fan of fried chicken and chicken wings, Maniacs gave me a great taste of both. Along with their really good chicken (in fried and wing variety) they had some great dipping sauces. We also ended up getting a salad because it looked so good on the menu, and was totally happy about that decision once we tried it. Definitely worth checking out!

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    Maniacs is known for their chicken and they don't disappoint. I also enjoy their eggrolls too while their fries are okay. If you're in the Cool Springs area and looking for your chicken fix I suggest checking them out.

    (4)

  • John G.

    This was a tough 4 stars to give, because even though their chicken is some of the tastiest chicken in town, but the price seems a bit spendy for the delivery. I had the 4 broiled chicken tenders and it was $6.00. They were pretty small, so I was very happy that they added an extra one in there for me. I thought that seemed fair. Most of the selections come with french fries, cole slaw, and two dipping sauces. All in all the food is fantastic, but I would like to see the prices stay where they are for a while.

    (4)

  • Jo W.

    I have been a patron of Maniac's for about two years now. The food is EXCELLENT! Always fresh, crisp, seasoned just right and the price is just right for what yout get. They have several "homemade" (made fresh, no preservatives) dressings to choose from. WARNING: If you're prone to addictions, you might stay clear of the RANCH dressing....seriously, it is THAT good!!! The kitchen is set up visible to the customers, a feature I especially like! ...and the owner is always very friendly. Try it out...you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : Yes

Maniac’s

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