Howlin' Ray's
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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!!
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!
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?
Everyone agrees the food here is legit. Best chicken west of the Mississippi. What they dont mention is the Vibes this place puts off. The employees make this spot extra special. They are professional and helpful. Top tier service all the way. If you see the line good, gwt out of the car and go stand in it. Parking is a challenge so be patient.
When I say this is my favorite fried chicken spot I mean it. Growing up fried chicken has always been my favorite food and now this is my favorite spot. This stuff is so addicting like the spice cannot stop you from eating it. The sauce amazing everything here amazing. The staff super helpful and nice. Every time I go to LA i have to get this. My mouth is watering making this review.
This is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've ever had without a doubt. I've been here a few times now, and all three times I got The Sando. My favorite spice level is Medium. As someone who loves spicy food, I did try the Hot spice level once, and I was warned that it would be pretty hot. Honestly I didn't think it would be that hot. But, it was pretty hot haha. I would say, it was really tasty but the spice was just over the top for me. So I've settled on Medium heat which is perfect. THE SANDO: 5/5 Everything about the Sando is amazing. The chicken is literally fried perfectly and is so juicy. It's a big piece of chicken too, making this sandwich very filling. While my photo doesn't really show it, the sando was perfectly assembled. It never fell apart after every bite which is a big deal! So many times I've had a fried chicken sandwich where you're constantly trying to put it back together after each bite but not this one! This sandwich stayed in tact the entire time. The sauce is AMAZING. Side Note: While I don't think they show it on their menu, they do have ranch as well! FRENCH FRIES: 5/5 French fries were awesome! While I'm not a fan of crinkle cut fries in general, they were still very very good. The seasoning is amazing. Portion is good, and shareable! If you love crinkle cut fries, you will love these fries for sure. CHICKEN & WAFFLES: 5/5 My wife ordered this and said that the waffles were some of the best she's ever had! She got the chicken Medium Spice, but she said next time she will just do Country Spice for this, not because she can't handle the spice but because she felt like spicy fried chicken just didn't pair as well with the waffles. SERVICE / SEATING: 5/5 The service here is SO GOOD! Don't worry about it being busy or having trouble finding a seat! They make sure you get a table! After you order your food, they will find you a table so that you're not fighting for one with other guests. It makes the dining experience so much better than scrambling to try and get a seat. PARKING: 3/5 They have a parking lot, BUT it can get full very easily. If you can't find a spot, just park on the street. DO NOT park in the parking lot next door or else you could get towed. There is always some street parking available and you won't have to walk far honestly.
The chicken tenders was really really delicious. As a non spicy person, I went for the mild level and dipped the chicken in honey. The tenders were juicy, moist, and seasoned well. I now understand why people wait in line for this. The Shake fries were also really good and addicting. I saw a lot of people get the Sando so planning to come back for it next time. Staff and service was excellent. There's a parking lot in the back shared with Sidecar Doughnuts. Side note, could smell the sweet flavor in the air while waiting for Howling.
The chicken sandwich absolutely lived up to the hype. It was crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, so I can definitely understand why this place is so popular. The crinkle-cut fries were good too, though they weren't anything particularly memorable. We also ordered the loaded fries, but I would skip them next time. They were topped with chopped chicken, an abundance of pickles and lettuce, and the toppings ended up making the fries soggy. It felt more like the ingredients from their chicken sandwich had been chopped up and piled onto fries rather than a dish that stood well on its own. The biggest downside was the wait. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and waited close to an hour for our food. The line moved very slowly, so if you're planning to come during peak hours, be prepared for a bit of a wait. Overall, the chicken sandwich (any spice level) is absolutely worth ordering and don't get loaded fries unless you like soggy fries!
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.
3 months ago
Went on a Saturday early dinner for our son's Birthday. They have parking in the back but stays pretty full, so be ready to wait/park in a near by neighborhood. The wait in line wasn't too bad 15-20 min wait but we just beat the dinner rush, so expect the wait time. Great detail, they have umbrella's by the entrance for customers to block sun/rain. The service first off is amazing! Very polite and high energy at this location! They made a special Bday shout out to our son when they found out it was his bday. They do their best to communicate seating and we opted to sit outside on the patio for some air and shade which was great. The music playing was a good plus and the atmosphere was chill and relaxed. It was nice to see the workers interacting and engaged with diners and very accommodating to children and fur babies too. The star though was the chicken! Hands down the best southern style chicken we've had in SoCal. We tried a little bit of everything. The chicken was juicy full of flavor and the spice levels are accurate as described. The portions also are up to par! The crinkle fries weren't over seasoned and cooked to perfection and portion wise 1 basket could feed 3. The sides were good but the collard greens could use more flavor a bit bland, it's was neither sweet nor on the vinegar side. The Mac salad was decent but also a little bland. The chicken sandwich our son loved with the tasty sauce. Highly recommend to any wanting to experience high quality chicken, service and overall good experience. Just expect the wait time be patient and try to time you cost right to avoid the rush. read more
I got the medium tenders as it's usually spicy but this time they weren't that spicy! I wish it had more spice but I know it's supposed to be on the spicier side. The waffles were actually really good. The people working are very nice. Decent amount of seating. I would come back but I do prefer the China town location read more
2 months ago
Visited at around 5 PM on a Friday. I had tried eating here previously, but the line had went around the building so I decided to skip it. This time the line only was around 10 people so I decided to wait. My expectations were very high, because of all of the hype and testimonies from the people around me and social media. I waited around 30 minutes in order to order my food and then another 15 minutes to get my food. The service is absolutely incredible with the cashier taking the time to chat with each and every guest as well as give out free samples and free sauces. You get a table number when you order, and the tables and restaurant itself are very clean and have a very nice ambience. The servers are also walking around, talking to people at tables and those who are waiting for their orders. The cashier gave me a free medium tender to try, because I told him I wasn't sure about the spice levels, and also gave me a ranch on the house. I ordered the three-piece wings on mild spice and a side of shake fries. The fries were not extraordinary but very solid, because they were a little too dry for my taste, but pretty crispy when they had been eaten fresh. The chicken was absolutely INCREDIBLE, with the meat falling off the bone underneath and the crispy skin being fried to perfection. The meat underneath reminds me of the juiciness of a rotisserie chicken a little. if you are a patient person or the line is short enough, I would definitely recommend trying. The service is great, the vibes are amazing and the chicken is delicious. read more
11 months ago
Howlin Ray's graced Pasadena with its second location. It's proven to deliver the same heat, crunch, and lines outside the door. I remember when I used to hear lines for these sandwiches were compared to lines at Disneyland. The crazy thing, I've never been because of those lines! But.. To be honest, I was also a baby about how spicy their chicken is. It almost felt like getting mild would've been a waste in line BUT let's clarify that whatever flavor you get, you're in for a good bite one way or another! I was a newbie up until very recently when my partner decided on a random weekday evening that we should finally make our way to try the infamous chicken shop. We hoped it was so random that there'd be no line and to our satisfaction, no line! To think a random Thursday around 6pm or so that this popular spot would be line-less. However, very soon after as we already began waiting for our order and found some seats outside that the line started picking up in a blink of an eye. We were super happy to beat the rush and cross our fingers that we'd get out of parking smoothly too. As for the verdict of our orders, we got a chicken sandwich and tenders with Medium+ heat, mac salad, and fries. Got some of their beers on tap as well. Thank GOD for everything else but the chicken!... Medium+ definitely got us panting. The creaminess of the mac salad saved us and the beers helped soothed the fire. We thought we would've faired better but each bite felt spicier! Especially on the bites where you didn't realize there was extra seasoning. WE TRIED! I commend us for allowing our first time at Howl to start with a literal bang of flavor. Chicken was juicy and were bigger pieces than I expected. Overall, it was a good first visit that we expected minus how much pricier it actually was but I can finally say I've tried it. Worth crossing off the list on a random weekday hang. Next time though, I will PROUDLY order mild. read more
After all these years, Howlin Rays is still going strong. This Pasadena location is my favorite. The food and service is just as good as the LA shop but the neighborhood is nicer. FOOD I've enjoyed everything I've tried here. Chicken, waffles, sandwiches, fries. My favorite is the Mario Fries because it's easy to eat without getting messy. SERVICE The service is just as good as the food. Everyone here is nice and they really make an effort to give you a good experience. They've also been consistently friendly and helpful each time that I've reached out to them by email. PARKING Small lot (free). Street (limited hrs but free) read more
Despite waiting in line for thirty minutes, the food and the service well made up for the wait! This LA based, Nashville inspired, fried chicken chain created by a couple, has a loyal fan base. The portions are generous. The fried chicken is juicy and the skin perfectly crispy. Most people come for the heat. The first time, I got mild and I couldn't handle it. This time I got the country (original) and it was just right for a spice light-weight like me. The service was exceptional! Julian was friendly, helpful and generous. He offered a complimentary serving of waffles for me to sample since I didn't order them last time. Javier, our server was the same. He stood by our table and shared with us stories of other customer's experiences and explained the different levels of spiciness to us. My partner got the medium, hot and extra hot in three different chicken tenders. He loved them all. I got the sando, and the size of the fried chicken was very generous in proportion to the buns. Their crinkly-cut fries were really good too with some kind of Cajun seasoning. They had a nice kick to them. Their chicken and waffles were unbelievable. The syrup it came with was surprisingly addictive. It was rich in flavor and not water-down. The waffles were thick but not dry. I would definitely come back for their chicken and waffles again. There is a parking lot in the back and also street parking available. There is seating indoor and outdoors. You place your order, are given a number and the server will call your number when a table becomes ready. All in all, this location embodied high energy, generosity, fun and excellent food! It's very rare nowadays to see restaurant people happy at their jobs, and give excellent service. Most of them seem tired and ready to go home, and often times, the food is overpriced. Howlin Ray's at least for tonight was very different and delivered on an exceptional level, and made our dining experience unforgettable! Thank you Julian and Javier for the personalized experience. read more
This place is fire. Best fried chicken I've personally had, but it's just so meaty that it's hard for me to finish my meal (but I'm okay with it since I then get a nice little lunch for tomorrow). The seasoning of the chicken and the fries is just unbeatable. I've dined in and taken out a decent amount now and I couldn't recommend dining in more as the staff inside is so nice and friendly. read more
5 months ago
The service and people here are amazing!!! I was not into the hype bc everyone is doing fried chicken but..... they are servicing here like no other!! The vibe is pop'n!!! Allison (hopefully I spelled it right) is so fun, kind and great customer service great human being! There is a wait... like getting in the club...we waved to the chef .. like hi-5 the DJ! So fun.. we will come back... check out this sauce and peppers... superfan now! Oh about the food: high quality!! Chicken breast is fresh and juicy! My kids ate and tried everything! The flavors are real .. ingredients are fresh.. even bananas pudding - elevated... ww learned a veteran tip from Allison..to put the banana pudding on the waffle---- soooooooo GOOod--- nessss! read more
1 year ago
This the best chicken I've ever had!! They had spice levels of: COUNTRY, MILD, MEDIUM, MEDIUM PLUS, HOT, XHOT, and HOWLIN! Granted I have only tried the mild chicken but that one alone was juicy, flavorful, and crispy. Parking: Parking is limited but you can park across the street and take a short walk to the restaurant. Wait Times: Every time I have came there is always a line out the door. There is not much distance from the cashier to the door so the lines might look intimidating but it's worth the wait! They even provide umbrella for those waiting outside in the sun or rain! My must buy items are the Chicken Sandwich (Sando) & Chicken and Waffles! Customer Service here is phenomenal! The staff is very friendly, attentive and welcoming. And the place is always clean and bumping with music! read more
I've had Howlin Rays as takeout before but never dined in. Went with some friends on a Sunday evening and got in line around 4:30. It took us about 30 min to get up to the counter to order and they were nice enough to hand out umbrellas to shield us from the sun! Cashier was super friendly and helpful with the menu, and there's staff that will help you get a table after you order, which is great, because it was packed in there. My husband and I each got "The Sando" spice level "medium." We also got a "hot" single chicken tender (just to see how hot it was), fries, vinegar slaw, and some extra sauce. I also got a Juneshine hard kombucha. The sandwich was amazing - chicken was perfectly crispy and flavorful and the sandwich was soooo filling. Now, I'm someone that enjoys spicy food in moderation, but I don't challenge myself on eating anything impossibly spicy. Thank god we didn't get anything above medium for our sandwiches because they were the perfect level of heat, and the one hot tender we got was HOT. I had a bite and my mouth was burning for 5 minutes!! The coleslaw was sweet and slightly tangy - kind of bland for my taste, but it was perfect in cutting the heat after a spicy bite. Fries were delicious and cooked perfectly, very generous portion. The honey mustard sauce we got on the side was great and so was the comeback sauce. We paid about $63 between the 2 of us, but that includes my $12 drink. Overall, it's definitely worth the hype. Staff are great, prices are very reasonable, good portion sizes, and the food was excellent. It's annoying having to wait in line, but it's very worth it and is a great value for what you get. Would recommend! read more
11 months ago
I went there on a friend's recommendation. Forst impressions- there was a lone outside the restaurant and it was sunny out. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they offered umbrellas to people outside who were standing in line. I think that is really considerate since they have to have most of the line outside in the sun. Once we got to order, we were gonna order HOT and the cashier asked if we wanted to try it first. We got to try the hot one before we ordered it and I'm thankful cause that was SO spicy for me lol. I ended up getting the medium and it was perfect. At this location, they have the dine-in option. They always make a table available for you once you pay for your order which i also thought was amazing considering they are a fast food place. Overall, i'd go here again to try all the other flavors too!! read more
2 months ago
Howlin rays is definitely one of the best hot chicken spots, the service is great and very friendly, they have someone to take care of seats, and staff to come check on us throughout our stay. chicken was pretty delicious and the fries were good too, i loved coming and trying this experience with my fam. expect at wait tho... sometimes 1hr wait + read more
2 months ago
Do I really need to add to the five star reviews? Most people know this is the benchmark for Nashville chicken sandos. Why else would we wait 45 minutes in line for a chicken sandwich. Sounds silly, right? But it's worth it!!! I don't know how they get such a fat chicken breast so perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without being greasy. It's really an art. Service is always good with the employees fist bumping everyone and they look genuinely happy to work there. That means they have great management. In spite of how busy they are, I can always manage to find a table because they do a good job getting people in and out. read more
It was better than what I remembered! I haven't had Howlin for about few years & I always thought it was good but when I had it again 2 weeks ago, i enjoyed it a lot more! It was a hot day & they offered umbrellas for everyone waiting outside in line. The seating system is pretty efficient & works well. We got the Mario fries & the sandwich, both were great in flavor read more
6 months ago
Howlin' Ray's absolutely lives up to the hype! The chicken was crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, and the spice level was perfect. Friendly staff and a lively atmosphere made it an awesome experience. Easily one of the best hot chicken spots. I'll be back. read more
1 year ago
Came back for a second time and overall a much better experience. Before the positives & negatives, some general thoughts: Service is still phenomenal. Everyone works cohesively as a team to make sure everyone is having a great experience. The store is kept very clean still has a great seating system where everyone coming in is able to sit comfortably. No fighting over seats. Positives: The fries were night and day to my previous experience. Maybe I had an off day? The crisp and seasoning were phenomenal! I got the Quarter Bird this time around & the chicken was mad juicy and the skin was too notch. The crisp remained throughout my entire meal which was very impressive. The Mac Salad had an amazing twist. I believe they incorporate dill which leaves a great aroma that keeps you coming back. Negatives: The Sando. Unlike last time, the edges were crispy which was great, BUT the sando meat was noticeably more dry than last time. If I only got the Sando, I don't believe I would have had a great time. All this to say, Howlin Ray's has a lot of bright spots and maybe its just time for you to try some other things than the Sando. The chicken (bone in) is phenomenal and worth the hype. Enjoy yall~ read more
Came around 3 PM on a weekday and it wasn't too busy, we waited about 15 minutes in line to order at the counter. Parking was a bit tricky, they have small lot but we had to circle a few times before a spot opened up. The inside is bright and welcoming, and the workers are super friendly. We ordered a chicken sandwich and the fried pickles to go, but couldn't resist trying a few bites while they were still hot. The chicken was flavorful and definitely spicy, but not overpowering. The fried pickles were crispy and paired well with the sauce. I'm not the biggest fan of hot chicken, but this was definitely one of the best I've had! read more
1 year ago
Unquestionably THE best Nashville style fried chicken you can get in California. I go out of my way to come here every time I'm visiting Los Angeles. The parking situation is MUCH better than their Chinatown location, so I always opt to go here even if the distance is similar. Usually there's a line out the door, but it moves fairly quickly. Even at peak lunch hour I'm usually at the counter within 30 mins. Once you're done ordering you can talk to the staff member who is organizing seating to also wait for a table, and usually one frees up by the time your order is ready. Their system is efficient, and I've never had issues. Their interior is nicely decorated (go to the bathroom!) and always clean, and their patio is nice as well. I always get chicken tenders a la carte. Their famous spice is no joke, so be wary. I usually opt for mild and it's already plenty flavorful and a little warm. Medium is spicy in a "you will feel it later in the bathroom" kind of way, and hot is too much for me and most of my friends. The scale continues upward but I don't even think about getting those. The fries are good but not a must, a little too salty when paired with the already spiced chicken imo. Their signature sauce is a nice add-on that helps cut through some of the spice. read more
Hands down the best chicken sandwich in socal. I've tried many spots, but I still comeback to howlin rays as their sauce chicken and seasoning are top notch. Their hot is some of the most spicy chicken I've tried. They are also very consistent and their wrinkle fries are amazing. A must try. I prefer this location over the LA location personally. read more
5++ stars for food and service 4+ stars for loud music inside Howlin' Ray's more than lives up to the hype, it exceeds it! From the first encounter to the last, each team member is hyped, positive, super helpful, courteous and professional. I wish every business could adopt HR's customer service practices. Its clear why this place has such a devoted following and phenomenal reviews. The chicken is perfectly cooked: unbelievably crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside and bursting with flavor. Although the spicy seasoning is the main highlight and advertisement of HR's, I personaly LOVE the country style seasoning which reminds me of Pioneer and KFC when they were first marketed at their prime over 50 years ago (of course now it is NOT comparable by a long shot). You can tell real care goes into the food. The sides complement the chicken beautifully, and everything tastes fresh and satisfying. Even with the long lines, the experience is worth it as both service and the food delivers! If you love well made fried chicken and don't mind waiting and paying for something truly special, this spot is an absolute must. I love the pasadena location over the DTLA one as it accomodates a dine-in experience with both inside and outside seating vs. outside only in DTLA. The music is a bit loud inside; but do check out the disco in the restrooms. Absolutely creative and marvelous. read more
Finally had the chance to try this place on our lunch break on the way home from work, and it was an absolute pleasure. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a genuinely friendly staff who take the time to introduce themselves and even remember your name, which really sets the tone. Service was quick, efficient, and attentive. The food exceeded expectations--fresh, flavorful, and clearly well-executed. The staff was very accommodating, and the food expo was on point. Overall, a great experience, and we will definitely be returning. read more
2 months ago
One of the best chicken spots you can go to, and this location is new and the vibes are amazing and the service is fantastic Roque was great and helpful read more
26 days ago
Another great visit! Always worth the wait. The staff is beyond amazing. They really made me feel welcomed. They were so attentive to my dog. The food was delicious per usual. Their friendliness stood out to me and I had to thank them for the great service. This place is definitely a good vibe. read more
6 months ago
I finally tried Howlin' Ray's after always wondering why people are willing to line up forever for fried chicken. I'll be honest -- I was skeptical. First of all, I am not brave when it comes to spice. I won't even go past medium. I've heard rumors that you have to sign a waiver for the spiciest level (not even sure if that's true, but it sounds terrifying enough for me ). The chicken itself? Super juicy, crispy, and flavorful. Even at a lower spice level, it still packs heat, so choose wisely. But what really impressed me was the secret menu grilled cheese. That thing was SO good. Crispy, cheesy, with that signature flavor -- honestly, I'd go back just for that alone. Now I kind of get the hype. Would I wait in a crazy long line again? Maybe. For that grilled cheese... probably yes. read more
portions were massive. i appreciated the large piece of chicken with an ample amount of coleslaw and pickle chips in the sando. the only thing i will say is that the medium here does not compare to the medium at the chinatown location- it was far less spicy. however, customer service was super good and the food was quite yummy regardless read more
4 months ago
the service is amazing. the lines may be long but it's the only line worth waiting in. the food is soo bomb but i love how the staff treats everyone kindly and you can tell they get treated well by their employers. after you order, you will get seated by a staff member who will coordinate seating for you and your group. there's outdoor heating when it's cold and they always grab you anything you need if they are able to. and if it's raining, they have umbrellas for people standing in line outside!! the chicken stays crispy even after you bring it home and eat leftovers. i like the chicken sandwich but it's a lot of bread for me so i usually get tenders or the leg and thigh. i used to get medium plus but i prefer to enjoy my food LOL so i'll get medium or mild plus instead, which is still pretty spicy with amazing flavor. i really want to try the chicken and waffles next time! read more
The line moves pretty slow for so reason so be prepared to wait in line. We waited in line for over an hour and had to wait to be seated after we ordered. There's spots to sit but a specific person you need to talk to get a spot. The workers are pretty happy and vibing to the music. The food was tasty and sauces were good too. I enjoyed the wings more than the tenders but both were delicious at the mild spice level. read more
It's no secret how good their fried chicken Sandos and my fav Mario's style fries are. But here I just want to emphasize that they care about their customers and the team spirit is always there. I used to go to the OG one in Chinatown and the Pasadena one is as good as! Workers are always friendly and they are happy. Place is clean and tidy. Street parking is available if the lot gets full. read more
My only regret is not having visited here earlier. We came about an hour before close, and there was still quite a line! It moved pretty quickly, though. Service is quick and incredibly kind. The inside is a little noisy, with the din of other diners and the music trying to compete for who's loudest. When we were ordering, we had opted to order "Hot." We were then asked if this was our first time trying hot, and if we would like a sample. A minute or two later, we had a piece of a hot-level tender. Thanks to this next-level service, we survived our meal. We ordered some "The Sando"s, an order of the Shake Fries for each person, an order of Comeback Sauce for each person, and a banana pudding. The Sando is amazing! The chicken is delightfully crispy and juicy. The seasoning for medium wasn't too spicy- next time I'll have to ask if there's an in-between for medium and hot. The sauce and the slaw beautifully complimented the chicken. The fries are also amazing! Probably the best fries I've ever had - the seasoning is tasty, they're nice and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside! My only disclaimer is that since they're so tasty, the comeback sauce we ordered didn't add too much to the whole experience. The portions for the fries are deceptively small; I think an order of fries can feed two people with sandos. Very surprisingly, the fries were still very tasty the next day! Last but not least, there is the banana pudding. In stark contrast of everything else we had, it was just okay. It tasted like Jello-pudding, the vanilla wafers and banana slices were layered, so their flavors didn't really mingle well. Nonetheless, a pleasant treat to soothe our dying stomachs due to the hot tender sample we had. Overall, absolutely amazing place. read more
I came here on a Friday around 1:30 and it was packed. There was no space in the parking lot so I had to park on the curb in front of the store. I ordered a sando and fries. For the spice level, I chose hot. They warned me that it was spicy and contains habanero and ghost pepper. I also got some Tennessee Tang sauce. The tables have yellow chili peppers and hot sauce. The staff do a good job at quickly cleaning tables especially in such a busy crowd. My food came after 10 minutes. The Tennessee Tang is a buttermilk ranch. The fries are cut thick and seasoned well. They gave a ton of fries. The chicken sandwich was good. There is a reason why Howlin' Ray's is the gold standard when it comes to spicy chicken sandwiches. The sandwich is juicy and is very well seasoned. The most unique thing about how they do their sandwiches is the layer of chili powder on the chicken. The chicken has a good crunch, the coleslaw is lightly dressed, and the bread has a good chew. There was not a lot of comeback sauce in the sandwich. I'll be honest, it isn't head and shoulders above other spicy chicken sandwiches but it is a perfect sandwich. read more
1 year ago
Chicken is bomb. Sauces are bomb. Waffle was soft and fluffy. Street parking and parking lot available. Everyone working there is very friendly & helpful. I'm not one for hyped up food, but I can recommend this place! 40 minute wait at 1:30pm on a Thursday. Only complaint is that they blast their music inside the dining area. Probably to get people in and out read more
Worth the wait in line! Huge chicken breast for the sandwich it's meaty seasoned crispy and the bun is gooey sweet! Waffles are best in town . Fast casual ultra clean casual fast upbeat and fun with kind friendly and efficient wait-staff. read more
8 months ago
This must be my 5th time having Howlin' Ray's now, and each time I'm blown away! I get the Sando at a medium, it is the perfect balance of just spicy enough (without killing me) to have a good kick. The fries and their sauce are wonderful, and the staff are super friendly. The environment is energetic and clean, I give Howlin' Ray's a 5/5! read more
3 months ago
Never misses! Tried the mario fries and it was such a good balance of flavors! The mac salad is also super yummy! Great service and vibe as always:) read more
I came here on a sunday a little before 12pm and my friend had already lined up. The line can get long so be prepared to wait! We ordered and went to a staff so he can seat us - only waited like a few minutes. Staff are super nice. The food was delicious. I devoured everything. I wish I can go back in time and eat it again. Definitely get sauce to dip the chicken and fries! 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 August 2026
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