Howlin&#x27; Ray&#x27;s

489

125

313

2 years ago

The food here will always hit the spot for me. I even dreamed about their fries recently lol. I usually ordered the "Hot" original sando and the fries on the side! The " Hot" will give me in a running nose mode along with some burn but it is sooo addicting and tasty. Funny thing is I cannot eat medium, it's bland to me and extra hot only burns to me lol. HOT only! The people there are so chilli and friendly and they even cheers to my camera! I just love their vibe! read more

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Abdalah A.

1 year ago

Best chicken sandwich I've had in a long time the ambience is amazing and the staff went above and beyond welcoming us! They got a customer for life. Thank you again Amanda and the Team keep killing it read more

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Deana Y.

268

205

2 years ago

OMG!!! This is so delicious! I'm writing this as I'm eating this meal that's how bomb it is. Okay I got to go finish my food now. 10/10 would recommend. Don't walk, RUN!!! The staff was super chill too. read more

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Yaritza P.

10 months ago

Customer service is 100% Everyone there is so friendly! Have small talk and just a big smile to everyone who comes here. Never disappointed. read more

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Daniel S.

272

146

5 months ago

Howlin' Ray's absolutely lives up to the hype. The chicken was insanely juicy with the perfect level of heat, crispy outside and packed with flavor. Portions were generous, the staff was friendly and efficient, and the whole vibe made the wait worth it. Easily one of the best hot chicken spots around -- I'll definitely be back. read more

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Mena P.

379

109

140

2 years ago

Howlin' Ray's has the best and most flavorful fried chicken I have ever had. I drove all the way from SD to LA to try it and it did not disappoint! Everything was so delicious! I am still dreaming about it. The fries are a must try, and the seasoning is so good! The service here is also amazing! All the workers were so nice and attentive. I ordered the strips, and for 2 of them I chose medium and for the third I chose medium plus (this is not on the menu, but you can request it). Medium itself has a nice spicy kick but if you are a spice lover and want something that is a bit more spicy but still enjoyable then order medium plus. The chicken strips were crispy and the seasoning was to die for. I will definitely be back. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Tenders - 2 medium and 1 medium plus - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Jeremy S.

Elite 26 All-Star

360

765

2 years ago

I tried Howlin' Ray's for the first time and enjoyed The Sando ($14) a lot. It's a fairly big and meaty sandwich that comes with coleslaw inside and adjustable spice levels. I ordered medium spice level for a safe first try and think I can do medium-plus next time. The flavor tasted good, and I liked a few crispy parts of the chicken at the end. When we waited in line, the staff were friendly and welcoming. One staff member offered my friend a sample of a hot-spiced chicken because they had a conversation about spiciness. The staff also asked for my name, which I appreciated because this usually doesn't happen in other restaurants. Luckily, there wasn't a line when we arrived at 6 pm on a Wednesday. Despite the small space of the restaurant, the staff let us know we could wait outside. They have a microphone to call out orders. A conversation I had recently centered on an intriguing question: Which tastes better, Howlin' Rays or Dave's Hot Chicken? In my opinion, I'd argue that Dave's Hot Chicken tastes better than Howlin' Rays because of its better blend of savory and sweet flavors. While Howlin' Rays sells a meatier sandwich, the flavor isn't as interesting. However, I got so impressed at the customer service at Howlin' Rays that I decided to give this review a five-star rating. read more

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Jenna R.

233

261

815

2 years ago

If you're thinking about eating here, YES. I've had this in my bookmarks for quite some time also and when my friend asked if I wanted to eat here it was an immediate yes. We braved the Friday post work traffic from Long Beach. And we made it! It was a good day because we found parking right away, barely a line when we walked in. I ordered the classic Sando (mild) with fries, she got the chicken and waffles with a side of slaw. I was fortunate enough to try the quarter bird (medium) also. A LOT of food. My Sando was tasty and I recommend it for sure, it was tender and juicy and crispy on the outside. We also ordered comeback sauce on the side. I thought the quarter bird was amazing, I'm just sad I didn't have more space to eat it all. Fries were bomb, there's a lot so you should share it. Or not. My friend's waffle was freakin delicious. I'm getting the chicken and waffles next time! Shout out to the staff we befriended during our wonderful dining experience - Lee and Alina. I have never had so much fun at a chicken spot before. I will be back! read more

Howlin' Ray's - ig: @jlr.eats - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Daniel V.

2 months ago

Ryan, Best service out there. Would Highly recommend!!! The food is incredible aswell.

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Pauline S.

204

925

2 years ago

I live in SD and whenever I'm in the area, I always try to make a trip here. It's my favorite Nashville Fried Chicken place in SoCal! Service: I most recently came here April 2024 and thankfully, the line is much more doable to wait in now than it was years ago (we used to have to wait in line 1 hr before opening). We went at 3pm on a Saturday and we waited maybe 20ish minutes to order and about 10-15ish min for food. There's a couple of long benches outside the place, didn't really have trouble finding a spot to sit. Food: I'm a fiend for spicy food but Howlin' Rays humbles me with their flavors! I've tried their Howlin' level on Quarter Bird or Wings and man, my stomach was CHURNING after but the flavors are sooo good. -Hot Sando Sandwich ($14): now my go-to "safe" option if I don't want my stomach to hurt LOL. Could have maybe gone x-hot. It's more doable ordering spicier with a sandwich than just the chicken. Meat is always tender and juicy, perfect crisp on the outside. I get this with the Comeback Sauce ($0.75). -Shake Fries ($5): crunchy on the outside, love the seasoning on it. -Country Sando Sandwich: my husband, who's the complete opposite, wants nothing to do with spice. He still loves the quality and taste of the chicken though! Overall: Howlin' Ray's remains my most favorite Nashville Hot Chicken and will continue to come back whenever I get the chance! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sando Sandwich (hot) - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Chad K.

332

443

2265

3 years ago

The best Nashville Hot Fried Chicken in Los Angeles. These are the pros, not the amateurs. C'mon, who would be better? I have been to Cluck N Blaze, Jaybirds, Dave's, and Crimson Coward. There is no taste like Howlin Rays. What makes them the best? IMO - peanut oil in the frying process, high quality fresh chicken, superior spice blends, and super friendly customer service. We used to wait 2 hours in line, but with hype now dying down after years of being open, the advent of Door Dash, and the opening of their 2nd location in Pasadena, it now takes 30 min or less, which ain't bad. I get the Sando almost every time. I think it is the best combination of ingredients for the money and perfect for a single diner. If you got a group, you can go in a bigger chicken, but for me alone, the sando and some fries is the way to go. Get all the comeback sauces and dipping items they offer and bring your own drink. I bring a chocolate milk to cool the heat because the sweet tea just won't douse the fire. The Medium is good, but I think could use some extra heat, but then the Hot is way too hot. There is some serious pepper jump between the Medium and the Hot heat levels. They have a Medium+ now for just such a dilemma, but I got it last time and it tasted like the Medium. They are still working out the kinks. Anything above the Hot and you must be a competitive heat eater. I heard that 3 chicken wings at the Howlin level (highest level) and you need 3 days to recover. I took one bite of a Howlin Wing about 5 years ago (1 bite, not a whole wing, 1 bite!) and it was just pain. Razors in my mouth, upset stomach, and the 2nd burn about a day later. No thank you. But, if you want it, it is there. Come try the undisputed kings of the Nashville Fried Chicken game. You won't be sorry! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Not a bad line. - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Chicken Sando (medium plus) - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Ashley C.

1 year ago

This has become a weekly staple in my household... which speaks VOLUMES, because I live over 50 miles away! Not only is the food amazing, but the chefs & support staff are a vibe. My daughter and I ALWAYS make sure to grab some Howlin' stickers!‍‍ read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sando 2.0 mild - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Macaroni Salad - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Albert V.

11 months ago

Best chicken in America iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii read more

Howlin' Ray's - Amazing delicious - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Abel M.

11 months ago

This place has a lot of hype for good reason. It's the juiciest spicy chicken sandwich you can find in California. I've had all of their competitors and it's just not Howlin. Seating is very limited, and the location is less than ideal but outside of that I've never regretted stopping by. The service I've received here has been stellar, staff have come by and asked if everything is going okay and they greet you with a smile as you order. The decor is appropriate but as I said, seating is limited and it is outside the actual shop. I'd recommend anyone stop here if they're a fan of spicy chicken sandwiches because they cannot be beat. Shout out to their banana pudding. read more

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MyChi N.

116

1 year ago

I ordered through Postmates for delivery because it was the weekend and I didn't want to wait in line. Even though it was delivered, the chicken was still crispy and packed full of flavor. I got a chicken sandwich, one thigh, and some wings. All of the chicken was incredibly flavorful. We ordered a medium spice level, and it was hella spicy--I think mild is the best option for general enjoyment. 10/10 would eat here again. read more

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Brittanie N.

231

1 year ago

Hole in the wall GEM. 11/10. Friendly & helpful staff. Even better chicken. One of the best chicken sandwiches & fries I've ever had read more

Howlin' Ray's - Mild chicken sandwhich - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Judevasily S.

160

2 years ago

The burger was spicy I didn't even finish the whole breast lol only ate half of the breast. The buns and slaw had the flavor next time I'll just settle for the hot. I'm pretty sure it would be tolerable to eat and enjoy. The service was straight up really good customer service. The place is pack about 20 min wait around 6 pm Friday. I will most definitely come back for the hot sando to enjoy the burgers. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sando xtra hot - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Sando xhot got me - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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James I.

3 months ago

The GOAT of all chicken sandwiches. The service is ELITE. And if you've already tried the sandwich the Wings and Fried Chicken is also ELITE. They have stayed consistent throughout the years. read more

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Judy G.

372

298

1 year ago

Food ***** Service ***** Ambiance ***** You want a lesson on how to succeed with fried chicken, visit Howlin' Rays. Third visit and still the lines are loonnnnggg for good reason, this chicken is the Bomb. I've had Thomas Keller's fried chicken among many of the top US chickens so I know chicken. It's brined of course. It's seasoned to perfection of course. It's crispy and delicious oh yeah. The sides are the proverbial icing. Collard greens of course, Mac salad, cole slaw, potato salad, all good but come for the chicken. Come early because lines get long and the music's great but be prepared to wait cause it's worth it. read more

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Jacky D.

118

416

2 years ago

My friend got this delivered for me to try as I told them I been to LA so often, but never tried it. Even for delivery I thought the sandwiches were still crispy and had great flavor! my spice tolerance I would say is a below average for those reading. for sure one of my top hot chicken sandwich, but not a lot to compare as i am afraid of spicy haha. Sando 2.0 med - the spice of medium is just right for me. i enjoy these kind of spice where it feels more like flavor rather than just heat. this would give me a lingering punch that was bearable. the 2.0 sandwich i would say has more flavor which was just right for me but might me too much for others. 8.8/10 Sando mild - my friend joked that i NEEDED the coleslaw and pickles on the sandwich and were they right. the texture difference with and without is night and day for me and texture is a big part of the experience for me. i felt like i didn't really taste the spice in mild but the chicken flavor was still great. 9.1/10 read more

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Jamie I.

1 year ago

The food was really good, and there were plenty side dish options as well. I really enjoyed the crunch from the tender, and the chicken was very juicy and flavorful. The line to order seemed to be very long but it went by very quickly and food took maybe 15 to come out. They play really good music and the staff is really friendly. I will say the seating isn't the best, you may have to take it to go. I would definitely recommend, it's a bit of a drive for me but will definitely be coming back read more

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Tiffany P.

Elite 26 All-Star

233

220

2 years ago

5 stars but if I could give this place a 6 or more it definitely deserves it because of their great service! The wait wasn't long when we went. The whole staff were awesome. They have such a family atmosphere, lots of laughter. The British guy who took our order was super funny and Aleena (sorry if I spelt her name wrong) was super sweet. Now to the food! Oh my deliciousness, this place has probably the best chicken sandwich and fries I have had in a long time. I got a medium sandwich and just the first bite was a kick of flavor. It was yummy I wish I lived in la because of this chicken. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Medium sando - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Kelly L.

113

228

2 years ago

Been hearing a LOT of hype about this place... can confirm it's justified. I would 100% recommend and am definitely coming back!! My friends went on at Friday 6pm. There was a line of about 20 people, but it went by quickly. The staff was extremely kind and upbeat. There are 2 long picnic tables outside the restaurant. We waited to snag a spot. We got our food and everything was HUGE. Everything was hot, crispy, and delicious. I ordered the Sando 2.0. My friends gots the Tenders and Sando. We got fries to share which comes in a gigantic bag we were not expecting! We couldn't finish everything. Prices are extremely affordable and worth it. Spice level: I am decent with heat and didn't think Medium was very spicy. But, my friend who isn't great with spice started tearing up from the Medium spice level. Parking: We found street parking nearby. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sando 2.0 - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Chris P.

189

2 years ago

Always a good idea to come in! I got the spicy chicken sando but it wasn't spicy enough for me (I love my spice). Next time I'll definitely ask for the Extra Spicy one! Chicken meat is very juicy and the sauce adds to the overall flavor! I highly recommend going! Come with some patience since they're trying their best to get everyone's orders quickly! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Hot Chicken Sando - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Selene S.

Elite 26 All-Star

309

890

3 years ago

Came on a Thursday around noon. Located inside the plaza with several other restaurants. There is only seating outside as the restaurant is very small. You line up outside and go inside to place your order. Staff was friendly and noted that my coworker and I are here together so she made it that our orders were called at the same time. I got the Sando ($13) at country level (no spice). It comes with pickles, coleslaw, and obviously the chicken. Portion is considered big but at this price point, it should be this size. The chicken was thick and juicy, fried to a perfect crisp. Coleslaw was nice pairing to offset the grease. Packaging was nice. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sando - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Aleeza A.

185

461

2 years ago

The juiciest and best hot chicken sandwich I've ever had. Heard the hype and had to give it a try and was definitely so worth it. Would recommend to any hot chicken lover. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Sandwich - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Sandwich and Hot Shake Fries - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Rochelle L.

1 year ago

The line was long but well worth the wait. The food is excellent. The chicken was fried perfectly along with being juicy. The fries are the best fries I've ever had. The staff and service was the best I've experienced in a long time. We got there near closing and they were all in good moods and extremely accommodating. Ryan came to our table and said if we need anything to please let him know. I would give it more stars if I could. I will definitely be returning. I meant to take pictures but the food was so good we finished it before I thought of taking a picture. read more

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Mike P.

352

1023

2 years ago

Waited in line for 20 minutes. Got our chicken mild heat, pretty darn good and tasty. Friendly service. Ask for a sample for anything the is medium heat or higher to make sure it won't kill you. Pasadena location is also really crowded. Probably should open more stores read more

Howlin' Ray's - Single Chicken Tender looking for a mate - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Bag of fries with grease stains - the real deal - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Trio of chicken tenders on a slice of bread and pickles - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Inside the fry bag. Half full - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Howlin' Ray's - Chicken sandwich, breast with slaw and pickles - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Emy H.

116

137

2 years ago

I like this location a little better because of its shaded line and amazing staff. Food is always good. The best chicken sandwhich in LA. Get the regular sando. I think it's well balanced compared to the heavier 2.0. It's good but not my style. Fries are good too. Collards greens are good. There is a parking lot place north of this location. Be careful! It's cash only. I would park meter or in the plaza parking lot which I had trouble finding. read more

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Leo H.

1677

602

1788

2 years ago

The best hot chicken sandwich in town.. The service here is amazing if you like spicy this is definitely the place the chicken here is tender juicy and flavorful.. just get here early cause it will be a line out the door...lol read more

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Jade T.

471

412

1 year ago

Co-opting an oft used adjective from a Yelp bud, *heavy* props to the Howlin' hustlers-founders, for bringing their passion about a specific food and establishing that fervour in EL to the big A. Super heavy kudos to these entrepreneurs for the fires relief fundraiser -- teaming with other businesses in giving back to the community. Every drop in the bucket counts for those who aren't in the 0.1 percent... whose livelihoods, homes and places of refuge transformed into a charred chaotic smoke-socked memory almost overnight. But now, let me recount my tale, from a hot minute ago, of the spicy food trend that's been heating up the West Coast food scene for a decade now...... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What the devil am I doing at a place that hawks deep fried chick-chick? I generally ain't for that *except* Japanese style (karaage or katsu). At KFC, I love everything in the sides menu, but sorry Colonel, the fried chicken usually does not do my tummy right. Howlin' Ray's might be the only non-Japanese chicken fried that I kind of dug. Oh my gods what is wrong with me. Headline: Fry Chicken Avoider Lady breaks her own rule. Let me explain. Very good customer service from start to finish, plus very good food to boot. Makes a difference when the proprietor is invested in seeing customers enjoy the meal. Spicy medium fried chicken was a winner. By the way, it's also miraculous I ventured here, since I despise *with the heat of a million Suns* lines of any kind and waiting and waiting. Again, what the howling helll am I doing at Howlin' Ray's. However, hitting before they open gives some chance to avoid too long of a line. Very plain storefront -- reminds me of, say, a proper fish and chips take away in the UK, or Secret Pizza at the Cosmo in Vegas... Go figure. And so, while I still steer clear of 99.9-percent of deep fried chicken in this inexplicable fried chicken obsessed world, Howlin' Ray's may be my exception. Conclusion: come on down to Chinatown -- and Pasadena -- for some of the best hot spicy fried chicken in Los Angeles County. read more

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Terri C.

6 months ago

The staff was so nice and so helpful. I hate places though where you are fighting for a table . Food was as expected though it's a huge piece of chicken for the price. read more

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Mike H.

398

321

2 years ago

Top tier Nashville hot chicken counter hidden in a little Chinatown mall I had 3 tenders with pickles and bread ($13). The tenders were enormous, filling, crisp, not greasy, and decently juicy. The mild spice had a little kick but was very manageable. The comeback sauce ($0.75) was sold separately. It was similar to Dave's sauce, but Dave's is slightly better. It is the 2nd best hot chicken I've had. We arrived around 11:40 AM on Saturday. The line was about 15 minutes long, and it took another 10-15 minutes to get our food. The restaurant is essentially just a counter. You eat at tables in the hall of the mall. The service was incredibly friendly and outgoing. That was very impressive. read more

Howlin' Ray's - 3 tenders - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Page 6 of 207

727 N Broadway
Ste 128
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chinatown
Directions
(213) 935-8399
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.howlinrays.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Howlin' Ray's open?

Howlin' Ray's opens at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Howlin' Ray's close?

Howlin' Ray's is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Howlin' Ray's closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Howlin' Ray's take Bitcoin?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not take Bitcoin.

Does Howlin' Ray's take credit cards?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Howlin' Ray's have catering options?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's does have catering options.

Does Howlin' Ray's have a drive thru?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not have a drive thru.

Does Howlin' Ray's have a happy hour?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not have a happy hour.

Does Howlin' Ray's serve alcohol?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Howlin' Ray's allow dogs?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not allow dogs.

Does Howlin' Ray's have TVs?

No, Howlin' Ray's does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Howlin' Ray's have bike parking?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's has bike parking.

Does Howlin' Ray's have outdoor seating?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's has outdoor seating options.

Does Howlin' Ray's have parking?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Howlin' Ray's wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's is wheelchair accessible.

Does Howlin' Ray's have free WiFi?

Yes, Howlin' Ray's has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

"This Chinatown chicken specialist is the brick-and-mortar outpost of the beloved food truck of the same name. Howlin' Ray's counter-service joint serves up Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches in five increasing levels of spiciness: mild, medium, hot, extra hot, and howlin' hot, the last of which is characterized by a slightly sweet but intense cayenne pepper burn that's unlike any spice mix you've tasted before. The howlin' hot chicken is almost too spicy to order on its own, which is where the rotating array of daily sides specials like bacon creamed corn and pimento macaroni salad, plus crinkly-cut fries, come in handy to cool your mouth down." - Thrillist

History

Established in 2015.

We are a husband and wife team with a serious passion for fried chicken. Chef Johnny, an LA native, has worked professionally under some of the best chefs in the world, including Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay and Nobu Matsuhisa. Amanda grew up with her grandparents in the heartland, growing, hunting, fishing, harvesting and preserving most of their food supply and spending summers in East Texas learning about southern soul and hospitality. In 2014, during a stage at Sean Brock's Husk in Nashville, a local chef introduced Johnny to Nashville Hot Chicken. It was instantaneous love. Johnny brought back tales of this hidden gem to LA along with a strong desire to return to Nashville...and so the Hot Chicken tour was born. In November 2015, we announced the final stop of our Hot Chicken truck. The doors opened to LA's first Hot Chicken shack in March 2016! You can find us in Chinatown's Far East Plaza.

Meet the Business Owner: Johnny Z.

Staging for Sean Brock at Husk in Nashville, Tennessee Chef Zone fell in love with hot chicken at Prince's and decided in 2014 to bring this special dish to Los Angeles!

More Info

Special Hours, Health Score

Howlin' Ray's Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Howlin' Ray's

Have you guys ever considered offering nationwide shipping, or possibly partnering with Goldbelly so fans outside of Los Angeles can order your food?

Hi Mike - Maybe one day! We're hopefully working towards this for the future!

I like the habenero spice blend from HOT. I don't like medium. Can I order HOT but lightly seasoned?

Absolutely, our Crew is happy to accommodate. Just ask for light shake! - Amanda

Do you, by any chance, be willing to open another location in Orange County sometime in the future?

Maybe one day! Thanks so much for all of your support!

Do they offer grilled chicken options for their classic sando?

Hi Rey - I’m so sorry but we do not currently offer a grilled chicken option!

Do you serve halal meat?

Hi! Our chicken is not certified halal, but it is hormone and antibiotic free, plus pasture raised!

How close do we have to be to order through Postmates for delivery?

Hi! Our delivery radius serves an area of about 2.5-8 miles!

Is it nut allergy friendly?

All of our frying is completed in highly refined peanut oil!

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How much are the soda and drinks, I went last time and didn't know if I could buy them since they weren't on the menu?

Hi Juan - we have multiple beverages for guest's available to order! Sodas $3, Specialty Sodas $4, Howlin' Coolers (Lemonade & Tea) $4, and Bottled Water $2.50!

Has anyone noticed that their chicken is not as spicy as it used to be? Past 2 times I ordered medium heat at it was SPICY. Today. Meh not spicy at all. My entire family noticed it . All 5 of our Sandos were very mild. Whats happening Howlin Rays?

To be really honest with you I've had this experience a couple of times there has been a consistency missing in how spicy the chicken can be but next time when you go there, just let them know this and they will make this into consideration for the… Read more

How hot is Howlin ++ what Chiles does it contain?

Killer hot ... it has ghost peppers. I had it and it nearly made me faint because it was so spicy!!! Bring horchata with you if you're planning on trying it out.

Is it possible just to order a single tender a la carte?

Yes, we offer Solo Tenders!

How hot is x hot?

Hi Karlo! Our X-Hot heat level is made up of Trinidad Scorpion (just a touch), Carolina Reaper, Red Habanero, and Ghost Pepper!

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Is there seating at this location?

Hi Natalee -- We have a few picnic tables set up in front of the shop for guests who would like to stick around and enjoy their meal! Hope you can visit soon!

Can the bun for the classic Sando be made without butter? Or is there a dairy free bun option?

Hi Rose! If ordering in person, you can absolutely request to have the Bun not toasted with Butter!

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How do we place a pick up order on postmates - I only see a delivery option?

Hi Crystal - I'm sorry but we currently only offer delivery services on Postamtes from our Chinatown location. We do also offer walk up take away orders!

Is the chicken Halal?

Hi Mohamed! I'm sorry but our chicken is not certified Halal. However! It is hormone and antibiotic free, as well as pasture raised!

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What are your hours on new years day?

Hi Ana! We are regularly closed on Monday's and Tuesdays, and will be closed Saturday - Sunday, 12/24-25 and 12/31-01/01 for the holidays!

How to get gift card?

When I was there over the summer they didn’t offer gift cards. I’d suggest reaching out to them via email at hello@howlinrays.com to see if they are currently offering them.

Do your chicken sandwiches have dairy?

Hi Josh - I'm sorry, but all of our chicken is dredged in milk and flour!

Will you guys ever bring back the waffles? 🙁❤️

Hi Ryan! Our Chicken & Waffles will be returning at our new Flagship Location is Pasadena very soon!

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Joyce

4.2

(694 reviews)

1.5 mi

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

Joyce is a new restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles and they have a really good happy hour…read more From the small plates I love the Maple roasted butternut squash. Crystal was amazing!!

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

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Fixins Soul Kitchen

Was my first time here Friday brunch-ish. I had the fried chicken with two "fixins"…read more The fried chicken was delicious (just a delicate hint of 'hot' spice) and fried to juicy perfection. The coleslaw was tasty and crisp and the cornbread, soft and warm with a hint of spicy sweet flavor-- served with a whipped, slightly spicy-sweet flavored butter. The potato salad was ordinary. But 3 outta four exceptionally delicious ain't bad. I always feel I'm being particular but I always ask for one cup of Diet Coke with ice, one cup of water with ice, and one cup with just ice. My request was met with a smile. and our waitress monitored my classes for a quick refill when I was ready for it. Very friendly and professional service!

I had previously tried Fixins Soul Kitchen as part of a company luncheon and enjoyed it so much…read morethat I convinced my family to come with me because I wanted them to experience how great it was. Unfortunately, after our experience on the holiday evening, it may be a while before I give it another chance. First, I want to say that every staff member we encountered was genuinely pleasant. Our server was kind, apologetic, and clearly doing her best. The problem wasn't the attitude of the staff, it was that the restaurant was completely overwhelmed and simply not prepared for the holiday rush. Not ready at all. We were seated at 9:04 PM and didn't place our order until around 9:20 PM because it took that long just to get drink orders taken. Wanting to avoid any further delays, we ordered everything at once. Our meals arrived around 9:42 PM, which seemed reasonable, except my daughter's meal never came out. We informed our server and were repeatedly told it was "on the way." Fifteen minutes later, still nothing. We began sharing our food with our daughter so she could eat with us. We asked again and again, receiving apologies each time, but no meal. By 10:25 PM--more than an hour after ordering--my daughter's plate finally arrived. By then everyone else had already finished eating and were simply waiting while she rushed to eat alone. Thinking we were finally nearing the end, I requested our bill and ordered two slices of red velvet cake to go. Surely that wouldn't take long. Wrong again. While waiting, another large table from the East Coast asked to speak with a manager and described their own frustrating experience with delayed orders and lack of assistance. When the manager returned, I simply asked if we could please get our two slices of cake so we could leave. He apologized and went to retrieve them. It took 25 minutes to get 2 slices of cake and possibly longer if I had not stopped the manager. We finally walked out more than two hours after being seated, having spent most of that time waiting rather than enjoying our meal. To make matters worse, going a few minutes beyond the two-hour mark triggered another hour of parking charges, making an already expensive evening even more frustrating. I feel bad because I had built this place up so much to my family, and their first experience was disappointing. I know holiday crowds can be difficult, and I truly appreciate the staff members who remained courteous throughout the night, but management seriously underestimated the demand and the customer experience suffered because of it. I hope Fixins can address these issues because I'd like to remember the restaurant for its food and hospitality and not for spending two hours mostly waiting to be served. I had to take pics of my daughter with her head down on the table waiting on her food. Happy to share them privately.

Fun interior and on Friday they had a great DJ

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The Rising Sun

Had a chance to dine at The Rising Sun. The setup is simple. You find a seat, order through a QR…read morecode, and pick up your food at the window when it's ready. There is a small seating area, and the seats weren't particularly comfortable, but the space seems intended more for a quick stop rather than a long sit-down meal. I ordered the beignet, breakfast po'boy sandwich, and chicken and waffles. - The beignet tasted good, but the portion was quite small. - The egg in the breakfast po'boy was burnt, which affected the overall flavor. - The chicken and waffles tasted like frozen food that had been reheated rather than freshly made. On the positive side, the service was very kind and friendly. However, overall the food was disappointing.

Mandatory 15% service fee added to bill. I asked why and was told the owner adds it to give…read moreservice staff a livable wage. Came for Valentine's day lunch. outdoor seating only and next to parking lot; smell of cars ugh; seat ourselves, order via QR code, pick up your own food, check on food and drinks about 5 times because we were not told when it would be ready; got half our order and told the rest wasn't ready and they would bring it to us; never happened so went back to get our Caesar salad and tater tots and they were clueless about my order; waited and was handed a salad the size of my palm hand-disappointing; the vibe of staff was poor, unfriendly and seemed annoyed more than anything. we cleaned our own table and agreed vibe no n food good enough. Food: tater tots, chicken and waffles, breakfast poor boy, Cesar salad, lattes, beignets. won't return. lesson learned: walk away for forced mandatory service fee. owner just raise prices of food instead.

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Annie's Soul Delicious

Finally!!! Found my way back as last time I trued they had moved to Western ave. This locale is…read moreso much better and definitely more convenient. Food is so good here I know that many places will boast and brag about their soul food but here they are totally legit Flavor is always on point and the batter on the cat fish is light and oh so good I absolutely love the Ox Tails!! Wow! You have to order the greens and I like that if I am not mistaken are flavored with smoked turkey. So many great options to choose from and well worth the trip here. Thank you Annie!! And yes it's truly "Soul Delicious"!!

Was there on Saturday and I have to say they were second on my list of places to eat but I want the…read moreCourt soul food but that was very disappointing. Annie was pretty good. Some happy worker mixed with some that had some sour faces. I stayed because I was hungry and I wanted to try some Oxtails. It's a little tight in the place we were at a table near the restrooms and I usually don't like tables near those places. I did order the Oxtails and my date had smothered Chicken. Food was okay. They do give you small cornbread muffin but we got the cold ones and we told we would get more and they came as we were leaving. 1. Oxtails were good the smaller bones but that big one I feel someone had to see all of that fat on one side of it. It's was like a pocket of just fat. My sides were okay Greens, Mac and Cheese (a little salty) and the fried okra. Smothered chicken was good. The yams, dressing she enjoyed the cabbage had too much vinegar (sent them back). We both wanted to try the wings which were cooked pretty but when your bones are black the chicken is old. The Peach cobbler was horrible. All peaches and no crust. I believe crust is part of the dish. I'm not going back unless invited by the establishment.

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Yardbird

10000/10 brunch, absolutely blew me away. I ordered the Gravy Train biscuit sandwich and it was…read moreunreal. Every bite had so many flavors, perfectly balanced, and the biscuit itself was insanely buttery and soft easily one of the best I've had in LA in a long time. My husband got the steak & eggs with a side of hashbrowns, and it was just as impressive. The steak was cooked perfectly, everything was well-seasoned, and the whole dish felt really balanced. Definitely a spot worth coming back to.

I visited Yardbird for the first time as part of a party of three to celebrate Father's Day, and I…read moreleft with mixed feelings. Let's start with parking. The restaurant is located at the Beverly Center and does not validate parking. The good news is that parking is relatively affordable at $1 per hour. Since I don't eat meat or chicken, I checked the menu online beforehand and found several options that looked appealing. Unfortunately, once we were seated, we were given a completely different menu. When I asked about it, our server, Lindsey, explained that the menu I had seen online isn't available until after 3 p.m. That was disappointing since I had already planned my meal. We started with the biscuits. They had a strong smoky flavor that honestly made me think they were baked with pork fat or in an oven used for barbecue. Lindsey assured me they weren't made with any meat fats, but the smoky flavor was definitely noticeable. I ordered the salmon with microgreens and a side of mac and cheese. My partner ordered the steak and eggs with hash browns, and we both enjoyed the mint mocktails--they were refreshing and one of the highlights of the meal. The salmon was cooked well and I enjoyed it. The mac and cheese, however, was a huge letdown. It arrived in a cute little cast-iron skillet on a butcher block, so the presentation was great, but the taste didn't match the appearance. It reminded me of boxed mac and cheese made with powdered cheese, topped with Parmesan just to create a crust. It was runny, lacked richness, and there wasn't even a hint of that satisfying cheese pull. Unfortunately, there were service issues as well. My partner specifically ordered his eggs over hard, but they weren't prepared that way. His hash browns never arrived at the table, and on the drive home he realized we had been charged for them. He intended to mention it before leaving but simply forgot. The biggest positive is the restaurant itself. It's beautiful, stylish, and has a great ambiance. Beyond that, though, I found the food to be average for the price. Even by Los Angeles standards, $42 for chicken and waffles feels excessive. Overall, Yardbird looks better than it tastes. While there were a few bright spots, the inconsistent service, menu confusion, and underwhelming food don't justify the price. Unfortunately, I don't see myself returning.

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The Little Jewel of New Orleans

I ordered the fried catfish platter with a side of Jambalaya and a side of red bean and rice…read more Everything was absolutely delicious, well seasoned and perfectly cooked. I also got to try an Abita root beer for the first time, it's now my favorite soda! I can't wait to try other items from their menu!

Came here to check their hours. Im going to a show in town in a few weeks and am…read morechecking around for where we will eat before. I love this place. The Catfish Poboy is so good. But their hours are horrible. Closed at 3;30. !!!?!!Every time I go to DTLA I drive by and they are closed. I didn't even think they were still in business. They used to be open till 10 pm.

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Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Saw the food on Uber Eats and decided to stop in on my way to the grocery store lol…read more they have a mid-week special: 4 legs and 2 sides for $12 which might be the best deal in LA. Those are in n out prices for some of the best chicken I ever had! The chicken isn't super spicy I think everybody would enjoy it but it's definitely not mild. Super crispy but not like a heavy batter at all. I thought 4 pieces was gonna be too much but I couldn't let any go to waste Sweet tea was great, the Mac n cheese was alright, I think I would do the slaw next time. The service was impeccable too, I sat on the far side of the restaurant not realizing there was only one server for the whole restaurant. Shawna was on top of everything tho and even offered me a sample of the pecan pie as I left Will definitely be back again! Probably tomorrow lol imma be thinking about that pie all day

Wowowowow!!! I can't believe how amazing this spot is…read more Worth the drive and worth taking something to go. Don't miss out on the pie it's as good as the fried chicken! Service was great, made our big party feel good, made a great going away party. Restaurant was clean and great ambiance. Server Nelson made it our day! Can't wait to come back next week. Making it on my rotation.

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Stevie's Creole Cafe

The Gumbo is RIDICULOUS...whomever is cooking the Gumbo needs to be cloned...I haven't had Gumbo…read morethat good in a Long Time...& I ordered the small & it was packed with Seafood...the Reaux almost made me cry...OMG the FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN CORNBREAD w/ the Special Butter...GENIUS...this place is worth the Gumbo & Cornbread Bad: Service is slow, food is not Gratuity automatically added Still worth the trip

I ordered the catfish dinner, which comes with two sides. The fish was served in smaller pieces…read morerather than larger fillets, and while the portion was generous, the pieces themselves weren't very meaty. The coating lacked that fresh, crisp texture and came across a bit soft instead. The seasoning leaned fairly spicy, which may be expected for Cajun-style, but it wasn't what I was anticipating. The fries also missed the mark, coming out more greasy and limp than crisp. Overall, the portion size was solid, but the texture and execution made the meal underwhelming.

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Willie Mae’s Restaurant - Venice

One of my favorite foods as a child was fried chicken...not chicken nuggets, not ice cream, not…read morepb&j...it was fried chicken, lol. Although it's no longer my FAVORITE food and I only indulge sparingly, I still have an affinity for it, and can quickly separate the good from the bad. Willie Mae's can confidently go into the good pile. The perfect texture of the batter is the standout. It's light and crisp. Head to head, I think I prefer the flavors and juiciness of Gus's fried chicken. I'll have to give Willie Mae's another go to confirm that this is indeed the case. But Willie Mae's is situated in a better area, it's got civilized sit down table service, cuter decor, and it has way better sides. Knowing myself, I predict that one day, I will decide to remove poultry as well from my diet (I've long excluded mammals from my diet). Hopefully more visits to Willie Mae's will happen before that day organically comes upon us.

The only time I had been to Willie Mae's was in New Orleans. It blew our minds and tastebuds…read more Absolutely divine. When they opened in the westside, I believe it was a take out only situation. Since I do not live in the area, it was not a convenient situation. During this recent DineLA restaurant week, I met a friend there for lunch. Now they have a fairly large sit down dining room that was quite busy and it seems like there was a steady stream of takeout. Our server, Desiree was fantastic. She told me this branch was started by the same folks of the original in New Orleans. Due to a an issue with the freeway closure and horrible traffic, we were very late and she kindly honored our reservation. The food was fantastic. Great crunchy and spice on the chicken (it is on the spicy side so be careful if you cannot handle the heat). The little corn breads were just the right amount. We tried the yams, which is a must, but also shared some of the other sides. The cabbage is cooked kind of like collard greens. The butter beans and rice is very tasty. We also tried the mashed potatoes and gravy. All sides are vegan, which I thought was done for the local L.A. crowd, but we were told the sides are vegan in the original recipes. Next time I'd like to try the gumbo and other dishes on the menu.

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Bludso's BBQ

Bludso's BBQ has always been cooking up quality bbq!…read more Ordered the brisket, baby back ribs, sausage, cornbread, fries, and mac. The brisket was so juicy and well seasoned. The rib bark was packed with flavor and just incredible. Sides paired well with the bbq, we finished it all. Vibes inside are great and staff is awesome. Highly recommend the next time you're crazing bbq in LA!

We shared the lunch combo and had plenty of leftovers to take home (granted we are older people and…read morenot huge eaters). I enjoyed the pork ribs and my husband made short work of the brisket. Both meats were tender and flavorful. The ribs are a little dry but some added sauce did the trick. I always ask for some chili vinegar to add acid to the meats and also to the collard greens. The greens were good - a bit one note but tasty all the same. The Mac and cheese is a tad gloopy (almost as if there's too much flour in the cheese sauce) - but that didn't stop my husband from eating most of it. We had a side of cornbread. It's a tad too sweet for me but we ate it happily. Staff are super nice and helpful. Street parking is available.

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Bacari Silverlake

4.6

(4k reviews)

3.0 mi

Came here for the first time last night with a few friends and everything about our experience was…read moreperfect! Tuba was our waiter and he was so attentive and kind and really elevated the experience for all of us. The food was also so delicious, and we highly recommend the open bar. We can't wait to come back.

Finally exploring the places in my new neighborhood. I guess this one is a chain restaurant…read more Pretty good and really liked the atmosphere. Gorgeous Patio! I love that they have a lot of different choices! It's super close to me too and they allow to order online. I'll be back.

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Din Tai Fung

Such good food and amazing service. The wait times are great on non busy days per usual for…read morerestaurants and the ambiance is amazing!

Food was so good, and was super fresh. Our waiter Ally gave us great recommendations and was super…read morefriendly and funny. Overall the service was great.

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Holbox

Line was long when we pulled up on a Thursday for lunch. Parked in the small lot - but not a lot of…read moreparking available. We got lucky. Waited in the 20 minute line and ordered a whole lot of everything so we could try everything. Everything was delicious. The guacamole - really well seasoned - preferred the regular tortilla chips vs the really crunchy other thing it came with. It almost broke my tooth trying to bite through it. LOL. LOVED the mixto ceviche, the octopus taco and the uni & scallop ceviche.. Loved the entire market it sat in and will definitely be back to try more. I would pass on the Baja fish taco next time.

Still wonderful after all these years! I finally tried something different as well as ordering old…read morefavorites like the octopus, fried fish and shrimp tacos. The gambas were amazing! I don't know how they made this incredible sauce that I could have literally eaten with a spoon. Perfectly barely cooked gambas, with plenty of head juices and sides!

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BCD Tofu House

LA bcd유명하대서 그냥 와봤음 평상시 서울에서 먹던맛 그대로, 원래도 맛있었음…read more근데 서울의 값*2배 대기시간이 길음1시간 정도! 맛있긴 했습니다 김치는 별로에요

BCD Tofu House is a Korean restaurant chain with locations in multiple countries across the world…read more The food is authentic, delicious and the service is even better. The dining room is always busy, so I recommend shifting your meal time slightly off schedule to avoid long wait lines.

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Philippe the Original

116 years in business

Casual dining

Do they need another review? Of course not. Order the French dip and enjoy!…read more One of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in the city of Los Angeles

Los Angeles RoadTrip Episode 9 "Rollin' down the Imperial…read moreHighway.. With a gorgeous blonde at my side.. Santa Ana winds blowin' hot from the north.. And we were born to ride.. Roll down the window, put down the top.. Crank up the Beach Boys, baby Don't let the music stop..:) We settled in to "Philippe" for late Lunch.. The Lass ate a "Lamb Dip" Hand-carved New Zealand Spring Leg of Lamb served on a lightly textured French Roll and dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Double Dipped, juicy delish through out. Washed down with a glass of Malbec. The Lad ate a "Beef Dip" USDA Prime Roast Beef served on a lightly textured French Roll and dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Served "Wet" with just the Bun wet and the Beef, though delicious, was dry mostly?!? Washed down with a very good glass of Allagash Beer. Philippe was a fun classic stop. "Century Boulevard, We love it.:) Victory Boulevard, We love it.. Santa Monica Boulevard, We love it.. Sixth Street, We love it, we love it.. We love L.A..:) Best, Avram Dodgertown Jr.

Classic Beef Dip & Pickled Egg

French (double) Dips and Citradelic IPAs for two, please.

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Pine & Crane DTLA

Friendly service in a contemporary and comfortable environment. There is a breakfast menu, then a…read morelunch/dinner menu. Breakfast recommendation: Thousand layer pancake Traditional breakfast set Lunch/dinner recommendations: Hot and sour soup Dessert recommendations: Traditional shaved ice Fruit shaved ice Dou hua Tea recommendations: Wen Shan bao zhong (caffeinated) Ali Shan Jin Xuan (caffeinated) They take card. They have indoor and roof-covered outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome.

A vibey and modern atmosphere to enjoy with friends or even go on a date. You order at the front…read moreregister, take a number and sit indoor or outdoor on their back patio area. Was such excited to try their Taiwanese food and overall it was really good. There was mix of well priced items and others that felt expensive. We got their wontons, dan dan noodles, beef noodle soup, popcorn chicken and fruit shaved ice. Their beef noodle soup was a bit bland and okay. I liked their popcorn chicken a lot because of the seasoning and saltiness of it. We finished it off with their fruit shaved ice and it so was sooo good. It was really sugary but that pudding mixed in with the fruit and boba like flavor just hit the spot. It gave me brown sugar boba which basically means it was a brown sugar syrup haha. You have to try it out but parking is a bit tough.

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

1415 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Raman Kumar C.

8 years ago

Pass on THE BEST SPICY FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH I'VE EVER HAD EVAARRR! In case you're a TRUE LOVER of hot seared chicken or chicken sammys, at that point you realize that Howlin' Rays is the exemplification of that. Not exclusively is the sustenance a test for your taste buds, yet it is positively a trial of your understanding. I get a kick out of the chance to trust that a portion of the best things in life you need to sit tight for and this is without a doubt worth the pause (at any rate once). In the wake of perusing surveys about the long queues my GF, myself, and a companion got in line at 9:30am realizing that the entryways open at 11am. Gratefully we conveyed some breakfast and espresso to hold us over amid the long pause. It is unusually situated in the back of an all-Asian square in Chinatown, yet put stock in me...it's difficult to miss the line. Once the entryways opened, it took us one more hour to get to the front and much more opportunity to arrange and get the sustenance. Altogether, we held up around 3.5 hours, however the sustenance surpassed the majority of my desires. The zest levels on the menu are Mild, Medium, Hot, X-Hot, and Howlin'. We each got a chicken sammy, an entire fledgling of medium, half feathered creature of hot, 1 X-Hot wing, and 1 Howlin' wing, crease fries, and rebound sauce. (I ain't holding up in that line again...so gimme all the chicken haha!) The person at the enroll cautioned us that the X-Hot commonly takes around 1 day to recoup while the Howlin' takes around 2 days. (He's dead serious). After the majority of the energy and reckoning, the nourishment at long last arrived and the pics were taken....LET'S EAT! The chicken sammys were OUT OF THIS WORLD! Super thick succulent bit of chicken, consummately fresh, with heaps of zest finished with a reviving slaw and sauce in the middle of clammy fleecy toasted buns was DELICIOUS! The medium zest was PERFECT! My Hot sammy was incredible, yet I immediately discovered that it was extremely HOT. The wings then again were on warm levels that I've never experienced in my life. (They even give gloves!) My companion and I split each wing fifty-fifty and just took 1 chomp each and wow it was simply crazy. It was hot to the point that I sweating projectiles, my hands were shaking, I was getting woozy, and I began slurring my words. Crazy, however I'm happy I got the chance to attempt. By and large, in the event that you have the tolerance, you will be compensated significantly. No place shows improvement over Howlin' Rays so on the off chance that you need the most flawlessly awesome/spiciest chicken, come here! In the event that you can deal with fiery, my proposal is medium as this is only the perfect measure of warmth while as yet tasting awesome and being agreeable though Hot can soon be awkward to eat. Chicken sandwich is an ABSOLUTE MUST, you won't be disillusioned! read more

Lina E.

11 months ago

So I'm going to start this off by saying I'm a very observant person and that I don't ever leave reviews for places but this experience was one like no other and I definitely plan on coming back! Now, I tend to keep to myself as I'm quite shy and being that way, I'm used to not being noticed. I had been told about this place by coworkers and even family and because I happened to have the day off, I decided to venture out and try it. The wait wasn't too bad and everyone I saw eating seemed to really enjoy the food so I was excited from just standing in line. The gentleman who took my order was kind and very informative, he seemed to be that way with anyone who came by so it helped me be at ease. I ordered a medium sando, no pickles, a side of their shake fries and a comeback sauce. I waited for my food for about 10 minutes, on one of the red benches outside, and awaited my number to be called. Now inside was a whole vibe. A bit much for me, personally. Since I like to keep to myself, I also like and appreciate a quiet spot but this was the complete opposite. There was one shorter fellow who I saw doing a whole lot of yelling in the front and to be honest, I tried to stay clear from him cause his yelling seemed a bit too much compared to everyone else. When I got my food, I saw him but luckily the young lady in the front gave me my order and let me just say she was a SWEETHEART. I believe her name was Alina. I only remember cause it was close to my name. Now when I say I'm used to going unnoticed, I mean it, but she made me feel super special in just the few minutes we got to talk. Looking back at reviews about her, I see she's a fan favorite and she seemed to have a lot of genuine interactions with just about everyone who walked through that door. I hope she knows she made this first timer already want to come back just for her hospitality alone. The food was a highlight all on its own too! So glad I didn't go too hot cause that medium was perfect and the fries were perfection as well. The comeback sauce paired very well with the fries and luckily Alina gave me the other two sauces to try, so I'm a fan of the ranch as well. Hope to stop by again in the future but maybe with some family since they had a good amount of tables to accommodate groups. You guys got yourselves a new fan! read more

Jun L.

339

3 years ago

Howlin Rays is hands down my favorite Nashville chicken place in the US. I always make it a point to stop by whenever I'm in LA, and it never disappoints. First, let's talk about the positives. The taste of the chicken is out of this world. It's always fried to perfection and coated with the most delicious seasoning. I've tried everything on the menu, but my personal favorite is the chicken sandwich with coleslaw. The breading on the chicken is just right - not too thick - and the meat is always juicy and tender. I also love that you can try different spice levels, but be warned: the spiciest options are no joke. I recommend starting with milder ones and working your way up. (I order a hot!) Tip: don't forget to order an iced tea to help cool down your mouth! The staff at Howlin Rays are top-notch. They're always welcoming, vibrant, and excellent at their job. They always greet customers with a smile and even throw in some chicken wings or quarter birds as a gesture of appreciation. The ambiance is simply amazing and it's little touches like these that make the experience so special. With the pandemic, they started offering delivery, and it's been a game-changer. Now I can order online, and my food arrives hot and fresh at my doorstep. It's perfect for those days when I want to enjoy the food in the comfort of my own home. I have to say, the quality hasn't suffered one bit. The chicken is just as tasty and satisfying as ever. So, whether you want to brave the lines or opt for delivery, you're in for a treat either way. Now, onto some minor things to watch out for. As I mentioned earlier, the spiciest options are seriously hot, so if you're not used to spicy food, tread carefully. Also, the lines can get pretty long on busy days, so plan accordingly. Finally, there's no indoor seating, only a bench for outdoor seating within the complex. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but worth keeping in mind. Overall, I can't recommend Howlin Rays enough. The food is simply amazing, and the whole experience is something you won't forget. If you're a fan of Nashville chicken, or just great food in general, you owe it to yourself to try it out. Trust me, you won't regret it! read more

Rayshawn W.

Elite 19

1009

649

7446

10 years ago

I never bothered to find out what Nashville hot chicken was nor even knew what it was until I saw KFC advertising it. Shortly after I came across an article online about Howlin Ray's. It is the only restaurant in LA that specializes in this type of chicken and Chef Johnny's back story for what inspired him to bring this type of chicken to LA was cool so I had to finally come try it out. The line was long but the wait was well worth it. I enjoyed every bit of the chicken and by bit, I mean I even went through my box to finish off all the crumbs haha. The staff is friendly and are very welcoming. You're given the options of ordering white meat, dark meat, half a chicken, etc. You're also asked how spicy you want your chicken to be ranging from Country (no heat) to Howlin which is five steps above Country and is the hottest on the menu. I didn't want to burn my lips off the first go round so I ordered a leg and thigh regular hot with hot shake fries on the side. Also ordered was The Sandwich (chicken sandwich) medium heat. The seasonings of this fried chicken is delicious! I love the flavor and feel of the pasty seasonings. Not a single flavorless piece in sight and these are some pretty big pieces of chicken. The same goes for the boneless chicken breast on the sandwich. Absolutely delicious and huge in portion. Its a great pair with the pickles. Pickles are also provided with all other pieces of chicken you order. I'm not sure if the same seasoning is used for the fries but they're pretty good as well. They're the type of fries that even after you're full, you find yourself continuing to dig into them. I'm glad I stuck with hot for now because it was pretty spicy. One of my friends decided to be a little more daring by going one step above me with the x-hot and his mouth was on fire. I'm going to attempt the hottest my next visit just to outdo him lol. Huge props to Chef Johnny! The chicken is awesome and I'll happily make the drive to Chinatown for more. Lunch 6/19/2016 read more

Kathrine M.

4 years ago

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Raymond J.

134

384

3 years ago

Prepare yourself for a taste sensation that will leave you craving more! Howlin' Ray's, nestled in the heart of downtown LA, is a haven for chicken sandwich enthusiasts, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you find yourself in the area, a visit to Howlin' Ray's is an absolute must. Let's get straight to the point: their chicken sandwiches are out of this world. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to chicken sandwich paradise. The chicken itself is succulent, perfectly cooked, and seasoned to perfection. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat that will make you swoon with delight. But it's not just the chicken that steals the show; the attention to detail in each sandwich is commendable. The fluffy buns, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles perfectly complement the star of the show. The combination of textures and flavors is a symphony in your mouth, leaving you in a state of pure culinary bliss. One cannot forget to mention the delectable heat that accompanies these sandwiches. Howlin' Ray's offers a range of spice levels, allowing you to customize your experience. Whether you prefer a mild kick or crave the fiery intensity, they have you covered. Be prepared to have your taste buds awakened by the tantalizing blend of spices that elevates the chicken sandwich to new heights. The popularity of Howlin' Ray's is a testament to the excellence they consistently deliver. Despite the long lines and wait times, it is absolutely worth it. The friendly and efficient staff work tirelessly to ensure that every customer leaves with a smile on their face and a satisfied belly. So, if you find yourself in downtown LA, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the culinary wonder that is Howlin' Ray's. Their chicken sandwiches are a league of their own, with flavors that will leave an everlasting impression. Get ready to savor each bite and experience a true masterpiece of the chicken sandwich world. read more

Chris Y.

Elite 14

289

8 years ago

My co-workers and I were intrigued by the all the acclaim that Howlin' Rays has garnered. We wanted to try it but as others have already stated the line is usually 1-2 hours long (if not longer). This has been the case every time I've walked by. This would not work for us. Fortunately we were able to place a large group order a week before, which they will allow you to do as long as the order is large enough. Having said that, Howlin' Ray's has some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. It is definitely worth the hype that surrounds it. The chicken is very high quality. The meat is cooked to perfection. Hot, juicy & tender. Every single person who tried it said it was delicious. Some of my co-workers ordered the regular chicken pieces or chicken sandwiches. Most of them opting for either "Country" or "Mild" spiciness. The chicken sandwiches had HUGE pieces of chicken in them. I definitely felt envious of those that ordered them. Me a few other brave, adventurous souls decided to try the "Howlin'" level of spiciness. It was probably the spiciest food I'd ever eaten. Great if you're looking to experience painful sensations you may not have felt before. Terrible if you're actually hungry and want to eat. As one YouTuber accurately put it... "It feels like nuclear fallout in my mouth." Yes...yes it does. Howlin' Rays is located in a small strip mall in Chinatown. Parking can be a challenge but there's usually several pay parking lots around the area. The only knock I can give this place is the wait time. It's insane. And no matter how good a particular food is, I personally can not justify a 2 hour wait in line. If they can figure out a way to accommodate the demand, or at the very least decrease the wait time (move to a larger location, open 2nd location, etc) this place would deserve a solid 5-star rating in my book. read more

Emarciano P.

249

3 years ago

Howlin' Ray's is a chicken sandwich haven that truly lives up to its hype! I visited on a bustling Saturday afternoon around 4 pm, and although the line was already quite long, the wait was surprisingly reasonable at around 30 minutes. Finding the place was a bit tricky, I parked in a tucked away lot and it was located in an enclosed shopping center, but once I arrived, I knew it was worth the search. Taking my food to-go, I missed out on the full ambiance experience, but the bustling energy and the limited indoor and outdoor seating areas added to the charm of this local gem. I opted for the Sando, their famous fried chicken sandwich, paired with a side of their fries. Knowing their spice levels could be intense, I went with medium, and it was the perfect choice. Let me tell you, this sandwich is one for the books! From the juicy and crispy chicken to the well-balanced coleslaw and the amazing bun, every element was spot on. It was undoubtedly one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've ever had, and I've sampled many across Nashville and California. The fries were a delightful surprise, generously portioned in a big bag and seasoned to perfection. The crinkle cut fries had just the right amount of seasoning and delivered a satisfying crunch with every bite - a true standout side. I couldn't resist trying their banana pudding from the menu, and while it was enjoyable, I felt it could have used more bread to balance out the rich pudding. Nonetheless, it was a tasty treat to end the meal. In conclusion, Howlin' Ray's is a must-visit for any chicken sandwich enthusiast. The delectable flavors and generous portions make it a top-notch spot. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through, trust me when I say this place is worth a visit. Don't miss out on their fantastic offerings - you won't be disappointed! read more

Jade P.

Elite 21

217

285

1168

7 years ago

Best. Fried. Chicken. Ever. I could see complete joy in my husband's face when he took a bite out of that crispy and juicy thigh. He was having a relationship with the chicken and I wasn't even jealous cause I was also having one with mine. Pure bliss, I tell you. Oh, and that comeback sauce? Wow. How could I not give Howlin' Ray's five stars?! Now this one, I wouldn't mind standing in line for 2 hours. IT'S DEFINITELY WORTH THE WAIT (yes, I'm yelling!). Wait time was actually 1.5 hours when I checked their Twitter account but we were out of there in an hour. Once you place your order, you'll get your food pretty fast too. We got ours in under 10 minutes. We ordered the Sando, a whole bird and shake fries. Total came up to 75 including tip (these guys deserve the tip, they're an amazing crew!) Highly recommend everything! Throw your diet out the window and get the whole bird, even if there's just one of you. We got everything mild, except for my husband's Sando which had medium heat. Mild is already spicy for me but it's tolerable. I'd imagine medium to be a bit painful based on my spice tolerance level. Awesome service! The amazing food definitely matches the service. Everyone's just so nice, easygoing, and fun to talk to! They just don't take your order and give you your food, they actually hold funny and random conversations with their customers. They don't seem to run out of energy too. Seriously, these guys are great! We parked in their underground lot. The driveway to the parking lot entrance is narrow and easy to miss (Google maps street view it!). It's 2 hours free with validation. If you exceed 2 hours then there's a flat rate of $5 which is the same as most parking lots in Chinatown. There's street parking too, if you don't mind going back to add time. read more

Leo V.

7 years ago

When I heard that there was so much hype about this place, I didn't know why since it just seemed like another ordinary fried chicken sandwich spot, but of course I had to see what it was all about! After driving through the dreadful LA traffic and waiting in line about 1 hr & 15 mins, I've concluded that for me it wasn't really worth the hype. It's definitely good overall, but just something I wouldn't wait more than 20 mins in line for. This place is oddly located in LA's Chinatown in an indoor/outdoor strip mall. A friend and I came around 4pm which is kind of a weird time to eat so we thought the line wouldn't be as bad -- we thought wrong! Once we finally got to ordering, we got the fried chicken sando medium heat with a side of cajun fries. They also gave us a side of collard greens on the house, probably to make up for the long lines, so that was really nice of them! First off, the size of the whole sandwich was humungous - it could easily be two meals! The chicken breast was so big that the buns couldn't really handle it (lol). The chicken though was still really juicy and it didn't have too much extra batter that a lot of fried chicken sandwiches tend to have. The medium heat was also perfect for me since I can't tolerate that much spice! The cajun fries were also pretty good - the cajun seasoning wasn't too salty or too overbearing and the crinkle cut fries were nice and crispy and came with their delicious comeback sauce, which is comparable to a thousand island cajun sauce and it also reminded me a lot of raising cane's sauce! Overall, Howlin' Rays is pretty solid - good food and friendly employees, just not something I'd wait that long in line for again. I hear they're planning to open another location which will hopefully decrease the long lines! read more

Julius S.

Elite 23

270

113

170

3 years ago

If you're a fan of hot and spicy food, Howlin' Ray's is an absolute must-try restaurant in Los Angeles. After a long day's hike near the Hollywood sign, my friends and I were starving and were craving something major. We decided on Howlin' Ray's and trust me, not a single regret was made. Located near Chinatown, the menu is full of attractive options. I ended up ordering the chicken sandwich (The Sando) at the "medium" level of spiciness, along with some fries and a drink. The sandwich was a work of art - perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy coating. The spice level was just right - enough to make my mouth tingle, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy the flavors. Such a good blend of flavors. The fries had a perfect crunch as well. This complimented the sandwich unlike other chicken sandwiches I've had before. The staff at Howlin' Ray's were so friendly and kind, despite the constant flow of customers. Everyone kept a cool and inviting attitude. Kudos! Shout out to my guy who lived in Chicago too. Good bonding experience. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere with seating right outside the mall area, making it a solid spot to chill and enjoy your meal. I would highly recommend Howlin' Ray's to anyone looking for a mouthwatering chicken sandwich in LA. The flavors are top-tier, the portions are generous, and the staff were friendly. In fact, I was so hungry from the hike, I didn't even get a chance to take a photo of my meal because it was so immersive. Alas, a reason to return. Nashville hot chicken is well represented in LA. I easily give Howlin' Ray's a 5/5. Thank you for the memorable food experience. Can't wait to come back. read more

Notorious D.

5 years ago

So rarely am I at a loss for words, but all I can say about Howlin Rays to start my review is: WOW. Believe the believers! It's not hype peeps, their food lives up to all expectations. Disclaimer here - I am a 5' 2" eating machine. With a very fast metabolism. But I am a foodie first and foremost, so I don't go around stuffing myself with junkfood- nope, nah ah ah, no way, no can do. My body is a temple to good food, so I eat only the BEST. And Howlin Rays is THE BEST. They meet, exceed, and surpass all other hot chicken places in flavor, quality (yes- quality, because it matters), portion size, etc. Chef Johnny's attention to detail cannot be matched. He is a genius, and a humble one at that. He is a one man Quality Control unit, so if you like me can appreciate a great man's work, EAT HOWLIN RAYS FOOD. Yeah, it can perhaps be can be imitated, but now why oh why would you go cheating on your taste buds? Why would you go elsewhere when, my friend, YOU could have THE BEST HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH IN CALIFORNIA‼ Personal fave: medium heat sando with everything. And pickles, lotsa pickles. Fries and comeback sauce should top you off and make you feel like you gotta do it again the very next day. But the wings are a special thing too, like you gobble them up and don't even think about there being witnesses nearby to see you do so. Just eat. Just enjoy and wipe that face when you are done. Accept no imitations and don't put limitations on your temple of food taste buds! Signed, Notorious D read more

Nicole F.

676

10 years ago

Just wanted to briefly comment on the chef's way of running his business! I must say I know a good person when I see one. The chef of this establishment obviously cares a lot about his crew. I work for another food truck restaurant location, and let me just tell you..... They do not treat us as well as the owner at howling rays treats his employees! He's letting his crew have about a good week off for the holidays! How selfless of him. Usually business owners would want to keep their restaurant open to make profits, but the owner here is different. He obviously gets the idea that if you treat your crew well, they will WANT to work for you. And I saw that at howling rays this past Saturday morning. I saw nothing but a real family working together, and honestly it made me smile. I'm glad that they're still good business people out there doing what they love doing while taking care of their crew! From my experience, Customer service was subpar. They opened at 10:30am (half an hour earlier than supposed) because the owner said it was too cold for us to be standing outside! The Food was made with love. From prep all the way to the customers' hands. I loved it and I will definitely be back. I must say that the spicy Heat level IS needed SPICY. I usually eat extra spicy Thai food and triple X at boiling crab, so take this as an official warning ! In my opinion it was Worth the 30 minute drive and hour wait! Thanks howling rays for your great service! read more

Keith C.

8 years ago

Ok so I thought my Thaitown "I can take any heat" cred was gonna get me through this- hoo boy was I ever wrong! I ordered a half bird EXTRA HOT. Figured I have to try out the straight product before I move on to the sandwich, which btw is what the entire rest of the restaurant was there to order. I got extra pickles, so as to get me through the spice if it was really that bad. The girl at the counter warned me. I didn't listen. First, the chicken is delicious. Cooked perfect, super juicy, with a crackly skin coated with the god awful hottest nuclear waste dust of pure napalm-scented dragon fire. You could send this chicken to hell and it would get sent back immediately slightly less spicy. You could drop this stuff on insurgents and they would come screaming out ready to sing the praises of truth, justice, and the American way. I got through the wing with a burning that was mildly alarming due to severity and the quickness with which it consumed most of my mouth. As I finished the thigh I could feel my hair start to sweat. Around the drumstick I made the mistake of touching the back of my hand to my cheek, which promptly caught on fire. By the time I was working through the breast I was dripping sweat, crying, and blowing my nose. I must have looked like a freaking ebola patient at the counter. Will I be back? Damn straight. Was the wait and line insane? Damn straight. Will I ever order Extra Hot again? Well... maybe on the sandwich. read more

Tony N.

Elite 19

161

7 years ago

Best.Fried.Chicken.EVER! I still remember my first visit to LA back in 2016 - I was looking for the best Fried Chicken around town - and since I discovered Howlins' then - every visit back in LA - I make sure to stop by. Sure - the wait times are now insane. Over 1.5 hours. But I would definitely make an effort to line up every chance I can. Fortunately, you can also pre-order for express pick up as well if you purchase over X items and contact them ahead of time, makes it even better that you don't have to wait! They specialize in HOT FRIED CHICKEN, Nashville style. Meaning these babies are spicy. I've had friends who tried the non-spicy chicken here and it just wasn't good - so be warned if you cannot eat spicy - it's really spicy! The comeback sauce here is a must for an order of fries that you should get with whatever chicken pieces you prefer (or the sammy). There is a secret menu too that you can find online. Thank me later! Not only is the chicken absolutely juicy, far from dry, and portions are out of this world - the SERVICE here is THE BEST EVER. It is lively in there with a wonderful crew behind the counter. Johnny does an amazing job and picking out his people. The music BUMPS in here and you feel like you are at a mini club that serves fried chicken more than a food shop! Do not miss the opportunity to swing by to Howlin Ray's when you are in the area - thank me later. read more

Michelle F.

575

136

1276

3 years ago

Howlin' Rays left my taste buds dancing with a mixture of excitement and heat! It's always poppin' at Howlin' Rays, so I waited in line for around 40 minutes on a Friday. I ordered the Nashville hot chicken sandwich at a medium spice level, and it delivered just the right amount of kick without overwhelming my taste buds. It was spicy, but it didn't cause any pain, making it an enjoyable experience. Not sure why but I decided it would be a great idea to be a bit daring and order the chicken tenders at the spiciest level, Howlin'. Let's just say it lived up to its name - it was one of the spiciest things I've ever eaten! It was burning so bad to the point where I was almost Howlin'. I rushed to the drink station in search of relief, but even that didn't completely cool down my mouth. I left feeling both satisfied and bloated from chugging down iced tea to soothe the spice. If you're up for the crazy challenge, I'd recommend tackling this dish at home with a glass of milk or ice cream. As for the service, it at was truly outstanding. Despite the limited indoor seating and a packed house, the staff maintained a friendly and welcoming vibe. I'd definitely reommend Howlin' Rays, especially if you're a fan of Nashville hot chicken. The flavorful food and exceptional service make it a place I'd gladly return to, though I'll think twice before taking on the Howlin' level of spiciness again! read more

Raul R.

106

3 years ago

If you're a chicken wing enthusiast, Howlin' Ray's is like a trip to the pearly gates of chicken heaven. Seriously, it's like the angels themselves came down and blessed each and every wing with a heavenly mix of spices and flavors. From the moment you step in the door, you can smell the tantalizing aroma of hot, crispy chicken, and you know you're in for a treat. But be warned, the heat levels can be deceiving. One minute you're feeling confident and ordering the "medium" level, and the next minute you're crying in the corner, regretting all your life choices. But don't let that scare you off. The chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, and the sides are equally delicious. The mac and cheese is so creamy, it's like eating a warm hug from your grandma, and the collard greens are so perfectly cooked, they make you want to start writing poetry about vegetables. And let's talk about the staff for a second. These guys are like the cool kids in high school that you always wanted to be friends with, but were too scared to talk to. They're super friendly, they know everything there is to know about chicken, and they make you feel like you're part of the family. So if you're in the mood for some seriously delicious chicken, and you're ready to test your spice tolerance, head on down to Howlin' Ray's. Your taste buds (and possibly your tear ducts) will thank you. read more

Catherine Z.

8 years ago

For the longest time, I was pretty sure that this place is just overhyped because no food is worth standing in the heat for 2 hours. And I still would not wait more than like 40-45 minutes for my food. But I have to say, this place turned out to be not overhyped at all. The food was amazing and the people there are so nice! The owner chats up everyone and make our times worthwhile. We came around closing time on weekday since the lines are much shorter during that time, and while they still serve you after 7pm, there's a security guard who will stand by the end of line and make sure if you're not in line by 7pm, you won't be. We've had some whole chicken and half chickens, chicken wings, and a burger to share. The pieces of chicken are so much bigger than I thought it would be. The size of the whole chicken meals is about a hungry boy's meal. I don't think the burger is particularly any good, but all the chicken pieces are so juicy and moist and flavorful. We did a mix of mild and medium and they weren't really that spicy, but it does get messy eating with all those sauces. Good thing is they provide gloves if you ask for them, and they also have hand wipe packages at the counter. I'd definitely come back! But only when the lines are about 30 minutes long. Otherwise there are still plenty good food options in that mall anyways. read more

Patrick C.