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I think Howlin Rays is still one of the top places for hot chicken. The chicken is tender juicy and flavorful no matter what piece of the bird you order. The sandwich is still my favorite thing to order but chicken wings as you can see are pretty large as well and make for a filling meal. One order of fries is large enough to share and the Mac salad was creamy and dill forward. It definitely helps to cool down the mouth. If you like spicy but still want to be able to taste your food try ordering a "medium plus". For me medium doesn't give me the kick that I want and hot makes me feel like the chef in the back was mad at me. Medium plus is the perfect in between. Once you order a worker will keep an eye out for an open table and let you know where to sit. Yes this service is necessary so they can be sure that people without food aren't saving seats ahead of time. It isn't the coolest (temperature wise) inside so you'll see a lot of people sweating as they enjoy their food but just mind your business, they probably ordered the wrong heat level and are fighting a battle you don't want to know about. 9/10 times there will always be a line so be prepared to wait. I have yet to find out what the sweet spot is where there isn't a line but you've been warned. Rain or shine though they do provide umbrellas and they're usually at the front entrance or you can just ask a worker.
Howlin' Ray's is always a top spot for a solid Southern-style chicken sando. The chicken is perfectly crispy around the edges while staying juicy and tender inside, and the combination of pickles and coleslaw gives the sandwich an amazing balance of flavor and texture. I also got the shake fries, vinegar slaw, and their special sauce, and I'm glad I did--the sauce complemented the sando really well, while the sides rounded out the meal nicely. The staff was friendly, the food was great, and even though there's almost always a line, it's still a great experience. I also appreciate the little touches, like Aesop soap in the restroom and complimentary still and sparkling water on the side. Definitely worth the wait!
After seeing the line, I was tempted to walk away and try again later. But honestly, the line ended up being part of the amazing experience at Howlin Ray's. If you're willing to wait in line for some hot chicken, turns out you might have other things in common. We met so many great people in line and the restaurant provides umbrellas for the heat and came out with waters for people waiting in line. From then, we were already sold. But then came the food- omg the food!! I've had Nashville hot chicken before so I'm always a little skeptical of hot chicken places not in Nashville claiming to be the best... but the Sando (got it in mild) was perfection! Loved the tenders too. My 7-year old had to get no spice and still found it flavorful. Beware though if you don't like spice- the fries are spicy. Don't skip on the banana pudding. This southern girl fully approves! Service was literally top notch! There wasn't a single employee we met who we didn't instantly want to be best friends with! How does this place attract so much great service?! My 10-year old says this was a "10 out of 10 stars" and "worth the wait"! I agree! Bravo Howlin!
Small parking lot or street parking available! There is often a wait so the lot is always full, especially shared with Sidecar Doughnuts right next door. On a Sunday evening at about 6:30 PM, it was about a 20 min wait for us. We got two chicken sandwiches (mild) and an order of fries! Both hit the spot and the fries were nicely seasoned. Workers are all so friendly! We came with our pup and dined in their small outdoor patio. One of the workers got our pup a piece of chicken and ice water!
I'm back! Best part, no wait. The Tenders are so tasty! The spice, the crunch, and the chicken. My friend salivated thinking about it. It was a hot day and what better way then to have no lines when we went!!!!! Thank you for that Southern Customer Service!! Always a vibe at the Howlin' Rays and Juce holding down the Fort!!
From the first time I had The Sando at The Hundreds Family Style Food Festival VIP area back in 2019, I have loved their food. No matter how long the lines were in Chinatown and the rush to order online as we waited for a time slot to open just to be able to have their food delivered during the store closures of COVID, we have never been able to find a hot chicken that can match their quality and flavors. We happened to be at Stone Brewing Tap Room in Pasadena and were getting hungry as we were enjoying the brews there and didn't want to leave. Enter Postmates! We ordered and received our food in approximately 20 minutes. All the food arrived hot, fresh and delicious! If you want to skip the line as they can be long at times, consider Postmates as it's super convenient and you'll receive your order with the same quality you would expect from eating at the restaurant. Also, this was the first time we ordered their banana pudding and it was delicious! Don't forget to order a couple of sides of their Comeback Sauce. It's to die for! It's the perfect dipping sauce for their crispy fries!
I've passed by Howlin Rays numerous times. Often times I was short on time and unwilling to wait in the long lines they attract. Howlin in Pasadena is one of the few establishments that commands a long line aside for some bakeries like Slated Butter, Artsinal Goods by Carr. Parking is hard to find and I had to park one at shake shack on a Friday afternoon. The main parking lot is shared with sidecar donuts. I kind of scratch my head that Side Car donuts is not as popular as Howlin, when it's easily the best donut shop in town. I ended up waiting about 30 minutes in line, when I came at a somewhat off peak time. I had my eye on the Luis Style Sando so I ordered that. Think of it as part grilled cheese sandwhich and Nashville hot chicken. I ordered mild which had only a minimal kick to it. The sandwhich was delicious, the bread was perfectly toasted, nice melted cheese. What really stood out for Howlin than other fried chicken places was the slaw. There was something about that slaw that tasted better than any other hot chicken sandwhich I tasted. All together the sandwhich was delicious, got to order Luis style all the time now if I'm in the mood for a sandwich. Ambiance is very hip hop music and a hip setting. Seating can be limited when there are crowds. As much as I didn't want to believe they hype the acclaim is well deserved depending upon what you order.
I thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere and friendly service. The sando was surprisingly good. Next time, I want to try their tenders because the chicken alone was delicious. For the spice level, we went with medium, which was not that spicy. Next time I'd definitely want to go up a level for a stronger kick. That said, the wings did not skimp on seasoning but for me personally, just a bit salty. The fries were fresh and tasty but more delightful with the sauce they provided. I appreciated the hard kombucha on tap. It was so perfect on a hot afternoon. I'd actually come back just for the kombucha and vibes ... and more pins and stickers!
Howlin' Ray's is always a vibe from the music to the friendly customer service. I visited on a Friday evening and while there was a line, it was totally worth it. I ordered a Sando with cheese and it was really good! You can taste the quality of the chicken and the fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. If you are dining in, they will help you find a table. Parking can be a little tricky since the parking lot is small, but I was able to find street parking nearby. Definitely worth checking out!
Dare I say the best Nashville style hot chicken sandwich I've ever had?! The chicken rub had such flavorful spices that gave the spiciness depth. Medium was perfect for me (mostly cayenne and jalapeño spices). We also tried the secret medium+ level (adds a bit of habanero) and it felt like a pretty unexpected jump in spice that had us sweating, but it hurt sooo good. Their chicken is way bigger, not to mention juicier, crunchier, and a lot more flavorful than their popular chain counterparts/competitors. The slaw was tasty and the comeback sauce was tangy, slightly sweet, and cut through the spice well. Fries were well seasoned and crispy. Line was out the door, but for good reason! You order at the register and then an employee seats you as soon as a table is available. It's an organized suParking can be a bit difficult to find in the lot behind the restaurant. Incredibly friendly service too, from the kind employee at the register helping us decide between heat levels to the hospitable employees checking in on us once we got our food.
I've always wanted to try this place because of all these great reviews, and it did not disappoint. I ordered The Sando. When I unwrapped the sandwich, I was like "Damn!! That's a huge breast". It was really big and juicy and flavorful. It wasn't greasy and messy. I got it medium heat, and it was pretty hot. I was going to order hot, but they convinced me that since it's my first time I should go with medium. It was a good call because I want to enjoy my food and not be on the toilet all night. I also got the shake fries and those were really delicious. They were fresh and the spice that they use is so good. I took my order to go and when I was driving home, I ate all the fries. I got there a little bit after they opened, and the line wasn't too long. For parking there's a small lot in the back, shared with other businesses. The inside is very clean, and I like the vibe of the place. Their customer service is exceptional. I felt so welcomed and taken care of. When I was ordering they were so helpful in explaining the menu and recommending what I should try. When I was waiting for my food, the person getting the food out to people was very friendly and checking in on me as I waited for food. Took about like 15 minutes. They do take their time and I appreciate that. They were being very precise with the orders and how they pack it and get it ready for the customer. The kitchen is very quiet it's like the opposite of "The Bear". I will definitely come back again.
We stopped by after the lunch rush, but there was still a pretty long line outside. Thankfully the staff had umbrellas available for guests waiting in the heat, which was really thoughtful. We ended up waiting about 20-30 mins, and it was well worth it. Ordering was quick and easy, and the staff was incredibly friendly. They generously offered samples of the Hot, X-Hot, and Howlin' spice levels, which made it easy to decide what to order. The chicken sandwich was huge, juicy, and packed with flavor. The fried chicken was delicious as well, but the tenders ended up being our favorite item on their menu because the chicken felt less dry. They were perfectly crispy, tender, and full of flavor. Highly recommend the comeback sauce and ranch!! What really made this place stand out was the customer service. Everyone was genuinely kind, welcoming, and eager to help, making the entire experience even better. Between the incredible food and outstanding hospitality, this is definitely a place we'll be coming back to.
Food: - Tenders: good fry and flavor; if you can handle it I recommend getting the medium spice over the mild, you can taste more of the nashville spice Ambiance: - Limited parking, long lines - They need to work on optimizing their flow! We waited more than an hour in line and for our food. They only serve chicken, what is the holdup?
The hype is real. Hands down, without a shadow of a doubt, the best fried chicken you will ever have. Honestly it is not even close, so juicy and tender on the inside, and so crispy and packed with flavor on the outside. No idea how they do it but it is life changing fried chicken. The service is also extraordinary, they have umbrellas to protect you from the sun while waiting in line that always extends outdoors. The staff are so charismatic and friendly, and they have an efficient system to seat customers. read more
Always such a great experience at Howlin' Ray's. Customer service is amazing and workers are always around to help clear tables to help guests find a seat. Food is definitely worth it since portions are big and it always comes out hot and fresh. My favourite item on the menu is the chicken and waffles. 10/10 read more
6 months ago
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. read more
5 days ago
4 months ago
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! read more
3 days ago
6 months ago
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. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
2nd time here while also taking the train so that is a huge plus that it is walking distance from the station! The chicken was so delicious and flavorful as always and I tried Howlin spice this time and wow it was intense! This location has the best employees and are so communicative and helpful. I've always had a great experience here even when it's busy!! read more
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. read more
Seriously the best Nashville-style hot chicken ever. The menu is fairly simple and straightforward. There are 6 various levels of heat, including "Country" which has no heat at all. I usually stick with Mild, as this is the perfect amount of heat for me. Medium is already too spicy for me. My husband, on the other hand, prefers Country, which is still delicious. My go-to here is The Sando, which contains a humongous piece of boneless chicken breast, slaw, comeback sauce, and pickles inside 2 butter buns. The chicken is so flavorful and juicy, while the slaw creates a wonderful cooling effect, and the sauce adds a mouthwatering richness. The crinkle-cut shake fries are super delicious to eat on the side. They have a bold, peppery seasoning that pairs perfectly with the hot chicken. The portion is quite big as well, making it great for sharing. As for the Chicken & Waffles, I thought this was just ok. I personally am not a big fan of this combination. I do like that you can choose the types of chicken pieces to have with the waffle, whether it's the breast & wing, leg & thigh, 3 tenders, or 3 wings. The chicken was fried perfectly with a crispy exterior and tender interior. If it's available, I recommend getting the banana pudding as a sweet dessert. It is the perfect treat to have after eating some hot chicken. The taste is sweet and creamy, with the perfect balance of banana and vanilla flavors. The service here is exceptional, with all the employees being high-energy and friendly. For obvious reasons, this restaurant has long lines and is packed with customers. The wait times are reasonable and even surprisingly fast, considering how popular it gets. Parking could be difficult during peak hours. read more
Honestly, I'm not really a Nashville hot chicken kind of person, but Howlin' Ray's does deserve 5-stars for being the definitive standard that pioneered and popularized it here in LA. The technique is picture perfect consistent, as you'd expect from the chef that came up working at Nobu Matsuhisa's Nobu, and Thomas Keller's Bouchon (and I will say, Keller's fried chicken recipe for Bouchon and Ad Hoc are among my top 5 for fried chicken). I've had a lot of Nashville hot chicken, but none have been really able to match Howlin' Ray's for quality. Every bite, from the fried chicken to fries are so crisp. I don't even like crinkle cut fries that much (nor am I that much a fan of shake seasoning), but I wolfed down every last piece. Crisp but fluffy to the center. Most places will fry their chicken piece by piece, but their "quarter chicken" is like one big chunk fried together. Rather than a "breast" or "leg," you get one-wing attached to the breast, or leg attached to the thigh. One big glorious cluster of fried chicken. Hot spicy chicken that will burn your lips with a scorchy kiss, crisp skin that you can really sink your teeth into until it meets that hot, moist, meaty flesh. And it pairs well to either of their sauces, like their tangy red ketchup worcestshire blend the likes Cane wishes he could raise that kind of luscious hell, and a in-house buttermilk ranch style sauce that goes heavy on the dill. And the waffles are really good! Hate to say it, but both the chicken and the waffles are better than the 'scoe's Special I used to get at the now closed Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles on the northern end of Pasadena. But as you can see from the photos, some of the waffle pieces come out incomplete, like they ran out of waffle batter to pour into the waffle iron, leaving the little nooks to be hollowed holes. But the flavor and texture is incomparable. This is my 2nd time coming to Howlin' Ray's, after waiting in line 1 hour in Chinatown during its opening year. It's good, but it wasn't drive through LA traffic, fight for dreaded Chinatown parking, then wait in line 1-hour good. This new location in Pasadena is such an upgrade. It has its own lot, but even when that fills up, street parking is doable. I timed my lunch hour wait, from the line coming out to the outside bench, and it took about 23 minutes total to order then receive my order. If you want to sit, make sure you let them know, as they have their own system to reserve seating for you as it does get very limited. read more
9 months ago
So I finally made it to Howlin' Ray's. I've heard a lot of great things and I made it a mission to go. I was clueless about this location as I always s heard folks talk about the one in LA. So glad they have one outside from the Chinatown area because I always dread finding parking over there. This location does have shared parking. There is also street parking all around. The line was wrapped around the building. But I don't feel like the line went pretty quickly. We ordered fries, tenders, sandwich, breast and banana pudding. There is seating both inside and outside. Not a whole lot, but it looked like a good flow, so as you finished ordering, it seemed like a table became available. All of the staff were super friendly and nice. The restaurant was clean including the restrooms. Now the restrooms was another story. It felt like you just walked into a club. There was a disco ball, lighting, and music. Pretty cool lol Now the food, the food was good, but I don't know, I guess I was expecting something out of this world. Everyone hyped it up, my expectations were very high. But don't get me wrong, the food was delicious. However, the banana pudding was not it. The whipped cream was really bad and the pudding itself just wasn't for me. Not sure if I would stay in line and come back, but I'm glad I tried it and checked it off the list. read more
Made sure to come on a weekday so I could dodge the crowd. There was still definitely a long line but didn't wait as long as I thought I would. One register. Parking was horrible. Parked across the street and walked. All staff I encountered were nice. From the person who took my order, the one bussin the tables, and the one who called my number and handed me my food were all hospitable. Ordered: Chicken & Waffles $18, The Sando (medium) $14, shake fries $5, and the banana pudding $7 Chicken & waffles and The Sando were both really good. I can see how this is one of the best chicken sandwich places out there. Chicken was a good size and very juicy which made it super flavorful. Fries and banana pudding were just ok. Would not get either one again. read more
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! read more
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 the chicken game outta the Ballpark. Love everything about HOWLIN' RAY'S. Thanks to everyone at Howlin' Ray's for the great experience... read more
3 months ago
We brought a group of six to Howlin' Rays on Father's Day and it lived up to expectations. Since my only real comparison for authentic hot chicken is Hattie B's in Nashville, I did a little research before ordering. I heard that Howlin' Rays runs a bit hotter than Hattie B's, so I adjusted accordingly and went with the Mild Plus. It was the perfect call. It gave me the exact amount of kick I wanted without losing any of the flavor. Our group tried a range of spice levels from the zero heat Country chicken up to the Medium. The people who got the Medium said it was really good and hits that great sweet spot of high heat and excellent flavor. We ordered a mix of the sandos and the chicken tenders, and everyone was incredibly happy with their meal. They do have chicken and waffles on the menu, though nobody in our group ended up trying that this time around. For sides, we got the fries, coleslaw, and the collard greens that were all good. My best advice is to get there early because a line definitely picks up. If you are looking for solid hot chicken in the area, definitely try to Howlin' Rays. read more
9 months ago
Popped in on a Saturday for lunch, line was out the door. (took appx. 25m.) We've had Howlin' before and came for the weekend (only) waffles. Hot or Not? Waffles & Wings: 5/5 bites The wings are crisp well seasoned in the infamous Howlin heat, level Med. spicy nice kick, but still enjoyable, and juicy. The waffles with the whipped butter and syrup, delicious. ($18) Hot!! Tender: 3/5 spice level Hot, was spicy but good, great consistency with the chicken and good flavor but carries an intense kick. Clear difference between the Med and Hot. ($4.5) Shake fries: Their seasoned crinkle fries. Comeback Sauce: Delicious. Cold water on tap for your convenience, they also offer beers clean restrooms, once you order they will seat you at the next available table. you cannot reserve a table while you wait the employees will designate you after your order is placed. We sat outside and it was warm. The line didn't appear that long of a wait or we wouldn't have waited as we've had Howlin' before and Was it worth the wait? No. (This is compared to the DTLA location, much smoother) Would likely not return to this location. read more
24 days ago
Sando medium heat was good but not sure why it wasn't hitting like it usually does taste wise but look how big the chicken sticks out from the bun. Maybe tastes better when there's a long line because there wasn't a line when we went lol Fries were the crinkle cut fries with their special seasoning! Crispy and tasty. Should have gotten the banana pudding dessert- next time! read more
This sandwich was amazing perfect spice level I just wish there was more sauce. They claim it comes with sauce inside but I didn't get much overall still super good 9/10. But for how expensive it is idk if I'll be coming back anytime soon. 21$ 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. read more
8 months ago
Oh. My. Gawd! Their chicken is finger lickin good!!!! The wait is worth it so don't let the long line wrapped around their parking lot discourage you. I promise it's worth it. The chicken tenders? Juicy and tender. The chicken wings - fried the mild and it had the perfect level of spice. It's crispy on the outside and juicy inside / like it can't get any better!!!! The restaurant itself is welcoming and the service is genuinely friendly!! They have limited tables and it can fill up pretty quick so getting it to go may not be a bad idea Tip: park across the street if it's super busy :) read more
First time I ate Howlin' Ray's was at the L.A. Times Gold 101 2017 event at the MacArthur, née the Park Plaza Hotel. There, the Howlin' Ray's crew was cheerfully manning their portable frier. At that time, the original downtown L.A. eatery had lines where a wait of over an hour was usual. I got my fried chicken wing in about 5 minutes. Now 8 years later, I had a similar experience at the Pasadena branch in terms of avoiding long lines by coming at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon. There is a parking lot and street parking. The building formerly housed the old school Adohr Milk Farm with the old signage still retained as an homage. If you are handicapped, use the back patio entrance since you will have to climb some steep azz steps up to the order counter using the front door. I was super blown away by the exceptional service, thoughtfulness, upbeat attitude of the staff that is so unusual in a fast food "joint". It is such a feel good place that makes the already good food better. Howlin' Ray's chicken is probably as good as it's going to get in Los Ángeles. Only place that may beat it was Danny's in Woodville, Mississippi near the border to Cajun-Créole Southern Louisiana where their aromatic spice mix is so enticingly alluring. 1) My guess is that this chicken may be brined in buttermilk, then slowly steamed till it gets close to falling off the bone. Then battered and fried with the special, herbed coating that crunches up to add rough texture to the luscious, meaty, slightly gamey & fatty, Jidori chicken-like meat. When you order it more "spicy", a dry red chile, perhaps tomato powder is heavily sprinkled for a bit of kick & more Umami. Two slices of bread, that you can make into a chicken sandwich, act like a cushion under the half chicken, and sliced cucumber pickles act as a palate refresher. 2) Banana Pudding is special with a soft, velvety, slightly gooey, comforting mouthfeel. The very ripe banana slices augment to the fruity, plush feel. The accompanying vanilla wafers make it feel like a down home American Tiramisù. If at home, I would drizzle in some Amaretto di Saronno, Grand Marnier, or Frangelico to add more sensory excitement. 1-2a) Canned Peach Iced Tea unsweetened. They don't have the all you can drink soda dispenser, but do have one that puts out crushed ice to put in the provided cup. Great fried chicken with piquancy that stimulates releasing endorphins and a fantastic crew who are so helpful and hospitable. I am stoked and impressed, and honored to give 5+ stars for service above and beyond the call of duty!!! read more
Howlin' Ray's definitely lives up to the hype. The food is really good, and the service is excellent from start to finish. Yes, expect a long line, but they do a great job taking care of customers while you wait. They even provide umbrellas, which is a huge plus so you're not standing in the sun and getting burned before you even eat. We ordered the Sando and the Chicken & Waffles, and both were fantastic. The chicken was super juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. For the Sando, we chose the Hot heat level--and honestly, it was too hot for us to handle. We let the staff know, and they were incredibly kind and replaced the Sando with a milder heat level as a courtesy, which really says a lot about their customer service. Tip for first-timers: You don't need to jump straight to Hot. You can order Medium with different spice levels, which gives you plenty of flavor without overwhelming heat. Overall, amazing food, thoughtful service, and a great experience despite the wait. We'd absolutely come back--just with a little less heat next time. read more
1 month ago
This place is ALWAYS worth the wait. The fries are my favorite but the sando and fries with the lemonade read more
Finally tried try the famous howlin rays hot chicken in Pasadena! Very delicious and friendly service. Prepare for a long wait especially on weekends. Waited close to an hour and 30 minutes on a sat evening, and this length might deter me from making another trip here. I would still recommend trying the food here, and if the opportunity arises in the area, I would grab this again. If you're dining in, once you've ordered, a server will help you find a table during busy hours. Ordered the chicken and waffles $18 with quarter chicken (leg+thigh because dark meat). You can get urs with pickles and bread at no extra charge and I recommend it as it balances out the spiciness. The seasoning here is amazing but do be careful, I tried medium spicy but the heat is def there. Tt's probably a level hotter here than elsewhere as u can feel the spice in tummy after. The waffles were very fluffy and fresh. It is also very bougie here with crushed ice and sparkling water dispenser, disco ball in the bathrooms, and free stickers/postcards/buttons/swag to grab. It's def an experience. There is a parking lot but it may back get packed during busy hours. Did I mention disco ball in bathroom??? read more
1 month ago
They have amazing customer service. Amazing food, Thank you, the potions is very big. Make sure you're not going to order too much going read more
I can't believe I never had Howlin' Ray's so this is my first ever experience and I wasn't disappointed. For this location, there's a small parking lot but gets full very quick, recommended to park next door or other plazas close by. Moderate amount of tables inside & outside. Service here is very active and very friendly. My wife and I waited in line for about 20 minutes just to order. I would think that the ordering line would move quickly but noticed that the staff taking orders would conversate with every single person ordering after their order was taken, which of course held up the line a bunch. Not a bad thing but I would imagine that customers would like to get their food quickly and move the line as fast as possible. Love that their menu is easy to figure out, plenty of options along with some disclaimers on level of spice, including signing a waiver for their hottest level of spice. Our order: 2x THE SANDO (Country + Mild) $28 ($14 each) 1x Chicken & Waffles $18 1x Shake Fries ($5) 1x Banana Pudding $7 Total = $58 + 10.50% Sales Tax = $64.09 Grand Total I definitely underestimated the size of THE SANDO (Chicken Sandwich) because oh my goodness this is one huge sandwich. I was already pretty fulfilled after eating it. Very well made, cooked to perfection, and definitely one of the most delicious chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Super tender, not tough, and juicy. MUST TRY. The Shake Fries were a surprise to me. They were absolutely jaw dropping delicious. Although a bit salty, they were firm and crunchy but also had a soft feeling to it. They were the perfect fries to compliment the meal. Also a MUST TRY menu item. The Chicken and Waffles were decent, waffles were soft and mixes pretty well with the chicken. Not a must try item but I had to get this to compare to other shops that sell Chicken & Waffles. Banana Pudding was of course, the last on the try list. Was told that this item is a set item that sells out daily, not obtainable after stock is done for the day which gave me the impression that it's a popular item. Love the banana pieces and definitely a very sweet treat. A very nice item to cleanse your palate after the meal. Very happy that my wife showed me Howlin' Ray's as I'm very excited to visit again. The sandwiches are the definitely the stand out here, very delicious and very well made. read more
1 month ago
Okay this line is always out the door around the block so I passed by it on a rainy day and voila no line so I went in because it's so rare! I wish I was hungrier because I would have loved to try more. The hype is real and deserved Also everyone working there was so nice and helpful. read more
Heard great things and agree, fun atmosphere, great food! There was a line at 1:00 on a Saturday but moved quickly. Rodrigo was our cashier, vet friendly and answered all our questions without a rush. Asked about different on tap beers, offered samples. Asked about mild vs medium, gave us a sample! The Sando was so good, didn't alter ingredients! Only thing I would change is going medium instead of mild. Look forward to going back! read more
Finally made it to Howlin Rays after years and years, and there's still a line but on a weekday during lunch we didnt wait more than 30 min, and it slowed after the peak lunch rush Service is great, everyone is so friendly ---hot chicken sandwich: the breading is crispy, medium spicy wasnt too bad, some heat but good flavor! I do feel the chicken could be just a tad jucier but otherwise solid ---fries: nice crinkle cut which pairs well with the sandwich ---homemade ranch: loving the heavy use of dill in this! read more
11 months ago
When I told my foodie family fan and mandi that I found some good chicken sandwiches elsewhere, they always laughed and said only Howlin' Rays! After finally trying Howlin' Rays myself, I completely understand why they say so. We decided to visit the Pasadena location instead of the original Chinatown spot since it has a larger, more comfortable dining area. Our first attempt was on a hot summer weekend and the line was incredibly long, parking was impossible, and although the staff kindly provided umbrellas for customers to shield from the sun, we ended up giving up that day. On our second visit during a weekday lunch, the restaurant was still buzzing but much more manageable. We finally got our hands on their famous chicken sandwiches and fried chicken and wow, it truly lived up to the hype! We ordered almost everything on the menu and tried different spice levels: mild, medium, and hot. The chicken sandwich was perfection, crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, and the coleslaw added the perfect crunch and sweetness to balance the heat. The tenders were great too, especially if you want to savor the pure flavor of the chicken itself. But the real surprise for me was the fried chicken, even juicier than the tenders, with an extra layer of crunch and rich flavor from the skin. Absolutely delicious! I also love that they provide a free sparkling water dispenser, such a thoughtful touch, especially when your mouth's on fire from the heat. I can handle the "hot" spice level, but if I want to feel a little better the next day, I'll stick with medium or mild next time. Overall, Howlin' Rays truly deserves its reputation as the #1 hot chicken spot. Every bite was worth the wait, crispy, juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable. A must-try for any fried chicken lover! read more
Ok... I seriously thought this place was going to be hype, but this is for real the best fried chicken I've ever had. I came here on a friday for an early lunch and there was already a small line out the door. The line did take a while to move only because there is only one register and that the customers ask so many questions. The hospitality is insane... all the workers are super nice and extremely friendly. We had to order the chicken sandos, mild, though I feel like you should definitely order medium and a side order of chicken tenders. I've never had such juicy chicken breasts ever. Also, I love the balance of acid with their coleslaw. It's just awesome. Just a tip, order the tennessee tang to dip your chicken in. It's basically a housemade ranch sauce, but it's super good. There's plenty of seating inside and outside. When it gets busy, the staff will help reserve tables so you don't have to fight with people just sitting on tables with no food. read more
9 months ago
I've only tried this place one before and it was during early COVID times, but I recently was in the area and got to experience it again! I got there within the hour it was about to go and it was still so packed but I feel like the line went by in a timely manner. During this visit, I got: 2 sandos (one mild and the other medium), fries, mac salad, and vinegar slaw. I also got their sweet honey mustard (my top choice), tennessee tang (kind of like a zesty ranch), and comeback sauces to try. The sandos had the perfect amount of seasoning and the chicken was nice and crispy without being overwhelming. The fries had a lot of spices that helped elevate the flavor, and they were crunchy! The mac salad is different than an ordinary one, but it wasn't for me; the vinegar slaw on the other hand is what I enjoyed and could also be a good palette cleanser! p.s. Shoutout to Javier for helping me find a seat the day I went even though they were closing within the next 15 minutes! read more
10 months ago
BRO SO GOOD!! I only tried Howlin' Ray's one time and I already know that it's one of the best chicken sandwiches restaurants! I tried The Sando and was completely mind blown. There is just soo much flavor in each bite. The chicken is seasoned so well and filled with a rich but not overwhelming spice. And the coleslaw balances it out perfectly. I will 100% be back! read more
We came at 11:15 on a saturday morning and the wait wasn't too bad, maybe around 30 minutes to get our food? Parking is a bit hard to find in the immediate lot but there's street parking further out. Waffle: 4.5/5 Really light and crispy, if you like that style Fries: 4.5/5 Super fluffy inside and still pretty crispy on the outside. Wish it was maybe a slight bit more crispy on the outside. MILD Chicken sando: 6/5 Easily the best chicken sandwich of my life. Chicken inside was still super moist and juicy, breading was crispy while not being mouth cutting, seasoned perfectly, good amount of sauce, the pickles were a good amount of sour/freshness and the slaw complimented the spiciness perfectly. No improvements to be made on this sandwich. Service is really amazing at this place too - if you need seating they will put you on a list and seat you at the next open table read more
10 months ago
I love chicken and waffles and I've sampled them from the LA classic (you know who) to various street fairs. Howlin Rays provides excellent chicken (frankly absolutely amazing), but they bring nothing original to this combination. The service was friendly and they kindly provided umbrellas while waiting in the long line that wrapped around the building. The seats inside were uncomfortable since they don't want to encourage lingering given the demand. Overall, the food was great, but not sure if it was worth the rushed meal experience. read more
1 year ago
STELLLLLLLAR!! Howlin' Ray's does the entire NHC experience consistently well! There's simply no one better on the West Coast. The food - hot, fresh and flavorful. I'm addicted to those Mario Style Fries! The place - immaculately clean and bright. The crew - super, SUPER friendly, fun and engaging. Reasonably priced for the high quality and generous portions. Parking was easy today, but there was a line (about 40 mins.). Everyone knows the awesome experience ahead -- everyone waited patiently, no complaints, all good vibes. See you again soon! :) read more
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 read more
More info about Howlin' Ray's
800 South Arroyo Pkwy
Pasadena, CA 91105
Directions
(213) 935-8399
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https://howlinrays.com
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Ask the Community - Howlin' Ray's
How long is the wait?
We're at about 15-20 mins at 2:15PM today! You can also always text us at 213.935.8399 for current line updates throughout the day. - Amanda
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 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!
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Howlin' Ray's - southern - Updated September 2026
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