Mico’s Hot Chicken

Only order Mico’s at spice-level hot if you want to experience cosmic heat transcendence because this counter-service spot makes the best hot chicken in town. The Heights restaurant packs each thick patty and tender with enough cumin to cover the I-10/610 interchange, with motherlode pockets of spice crammed into every crispy chicken. Even sides of dipping sauce have ribbons of cumin swirled in. If it weren’t for the pickles, crunchy slaw, and buttery bun on Mico’s sandwich , one might faint from heat exposure. Go here to feel hot, get some sun—Mico’s is a walk-up counter with no indoor seating—and drink your weight in fresh lemonade.