We all know there are few things more sweltering than a summer in New York City. Thank God it's over though, right?

The sun may be going down, but there is nothing better to warm your cold, weary bones than with some of the tastiest and most terrifyingly spicy food money can buy.

We live in a mecca for food of all stripes, and there is no time like the present to challenge your taste buds to a fiery meal they will not soon forget. 

It's time to get your sweat on. 

New Yorkers may be pretty tough, but his list of spicy eats is not for the faint of heart. 

But if you have a taste for challenging yourself to sample all the spice you can find, if you have a masochistic streak, and intestines made of steel, then by all means- put the fever-hot dishes these eateries offer to the test.

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1. Atomic Wings (various locations)

This one is a no-brainer. 

Starting out with one location on the Upper East Side bringing authentic chicken wings onto the New York scene, Atomic Wings now has locations that span the country and have even stretched as far as Mexico (which apparently is in need of more spicy foods).

Sure, they serve standard wing options like mild, medium, and hot. But, they also have signature sauces that push their patrons’ tolerance for heat. These daring wing choices include Abusive, Nuclear, and, that’s right, Suicidal. 

Just in case Thai chili or Chipotle BBQ doesn’t sound enough like it could endanger your safety, these “insane” hot wings will do the job and keep you coming back for more.

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2. Zabb Elee (75 2nd Avenue)

Zabb Elee is NOT your typical Thai restaurant.

This East Village eatery started out with a little hole-in-the-wall location in Queens and has become a restaurant to watch. Cooking up Isan Thai food that is not made for the weak of heart, the dishes here are not just savory and spicy, they’re incredibly authentic.

Going far beyond the Americanized standard pad Thai you know and love, Zabb Elee’s pad ped moo krob, red curry, and pukk boong moo krob deliver traditional tastes with some serious spice. 

The sticky rice, while not quite as intense, is still a must. The dishes here have a mixture of acidic, sour, spicy, tender and bold flavors that will knock you on your ass and make you question all of your Thai food choices before you came here.

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3. Brick Lane Curry House (various locations)

Claiming itself as the “home of the real curry,” Brick Lane holds its own in regards to packing some punch. A modern restaurant with widespread locations, it is modeled off of British style Indian eating.

With fiery fare that is friendly to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, this Indian restaurant offers all-you-can-eat buffet deals, and an overflowing plate no matter what you order. 

The lamb biryani, phaal (as “excruciatingly hot” as it claims to be), chicken tikka, vindaloo, and even the chai will ignite your tongue before you finish chewing. 

But not to worry- a tasty dish of mango lassi is the perfect antidote to cool your mouth down after all of the spiciness.

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4. Claw Daddy’s (185 Orchard Street)

An eatery that brings the zesty tastes of New Orleans to dear NYC is of course a deserving member of the spicy elite.

The Louisiana Boil presents its patrons with their choice of seafood (crab legs, crawfish, lobster, clams, the list goes on) as well as a whole host of sauces and add-ons with a carefully constructed spice level index to serve your every need. 

Even if the saucy heat is too much for your palate, the buttery, garlic slathered seafood here will offer up some swelter no matter what.

With a whole lot of Cajun goodness and spiciness that ranges from mild to insane, Claw Daddy’s serves up some of the most dangerously hot seafood in the city.

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5. Island Burgers and Shakes (422 Amsterdam Avenue)

One of the first restaurants to lead NYC’s burger craze, this steakhouse is far more than merely a burger joint. 

Island Burgers is famous for their grilled churasco chicken sandwiches and chilis. Even the appetizers here are searingly hot (the chili chips and the corn on the cob are covered in cheesy spices).

With violently spicy dishes like the “napalm” containing jalapeno and habanero, cajun seasoning that is applied with a heavy hand, and four different spicy french fry toppings, there are endless options. You can choose your peppery poison and leave feeling sweaty from more than just the weather.

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6. Peaches HotHouse (415 Tompkins Avenue)

This Bed-Stuy staple serves up American classics with spiciness that would make the south proud enough to pat it on the head and call it “honey.”

The Extra Hot chicken here is fried up deliciously spicy and the cocktails are brewed with a liberal hand on the booze. 

The friendly, homey atmosphere and the stellar side dishes make the dining here unforgettable. The spicy southern flavors at Peaches are well worth the table wait.

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7. The Islands (803 Washington Avenue)

The Islands has some of the hottest Caribbean food in the city and should not be missed. The hefty portions and authentic flavors make this Prospect Heights eatery equal parts satisfying and spicy.

If you’re looking for Jamaican jerk chicken with some major kick, then The Islands is your place. The oxtail, curries, and Calypso shrimp deliver your taste buds with hellishly hot seasoning that will keep the sting nice and real for hours afterwards. 

Check out the 10 Best Spots for Delicious Dipping Sauces in NYC.

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