Howlin' Ray's
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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!!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
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!!!
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.
First time coming to Howling Ray's and Wow!!! ,such an amazing place to go to! From the cashier to everyone working there, the whole staff was super friendly, welcoming, and made the experience even better. The vibe inside the restaurant is really cool, and they play great music too. Huge thank you to Miles, Javier, and Julie for the awesome service.If it's your first time going, I highly recommend the chicken sandwich and the fries with pickles and chicken... OMG, everything was bomb. From the potato salad to macaroni salad it was all so good. I will definitely come and eat here again.
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.
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
28 days ago
9 months 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
9 months 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
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
11 hours ago
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
5 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
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
5 months ago
The best hot chicken sandwich hands down. Long wait times but there is seating both indoors and outdoors at this location. After ordering you can request seating which opens up pretty quickly. Service here is outstanding!!! 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
11 months 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
2 months ago
Finally got a chance to try this spot that typically has a long line out the door and now I know why! The food and service were great My mild Sando had great flavor and just enough heat for me! I definitely would give this place a try! 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
My favorite spot for Nashville Hot Chicken. I rarely go to Chinatown so I'm glad this location opened up. I've tried almost all the Nashville Hot chicken spots in and around LA but this spot is the best. Super juicy and flavorful. The spice is insane so beware. read more
1 year ago
I've tried Howlin' Ray's only once before in the Chinatown location. I heard they had opened a Pasadena location and had to come check it out with some friends. There is parking which is a pleasant sight after the Chinatown location. On a Sunday afternoon, the line was decently long but nowhere near what I experienced at Chinatown. Maybe 30 minutes in line and they offered umbrellas to keep us out of the sun. Once we ordered, the food came out promptly. The workers are super friendly/chatty, but I know not everyone likes that. Once you order, they assign you a table. I ordered the sando and it was so filling but delicious. The chicken is juicy and the breading isn't too thick. I got medium spice which was more than comfortable for me (I wouldn't say I eat crazy spice but I can tolerate some). I've gotten hot in the past and it was for sure spicy. The jump between mild and medium is small but medium to hot is big. My friend got the sando Louis style which is sourdough bread with cheese. He loves it but I preferred the normal bread We also had to order fries which came out super crispy and hot! You also must get the sauce they have. Very solid chicken sandwich for a decent price! They also sell beers here. read more
1 year ago
The food was so bomb and the service was everything. It really was the total package for a foodie experience. The music was on point when you walked through the door! The cashier was so helpful and informative in helping us to decide which spice level to get along with side orders. The potato salad was a gem that I would not have gotten on my own, so I'm glad I was coached through that! They also provide samples of the chicken so you can try out the spice levels--- much needed, especially if you cannot tolerate spice like me. I got the chicken and waffles with chicken tenders and a side of greens -- different flavor profile on the greens but I still enjoyed them. I liked the chicken tenders better than the wings but everything was delicious. I was appreciative of the unsweetened tea, as I needed something to balance out the meal. The bathroom is also so cool! Every single staff member was friendly and welcoming! read more
6 months ago
The best time to visit is definitely on a weekday -- otherwise, be prepared for a bit of a wait in the sun. Still, it's absolutely worth it! The food is every bit as incredible as the original location. What really stands out about this place is the genuine kindness of the staff -- the person at the register actually takes the time to ask how your day's going, which goes a long way. Paired with food this good, it's even more appreciated. I got the medium spicy chicken and fries, and it hit the perfect balance of heat -- enough to make you sweat, but not overpowering. Easily the best chicken I've ever had. read more
As a Pasadena native, I visited Howlin' Ray's for the first time this summer. As soon as I walked in, the staff greeted me warmly, and they were even handing out umbrellas to people outside to keep them shaded from the sun. I usually rate places purely on the food, but I had to mention the customer service here. The food was just as amazing as the staff because that was the best chicken tender I've ever had. read more
6 months ago
Took the new train to Pasadena and the location is so close to the station! Tried a sample of the Howlin and wow it was very spicy. The tenders are affordable and worth it because they are thick and filled with flavor. The line did move fairly fast and the servers were efficient and kind with getting parties seated! The music and ambiance was so lively and will definitely come back here! read more
1 year ago
Wow!!! You have to come here! It's absolutely one of the best chicken sandwiches and tenders we have ever had. Fries are also amazing and slightly seasoned so you taste a bit of southern flare. We ordered the Sando which comes with country, mild, medium or hot seasoning. Your choice. We got the country and mild. Excellent in every way. The chicken was flavorful and tender. Coleslaw was delicious with sliced pickles, making our fried chicken sandwich out of this world! BEST FRIED CHICKEN, end of story! The line can be long, but so worth it. The staff is so attentive. Also complimentary water and sparkling water. If you need an umbrella while waiting, they got you! Thank you for an excellent lunch! We will be back. read more
1 year ago
TLDR: Food's amazing--especially the ranch, fries, and vinegar slaw, expect a long wait (90 mins in my case) during dinner time, plus friendly staff, clean tables inside and out Tried the Pasadena Howlin' Ray's location for the first time after usually ordering via Postmates, and while the food delivered (literally and figuratively), the wait was a bit much. I stopped by on a Friday around 6 pm and stood in line for about an hour before even ordering. The line is shared for dine-in and takeout, which felt like a missed opportunity to streamline things for folks just picking up. Once ordered, it took another 30 minutes to get our food. On the bright side, the staff was genuinely kind and welcoming--special thanks to the chef who surprised us with complimentary waffles for dessert. That kind of service goes a long way. We ordered two chicken sandwiches (mild and country), a side of fries, and their house-made ranch. The ranch alone is worth everything--super fresh, tangy, and dangerously drinkable. Crinkle-cut fries were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The real standout, though, was the slaw on the sandwich. I'm usually anti-creamy coleslaw, but this version was more vinegar-forward, super fresh, and paired perfectly with the crispy chicken. Everything tasted great, but waiting 90 minutes for it just isn't something I'd do often. A second cashier line or a dedicated to-go window would make a huge difference. read more
6 months ago
Was really craving Howlin so I got postmates to deliver it a work. It continues not to disappoint. This chicken is the size of my hand. The flavors were still good by the time it got to me read more
3 months ago
The service here was A++ they were polite and informative and helpful. I wanted loaded fries and that's what I got. The cashier told me it was on the "secret menu". I ultimately didn't think there were enough fries. It was a lot of coleslaw that had red onion in it which i was not expecting. There was very little chicken that i could see as well. Tiny bite sized pieces. The back patio seating was a nice alternative to the loud music inside. The parking here is adequate, but not plentiful by any means. They do announce 5 minutes before 3pm that you need to move your car to not get towed. Very nice of them. My one biggest gripe was the lack of soda fountains. When you serve spicy food that requires a lot of liquid to tamp it down, it's only right to have unlimited refills. Next time I'll try chicken on the bone with waffles. read more
1 year ago
Definitely worth the hype! Food: hubby and I got the chicken sando, quarter bird dark meat, fries, and Mac salad. Everything was amazing! The chicken sandwich was so perfect, held together well, and had the best flavor and perfectly spiced. We got mild. One order of fries was enough for two people and delish. We got a side of the ranch and the comeback sauce, both amazing. The ranch had a dill flavor and was so refreshing. The comeback sauce was similar to ranch but zesty, I'd try both! Highlight was the chicken sandwich but the leg and thigh was also still really good! Service: this is the first counter order place where I wish I tipped more from the get go. The service from everyone in the entire place was top notch! From the cashier, to the guy coordinating tables, to the folks prepping the food, great service all around! Definitely deserving of the extra tips! I went at 4:30pm on a Friday, line wasn't bad at all. It was even less crowded at 5pm. Will for sure be returning and will agree that this is the best chicken sandwich shop in LA I have tried so far! read more
I've been to the original Howlin' Ray's location in downtown LA, loved the food, but the lack of seating and tough parking made it a bit of a hassle. So when I found out they had a restaurant in Pasadena, I had to check it out. First win: parking! They have their own lot, plus there's plenty of street parking nearby. When I walked up, there was a line outside and I noticed a few people holding black umbrellas. Turns out, the staff actually hands them out to help guests deal with the sun. Love this kind of thoughtfulness for your customers. Once you're inside, the vibe is super fun. Loud music, disco-style decor, and just an overall lively energy. After placing your order, look for the guy in the green shirt, show him your receipt and he'll find you a table. Luckily, people don't linger too long, so we got a seat before our food was ready. The food. If you're a fried chicken fan, just go. Don't overthink it. And if you like spicy? Even better. I also got a plain chicken strip (no breading) for my pup, and he loved it. Oh, and the fries. It's hands down some of the best I've had. Perfectly crisp. This spot is one of the best fried chicken joints in LA, it's also got amazing service, a friendly staff, and a vibe that makes it stand out from the rest. read more
Howlin rays has one of the best chicken sandwiches i ever had. I'm so happy for this location because coming from long beach it can be a drive but this location is right next to the metro train station so easy access as you can walk across the street from the fillmore station right to howlins which is a big bonus. Seating was good and if you eat there you must make a reservation to reserve a table. It looked busy but people come and go pretty quickly. I'm sure if you come on a weekend the place is super packed so mid-week works for me. They do have a parking lot they share with a doughnut shop next door, about 20 spaces. They have a box of umbrellas inside to grab i guess to block the heat/rain if your standing outside in line i thought was cool. They have a handicap lift to pickup wheelchairs up to the dining level. Now for the food! I came on a wends evening around 1pm and about 5 people ahead of me! I got my original sando/medium with fries. Spicy level i wouldn't go pass medium + because the sandwich gets soo hot it makes eating it uncomfortable. I wouldn't mess with hot or above lol. If you're not a spice person definitely country or mild with a touch of heat. (mild and medium spice are jalapeño, hot and higher levels are habanero) The chicken sandwich with pickles, sauce and cole slaw. The service here was very good. They take the tray when done and empty them and walk around checking on everybody. They have creme sodas sparkling lemonade and Crystal hot sauce and pickled peppers on the tables. They do have FREE regular or sparkling water fountain on the side with cups if you don't want to purchase from the cooler which is a bonus. Go and enjoy this gem of a place but if this will be you're first time please go with the mild/medium first before moving up to the hot levels imo. They have a couple of beers on tap to try, i posted brand in my pictures. The bathroom is awesome. You MUST check it before you leave. I will just leave it at that! Overall, a wonderful experience. They are closed Mondays & Tuesdays. They close early at 7pm wends-sundays Food rating: Chicken Sando 9.4/10 one of the best i ever had. Chicken strips 9.4/10 Fries 8.8/10 they were nice and crispy. read more
4 months ago
27 days ago
On a Saturday at almost 1 pm we waited a little over 1 hour to get our food take out. There wasn't any parking available in the lot. Super friendly and fast service given how many people there were. The fries and tenders were seasoned very well, good portions for both. I have never seen 1 chicken tender as big as these before lol. Medium spicy had a decent kick, if you can't handle spice at all I'd say just get the country style. Some seating available inside and outside but it was pretty crowded. I would definitely come back but when it's not so busy hopefully read more
What went well? You mean what went fantastic? Javi, Julian, Rico and made it a great 1st time experience and it echoed in the ambiance! I literally told them, restaurants with bad customer service should spend a day here to learn. The food. The food was amazing! Chicken was seasoned! read more
Best nashville chicken spot in LA. They have 2 locations, pasadena and DTLA. This one I recommend if you want a better dining experience. There's seating, customer service is insane, they also serve beer, and every employee goes above and beyond to make sure you've got everything you need. Wait time is usually half hour to 45 min, they'll give you umbrellas if it's sunny out and really do their best to keep the line moving. I've tried everything on their menu, sandos are the perfectly balanced but my go to meal now is solo chicken wings medium spicy, fries to share, and their coleslaw. Never have had a bad dining experience here, food hits every time and is always worth the wait. read more
Dropped by on a Saturday afternoon, and the wait was about 30 minutes. Service was top-notch; the staff handed umbrellas to everyone in line. Additionally, they provide table-reserving services for dine-in guests. Despite the busyness, the restaurant was tidy and clean. The Sando featured a thick, juicy piece of chicken combined with a rich and flavorful sauce. The food is spicier than expected, it is shameful to say that I struggled with the first spice level (mild). The restaurant does offer free ice water and sparkling water to customers. After reading a review, I decided to try out the Crème Soda. It was very fizzy with a light hint of vanilla, reminding me of Universal Studio's Butterbeer from the Harry Potter Zone. Overall, it was a positive experience. I will revisit for a non-spicy version. read more
Finally got to try howlin rays after having it bookmarked for YEARS. This location has a parking lot, however it's small and only has about 15-20 spots. I ended up parking in the residential area which is only a few mins of a walk away. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the staff here are friendly. I love that they have a pebble ice machine and water station that we can freely help ourself to. I got the medium spice chicken sandwich, 1 mild tender, 1 mild wing, & potato salad to try. All were very delicious. I love how tender and juicy the chicken is. The potato salad is very pickly - lots of pickle chunks, but was good. Howlin Rays is good but it didn't make it as the #1 spicy chicken spot in my heart. read more
8 months ago
Finally got to try this place for the first time and it did not disappoint! The juiciest and flavorful chicken sandwich I ever had. It's also a vibe inside with music popping and everything! Gotta come early to avoid long wait times. read more
This was my first time here, and let's just say--it absolutely rocked my world! I went with the highly recommended sando at a medium spice level and also added a solo tender at the hot level. Let me tell you, that "hot" was hot! Fortunately, not enough to make my booty burn. To round out my meal, I got a side of macaroni salad and banana pudding to wash it all down, and everything was immaculate. The flavors, the spice, the textures--this place truly lives up to the hype. On top of the amazing food, the service was just as great. The cashier was super sweet and gave me the "Comeback Sauce," "Tennessee Tang," and "Sweet Honey Mustard" for free since it was my first visit. The entire staff was so friendly--several of them came up to chat, and they even complimented my outfit (thank you!). I don't know if all Californians are this nice, but back where I'm from, people aren't this friendly! Overall, I had an incredible experience. I'll definitely be coming back to try more spice levels. Highly recommend! read more
6 months ago
The food is awesome and spicy but the wait time is way too long!!! If you're starving don't come here no instant satisfaction. We got the sandwiches mild, medium and one above medium. Mild was spicy for me but the other people started to sweat... yikes!! The chicken tenders was good. We got all the side encore the Cole slaw for some reason we didn't get it. The staff is super nice here. 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
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 May 2026
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