There are only a couple of places in New York City that serve hot chicken, the Nashville style preparation of heavily spiced and fried thighs, wings and drumsticks. Peaches HotHouse in Bed Stuy is one of them and their fried chicken is some of the best in Brooklyn, hot or otherwise.

The three piece plate of chicken is served with a customary slice of white bread and comes in three spice levels: "regular," "hot" and "extra hot." While the "hot" option is not quite as tear inducing as comparably classified fowl in Nashville's most popular poultry places, it will definitely satiate fans of spicy food (your server will confirm that you actually want the chicken spicy; perhaps some customers believe "hot" refers to temperature?). In addition to a nice selection of craft beers, the staff keeps plenty of cold milk in the fridge for diners who realize that the "extra hot" is not for them (which is most everyone).

*plate of hot chicken and collards at peaches hot house*

Regardless of spice, the chicken is delicious, with exceedingly juicy meat covered in perfectly crispy and virtually greaseless skin. Greens, grits and crispy cole slaw are solid options for sides (one is included with every chicken order) and a piece of complementary cake-like corn bread, wrapped in wax paper, is a welcome gift when you need some relief from the heat.

Peaches HotHouse is small and usually crowded, but the wait is much more manageable earlier in the week.

STOP 2: STOP TIME

UPDATE: STOP TIME HAS CLOSED

After dinner, walk three blocks west to Stop Time, a jazz club and bar brought to you by the folks behind the cocktail bar classics Milk & Honey, Little Branch and the sadly short-lived Silver Linings.

There's a lot to love inside this dimly lit location on a nondescript corner in Bed-Stuy. Framed photos of jazz legends adorn the exposed brick walls and gramophone light fixtures hang above the bar. Votives, Deco chandeliers and wall sconces provide just enough illumination to review the drink menu.

Stop Time does not serve spirits, so cocktails are shaken and stirred using vermouths, sherries and fortified wines. Complementing the cocktails is a large list of rotational taps with a heavy emphasis on brews from Brooklyn, as well as a fine selection of wine by the glass or bottle.

In the front corner of the room you'll find a stage with a piano and a Hammond organ, certainly a draw for the local jazz talent, which Stop Time features every night of the week. Large frosted windows serve as the stage backdrop, as periodic flares of light from the traffic outside cast silhouettes of passing pedestrians on the glass, creating a cinematic light show for the music (see video below).

Drop by Stop Time on a Tuesday evening and you'll be treated to the talents of pianist Joel Forrester, who usually plays several solo sets, but is sometimes accompanied by saxophonist and Stop Time owner, Vito Dieterle (UPDATE: Joel plays Thursdays now). Joel is a fantastic player and personable performer, quick to engage his audience with a joke in between songs. The low key vibe of the night is perfect for those who want a nice place to catch up with a companion or to sit alone with the music and their musings.

RECAP:

Peaches HotHouse: A small corner restaurant serving affordable Nashville-style hot chicken.
Stop Time: A cocktail bar and jazz club from Little Branch alums.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Total Cost: About $40 per person for a plate hot chicken and a beer at Peaches Hot House, a drink at Stop Time and a tip for the musician. Tax and tip included.

-Stop Time keeps envelopes to tip the musicians behind the bar. Because the performance is free, be sure to ask for one and leave some loot for the talent.

-Joel Forrester's Tuesday night residency at Stop Time runs through December, from 7pm-10pm. He's away for the month of January, but will hopefully return to his regular slot when he gets back.

-Peaches HotHouse does not accept reservations, so get there early.