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 in The Heights makes the spiciest hot chicken in town. Each thick patty and tender is packed with enough cumin to cover the I-10/610 interchange, with pockets of spice crammed into every nook and cranny. Even the dipping sauce has a ribbon 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. Come here to feel hot, get some sun—there’s no indoor seating—and drink your weight in fresh lemonade. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"Mico’s makes the best hot chicken in town. The Heights restaurant packs each thick patty with enough cumin to cover the I-10/610 interchange, and there are pockets of spice in every crispy nook and cranny. 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. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"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. photo credit: Becca Wright photo credit: Becca Wright photo credit: Becca Wright" - Chelsea Thomas

"Nashville hot chicken spots are appearing all over Houston, but Mico’s, which opened in late 2019, claims to be inspired by the original Prince’s Hot Chicken, founded in Tennessee a century ago. Take your pick of tenders, loaded fries riddled with fried chicken bits, a buffalo tender salad, or the crowd favorite — a thick and tender chicken “sammich,” seasoned with a blend of cayenne, chili powder, garlic, and paprika, and heat levels ranging from none to extra hot. Add waffle fries or cole slaw on the side to temper the heat. If your lips are still tingling, treat yourself to Mico’s housemade banana pudding." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain

"Mico’s Hot Chicken made the transition from food truck to storefront early this year, serving up juicy hot chicken cutlets in sandwich form, as tenders, and as a topping on loaded waffle fries. Like most Nashville hot chicken places, diners can choose their preferred level of heat — Mico’s “ultra-hot” version is made with the Carolina reaper, the hottest pepper in the world. Available for takeout or delivery from Favor." - Brittanie Shey