Categories: Local & Entertainment; Eat & Drink

Extra Hot & Spicy in Boston

By mswen
updated about 1 month ago

It's been unbearably hot out. So hot that yesterday I almost made like the Wonder Twins and melted into a puddle right there in my kitchen. But still, more than ever, my obsession with hot and spicy remains strong and steadfast: things with heat and passion always top my list of favorite things.

So if you can't beat 'em, here's how to join 'em.

Dj's Wings Ribs Subs N More

165 Yarmouth Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601

OK, so you can’t sleep that night because you are completely dehydrated. Your chest may even hurt just a wee bit after consumption. And, sure, there’s that one table in the bar that has been deemed the ‘unlucky’ table, because of the above-average number of breakups it has seen. But don’t let any of this deter you. DJ’s simply makes the best buffalo wings in the state. Small (you’ll see why this is important later) and addictive, we get ours hot, extra crispy, and wet. And don’t speak to each other during the entire meal.

Mad River Tavern

37 Main St, Amesbury, MA 01913

Thank GOD – we don’t have to go to the Cape for our wing fix. These are almost identical to the wings at DJ’s, and were so good that my husband actually called the cook out to practically hug him. The best part? They’re 25 cents each every Monday night.

Buff's Pub

317 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458

Buff’s is well-known among wing lovers. It was our go-to joint for a long time, and probably still would be if we hadn’t moved away. Just a heads up: if you like your wings really well-cooked and crispy, as we do, Buff’s larger wing size makes it a bit touch-and-go (ours seemed a little undercooked the last two times we were there, and we got kind of freaked out). The buffalo sauce is perfection, though, and Buff’s is a great, casual hangout in general.

Breathe fire

“Let’s go out for drinks” sounds like an innocent and relaxing invitation, right? In most normal circumstances, it is. But if you’re looking for a real kick, step away from the Green Apple martini and brave a spicy and hot concoction that’ll flush you red with one swallow: the Hot & Dirty martini.

BEWARE. The first sip will have you sweating and asking for ice water immediately. And instead of an olive, you will probably get a jalapeno slice. But something about this drink is oddly addictive, and it’s a great way to be a cheap date: just one is all you’ll be able to handle. (And if you’re able to down more than one, God bless you.)

Brenden Crocker's Wild Horse

392 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915

The Hot & Dirty martini is not on the website’s menu, but this was the first – and last – place I had one. And while it was really very tasty, I babysat it for most of the night because it was – well, really freaking spicy.

Take a steam

Forget the creepy connotations associated with steam rooms and saunas – according to some studies, taking a steam has a boatload of health benefits, like reducing the risk of the common cold, giving relief to people with asthma and bronchitis, reducing chronic pain, and even helping to improve endurance in sports. Temperatures are typically over 80°C, and after a hard workout it will seem even hotter. Stick with ones in reputable gyms and health clubs.

Dance Complex

536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

Students rave about the lessons here, and the workout you can get from dance is surprisingly tough. Great instructors and a huge space make this a top choice for learning.