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    Howlin' Ray's

    4.8 (1.3k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Howlin' Ray's Photos

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    HOWLIN' RAY'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Loud
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Howlin' Ray's

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    The Sando (Medium spice level) & shake fries
    Tanya K.

    This place is amazing! Food is delicious and the staff are so welcoming and kind. I got the Sando (Medium spice level) with shake fries. The spice level was perfect and the portion sizes were generous. There will be a line to wait in that likely wraps around the building, but it is worth the wait! We waited about 45 minutes. After ordering and paying at the counter, we were directed to a staff member who helped seat us at the next available table. They had a very smooth flow for customers and great table management. Our food came out in about 10 minutes. The restaurant had seating inside and outside, very clean and welcoming feel. The energy from the staff was great, they really created a fun and uplifting environment. The staff also checks in while you are dining, which is nice! They have a water station where you pick up your food. They even had a sink outside of the bathrooms for customers to wash up! There is a parking lot located behind the restaurant and some street parking in the area. This is a new favorite! Can't wait to go back!

    Alice Q.

    Sando medium heat was good but not sure why it wasn't hitting like it usually does taste wise but look how big the chicken sticks out from the bun. Maybe tastes better when there's a long line because there wasn't a line when we went lol Fries were the crinkle cut fries with their special seasoning! Crispy and tasty. Should have gotten the banana pudding dessert- next time!

    Anny O.

    Best chicken sandwich! Chicken is always so juicy. Good value for the price. I've been to the Chinatown location a few times but this was my first time at Pasadena. I love the decor and they have seating! Workers are very friendly.

    Chicken Tenders
    Megan D.

    LOVED this spot. I got the mild chicken tenders and the spice level was perfect for me. I tried medium and that was way too much for me. After getting my order, I saw how big each tender was. Portions are very generous and the quality is great. Staff was so nice and continuously checked up on my party. There is also plenty of seating and staff are constantly cleaning tables, so you probably won't have trouble finding seating despite how busy they get.

    Kara L.

    Street parking or a valet parking lot next door. It's kind of hidden located inside an older plaza building. The seats are all set up outside! We came on a weekday and surprisingly still a good amount of people. I only got the fried chicken breast to try since I just had lunch nearby and always heard about this place. I must say! The fried chicken was amazing!! Super crispy skin and tender on the inside! You can also try their special sauces for an extra price. I'd definitely want to be back to try the sandwich. And the staff was also amazing!! Super nice and friendly

    spicy half chicken and sandwich
    Gwyneth N.

    HOWLIN RAYS @ PASADENA The service here was AMAZING, the guy who helped check in for tables and the woman who took our orders were so kind and welcoming. I love how they are able to figure out seating for those eating in. The food was crispy and the place was super clean! 5/5

    Brian L.

    I've seen all the Youtube videos featuring Howlin Rays and I always thought to myself whether something can me as good as social media makes it out to be. But holy cow I've learn it can be true (sometimes)! I went to the Pasadena location and loved my experience there. Parking can be a bit tight but manageable. There was a line out the door but it moved pretty quickly. Seating inside if limited but doable. The service is super dope and chill, and from the two times I've been there, they are great at making you feel comfortable. I ordered the chicken sando with mild heat and this was the juiciest and most flavorful fried chicken sandwich I've ever had. The spice did not overpower the flavor, and the coleslaw helped to balance the saltiness of the sandwich perfectly. I also got their shake fries, which are crispy and flavorful, but a tad bit on the sweet side. I also tried their comeback sauce which just okay for me, but the sandwich was so good it didn't even need it. Will definitely be back here to eat this again when I'm in LA!!!

    Outside line
    Beverlin E.

    First time coming to Howling Ray's and Wow!!! ,such an amazing place to go to! From the cashier to everyone working there, the whole staff was super friendly, welcoming, and made the experience even better. The vibe inside the restaurant is really cool, and they play great music too. Huge thank you to Miles, Javier, and Julie for the awesome service.If it's your first time going, I highly recommend the chicken sandwich and the fries with pickles and chicken... OMG, everything was bomb. From the potato salad to macaroni salad it was all so good. I will definitely come and eat here again.

    Vanessa T.

    We came here multiple times and there's always a line out the door. We always left but this time we got here 10 min past their open time and decided to just wait. It wasnt too bad as we waited maybe 25 min. We got the sandos to eat there and also some wings and tenders to go. The place was quite busy with limited seating inside and outside but we were able to snag a table. We got the sandwiches and they were soo good! I love the vinegar slaw it comes with which helps with the spice if the chicken. I got medium plus and my husband got hot. The chicken was so flavorful and perfect amount of spice. We also got some fries which has some sort of cajun seasoning. We love howling rays and often go to the chinatown location. Just wish there wasnt a line everytime we go. But we willingly definitely be back. Their workers are all so nice and friendly. They always ask us how the food is and cares about our opinions.

    Julian's the best
    Suzy B.

    The best hot chicken ever, and no one can do it better. Excellent service 10 and so happy it's close to our house. Pasadena location is very nice and clean, staff is very friendly, and always making sure everyone is happy

    Brandon K.

    Iconic. This spot put me on Nashville Hot Chicken. From line to out the door, they do a phenomenal job to ensure their guests are taken care of. On hot days, there's a calm mist spraying from the roof if you are waiting outdoors in the heat. They even offer you umbrellas if you wait in the sun. They also have a box of free stickers and pins. It was my friend's first time trying this spot and he had me order him a medium level chicken sandwich. Since it was his first time, the guy who took our order thoroughly explained the menu and even gave him a sample so he could taste the medium. It was a lot hotter than we anticipated so we opted for the mild. Mild chicken sandwich, 9.5/10: Hands down best chicken sandwich I've had. The chicken breast is perfectly crispy, seasoned super well and seasoned throughout the meat. It's juicy and warm. The pickles and slaw are killer as well. You can tell a lot of thought was put into this sandwich. The spice level was perfect. Wish they had an option between mild and med. Fries, 8.8/10: As good as any crinkle fry can get. Banana Pudding, 9/10: Such a great way to end off a spicy meal. Cuts through all the heat with the creamy pudding base. The bananas are subtle and pair well with the vanilla. Not too intensely sweet.

    Fried pickles
    Kevin L.

    I finally tried Howlin Rays after hearing years of hype. This place has some of the friendliest service around and what I love is that you have to wait to be seated- which takes out that customer competition anxiety to secure a table while you're waiting in a long line. First off, the mild chicken is really delicious and the spice level I'd recommend to anyone trying HR for the first time. Even the medium spice level is very spicy and more than that, the chicken is literally covered in spice dust--kinda like those stray Doritos that have triple the seasoning blasted on it. That amount of spice dust can be overwhelming and it was for everyone in my family--who are all spicy food lovers. The fried pickles are a must get if you like fried pickles and can't find them anywhere outside of Carnation Cafe inside Disneyland. They are crispy, briny chips of deliciousness. The shake fries are also crispy, spicy and delicious. The coleslaw is the nice vinegary kind and not the creamy Mayo kind so it complements the fried chicken well. The banana pudding is also a must. Another tip... the portions here are massive. The Sandos are huge and the 3 chicken tenders are the size of maybe 6-8 tenders anywhere else. The only downside to the tenders is you have to buy a dipping sauce on the side if you want any. The only side it comes with is a slice of bread.

    Fanny S.

    No wonder it's known as the best fried chicken in Los Angeles! I love ordering half birds and enjoying it at home. Their fried chicken is always crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The chicken sando is amazing too made with a thick, tender chicken breast that's never dry. We usually order it spicy, so it's extra crispy, flavorful, and packed with heat. It's always super busy and the lines can be long, but we usually do takeout and bring it home. Totally worth the wait!

    Luis Style Sando

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    Howlin' Ray's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Howlin' Ray's

    Do you use soy in your food?

    Hi John! There is no added Soy in our menu items!

    What is a person with disabilities to do when they can't stand in line for a long period of time.?

    We are happy to make accommodations! Please text us at 213.935.8399!

    When will you expand to the IE? We need you out here?

    Hoping to make it to the IE one day! Appreciate you and all of your support!

    Are the pickles made in house from scratch (homemade)?

    Hi! We tried to make our pickles in house way back in the beginning, but we could never make them better than the cold processed crinkle cut dills that we source from our friends in Central California!

    Hi, do you guys take telephone order to go?

    'm sorry but we do not currently accept orders via phone! We're offering walk up in person orders, dine in, and Postamtes delivery at our Pasadena location!

    What are their usual wait times on a Sunday during their business hours, and when are the best times to go when the wait in line is <20 minutes?

    Hi! The wait time tends to fluctuate throughout the day and can vary on weekends depending on holidays or events happening in the area, but you can always text us at 213.935.8399 for current line updates throughout the day!

    What is there Postmates maximum radius? I try ordering from less than 10 miles away and it's always unavailable for me despite ordering twice before :(

    Hi! Our radius tends to fluctuate throughout the day dependent on how many orders the team is currently working through, but typically our radius is 2.5-7 miles!

    Do you serve waffles everyday or just Saturday and Sunday?

    Hi Jo-Ann! We have Waffles available Wednesday-Sunday!

    Is it halal chicken?

    Hi Zab! Our Chicken is not certified halal, but it is hormone and antibiotic free, plus pasture raised!

    Would I be able to order a grilled cheese for my picky daughter?

    Yes, no problem! We offer Grilled Cheese as part of our Secret Menu!

    Do they have ketchup and ranch?

    Hi! We offer Ketchup Packets and a house made Ranch called Tennessee Tang!

    Looking for a semi large catering size order. Do you offer bulk offers?

    Hi Michael - email us at hello@howlinrays.com and we're happy to discuss details with you!

    Is it dog friendly?

    There's a little patio and I saw someone with a dog. The workers also offered water! So I'd say yes!

    Do you offer any gluten free options?

    Hi Martie - Our Vinegar Slaw, Collard Greens, Shake Fries, Pickles, and Comeback Sauce are all gluten free! However, due to the tight quarters of the restaurant, there is the possibility that most items are exposed to gluten!

    Will you eventually be open for dinner?

    Hi Annelyse! Our Pasadena location is now operating with extended hours! We’re open Wednesday-Sunday, 11AM-7PM. Hope to see you soon!

    Hi! Do you guys have gift cards?

    Yes they do.

    Hi are you taking pick up order?

    Hi Cristina! We currently offer walk up and dine in at our Pasadena location!

    Hi, what oil do you use to fry (peanut, veg or?

    Hi Sophie - we complete all of our frying in Highly Refined Peanut Oil!

    Thinking to stop by during lunch time. What is the average wait time? Do you take phone orders?

    Hi Jenny! You can always text us at 213-935-8399 for line updates throughout the day! We are currently offering walk up orders at our Pasadena location. Hope that you are able to visit soon!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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