The Budlong Hot Chicken • $11

Three locations throughout Chicago

As its name suggests, The Budlong Hot Chicken’s hot chicken sandwich is spicy — yet its combination of additional flavors and crispiness make it an excellent choice. The sandwich consists of a fresh-fried chicken breast, the restaurant’s own “comeback sauce” and coleslaw fit between a fluffy brioche bun. The chicken’s crispiness is exceptional and is one of the most successful components of this sandwich. The strong spiciness comes from the chicken’s fried layer, providing an unexpected but welcome kick. The sauce and coleslaw work well to curb the spice, blending in sweet and cool flavors naturally. The restaurant offers three other levels of spice: Naked (no spice), Hot and X-Hot. There are also three Chicago locations.