5 to Try: Hot and Spicy Dishes

At this friendly, low-key spot, the kitchen always takes you at your word. You want it spicy? You'll get it spicy.

Lacking in decor but sitting pretty with some of the homiest, heartiest, cheapest Mexican food in town.

Every dish here is spicy and fresh, but try the Shrimp Explosion--red chilies make it scorching.

The spinach gyoza with spicy mustard burns; keep a cup of cold sake nearby to turn down the heat.

Chili-filled Thai shrimp will satisfy those brave enough to taste some serious spice.

Sip the eye-wateringly hot tortilla soup at this Western hot spot; a cold beer is the perfect chaser.

This local celebrity-chef institution serves fiery hot dishes--the green-chili plate keeps spice-hounds coming back for more.