Thought I do an updated review on Howlin' Ray's. I've only been here maybe 3 times. My experience every time has been top-notch. I can't say enough great things on their world class staff, exceptional service, and amazing foods + drinks. This establishment brings it every day! My most recent visit was full of spicy and sweet surprises. The young gentleman behind the register was super friendly and helpful. He offered shake fries on the house so I can try them. Thank you! I forgot to order a drink. The young lady behind the counter said she got me covered. I got a bottled orange drink on the house. Thank you! Wow, now that's generous hospitality. I got 3 chicken wings that came with one toast and some pickles plus the shake fries. Wings were lightly fried with perfect crispness. Mild spice was still spicy, but manageable good spice. Bread was good, but it would have been nice if it was lightly toasted. Pickles were delightful. It was indeed one tasty lunch. Howlin' Ray's, you're the best! I'm coming back with full force for more deliciousness. I'll be howlin' all the way here. read more

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The food is five stars all day and night. The chicken is ALWAYS cooked to perfection: juicy, meaty, and rich with spicy goodness. If you love fried chicken, you cannot go wrong eating here. The service i have mixed opinions. Most all of the employees are friendly. Maybe too friendly. Part of the reason for their long line would be the talkative cashiers. There is a way to chat up the customer while still keeping things moving along, but I've not seen it once while there; the chicken is that good that I put up with my least favorite thing at a restaurant--unnecessary conversation that adds to the wait time. The ambiance is also not my favorite. It's too loud in there. The music could be a touch lower--I'm there to eat, not be at the club--and the top notch cooks in the back yell a lot. I will say that the yelling appears to keep them upbeat, positive, and motivated; I see the value in it, yet it's the reason I get delicious chicken to go. They have a clean bathroom, a parking lot in back, and some of the best chicken in the Greater Los Angeles area. My mouth waters when I even begin to think about going there. Also, I believe the times to avoid the long waits would be weekdays until about 3 PM ish. read more

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For almost six months, everytime I drove by, I'd see this line around the building. No matter time of day. From the moment they open at 11am until 7pm there is almost always a line. And as long as you're in line by 7pm, they will take your order. The place has fried chicken, fries and fried pickles if you know to ask. And like a more well-known joint, they have a secret menu. The chicken is fantastic. Heat levels go from Country (almost zero spice) to their 6th level of hell they call 'Howlin' level. If you're psychotic enough you can have the 7th level of hell 'Howlin+' and '++". I' will warn you that 'Howlin' level is damn hot. You need to be 18 or older to order and you sign an aknowledgement saying you know. It has a bite. If you like spicy and love to keep your tastebuds, I recommend Medium or Medium +. I also prefer their tenders over the chicken with bone. But to each their own. During the summer heat, they provide sun blocking umbrellas for those waiting in line. Peak hours, you will need to wait for seating and someone there will assist you. They also offer free still water and soda water. Place is clean and inviting. The staff is damn awesome. All are friendly and they tend to remember your usual order if you go often enough. I usually go once or twice a week. Prices are typical. Better than that 'other' spicy chicken joint. And they are only open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 7pm. During the three weekdays, the first hour and the hours between 4 to 5 usually have fewer people in line. All and all great spicy chicken, price is decent, and worth the 30-minute wait. read more

This sandwich was amazing perfect spice level I just wish there was more sauce. They claim it comes with sauce inside but I didn't get much overall still super good 9/10. But for how expensive it is idk if I'll be coming back anytime soon. 21$ for a sandwich and a drink is lowkey devious. The service was super chill and very enthusiastic. The inside is cool too I like the art and design all over. read more

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The best hot chicken! The chicken is so juicy. The mild is a good heat level (although I think can be hotter), the medium is too hot imo if I got them as tenders. The french fries are a big portion so they are definitely shareable! The only con is you have to pay extra for sauce, but the comeback sauce is pretty yummy! The service there is amazing, the workers are so friendly and were asking if I needed anything. The restaurant itself is super fun, the bathrooms have disco balls and they have Aesop soap! Overall, amazing and will be coming back again! Also they have pebble ice!! read more

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We visited on a slightly rainy Saturday, 4/26/26, and it was excellent. The line is usually 45+ minutes and wraps around the building, into the parking lot. Because of the precipitation, we only waited about 20 minutes. The restaurant is a well oiled machine with all of the staff working in sync. The cashier was super friendly, offering samples of chicken for folks unsure of the spice level to order or of the beer on tap. We ordered the Tenders entree with the option to have a different spice level for each of the three tenders...but I made all three medium spice. My husband ordered The Sando at a medium spice level. And we each ordered Shake Fries - very crispy and well seasoned crinkle cut fries. Pro tip, order a Tennessee Tang dipping sauce - ranch with dill, super yummy. The medium is the perfect spice level for us - enough heat for flavor and to water the nose a bit. There is a Medium Plus that gives me the hiccups and I won't go any hotter. The space is polished concrete floors, half booths along the windows across the pick up counter, and tables long the windows facing Arroyo Parkway. The parking lot is way too tiny, so we usually don't bother and just park on the street. This place is worth the wait and definitely eat at the restaurant so it's hot and fresh. They have an exclusive delivery partner, Postmates, but usually delivery takes too long where the food isn't as fresh or hot. read more

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This place is amazing! Food is delicious and the staff are so welcoming and kind. I got the Sando (Medium spice level) with shake fries. The spice level was perfect and the portion sizes were generous. There will be a line to wait in that likely wraps around the building, but it is worth the wait! We waited about 45 minutes. After ordering and paying at the counter, we were directed to a staff member who helped seat us at the next available table. They had a very smooth flow for customers and great table management. Our food came out in about 10 minutes. The restaurant had seating inside and outside, very clean and welcoming feel. The energy from the staff was great, they really created a fun and uplifting environment. The staff also checks in while you are dining, which is nice! They have a water station where you pick up your food. They even had a sink outside of the bathrooms for customers to wash up! There is a parking lot located behind the restaurant and some street parking in the area. This is a new favorite! Can't wait to go back! read more

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Best chicken sandwich! Chicken is always so juicy. Good value for the price. I've been to the Chinatown location a few times but this was my first time at Pasadena. I love the decor and they have seating! Workers are very friendly. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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LOVED this spot. I got the mild chicken tenders and the spice level was perfect for me. I tried medium and that was way too much for me. After getting my order, I saw how big each tender was. Portions are very generous and the quality is great. Staff was so nice and continuously checked up on my party. There is also plenty of seating and staff are constantly cleaning tables, so you probably won't have trouble finding seating despite how busy they get. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Chicken Tenders - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Street parking or a valet parking lot next door. It's kind of hidden located inside an older plaza building. The seats are all set up outside! We came on a weekday and surprisingly still a good amount of people. I only got the fried chicken breast to try since I just had lunch nearby and always heard about this place. I must say! The fried chicken was amazing!! Super crispy skin and tender on the inside! You can also try their special sauces for an extra price. I'd definitely want to be back to try the sandwich. And the staff was also amazing!! Super nice and friendly read more

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I've seen all the Youtube videos featuring Howlin Rays and I always thought to myself whether something can me as good as social media makes it out to be. But holy cow I've learn it can be true (sometimes)! I went to the Pasadena location and loved my experience there. Parking can be a bit tight but manageable. There was a line out the door but it moved pretty quickly. Seating inside if limited but doable. The service is super dope and chill, and from the two times I've been there, they are great at making you feel comfortable. I ordered the chicken sando with mild heat and this was the juiciest and most flavorful fried chicken sandwich I've ever had. The spice did not overpower the flavor, and the coleslaw helped to balance the saltiness of the sandwich perfectly. I also got their shake fries, which are crispy and flavorful, but a tad bit on the sweet side. I also tried their comeback sauce which just okay for me, but the sandwich was so good it didn't even need it. Will definitely be back here to eat this again when I'm in LA!!! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

HOWLIN RAYS @ PASADENA The service here was AMAZING, the guy who helped check in for tables and the woman who took our orders were so kind and welcoming. I love how they are able to figure out seating for those eating in. The food was crispy and the place was super clean! 5/5 read more

Howlin' Ray's - spicy half chicken and sandwich - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Sando medium heat was good but not sure why it wasn't hitting like it usually does taste wise but look how big the chicken sticks out from the bun. Maybe tastes better when there's a long line because there wasn't a line when we went lol Fries were the crinkle cut fries with their special seasoning! Crispy and tasty. Should have gotten the banana pudding dessert- next time! read more

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Heard great things and agree, fun atmosphere, great food! There was a line at 1:00 on a Saturday but moved quickly. Rodrigo was our cashier, vet friendly and answered all our questions without a rush. Asked about different on tap beers, offered samples. Asked about mild vs medium, gave us a sample! The Sando was so good, didn't alter ingredients! Only thing I would change is going medium instead of mild. Look forward to going back! read more

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We came here multiple times and there's always a line out the door. We always left but this time we got here 10 min past their open time and decided to just wait. It wasnt too bad as we waited maybe 25 min. We got the sandos to eat there and also some wings and tenders to go. The place was quite busy with limited seating inside and outside but we were able to snag a table. We got the sandwiches and they were soo good! I love the vinegar slaw it comes with which helps with the spice if the chicken. I got medium plus and my husband got hot. The chicken was so flavorful and perfect amount of spice. We also got some fries which has some sort of cajun seasoning. We love howling rays and often go to the chinatown location. Just wish there wasnt a line everytime we go. But we willingly definitely be back. Their workers are all so nice and friendly. They always ask us how the food is and cares about our opinions. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Iconic. This spot put me on Nashville Hot Chicken. From line to out the door, they do a phenomenal job to ensure their guests are taken care of. On hot days, there's a calm mist spraying from the roof if you are waiting outdoors in the heat. They even offer you umbrellas if you wait in the sun. They also have a box of free stickers and pins. It was my friend's first time trying this spot and he had me order him a medium level chicken sandwich. Since it was his first time, the guy who took our order thoroughly explained the menu and even gave him a sample so he could taste the medium. It was a lot hotter than we anticipated so we opted for the mild. Mild chicken sandwich, 9.5/10: Hands down best chicken sandwich I've had. The chicken breast is perfectly crispy, seasoned super well and seasoned throughout the meat. It's juicy and warm. The pickles and slaw are killer as well. You can tell a lot of thought was put into this sandwich. The spice level was perfect. Wish they had an option between mild and med. Fries, 8.8/10: As good as any crinkle fry can get. Banana Pudding, 9/10: Such a great way to end off a spicy meal. Cuts through all the heat with the creamy pudding base. The bananas are subtle and pair well with the vanilla. Not too intensely sweet. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Went on a Saturday early dinner for our son's Birthday. They have parking in the back but stays pretty full, so be ready to wait/park in a near by neighborhood. The wait in line wasn't too bad 15-20 min wait but we just beat the dinner rush, so expect the wait time. Great detail, they have umbrella's by the entrance for customers to block sun/rain. The service first off is amazing! Very polite and high energy at this location! They made a special Bday shout out to our son when they found out it was his bday. They do their best to communicate seating and we opted to sit outside on the patio for some air and shade which was great. The music playing was a good plus and the atmosphere was chill and relaxed. It was nice to see the workers interacting and engaged with diners and very accommodating to children and fur babies too. The star though was the chicken! Hands down the best southern style chicken we've had in SoCal. We tried a little bit of everything. The chicken was juicy full of flavor and the spice levels are accurate as described. The portions also are up to par! The crinkle fries weren't over seasoned and cooked to perfection and portion wise 1 basket could feed 3. The sides were good but the collard greens could use more flavor a bit bland, it's was neither sweet nor on the vinegar side. The Mac salad was decent but also a little bland. The chicken sandwich our son loved with the tasty sauce. Highly recommend to any wanting to experience high quality chicken, service and overall good experience. Just expect the wait time be patient and try to time you cost right to avoid the rush. read more

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First time coming to Howling Ray's and Wow!!! ,such an amazing place to go to! From the cashier to everyone working there, the whole staff was super friendly, welcoming, and made the experience even better. The vibe inside the restaurant is really cool, and they play great music too. Huge thank you to Miles, Javier, and Julie for the awesome service.If it's your first time going, I highly recommend the chicken sandwich and the fries with pickles and chicken... OMG, everything was bomb. From the potato salad to macaroni salad it was all so good. I will definitely come and eat here again. read more

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The best hot chicken ever, and no one can do it better. Excellent service 10 and so happy it's close to our house. Pasadena location is very nice and clean, staff is very friendly, and always making sure everyone is happy read more

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I finally tried Howlin Rays after hearing years of hype. This place has some of the friendliest service around and what I love is that you have to wait to be seated- which takes out that customer competition anxiety to secure a table while you're waiting in a long line. First off, the mild chicken is really delicious and the spice level I'd recommend to anyone trying HR for the first time. Even the medium spice level is very spicy and more than that, the chicken is literally covered in spice dust--kinda like those stray Doritos that have triple the seasoning blasted on it. That amount of spice dust can be overwhelming and it was for everyone in my family--who are all spicy food lovers. The fried pickles are a must get if you like fried pickles and can't find them anywhere outside of Carnation Cafe inside Disneyland. They are crispy, briny chips of deliciousness. The shake fries are also crispy, spicy and delicious. The coleslaw is the nice vinegary kind and not the creamy Mayo kind so it complements the fried chicken well. The banana pudding is also a must. Another tip... the portions here are massive. The Sandos are huge and the 3 chicken tenders are the size of maybe 6-8 tenders anywhere else. The only downside to the tenders is you have to buy a dipping sauce on the side if you want any. The only side it comes with is a slice of bread. read more

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No wonder it's known as the best fried chicken in Los Angeles! I love ordering half birds and enjoying it at home. Their fried chicken is always crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The chicken sando is amazing too made with a thick, tender chicken breast that's never dry. We usually order it spicy, so it's extra crispy, flavorful, and packed with heat. It's always super busy and the lines can be long, but we usually do takeout and bring it home. Totally worth the wait! read more

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Honestly, I'm not really a Nashville hot chicken kind of person, but Howlin' Ray's does deserve 5-stars for being the definitive standard that pioneered and popularized it here in LA. The technique is picture perfect consistent, as you'd expect from the chef that came up working at Nobu Matsuhisa's Nobu, and Thomas Keller's Bouchon (and I will say, Keller's fried chicken recipe for Bouchon and Ad Hoc are among my top 5 for fried chicken). I've had a lot of Nashville hot chicken, but none have been really able to match Howlin' Ray's for quality. Every bite, from the fried chicken to fries are so crisp. I don't even like crinkle cut fries that much (nor am I that much a fan of shake seasoning), but I wolfed down every last piece. Crisp but fluffy to the center. Most places will fry their chicken piece by piece, but their "quarter chicken" is like one big chunk fried together. Rather than a "breast" or "leg," you get one-wing attached to the breast, or leg attached to the thigh. One big glorious cluster of fried chicken. Hot spicy chicken that will burn your lips with a scorchy kiss, crisp skin that you can really sink your teeth into until it meets that hot, moist, meaty flesh. And it pairs well to either of their sauces, like their tangy red ketchup worcestshire blend the likes Cane wishes he could raise that kind of luscious hell, and a in-house buttermilk ranch style sauce that goes heavy on the dill. And the waffles are really good! Hate to say it, but both the chicken and the waffles are better than the 'scoe's Special I used to get at the now closed Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles on the northern end of Pasadena. But as you can see from the photos, some of the waffle pieces come out incomplete, like they ran out of waffle batter to pour into the waffle iron, leaving the little nooks to be hollowed holes. But the flavor and texture is incomparable. This is my 2nd time coming to Howlin' Ray's, after waiting in line 1 hour in Chinatown during its opening year. It's good, but it wasn't drive through LA traffic, fight for dreaded Chinatown parking, then wait in line 1-hour good. This new location in Pasadena is such an upgrade. It has its own lot, but even when that fills up, street parking is doable. I timed my lunch hour wait, from the line coming out to the outside bench, and it took about 23 minutes total to order then receive my order. If you want to sit, make sure you let them know, as they have their own system to reserve seating for you as it does get very limited. read more

Howlin' Ray's - 1/4th waffle. C'mon guys, could you eat least fill the waffle iron properly with batter? Still crisp and tastes wonderful! - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Do I really need to add to the five star reviews? Most people know this is the benchmark for Nashville chicken sandos. Why else would we wait 45 minutes in line for a chicken sandwich. Sounds silly, right? But it's worth it!!! I don't know how they get such a fat chicken breast so perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without being greasy. It's really an art. Service is always good with the employees fist bumping everyone and they look genuinely happy to work there. That means they have great management. In spite of how busy they are, I can always manage to find a table because they do a good job getting people in and out. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Chicken sando! - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

tl;dr the delicious Nashville-style hot chicken sandos command an hour-long wait for good reason; the dine-in option at the Pasadena location is a definite perk Howlin' Ray's pioneered the Los Angeles hot chicken movement. Johnny Ray Zone began his Nashville-style fried chicken operation as a food truck in 2015, before shifting to a takeout-centric Chinatown hole in the wall. The concept was met with rabid acclaim, and Howlin' Ray's line regularly stretches for over an hour. Yelp has even dubbed Howlin' Rays as the #1 fried chicken restaurant in the country. The newer, dine-in location off South Arroyo Parkway is a luxurious departure from the original stall in the Far East Plaza. The diminutive dedicated parking lot (shared with Sidecare Donuts) is a tease -- expect it to be at capacity. The historic Adohr Milk Farms signage remains intact on the whitewashed building, and "HOWLIN" is painted along the side in ruby red block lettering. The interior is industrial-chic. The concrete floor is polished, and the rafters are left exposed. The walls are painted with accent-lit fried chicken murals, and booths line the side of the space. Out back, stainless steel picnic furniture is positioned within a semi-enclosed, space-heated patio. A mini disco ball spins whimsically in the gender-neutral restroom. The bass rattles the room as contemporary pop and R&B echo around the space. My fiancee and I recently visited before noon during the "atmospheric river" downpour, and the line still stretched out the door. It would be another 40 minutes before we secured an indoor table with food in hand. We opted to share two sandwiches: the Jojo Style and the Luis Style Sando. Broadly, both featured Howlin' Ray's shoe-sized, crispy-battered chicken patty. The Jojo opted for a fluffy buttermilk waffle and maple syrup, while the Luis opted for two slices of thick, buttery Texas toast. Of the two, I preferred the Luis, but the Jojo was a fun, modern take on chicken and waffles; I prefer both to the entry-level "The Sando" on a flimsy, otherwise standard bun. We also got two a la carte sauces: the Comeback Sauce (an elevated Thousand Island) and the Tennessee Tang herby ranch; both added a welcome creaminess to the sandos. We ended up with an unexpected portion of light Banana Pudding, which, while generously packed with fresh banana and vanilla wafers, was not as memorable as Magnolia Bakery's signature take. The spice levels range from manageable "Country" to the tear-jerking "Howlin" levels (which requires signing a gag waiver); I can handle the "Medium" spice without trouble, but the "Hot" and higher levels start to become prohibitive. The staff are equal parts familiar, friendly, and helpful. Expect them to manage the tight table situation, as well as check in throughout your dine-in experience. Our bill totaled $45, and a single sando serves as a satisfying meal that my fiancee and I agreed was worth the wait. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Luis Style Sando - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

Seriously the best Nashville-style hot chicken ever. The menu is fairly simple and straightforward. There are 6 various levels of heat, including "Country" which has no heat at all. I usually stick with Mild, as this is the perfect amount of heat for me. Medium is already too spicy for me. My husband, on the other hand, prefers Country, which is still delicious. My go-to here is The Sando, which contains a humongous piece of boneless chicken breast, slaw, comeback sauce, and pickles inside 2 butter buns. The chicken is so flavorful and juicy, while the slaw creates a wonderful cooling effect, and the sauce adds a mouthwatering richness. The crinkle-cut shake fries are super delicious to eat on the side. They have a bold, peppery seasoning that pairs perfectly with the hot chicken. The portion is quite big as well, making it great for sharing. As for the Chicken & Waffles, I thought this was just ok. I personally am not a big fan of this combination. I do like that you can choose the types of chicken pieces to have with the waffle, whether it's the breast & wing, leg & thigh, 3 tenders, or 3 wings. The chicken was fried perfectly with a crispy exterior and tender interior. If it's available, I recommend getting the banana pudding as a sweet dessert. It is the perfect treat to have after eating some hot chicken. The taste is sweet and creamy, with the perfect balance of banana and vanilla flavors. The service here is exceptional, with all the employees being high-energy and friendly. For obvious reasons, this restaurant has long lines and is packed with customers. The wait times are reasonable and even surprisingly fast, considering how popular it gets. Parking could be difficult during peak hours. read more

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Made sure to come on a weekday so I could dodge the crowd. There was still definitely a long line but didn't wait as long as I thought I would. One register. Parking was horrible. Parked across the street and walked. All staff I encountered were nice. From the person who took my order, the one bussin the tables, and the one who called my number and handed me my food were all hospitable. Ordered: Chicken & Waffles $18, The Sando (medium) $14, shake fries $5, and the banana pudding $7 Chicken & waffles and The Sando were both really good. I can see how this is one of the best chicken sandwich places out there. Chicken was a good size and very juicy which made it super flavorful. Fries and banana pudding were just ok. Would not get either one again. read more

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Oh. My. Gawd! Their chicken is finger lickin good!!!! The wait is worth it so don't let the long line wrapped around their parking lot discourage you. I promise it's worth it. The chicken tenders? Juicy and tender. The chicken wings - fried the mild and it had the perfect level of spice. It's crispy on the outside and juicy inside / like it can't get any better!!!! The restaurant itself is welcoming and the service is genuinely friendly!! They have limited tables and it can fill up pretty quick so getting it to go may not be a bad idea Tip: park across the street if it's super busy :) read more

Howlin' Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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So I finally made it to Howlin' Ray's. I've heard a lot of great things and I made it a mission to go. I was clueless about this location as I always s heard folks talk about the one in LA. So glad they have one outside from the Chinatown area because I always dread finding parking over there. This location does have shared parking. There is also street parking all around. The line was wrapped around the building. But I don't feel like the line went pretty quickly. We ordered fries, tenders, sandwich, breast and banana pudding. There is seating both inside and outside. Not a whole lot, but it looked like a good flow, so as you finished ordering, it seemed like a table became available. All of the staff were super friendly and nice. The restaurant was clean including the restrooms. Now the restrooms was another story. It felt like you just walked into a club. There was a disco ball, lighting, and music. Pretty cool lol Now the food, the food was good, but I don't know, I guess I was expecting something out of this world. Everyone hyped it up, my expectations were very high. But don't get me wrong, the food was delicious. However, the banana pudding was not it. The whipped cream was really bad and the pudding itself just wasn't for me. Not sure if I would stay in line and come back, but I'm glad I tried it and checked it off the list. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Food!! - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Howlin' Ray's definitely lives up to the hype. The food is really good, and the service is excellent from start to finish. Yes, expect a long line, but they do a great job taking care of customers while you wait. They even provide umbrellas, which is a huge plus so you're not standing in the sun and getting burned before you even eat. We ordered the Sando and the Chicken & Waffles, and both were fantastic. The chicken was super juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. For the Sando, we chose the Hot heat level--and honestly, it was too hot for us to handle. We let the staff know, and they were incredibly kind and replaced the Sando with a milder heat level as a courtesy, which really says a lot about their customer service. Tip for first-timers: You don't need to jump straight to Hot. You can order Medium with different spice levels, which gives you plenty of flavor without overwhelming heat. Overall, amazing food, thoughtful service, and a great experience despite the wait. We'd absolutely come back--just with a little less heat next time. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Line to enter Howlin Ray's - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'm a sucker for fried chicken but this place was truly awesome. Got a half chicken and my friend got the Sando. I thought finding a table would be difficult but they had a seating staffer who made sure we were seated before the food came out and we were able to enjoy our piping hot chicken in a large and comfy booth. The seasoning was spot on. I got it mild which had a small kick but allowed me to savor all the complexity of the seasoning and the crispiness of the skin and juices. Will go for medium next trip! read more

Howlin' Ray's - The sando looked delicious - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Delicious fried chicken? Hell yeah! I've been waiting for years to eat here unwilling to wait in a four hour line. They opened a new location in Pasadena so here we went. Got the Sando mild and 1/2 chicken. You give the guy your number and when it's time for your chicken to be ready to eat you get seated. The employees are all great here. The chicken is outstanding. There is plenty of parking out back. They have sparkling or regular water fountains. This is a perfect place to satisfy your fried chicken cravings. Happy Yelping! read more

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Finally tried try the famous howlin rays hot chicken in Pasadena! Very delicious and friendly service. Prepare for a long wait especially on weekends. Waited close to an hour and 30 minutes on a sat evening, and this length might deter me from making another trip here. I would still recommend trying the food here, and if the opportunity arises in the area, I would grab this again. If you're dining in, once you've ordered, a server will help you find a table during busy hours. Ordered the chicken and waffles $18 with quarter chicken (leg+thigh because dark meat). You can get urs with pickles and bread at no extra charge and I recommend it as it balances out the spiciness. The seasoning here is amazing but do be careful, I tried medium spicy but the heat is def there. Tt's probably a level hotter here than elsewhere as u can feel the spice in tummy after. The waffles were very fluffy and fresh. It is also very bougie here with crushed ice and sparkling water dispenser, disco ball in the bathrooms, and free stickers/postcards/buttons/swag to grab. It's def an experience. There is a parking lot but it may back get packed during busy hours. Did I mention disco ball in bathroom??? read more

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Popped in on a Saturday for lunch, line was out the door. (took appx. 25m.) We've had Howlin' before and came for the weekend (only) waffles. Hot or Not? Waffles & Wings: 5/5 bites The wings are crisp well seasoned in the infamous Howlin heat, level Med. spicy nice kick, but still enjoyable, and juicy. The waffles with the whipped butter and syrup, delicious. ($18) Hot!! Tender: 3/5 spice level Hot, was spicy but good, great consistency with the chicken and good flavor but carries an intense kick. Clear difference between the Med and Hot. ($4.5) Shake fries: Their seasoned crinkle fries. Comeback Sauce: Delicious. Cold water on tap for your convenience, they also offer beers clean restrooms, once you order they will seat you at the next available table. you cannot reserve a table while you wait the employees will designate you after your order is placed. We sat outside and it was warm. The line didn't appear that long of a wait or we wouldn't have waited as we've had Howlin' before and Was it worth the wait? No. (This is compared to the DTLA location, much smoother) Would likely not return to this location. read more

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First time I ate Howlin' Ray's was at the L.A. Times Gold 101 2017 event at the MacArthur, née the Park Plaza Hotel. There, the Howlin' Ray's crew was cheerfully manning their portable frier. At that time, the original downtown L.A. eatery had lines where a wait of over an hour was usual. I got my fried chicken wing in about 5 minutes. Now 8 years later, I had a similar experience at the Pasadena branch in terms of avoiding long lines by coming at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon. There is a parking lot and street parking. The building formerly housed the old school Adohr Milk Farm with the old signage still retained as an homage. If you are handicapped, use the back patio entrance since you will have to climb some steep azz steps up to the order counter using the front door. I was super blown away by the exceptional service, thoughtfulness, upbeat attitude of the staff that is so unusual in a fast food "joint". It is such a feel good place that makes the already good food better. Howlin' Ray's chicken is probably as good as it's going to get in Los Ángeles. Only place that may beat it was Danny's in Woodville, Mississippi near the border to Cajun-Créole Southern Louisiana where their aromatic spice mix is so enticingly alluring. 1) My guess is that this chicken may be brined in buttermilk, then slowly steamed till it gets close to falling off the bone. Then battered and fried with the special, herbed coating that crunches up to add rough texture to the luscious, meaty, slightly gamey & fatty, Jidori chicken-like meat. When you order it more "spicy", a dry red chile, perhaps tomato powder is heavily sprinkled for a bit of kick & more Umami. Two slices of bread, that you can make into a chicken sandwich, act like a cushion under the half chicken, and sliced cucumber pickles act as a palate refresher. 2) Banana Pudding is special with a soft, velvety, slightly gooey, comforting mouthfeel. The very ripe banana slices augment to the fruity, plush feel. The accompanying vanilla wafers make it feel like a down home American Tiramisù. If at home, I would drizzle in some Amaretto di Saronno, Grand Marnier, or Frangelico to add more sensory excitement. 1-2a) Canned Peach Iced Tea unsweetened. They don't have the all you can drink soda dispenser, but do have one that puts out crushed ice to put in the provided cup. Great fried chicken with piquancy that stimulates releasing endorphins and a fantastic crew who are so helpful and hospitable. I am stoked and impressed, and honored to give 5+ stars for service above and beyond the call of duty!!! read more

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I got the medium tenders as it's usually spicy but this time they weren't that spicy! I wish it had more spice but I know it's supposed to be on the spicier side. The waffles were actually really good. The people working are very nice. Decent amount of seating. I would come back but I do prefer the China town location read more

Howlin' Ray's - Tenders - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Ok... I seriously thought this place was going to be hype, but this is for real the best fried chicken I've ever had. I came here on a friday for an early lunch and there was already a small line out the door. The line did take a while to move only because there is only one register and that the customers ask so many questions. The hospitality is insane... all the workers are super nice and extremely friendly. We had to order the chicken sandos, mild, though I feel like you should definitely order medium and a side order of chicken tenders. I've never had such juicy chicken breasts ever. Also, I love the balance of acid with their coleslaw. It's just awesome. Just a tip, order the tennessee tang to dip your chicken in. It's basically a housemade ranch sauce, but it's super good. There's plenty of seating inside and outside. When it gets busy, the staff will help reserve tables so you don't have to fight with people just sitting on tables with no food. read more

Howlin' Ray's - sandos and tenders - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've only tried this place one before and it was during early COVID times, but I recently was in the area and got to experience it again! I got there within the hour it was about to go and it was still so packed but I feel like the line went by in a timely manner. During this visit, I got: 2 sandos (one mild and the other medium), fries, mac salad, and vinegar slaw. I also got their sweet honey mustard (my top choice), tennessee tang (kind of like a zesty ranch), and comeback sauces to try. The sandos had the perfect amount of seasoning and the chicken was nice and crispy without being overwhelming. The fries had a lot of spices that helped elevate the flavor, and they were crunchy! The mac salad is different than an ordinary one, but it wasn't for me; the vinegar slaw on the other hand is what I enjoyed and could also be a good palette cleanser! p.s. Shoutout to Javier for helping me find a seat the day I went even though they were closing within the next 15 minutes! read more

Howlin' Ray's - the sando, shake fries, mac salad, vinegar slaw, comeback sauce, tennessee tang sauce, sweet honey mustard sauce - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

I can't believe I never had Howlin' Ray's so this is my first ever experience and I wasn't disappointed. For this location, there's a small parking lot but gets full very quick, recommended to park next door or other plazas close by. Moderate amount of tables inside & outside. Service here is very active and very friendly. My wife and I waited in line for about 20 minutes just to order. I would think that the ordering line would move quickly but noticed that the staff taking orders would conversate with every single person ordering after their order was taken, which of course held up the line a bunch. Not a bad thing but I would imagine that customers would like to get their food quickly and move the line as fast as possible. Love that their menu is easy to figure out, plenty of options along with some disclaimers on level of spice, including signing a waiver for their hottest level of spice. Our order: 2x THE SANDO (Country + Mild) $28 ($14 each) 1x Chicken & Waffles $18 1x Shake Fries ($5) 1x Banana Pudding $7 Total = $58 + 10.50% Sales Tax = $64.09 Grand Total I definitely underestimated the size of THE SANDO (Chicken Sandwich) because oh my goodness this is one huge sandwich. I was already pretty fulfilled after eating it. Very well made, cooked to perfection, and definitely one of the most delicious chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Super tender, not tough, and juicy. MUST TRY. The Shake Fries were a surprise to me. They were absolutely jaw dropping delicious. Although a bit salty, they were firm and crunchy but also had a soft feeling to it. They were the perfect fries to compliment the meal. Also a MUST TRY menu item. The Chicken and Waffles were decent, waffles were soft and mixes pretty well with the chicken. Not a must try item but I had to get this to compare to other shops that sell Chicken & Waffles. Banana Pudding was of course, the last on the try list. Was told that this item is a set item that sells out daily, not obtainable after stock is done for the day which gave me the impression that it's a popular item. Love the banana pieces and definitely a very sweet treat. A very nice item to cleanse your palate after the meal. Very happy that my wife showed me Howlin' Ray's as I'm very excited to visit again. The sandwiches are the definitely the stand out here, very delicious and very well made. read more

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The service and people here are amazing!!! I was not into the hype bc everyone is doing fried chicken but..... they are servicing here like no other!! The vibe is pop'n!!! Allison (hopefully I spelled it right) is so fun, kind and great customer service great human being! There is a wait... like getting in the club...we waved to the chef .. like hi-5 the DJ! So fun.. we will come back... check out this sauce and peppers... superfan now! Oh about the food: high quality!! Chicken breast is fresh and juicy! My kids ate and tried everything! The flavors are real .. ingredients are fresh.. even bananas pudding - elevated... ww learned a veteran tip from Allison..to put the banana pudding on the waffle---- soooooooo GOOod--- nessss! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Peppers and sauce that comes at the table when they seat you after your order! Great service! - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This place is fire. Best fried chicken I've personally had, but it's just so meaty that it's hard for me to finish my meal (but I'm okay with it since I then get a nice little lunch for tomorrow). The seasoning of the chicken and the fries is just unbeatable. I've dined in and taken out a decent amount now and I couldn't recommend dining in more as the staff inside is so nice and friendly. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Tenders - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

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