Rowdy Rooster - East Village

"The most casual spot from the team behind Dhamaka and Semma, Rowdy Rooster in the East Village packs a serious punch. The counter-service spot is most famous for their sandwiches, but you can go sans-bun, and pick your heat level. At level one, you might find yourself in a full-body sweat. But heat-level five is one of the cheapest ways to get a thrill in the city. The chicken is coated in a volcanically spicy rub that’ll stain your fingers for days, and burn your insides too—though it doesn’t lack in flavor, with discernible nuances from different chilis in the powder. The only way we’ve found to cool off is a big sip of their mango lassi." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick