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    Howlin' Ray's

    4.7 (8.2k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Howlin' Ray's Photos

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    HOWLIN' RAY'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Howlin' Ray's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tenders
    Paul K.

    Howling rays still remains the GOAT of Nashville hot chicken! After being to both locations several times I think the go to is the quarter bird leg/thigh. Medium has a little kick but not overwhelming I definitely wouldn't go more than hot. The leg/thigh tends to be more tender than the breast imo, I'd suggest two of those rather than the half bird. Also don't sleep on the tenders, they are massive and surprisingly great too, and easier to eat/less messy. Wait at opening on a Saturday was about 20-30 mins till food was received. There's a few tables for sitting right outside the location but it's very casual. Will definitely been returning, it's worth the wait and has kept up its quality! The staff is always super friendly and personable!

    Kurtis C.

    I guess it's time for a review update after over 9 years later! I've been to all 3 locations and the quality, the service, the food; everything has stayed consistent after all these years. No matter what location you visit, it's all the same level of quality you'd expect from Howlin' Ray's. Anyway, rode from Anaheim to Howlin' Ray's because let's be real; they're totally worth the ride/drive and it had been awhile since I last had it. Believe it or not, I finally FINALLY tried their waffles after all these years. They were really good, but a bit too... eggy? The exterior was PERFECT, but the inside was a bit under cooked for my preference. I like under cooked, but maybe just 2 minutes longer and it would've been perfect. Obviously had to get a sando as well. Excellent like always, no surprises or complaints there! 'Til next time!

    Thuyvi M.

    Bookmarked this spot for our LA trip. We found metered street parking about two blocks down. Made it right before a line formed. The employees here are freaking awesome. My son tried to order HOT and they made sure he was 100000 percent sure. We were told it's much spicer than other places hot level. They let him try a piece and man he changed his mind instantly. I'm talking ghost pepper and habanero all up in yo face. I even took a bite and couldn't handle it. Nose running and mouth watering for 10 minutes drooling like a damn dog in the summer. Glad I went mild for my meal and my kids went medium. One the menu: Quarter bird (breast & wing) mild 2 sandos medium 1 tender medium 1 shake fries Ranch and comeback sauce The quarter bird was so good. Flavorful and not too spicy. The chicken was fresh and crispy. I was surprised the breast was moist too. The comeback sauce is really good and pairs well it and the fries. The fries were perfectly seasoned krinkle cut. Enough for two people to share. Fries were hot and fresh and not oily either. The ranch is really good and you should definitely try that Tennessee tang. Not your basic ranch! The pickles are pretty good and I usually don't like pickles. The sandos were a nice size. Can't review the sandos since it was my kids order but they said it was bussin. There are some tables outside to eat or take it to go. Glad we got to try Howlin Rays!

    Thomas C.

    Holy smokes this place has some of the best service I've ever gotten at ANY restaurant. All the staff are wonderful to be around, and they were all very patient in explaining what they recommended. I can tell the people who work here truly have a passion for the food they make!! Onto the food....its d*mn good. It's the best white-meat chicken sandwich I've had in my life. And I've had a lot of chicken sandwiches in my life. However BE WARNED their SPICE IS SPICY! Ask them for a taste test first before you order...or else the ghost peppers will haunt you and your food-exit-hole. There is parking in a paid lot underground, the entrance can be a bit tight. 10/10 would come here again.

    Half bird
    Justin L.

    Haven't been here in over 5 years. Line was only 30-45 minutes compared to 2 hours plus when I went last time so I was impressed. Line was decent but moving and it is way more efficient now Got to the front and met Ryan. Man made our day greeting us, making us feel welcome and helping us out with our order. He also checked in on us several times before during and after our meal despite the hectic environment. You rock man! Also shoutout to Matt. Went to pick up my order and struck up a good short convo. Man I'll drive back here for the service alone The food..... even better than ever. I'll be back very soon this time around!

    Wing
    Leon C.

    A little late on the post, but we came here on Valentine's Day. We were actually in the area shopping for Chinese New Year decorations but we were wonderfully surprised by a huge balloon decoration for the special day. Nice to see an establishment that knows how to celebrate. Before I forget, shoutout to Ryan, that guy's a G. We expected a long wait, but it only took about 10 minutes when we arrived around 11:30 AM. The staff were efficient and friendly. Seating is limited, but turnover is quick, we grabbed a table while waiting for our food. Once the food arrived, nothing else really mattered. The chicken was incredibly well seasoned across the board. I prefer bone-in personally, and every piece was juicy and finger licking good. You could tell the process was dialed in: flavorful meat with breading that was seasoned just as well. It was good enough that I barely touched the sauce, and not from a lack of appreciation. My only slight gripe was the heat level. Based on some YouTube videos I'd seen, I expected more kick, but the medium had almost no heat for me. A small issue though that will be corrected with another visit... Perfect!

    Sando
    Maribel H.

    This is hands down the best hot chicken I have ever had. Waited 45 mins in line but it was so worth it. Customer service is really great too. Would recommend!

    Sandwich- mild
    Leannuh L.

    Okay...hear me out. I never use this term to describe food But I have to say, after going today and waiting in line for about 20 minutes...it was: LIFE CHANGING. Seriously the best sandwich I've ever had, I got the mild. This is also with me being on a GLP-1 which we all know, dulls the taste of food and lessons our pleasure response to food. I will be thinking about this sandwich for weeks to come. Customer service is great... This place is impeccable!! Hopefully they don't go downhill like some other spots such as Raising Caines lol

    Jonathan C.

    If you're in the area and don't mind waiting, worth a try if you like spicy chicken sandwiches. It for sure left an impression on us lol and I'd recommend if you haven't had it before.

    Jared F.

    The reviews here speak for themself. There was a long line but they kept it moving which was great. The menus is super simple and the flavor is spot on. I got medium spice and it was a great combination to still get flavor. I'm not usually a fan of crinkle cut fries but these were great.

    Wing (medium plus).
    Renee P.

    My first time trying Howlin' Ray's. I work downtown, but whenever we drive over, it's too crowded to wait while on an hour lunch break. I found that they deliver through Postmates. I ordered three wings (medium plus), fries, and comeback sauce. I understand why they have such a following; the food is really good. The fries were cooked to perfection and well seasoned, and that comeback sauce is so good. Now that I know they deliver, I will order often.

    Comeback Sauce ($0.75)
    Ryan N.

    This was my first time trying Howlin's Ray's and I can definitely see the hype for this place! This is basically like Dave's Hot Chicken, but California stapled. My cousin took me to the original location in LA Chinatown. There's only street parking available, but when we got to the location there was already a line to go in... that's how you know it's a good spot! The service was honestly the nicest I've ever experience for a fast food place. The inside was small, but it was more of a pick up and dine outside type of place since there were tables available outside. The servers were really friendly. They made conversation with us and even asked me about NOLA since I was in California for vacation. They even gave me a sample of their hot chicken to see how well I can handle their "hot" spice (spoiler: it was so hot!). When it was our turn in line, we ordered their 3 Medium Tenders ($13.00) and Shake Fries ($5.00) with their Comeback Sauce ($0.75). When I tell you the tenders were huge, they were HUGE! One tender could literally fit a small bowl. The medium spice level was enough for me, as it already had a minor kick to it. They also come with pickles and a toast inside. The shake fries were pretty good as well. Their comeback sauce is kind of like Cane's sauce but with a bit more zest. Overall, even though this is a fast food type of place, I'd definitely recommend you trying it out if you ever visit California.

    Linda K.

    Tucked away in a plaza in Chinatown, this place always has a line literally wrapped out the door. Every single time I passed by, I was tempted... but that line? Yeah, it always scared me off I know, I know. Well, I finally did it. I stayed on line, ordered the food, and let me tell you--the hype is real. I've heard so many people say, "OMG, have you tried this place?" and after finally giving it a shot, I can confidently say it was 100% worth the wait. The food lived up to all the buzz, and on top of that, the staff was incredibly friendly, which made the whole experience even better despite the long line. Sometimes the places with the longest lines really do deserve it--and this is definitely one of them.

    (Mild) chicken sando and fries.

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    Page 2 of 206

    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!

    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!

    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!

    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!

    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!

    View All 142 Questions

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    My quest to find another great burger spot led me to a little corner eatery in South Glendale. The…read morebranding here is bright and lively...kind of a mixture of pop art and anime. Inside is clean and spacious. Menu offers mainly smash burgers and chicken items, along with various sides. Prices are decent. Ordered the following: - Double-double wagyu smash up combo - 8.5/10: superb smash burger. Decadent, flavorful, what sets this burger apart is that they use wagyu beef patties and fry them in butter. Lots of it. Every bite is going to be juicy. If there was a comparable, I'd probably say Shake Shack's smash burger. It's about the same size and has the same soft bun. But Cluck's blows it away. Easily. - Fries - 8.5/10: seasoned extremely well, these are extra crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Comes with two dips of their burger sauce and ketchup. By the way, their sauce is excellent. Most burger sauces are too tarty. Theirs are well-balanced with some heat. - Six piece wings - 8/10: dry rubbed. Got these in mild. There are higher levels of heat, of course. These were perfectly fried and damn tasty. This really is good food and this spot should be way more popular than it is. I had lunch here on a Monday and there was hardly anyone there, sadly. I suspect it could he the location as it sits on a corner of a super busy intersection that makes it not easily accessible. And the foot traffic here isn't that great at all. Anyway, a great time was had by all.

    I found this spot following a series of unfortunate events left me stranded across the street…read more Now, I'm not one who eats when depressed, angry, etc. However, if I didn't get some real food in me and soon. My alter - ego, Commander A-hole was destined to arrive. What followed was a delicious, fresh, and satisfying lunch. The staff worked like a machine, they offered delicious choices of agua frescas, and the house seasoning on the fries had me questioning whether to ever salt fries from anywhere else. The ambiance was simple, fabulously air conditioned ( it was 95 outside ) and as clean as you'd want it to be. They say everything happens for a reason, and this place made a horrible morning a better afternoon

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    Angry Chickz

    4.6(1.2k reviews)
    4.5 miLos Feliz
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    I've had this both in person and through delivery, and honestly--it's pretty addicting. Compared to…read moreDave's Hot Chicken, I keep coming back here, and the biggest reason is the rice. It's not your typical plain rice--it tastes like jasmine rice, and when you combine it with their sauce, mac & cheese, tenders, coleslaw, and pickles, it all just works really well together. The sandwich is also really good. The bread is soft, so it's easy to eat and doesn't feel heavy. I've ordered the Hangry Fix and the Classics 3 both times, tried mild, and medium. I think I'll stick with mild definitely has a kick. Compared to Dave's, I'd say their medium feels closer to a "hot" level. Their sauce is another highlight--way better than Raising Cane's in my opinion, and a bit closer to Dave's style but still its own thing. Price-wise, it's not bad at all, especially compared to Howlin' Ray's. I don't get to have this often since I only go when I'm in Los Angeles, but it's definitely a must every time I'm there. Give it a try.

    Located in the heart of Los Feliz, Hollywood -- with a parking lot‼‼‼…read more Angry Chickz serves simple but insanely crispy spicy chicken No worries -- you can choose your own spice level! I can only handle mild This little spot also has a cute, unique Hollywood mural, adding extra fun to the spicy experience IG: socalhkfoodies

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    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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    Howlin' Ray's - southern - Updated June 2026

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