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    Howlin' Ray's

    4.8 (1.3k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Howlin' Ray's Photos

    Howlin' Ray's - Wings with mild spice - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Interior seating - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - The Sando   @dangit.all - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - The Sando with mild plus hot chicken - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Banana pudding. - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - The sando - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Shake Fries - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Shake Fries - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Banana pudding - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Shake Fries - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Chicken on bread - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California
    Howlin' Ray's - Shake Fries - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

    +2678

    Howlin' Ray's - 3 piece tenders - medium heat - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

    Business Info

    HOWLIN' RAY'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
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    Recommended Reviews - Howlin' Ray's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Linh Y.

    Thought I do an updated review on Howlin' Ray's. I've only been here maybe 3 times. My experience every time has been top-notch. I can't say enough great things on their world class staff, exceptional service, and amazing foods + drinks. This establishment brings it every day! My most recent visit was full of spicy and sweet surprises. The young gentleman behind the register was super friendly and helpful. He offered shake fries on the house so I can try them. Thank you! I forgot to order a drink. The young lady behind the counter said she got me covered. I got a bottled orange drink on the house. Thank you! Wow, now that's generous hospitality. I got 3 chicken wings that came with one toast and some pickles plus the shake fries. Wings were lightly fried with perfect crispness. Mild spice was still spicy, but manageable good spice. Bread was good, but it would have been nice if it was lightly toasted. Pickles were delightful. It was indeed one tasty lunch. Howlin' Ray's, you're the best! I'm coming back with full force for more deliciousness. I'll be howlin' all the way here.

    Mac salad
    Leilani M.

    Limited street parking with time restrictions. Upon our wait as the line wrapped around the building the staff came outside to offer umbrellas for our comfort. A mood setter for calm guests. Order first then show your receipt to staff to get put on waitlist for a table. Wait to be seated. Nice touch of self serve water and sparking water on tap with ice machine. Perfect for the hot day. Inside or patio seating options. Chicken sandos were awesome. Crinkle fries were crisp on the outside fluffy on the inside, slaw was the kind I can eat perfect acidity hit between bites. Mac salad was nice and creamy with tender pasta bites. Will return for another round. A must when craving some spicy, crispy chicken!

    Inside the tender; look at that juicy piece of chicken breast
    Monte L.

    The food is five stars all day and night. The chicken is ALWAYS cooked to perfection: juicy, meaty, and rich with spicy goodness. If you love fried chicken, you cannot go wrong eating here. The service i have mixed opinions. Most all of the employees are friendly. Maybe too friendly. Part of the reason for their long line would be the talkative cashiers. There is a way to chat up the customer while still keeping things moving along, but I've not seen it once while there; the chicken is that good that I put up with my least favorite thing at a restaurant--unnecessary conversation that adds to the wait time. The ambiance is also not my favorite. It's too loud in there. The music could be a touch lower--I'm there to eat, not be at the club--and the top notch cooks in the back yell a lot. I will say that the yelling appears to keep them upbeat, positive, and motivated; I see the value in it, yet it's the reason I get delicious chicken to go. They have a clean bathroom, a parking lot in back, and some of the best chicken in the Greater Los Angeles area. My mouth waters when I even begin to think about going there. Also, I believe the times to avoid the long waits would be weekdays until about 3 PM ish.

    The Sando mild fries and an extra chicken strip mild...
    Bruce R.

    Once again Howlin' Ray's killing the chicken sandwich game, absolutely amazing grub and the customer service is A1++++ man this place has it all. I want to thank Jay and Rodrigo for the amazing customer service they provided us with, other restaurants need to take notes. This place was jamming with customers but the line kept moving. HOWLIN' RAY'S you guys are knocking this game out the Ballpark tonight. Live everything about HOWLIN' RAY'S. Thanks to everyone at Howlin' Ray's for the great experience...

    chicken sandwich (medium)
    Erin K.

    The best hot chicken! The chicken is so juicy. The mild is a good heat level (although I think can be hotter), the medium is too hot imo if I got them as tenders. The french fries are a big portion so they are definitely shareable! The only con is you have to pay extra for sauce, but the comeback sauce is pretty yummy! The service there is amazing, the workers are so friendly and were asking if I needed anything. The restaurant itself is super fun, the bathrooms have disco balls and they have Aesop soap! Overall, amazing and will be coming back again! Also they have pebble ice!!

    Menu
    AndyMike E.

    We visited on a slightly rainy Saturday, 4/26/26, and it was excellent. The line is usually 45+ minutes and wraps around the building, into the parking lot. Because of the precipitation, we only waited about 20 minutes. The restaurant is a well oiled machine with all of the staff working in sync. The cashier was super friendly, offering samples of chicken for folks unsure of the spice level to order or of the beer on tap. We ordered the Tenders entree with the option to have a different spice level for each of the three tenders...but I made all three medium spice. My husband ordered The Sando at a medium spice level. And we each ordered Shake Fries - very crispy and well seasoned crinkle cut fries. Pro tip, order a Tennessee Tang dipping sauce - ranch with dill, super yummy. The medium is the perfect spice level for us - enough heat for flavor and to water the nose a bit. There is a Medium Plus that gives me the hiccups and I won't go any hotter. The space is polished concrete floors, half booths along the windows across the pick up counter, and tables long the windows facing Arroyo Parkway. The parking lot is way too tiny, so we usually don't bother and just park on the street. This place is worth the wait and definitely eat at the restaurant so it's hot and fresh. They have an exclusive delivery partner, Postmates, but usually delivery takes too long where the food isn't as fresh or hot.

    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!

    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

    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!!!

    THE SANDO
    Pawan S.

    This sandwich was amazing perfect spice level I just wish there was more sauce. They claim it comes with sauce inside but I didn't get much overall still super good 9/10. But for how expensive it is idk if I'll be coming back anytime soon. 21$ for a sandwich and a drink is lowkey devious. The service was super chill and very enthusiastic. The inside is cool too I like the art and design all over.

    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

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    Hands down the best ! Service food and ambiance. Always a recommendation and favorite.

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    Page 10 of 34

    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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    Had to pay this place a visit after seeing it featured on the local news. Sundays there open from…read more12p - 4p. Got there about 1:15p and there were about 5 or 6 small groups in front of us. The word spread that they were already out of sweet potato pie and green beans! We eventually found ourselves at the counter to order. Hubby ordered GG's Combo Plate, and I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. GG'S was outstanding! Mac n cheese - yum! Potato salad - yum! The pulled pork was flavorful except it's on a hamburger bun with the meat on the bottom bun served open faced. When I put the top bun on and picky up the sandwich the bottom fell apart due to it soaking up the drippings. It came with a side of cole slaw but it was missing flavor. We shared a peach cobbler - Wow, so delicious! I could've and should've eaten a whole one by myself. The pulled pork sandwich isn't discouraging me from going back. It'll be a reason to try something else. Bring your patience!

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    Gus's Barbecue

    Gus's Barbecue

    4.1(3.1k reviews)
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    My husband has been wanting to try Gus's Barbecue and, when finally presented with the opportunity,…read morewe only had one regret after our meal; not visiting sooner. We placed a large takeout order and everything from the service to all of our food was amazing. Some of my favorite items we ordered included the - Cast Iron Cornbread - Ribs and Two Meat Combo - Gus's Famous Burger The cornbread was divine, especially with that honey butter . Definitely a solid appetizer, but complemented the main dishes perfectly. The meats were prepared well; tender and flavorful. The bbq sauces paired well and merely elevated each of the meats. Gus's Famous Burger was one of my favorite burgers I've had recently. Ordered the potato salad as my side and couldn't have been more satisfied. I'd recommend any of these items if you're on the fence. I think it's important to review that we had all of this as a takeout order, so I can only imagine how much more delicious this would be if we dined in and ate everything right away. Gus's Barbecue is definitely going to be a repeat visit for us. There's so much more we want to try off of their menu. Can't wait to come back soon and dine in!

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    I hope this pop-up becomes permanent! I came here on a Saturday evening with a group of eight. The…read morerestaurant is right next to Guisado's and has its own parking lot. The restaurant/building is large with ample seating in and outdoor. We were seated by the bar area in the back. The hostess and servers were all very nice and came back frequently to check on us. We were informed that the menu recently changed and there were more Cajun dishes on the menu so I was really excited. I got the Ruby to drink and gumbo as my entree and shared the biscuit. I originally planned on getting my own biscuit but was then told that they were quite big so the table ended up sharing. My partner got the squash ribbons. The Ruby almost tasted like just juice so it's easy to drink. Very fruity and summery. The biscuit, we were too excited to eat it and didn't get a picture but it was hot, large, soft, and very comforting. The gumbo was great! It's a very filling dish and was seasoned perfectly. My partner's squash ribbons were very well seasoned with bright, citrusy flavors. It would be perfect on a hot day. The table also got hoe cake, Mac n cheese, corn, and collard greens. Hoe cakes were new to me and they were delicious. It's like a pancake but tasted more corn-y to me. It had a blueberries and pico on top. Greens were very well seasoned and tasty. The Mac n cheese was good but not amazing. All in all, a very filling and satisfying dinner. Would definitely go back for more!

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    Louisiana Fried Chicken - Shrimp, 4 pc chicken, coleslaw

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    Louisiana Fried Chicken was recommended by my friend Cindy S. My wife is a fried chicken…read moreenthusiast, and we're always on the hunt for the best. While my wife prefers Jollibee, I found the fried chicken here to be seasoned well and cooked perfectly, though it was a bit salty for both of us. The service was excellent; the young lady at the counter was incredibly patient with my indecisiveness. Thankfully, we arrived before the lunch rush. The fries were good and crispy, but the fried shrimp, while okay with cocktail sauce, weren't the best quality and I wouldn't order them again. Overall, I enjoyed the fried chicken more than Jollibee, but my wife felt differently. I would definitely return for their chicken.

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    Have been coming here for years and that I've personally tried, most thoughtful version of Cajun…read morefood I've had outside of Nola! Have been to several across LA and several have closed down which goes to show you the fact that this place can survive how good their food is. - Shrimp Pan roast (best flavor of pan roast sauce outside of Nola I've had, wish they were a little more generous with the toppings, only had 4 Shrimp) 4/5 - Roasta (think pan roast but with pasta, generous portion and toppings) 5/5 - Cheesy Shrimp & grits (if you're a mac and cheese kind of person, you can't miss out on this) 5/5 - happy hour oysters ( I know these are meant to be not the best quality since it's happy hour but these oysters were so microscopic) 3/5 Ordering in is obviously good but doing delivery service is just as good

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    Joyce

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    4.2(687 reviews)
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    Family-owned & operated

    My friend and I discovered Joyce two years ago and we have been back for both brunch and dinner…read moreseveral times since. It never disappoints! I couldn't believe I'd never reviewed it before so I wanted to do so following another delicious brunch at Joyce today. From the moment we sat down, the service was impeccable. Our table never lacked for tea, water, coffee, etc. Foster took great care of us (and shout out to Nick who's also provided amazing service to us there). The Bloody Mary was the first thing to blow my mind. It was absolutely delicious and maybe my new favorite Bloody Mary in LA. It made me wish I'd Ubered. But I also had some wonderful hot, Earl Grey tea. I love how they present it to the table. We covered a lot of ground and no notes. We had the caviar with crème fraîche and truffle kettle chips, a seafood platter that , the fried green tomatoes - which I will order every time I'm there, and the Dungeness crab and rock shrimp Benedict. The dining room itself is beautiful--comfortable, stylish, and inviting. When you look around the room there, it feels like every table in there is celebrating something. In a city overflowing with brunch options, it's surprisingly rare to find a place where the food, service, atmosphere, and pacing all work together so seamlessly. It was one of those meals that reminds you why dining out can still feel special.

    SOUL FOOD - I came to Joyce on a whim when I visiting LA and it was truly a cute find in DTLA!!…read moreIt's right by a Whole Foods so there is free parking nearby !! I sat by the bar and had some shrimp and collard greens and a drink ! Everything tasted good just smaller portions !! They service was good . There were other patrons ! It was a cute vibe and look forward to coming back soon .

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    Joyce
    Joyce - Crab Claw

    Crab Claw

    Joyce

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    Holy Saints - Barnyard Bolognese

    Holy Saints

    4.6(204 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    LATE REVIEW…read more Finding little neighborhood gems when it comes to food has always been an exciting experience for me. Having family alongside makes the journey more special. We chose Holy Saints to announce our baby's gender with our parents and we had an amazing time during our intimate dinner here. The restaurant's ambiance was the perfect combination of homey and inviting. It is a smaller place and the number of tables are limited so I highly suggest making a reservation when dining here. During our dinner, it was a bit difficult to have a full blown conversation as the place was packed with guests when we came plus the loud background music that was playing the whole night. Service and food were nothing but amazing! Their menu is very limited. Maybe not everyone will appreciate that, but I think it is more intentional on what is being served to the table. Our highlight of the night was the Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Magret Au Poivre for sure. It was so tender on the inside and crispy on the outer edges! We never had a meal like that elsewhere and we will for sure be back just because of it.

    Got together with friends for an overdue dinner at Holy Saints on a Saturday evening. Made a…read morereservation for 7:15 and got seated quickly (didn't have to wait for the other couple). I ordered the bread plate and the BBQ butter was unique and really good. Friends ordered the griddle cakes and potato appetizers, both very good and decent portion sizes. For dinner my husband got the lamb (because they were out of the catch of the day which he was looking forward to), I got the pasta without prosciutto, friends got the shrimp and grits (head on shrimp hard to manage when they are covered in sauce but it was very tasty) and he got the same pasta dish as me with the prosciutto. We all agreed the food overall was better than good. The service felt strange. We were greeted with a friendly smile but once we started ordering dinner and made a joke about wanting to make a substitution (which we knew ahead they don't do) it felt like things changed. Maybe it was earlier when one of us asked if they could close the front door because it was drafty and cold (no they can't close the front door). Can't quite put a finger on it. Our reservation was at 7:15. By 8:30 the place was empty except for us. We were finishing up but weren't done. We weren't offered a dessert menu but instead they started putting up the chairs and by 8:45 they turned some of the lights off. They close at 9 but it was obvious they all wanted to get things closed up so we got our check and left. Overall, $250 for 4 people produced a tasty meal for each of us but in Pasadena where we have a LOT of choices we probably won't be back. Especially when a place states "no substitutions" and they also won't accept any requests for meat to be cooked to a certain temp. To me that seems to indicate the kitchen staff is either handcuffed, or they are unable to act on the fly if someone needs to make a change or wants their meet cooked medium well. I want to 100% enjoy my meal and experience when I go out and spend good money and Holy Saints wasn't that for me.

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    Holy Saints - Dining on the patio

    Dining on the patio

    Holy Saints - Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes

    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes

    Holy Saints - Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes

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    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes

    Howlin' Ray's - southern - Updated June 2026

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