I am writing to bring to your attention an unfortunate incident that I witnessed at your Howlin Rays restaurant in Glendale a few weeks ago. After much contemplation, I decided to provide this feedback so that the owners or general manager could be made aware of the situation and take appropriate measures to address it. The incident in question occurred on a Sunday around 3:30 pm. I was seated nearby and observed a mother and her son taking a seat in front of me. To my surprise, a particularly rude customer approached them and demanded that they leave the table, citing the absence of an order number. The mother politely explained that her husband had gone to the restroom and was in the process of placing their order. It was baffling to witness such rudeness from the customer towards the mother, especially since the customer was right in front of her space. Subsequently, a customer service representative became involved, though I am unsure of the exact details. After approximately five minutes, one of your servers approached the family and asked for their seat number. Once again, the mother explained that her husband was still in the restroom and would be returning with their order shortly. To my astonishment, the server insisted that they vacate the table. I could not believe that the server would ask the mother to leave, especially considering there were no signs indicating that a table could not be occupied without an order number. I have been a frequent patron of your restaurant and have observed numerous instances where customers occupied their seats before receiving an order number, myself included. The argument persisted for approximately 10-15 minutes until the husband returned and engaged in a conversation with the server. Even during the husband's attempt to complete their order, the server continued to pester the mother to leave the table. This unprofessional behavior deeply disappointed me and caused me to reconsider whether I would continue to visit your establishment in the future. As a customer, I believe that good customer service is crucial to the overall dining experience. It is disheartening to witness such incidents, as they tarnish the reputation of an otherwise excellent establishment like Howlin Rays. I kindly request that you investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that incidents like these are not repeated. Training your staff to handle such situations with empathy, understanding, and professionalism will greatly contribute to improving the overall customer experience. read more

I don't understand the hype around Howlin' Ray's. This place is the epitome of overrated and overpriced hot chicken. The entire experience feels like a carefully crafted illusion to make you think you're waiting in line for something life-changing, but in reality, it's just mediocre chicken with a side of pretentiousness. First, let's talk about the absurd setup. The restaurant has one cashier taking orders at the front of the store, forcing customers to wait outside in a long line that spills into the middle of a busy parking lot. Is this a marketing tactic to make it seem like there's some insane demand for their food? Because it's not fooling anyone. The layout is inefficient and unnecessary, especially when there are so many better hot chicken spots out there now. Why wait in a line that feels like it's designed just to create hype when you can go to Dave's Hot Chicken, get your food immediately, and enjoy a meal that's just as good (if not better)? Now, the food. It's just... not worth the wait or the price. The chicken was dry, the seasoning was unbalanced, and the heat levels felt more like a gimmick than a well-thought-out flavor profile. The sides were forgettable, and the overall experience left me wondering why I wasted my time. Maybe back in pre-COVID times, when hot chicken wasn't as popular, Howlin' Ray's could get away with this, but now? There are so many better options out there. The whole vibe of this place feels like it's trying too hard to be something it's not. The long lines, the hype, the Instagram-worthy packaging--it's all smoke and mirrors. If you're looking for good hot chicken, skip the nonsense and go somewhere else. Howlin' Ray's is a disappointment, plain and simple. Save your time, money, and sanity. read more

My husband and I have been trying all the best eats in SoCal lately, and we saw that Howlin' Ray's has one of the top-rated fried chicken sandwiches in the country, so we decided to check it out. For starters, the line is always long. Prepare to wait at least an hour. It's worth it, though. Now, for the food. The menu is small and it's tailored around a Nashville-hot-chicken theme. It features classics, such as a fried chicken sandwich ("The Sando"), chicken and waffles, chicken tenders, and sides like collared greens and potato salad. My husband and I both had The Sando, and I have to say, it's hands-down the best fried chicken sandwich we've ever had in our entire lives. Definitely worth all the praise and accolades. We also really love the banana pudding that they offer for dessert. Now, let's talk heat. The menu offers five heat flavors - country, mild, medium, hot, extra hot, and howlin'. I'm a wuss, so I had my chicken sandwich country-style (no heat). It was delicious! My husband loves spicy food, and he can handle heat. With that said, he tapped out at their 'x-hot' level. He said he can't imagine how spicy their 'howlin' level is. For reference, their 'howlin' measures in at two-million Scoville units. One of the workers said 'medium' is their most popular flavor, and people are often surprised how hot the 'medium' flavor is. So, if you like spicy food, I suggest starting with 'medium'. Lastly, the workers. Wow. They are so awesome! So friendly. So helpful. So cool. We love chatting with them every time we're in there. We've been to Howlin' Ray's three times in the past two weeks, and I'm sure this will now be one of our regular spots. Love this place! read more

Wow, just wow! Howlin' Rays in Pasadena is an absolute must-visit spot for anyone who loves incredible fried chicken. My experience there was nothing short of amazing, despite waiting in the rain for two hours. And to top it off, they even supplied umbrellas for us! The wait was definitely worth it, as the food at Howlin' Rays is out of this world. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy and juicy, with just the right amount of spice. The sides were equally delicious, and I especially loved the mac and cheese and collard greens. But what really sets Howlin' Rays apart is the amazing customer service. Despite the long wait, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and even offered us free waffles as a thank you for waiting. It's clear that they truly care about their customers and want them to have a great experience. The atmosphere of Howlin' Rays is also fantastic. It has a fun, laid-back vibe that makes it a great spot to hang out with friends and family. Plus, the location in Pasadena is convenient and easy to get to. Overall, I can't recommend Howlin' Rays enough. Despite the long wait, the food, customer service, and atmosphere are all top-notch. If you're looking for incredible fried chicken in the Pasadena area, this is the place to go. Five stars, without a doubt! read more

Howlin' Ray's is one of those spots that lives up to the hype. While the wait can be daunting (it was quite long during my visit), it's clear that many are willing to line up for good reason. The energy of the place is vibrant and bustling, with friendly staff who keep things moving while staying upbeat and engaging. I ordered the Chicken Sandwich, but it was quite a wait. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of heat to make it exciting without being overwhelming. The balance of the juicy chicken, flavorful sauce, and crunchy slaw, all nestled in a soft bun, made every bite memorable. They've clearly mastered the art of creating a sandwich that's both simple and packed with flavor. The service stood out as well. Despite the crowd, the team remained attentive and made an effort to ensure everyone felt taken care of. It's impressive to see that level of consistency with such high demand. The atmosphere is lively and a bit hectic, but it adds to the charm and excitement of the experience. It's definitely a spot where the focus is on the food, and rightly so. If you're patient enough to endure the wait, you'll be rewarded with one of the best chicken sandwiches in town. read more

The food, prepared to order, showcased the standout feature - the unbeatable chicken sandwich from Howlin' Ray's. Having frequented this establishment numerous times, the medium spicy, OG sando, has consistently been a delight. Our main was accompanied by an order of crispy and fluffy shake fries, perfectly paired with a delightful combination of $weet honey mu$tard sauce and Tennessee tang, a ranch with a pronounced dill-forward character. The condiments were a standout, and a particular shout-out goes to the irresistibly tasty honey mustard - a definite must-try. Immersed in a charming atmosphere, our time at this here was truly worth the trip. The outdoor seating, adorned with heating lamps, provided a cozy atmosphere enhanced by the beats of lively trap music. The service, characterized by both speed and friendliness, contributed to the overall positive vibe. What elevates this dining experience is the attention to detail. From the on-tap offerings of flat and sparkling water to the availability of beer on tap for purchase. A visit here promises not just a flavorful culinary experience but also a well-thought-out and enjoyable overall dining experience. You will not be disappointed! read more

First time eating Howlin' Ray's today since 2019 and proud of these folks for having opened their second location! Just as I remember on my two previous visits, and Julian Mario Steven held my team of five up. Here are my thoughts: magnificent sumptuous grand impressive imposing superb spectacular resplendent opulent luxurious palatial deluxe rich fine lavish ornate gorgeous glorious dazzling elegant beautiful stately majestic regal noble proud plush swanky splendiferous swish swank brave splendacious splendorous magnolious palatian distinguished glittering illustrious remarkable outstanding exceptional celebrated renowned famous notable noted eminent lofty venerable exemplary excellent wonderful marvelous magnificent superb glorious sublime lovely delightful first-class first-rate super great amazing fantastic terrific tremendous phenomenal sensational incredible heavenly stellar gorgeous dreamy grand fabulous fab fantabulous awesome magic ace cool mind blowing far out A1 sound out of this world marvy spanking dope def phat brilliant brill smashing bosting peachy dandy neat badass boss radical rad boffo bully bitching bodacious beaut bonzer groovy read more

The food at Howlin' Ray's absolutely lives up to the hype, bold, perfectly balanced heat with insanely juicy chicken. But what truly elevated our experience was the exceptional customer service. My wife, our dog, and I were patiently waiting outside for a table, not realizing we were supposed to put our name down. Instead of letting us figure it out on our own, one of the incredibly kind staff members noticed us and proactively came over to help find us a table. That small gesture set the tone for the entire visit. From there on, the team was nothing short of phenomenal, attentive, welcoming, and almost telepathic in anticipating our needs. They consistently checked in to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed, all while being genuinely warm and accommodating to both us and our pup. Great food is expected here, but the level of hospitality made the experience unforgettable. It was worth the 1+hour drive from OC. We'll absolutely be back. read more

I recently tried Howlin' Ray's, a hot chicken spot south of Old Town Pasadena, and let me tell you, it was a flavor-packed experience. The spices on the chicken were just right - not too overwhelming but enough to make your taste buds dance. Word of advice: don't go too hot unless you're ready for a fiery adventure you might regret. The fries were a crunchy delight, and while the coleslaw wasn't mind-blowing, it added a satisfying crunch. Whether you go for sliders or chicken strips, both options boast generous portions that won't leave you hungry. What impressed me beyond the delicious food was the exceptional customer service. Fast and friendly, the staff even gave me a sample when I mentioned it was my first visit. The camaraderie between employees added to the positive vibe, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. I'm definitely going back; Howlin' Ray's hot chicken is a must-try, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!Hot Chicken read more

This is the GOAT Hot Chicken spot in LA , it's very rare when a restaurant lives up to the hype but it's even more rare when a restaurant exceeds the hype and that is what Howlin Rays does. Saying this sando is just great is offensive , this sandwich is GENERATIONAL..this sandwich is 2012 Lebron James ..it's just that elite. I have to get that sandwich at least once a month or I lose my sanity. I am so lucky they have this location near me and the line doesn't seem to get too crazy like it used to be back in the day. I would wait a long time for this sandwich it's worth it I mean why would you not ? It touches every flavor node you look for in a bite. It's spicy , which is obv variable , the bun is soft , the pickles and slaw are fresh , and is seasoned to perfection. And that sauce too ...Breh. If Howlin Rays had a Tinder I would swipe right and then create another account so I can swipe right again. read more

Howling Rays is the ultimate destination for fried chicken lovers in Southern California. The restaurant serves up some of the most delicious and juicy fried chicken you'll ever taste. The spice level is on point, offering options for those who prefer a more mild flavor and for those who are brave enough to take on the heat. I don't recommend getting the maximum spicy level, because it will make you cry and you'll spend the next few days in pain (all from personal experience). However if you're daring and looking for a challenge, by all means! The staff at Howling Rays are some of the most friendly and welcoming people you'll ever meet. They truly care about their customers and go above and beyond to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Overall, Howling Rays is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for top-notch fried chicken and great service. read more

The El Monte location of Howlin' Ray's serves the most exceptional spicy fried chicken experience in the area. The chicken delivered both crispy texture and juicy flavor while carrying an exceptional taste from their signature spice blend. The fries received perfect seasoning and the banana pudding provided a sweet and creamy conclusion that was worth every morsel. The staff provided exceptional service by being both friendly and attentive while also distributing umbrellas to customers on sunny days. The atmosphere at this place is energetic and entertaining with its fun music selection and its bathroom disco ball decoration. The food quality and service excellence make the potential wait time completely worthwhile. Anyone seeking strong and flavorful comfort food should definitely visit this place. read more

The fried chicken was some of the best I've ever had - juicy and flavorful on the inside, with a perfectly crispy exterior. The sides were also top-notch, with highlights being the creamy mac and cheese and the tangy coleslaw. But the real standout at Howlin' Ray's was the service - every single employee I encountered was friendly, helpful, and seemed to truly enjoy their jobs. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lively and energetic, with a cool, laid-back vibe that made me feel right at home. Overall, my experience at Howlin' Ray's was truly exceptional and I can't wait to go back for more delicious meals in the future. I highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the Pasadena area and looking for some amazing fried chicken and warm, friendly service. read more

Howlin' Ray's in Pasadena serves up what is easily the best spicy fried chicken I've ever had. As someone who typically enjoys the highest spice levels in Indian, Thai, and ramen restaurants, I was blown away by the intensity of the "Hot" level here, which is still two notches below their highest setting ("Howlin") and three below the secret "Howlin+" level. This place truly takes its spice seriously, and it's not for the faint of heart. What really elevates the experience is the staff. They are incredibly friendly, personable, and it's evident they genuinely enjoy being a part of this establishment. I can't recommend Howlin' Ray's more highly. If you're a fan of spicy food and are in the Pasadena area, you absolutely must make a stop here. read more

Howlin Ray's in Pasadena lived up to the hype for me. It was my first time and the service immediately stood out. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and helpful when it came to ordering. Even though it was busy, everything moved smoothly and the food came out fast. I got the chicken sandwich at medium heat and it was incredible. The chicken was juicy, crispy, and full of flavor. The spice level had a solid kick without overpowering the sandwich. Easily one of the best chicken sandwiches I have had. The sides like the fries and coleslaw were also solid and paired well with the sandwich. Overall the food was great and the service made the experience even better. This place is worth the wait and I would absolutely come back. read more

Exceeded expectations! I've had a lot of fried chicken sandwiches and this one really stands out. I held off a while before tying this place, thinking the lines were crazy but I totally get the hype now. And the line moved faster than I expected. It's definitely worth it. Portions are huge. Chicken is juicy and flavorful, loved the sando with pickles and slaw. If you're nervous about heat - Mild is super gentle, barely spicy, just a warmth that builds. Next time I'll go for Medium for more heat. Mac salad is super good, big flavor. Crinkle fries seasoned and tasty. Good beers on tap. Staff is friendly and super helpful. 90s hip hop playing. Fun vibes all around. So glad they have a dine-in spot in Pasadena now. read more

First time going to Howlin' in person. Arrived Sunday ~1pm. Wait was about 1-1.5 Hr in line. A booth opened up for seating right as we placed our order and was cleaned straight away, so we had no wait time for seating. Food wait was maybe ~10ish minutes. Javier at the cashier was 5 stars for service. Thank you for the peach tea! Mario at the mic was 5 stars as well. Two people checked on us during our meal (blanking on their names, sorry!) but also 5 star service. Food was great, of course. Easily the best chicken and waffles I've had (currently weekends only in Pas). The wait time is not fun, but the food is good. If you can deal with the wait, I'd say it's worth it. read more

Enduring a 40-minute wait in line heightened our expectations, but unfortunately, the overall dining experience did not quite measure up. The food, with the exception of the medium-spicy Nashville hot chicken sandwich, proved to be mediocre and somewhat overhyped. While the sandwich offered a satisfying flavor, it still fell short of being exceptional. Considering the wait time, the overall experience left us with mixed feelings. Despite the mediocre offerings, there's a possibility of returning, but the lesson learned is that waiting in line might not be worth the anticipation for what the menu ultimately delivers. read more

Indulging in Howlin' Ray's Nashville hot chicken in Pasadena was an unforgettable experience. Despite the line, the food and service were beyond exceptional. The chicken and waffles were a perfect blend of crispy and fluffy, while the medium heat level added a delightful kick. The wings were equally impressive, cooked to juicy perfection with just the right amount of spice. The staff's efficiency was remarkable, ensuring a prompt dining experience despite the crowd. Don't miss out on this sizzling hot chicken haven that's more than worth every electrifying moment of anticipation. read more