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    Howlin' Ray's

    4.8 (1.3k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    The nightclub inside the bathroom
    Tara L.

    They serve a pretty good chicken sandwich. I especially loved their fried pickles which pair perfectly with the sandwich. Service was impeccable. They handed out umbrellas to protect us from the hot sun. And don't worry about having to find a table - they will do that for you. Oh and the bathroom is like a night club. For real...go check it out.

    Muoi H.

    It's been years since I had some Howlin and so happy that have a Pasadena location! Their nashville chicken sandwich is perfect- the medium spice leve had the right amount of spiciness , breast was juicy and the condiment help balance everything out ! We also got the chicken wing and don't order hot if you can take the heat because its burning hot Staff were so friendly and thanks for the complimentary diet soda and they do offer tap and sparkling water! The shop itself was roomy with open seating inside or outside and decorated with a fun relaxing atmosphere ! Love the idea of the box of freebie for anyone to choose from for I got a darling pin! Howlin Rays is probably the best nashville chicken I've had.

    The Sando - Medium Heat
    Andrew A.

    This is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches I've ever had without a doubt. I've been here a few times now, and all three times I got The Sando. My favorite spice level is Medium. As someone who loves spicy food, I did try the Hot spice level once, and I was warned that it would be pretty hot. Honestly I didn't think it would be that hot. But, it was pretty hot haha. I would say, it was really tasty but the spice was just over the top for me. So I've settled on Medium heat which is perfect. THE SANDO: 5/5 Everything about the Sando is amazing. The chicken is literally fried perfectly and is so juicy. It's a big piece of chicken too, making this sandwich very filling. While my photo doesn't really show it, the sando was perfectly assembled. It never fell apart after every bite which is a big deal! So many times I've had a fried chicken sandwich where you're constantly trying to put it back together after each bite but not this one! This sandwich stayed in tact the entire time. The sauce is AMAZING. Side Note: While I don't think they show it on their menu, they do have ranch as well! FRENCH FRIES: 5/5 French fries were awesome! While I'm not a fan of crinkle cut fries in general, they were still very very good. The seasoning is amazing. Portion is good, and shareable! If you love crinkle cut fries, you will love these fries for sure. CHICKEN & WAFFLES: 5/5 My wife ordered this and said that the waffles were some of the best she's ever had! She got the chicken Medium Spice, but she said next time she will just do Country Spice for this, not because she can't handle the spice but because she felt like spicy fried chicken just didn't pair as well with the waffles. SERVICE / SEATING: 5/5 The service here is SO GOOD! Don't worry about it being busy or having trouble finding a seat! They make sure you get a table! After you order your food, they will find you a table so that you're not fighting for one with other guests. It makes the dining experience so much better than scrambling to try and get a seat. PARKING: 3/5 They have a parking lot, BUT it can get full very easily. If you can't find a spot, just park on the street. DO NOT park in the parking lot next door or else you could get towed. There is always some street parking available and you won't have to walk far honestly.

    Anna A.

    The chicken tenders was really really delicious. As a non spicy person, I went for the mild level and dipped the chicken in honey. The tenders were juicy, moist, and seasoned well. I now understand why people wait in line for this. The Shake fries were also really good and addicting. I saw a lot of people get the Sando so planning to come back for it next time. Staff and service was excellent. There's a parking lot in the back shared with Sidecar Doughnuts. Side note, could smell the sweet flavor in the air while waiting for Howling.

    Chicken tender
    Shawn S.

    The hype is real. Hands down, without a shadow of a doubt, the best fried chicken you will ever have. Honestly it is not even close, so juicy and tender on the inside, and so crispy and packed with flavor on the outside. No idea how they do it but it is life changing fried chicken. The service is also extraordinary, they have umbrellas to protect you from the sun while waiting in line that always extends outdoors. The staff are so charismatic and friendly, and they have an efficient system to seat customers.

    Linh Y.

    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.

    chicken and waffles (2), chicken sandwhich, fries
    Kate C.

    Always such a great experience at Howlin' Ray's. Customer service is amazing and workers are always around to help clear tables to help guests find a seat. Food is definitely worth it since portions are big and it always comes out hot and fresh. My favourite item on the menu is the chicken and waffles. 10/10

    Sando + Fries
    Karena S.

    If you ever want one thing in LA, it HAS to be Howlin' Rays. I came on a Friday early afternoon and only waited maybe 20 minutes which isn't bad at all. I know that the long lines seem really intimidating but it's worth it. I love the community feel this place has because all the employees' are friendly and it feels like you're at home. If you want a table, they have these 'reserved' placards placed on the table but it's not really reserved and more so, for one of the employees to "seat" you down at a clean table. Food: Sando medium spice (9.5/10): First time trying medium and it wasn't too spicy. We didn't get rid of anything so it comes with slaw and pickles on top of a spice coated chicken breast sandwiched in between toasted bread. I do wish that the spice was more evenly distributed throughout the chicken since the most spicy part was at the beginning with the solid crunch. The slaw adds a nice freshness with every bite so it doesn't feel as heavy. The pickles add a touch of acidity and I don't think that it was acidic to the point where it overpowered everything. French Fries (9/10): Crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior are my cup of tea. The seasoning they use adds a nice spice to each bite. We also got a cup of their comeback sauce and it was the cherry on top.

    Inside the tender; look at that juicy piece of chicken breast
    Monte L.

    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.

    chicken sandwich (medium)
    Erin K.

    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!!

    Chicken and waffle, wings

    The best fried chicken I've ever had--100% worth the wait! I got there around 6 PM and waited about 30 minutes, but I'd do it again without hesitation. The service was excellent, and everyone was super friendly. One warning: if they tell you the hot chicken is spicy... BELIEVE THEM. I thought I could handle it.

    Menu
    AndyMike E.

    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.

    The Sando (Medium spice level) & shake fries
    Tanya K.

    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!

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    Howlin' Ray's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Howlin' Ray's

    Do you use soy in your food?

    Hi John! There is no added Soy in our menu items!

    What is a person with disabilities to do when they can't stand in line for a long period of time.?

    We are happy to make accommodations! Please text us at 213.935.8399!

    When will you expand to the IE? We need you out here?

    Hoping to make it to the IE one day! Appreciate you and all of your support!

    Are the pickles made in house from scratch (homemade)?

    Hi! We tried to make our pickles in house way back in the beginning, but we could never make them better than the cold processed crinkle cut dills that we source from our friends in Central California!

    Hi, do you guys take telephone order to go?

    'm sorry but we do not currently accept orders via phone! We're offering walk up in person orders, dine in, and Postamtes delivery at our Pasadena location!

    What are their usual wait times on a Sunday during their business hours, and when are the best times to go when the wait in line is <20 minutes?

    Hi! The wait time tends to fluctuate throughout the day and can vary on weekends depending on holidays or events happening in the area, but you can always text us at 213.935.8399 for current line updates throughout the day!

    What is there Postmates maximum radius? I try ordering from less than 10 miles away and it's always unavailable for me despite ordering twice before :(

    Hi! Our radius tends to fluctuate throughout the day dependent on how many orders the team is currently working through, but typically our radius is 2.5-7 miles!

    Do you serve waffles everyday or just Saturday and Sunday?

    Hi Jo-Ann! We have Waffles available Wednesday-Sunday!

    Is it halal chicken?

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

    Would I be able to order a grilled cheese for my picky daughter?

    Yes, no problem! We offer Grilled Cheese as part of our Secret Menu!

    Do they have ketchup and ranch?

    Hi! We offer Ketchup Packets and a house made Ranch called Tennessee Tang!

    Looking for a semi large catering size order. Do you offer bulk offers?

    Hi Michael - email us at hello@howlinrays.com and we're happy to discuss details with you!

    Is it dog friendly?

    There's a little patio and I saw someone with a dog. The workers also offered water! So I'd say yes!

    Do you offer any gluten free options?

    Hi Martie - Our Vinegar Slaw, Collard Greens, Shake Fries, Pickles, and Comeback Sauce are all gluten free! However, due to the tight quarters of the restaurant, there is the possibility that most items are exposed to gluten!

    Will you eventually be open for dinner?

    Hi Annelyse! Our Pasadena location is now operating with extended hours! We’re open Wednesday-Sunday, 11AM-7PM. Hope to see you soon!

    Hi! Do you guys have gift cards?

    Yes they do.

    Hi are you taking pick up order?

    Hi Cristina! We currently offer walk up and dine in at our Pasadena location!

    Hi, what oil do you use to fry (peanut, veg or?

    Hi Sophie - we complete all of our frying in Highly Refined Peanut Oil!

    Thinking to stop by during lunch time. What is the average wait time? Do you take phone orders?

    Hi Jenny! You can always text us at 213-935-8399 for line updates throughout the day! We are currently offering walk up orders at our Pasadena location. Hope that you are able to visit soon!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Loli Farms

    Loli Farms

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    Small place. Can park in the small lot but snag it first before the crowd fills up. I got there 1/2…read moreHour closing so things were quick. I order the sanguish of steak with fries for take out. Portions are really big for 16$. Sauce is truly Peruvian. I should have ask for more. It took about 10 minutes to make from the kitchen. Fast and quick. The portions for chicken looks amazing but sadly I am allergic to chicken so opt for the steak. Come for the quick fix

    Loli loli farms - you're worth coming to Pasadena for. Tickets in Pasadena by Pie and Burger…read moreyou'll find this gem. This place has the most flavorful and juicy chicken that I've tasted. It's elevated by rotisserie chicken that literally makes your mouth water. Ambiance: quaint. Casual. Date night worthy for some good conversation. Honestly, for me a date spot is anywhere there is good food because I don't want to waste calories on something not tasty lol. Parking: small parking lot available with only one handicap it looks like. . Parking on street available. Seating: inside and outside. Yes very cute and quaint.. tables are small and fit maybe 4-5 people in the both style but if you get lucky you'll be able to seat parties next to each other. Baby friendly: yes, I say this because we made this place my daughter's 1st birthday dinner cuz I was craving something good and new. It did not disappoint. Food: Whole family meal with whole chicken and two sides + inca cola. ( It comes with t by inca cola but we swapped it out to or two cans of coke. I wish we could get a Mexican coke for it.) Chicken is phenomenal. Plantains are a just for a meal like this. And white rice. Green sauce available via serve yourself style! Service: very friendly! Protip: call ahead. They get very busy and sometimes they run more on chicken availability and you have to wait even if you ordered ahead so call ahead anyways!

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    The counter where they assemble orders.
    The counter where they assemble orders.
    Whole Chicken
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    1/4 chicken, fries n plantains
    Mendocino Farms

    Mendocino Farms

    4.3
    (832 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    I got the not so fried chicken sandwich and its probbaly their best one even though i havent tried…read morethe others yet. But i love it. I love the ciabatta bread that it comes with. Its soft and crispy. They give yoy bbq sauce and mustard on the side but the sandwich doesnt even need that. There was plenty of seats, at least when we went. You can get your own water at the side near the tables. Parking in the back is a hit or miss. It could be really busy or semi busy where you could find a spot if youre lucky.

    Got the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada ($16.20) and I have to admit I was hesitant to spend…read morethat much on a salad! However, it's one of their most popular items so I had to try it! It consisted of lettuce, avocado, corn, black beans, jicama, tomatoes, onion, quinoa, krispies, kale, cilantro, and cotija. The lettuce wasn't too fresh and there were some that were yellow green but not a big deal. It was packed with flavor even without the chipotle vinaigrette (relieved I got it on the side because I wasn't s big fan). The avocado was very fresh and plentiful. I added chicken for extra $4.74 and it was very tender! Overall, I enjoyed the salad but a bit pricey so it was a good one time experience! The Chicken Pesto Caprese ($14.10) was pretty good. It consisted of chicken, mozzarella, red peppers, pesto, and mixed greens. The greens were very fresh and the sandwich was packed with flavor. The chicken was a little dry but not a big deal. There was a lot of red pepper and it was a bit overwhelming so I wished there wasn't so much. Really enjoyed the pesto since it it wasn't too salty and was the cherry on top to the sandwich! I also really liked that the bread was soft and fresh. Got the "Not so Fried" Chicken Sandwich ($13.68) - 1/2 portion and it came with a side (paid extra $1.26) for tomato basil soup. It consisted of chicken, krispies, mustard pickle slaw, tomatoes, onions, and herb aioli. The bread was very fresh and soft. I'm glad I got this in half portion because I thought this was just ok and nothing special. The tomato basil soup was very oily and salty so wasn't too enjoyable. The Pomegranate Mint Lemonade ($5.10) was sooo sweet. It was refreshing but the mint was a little too overpowering. Definitely recommend adding ice and/or water otherwise it's way too sweet! Overall, the sandwich and salads were a bit pricey but definitely one of the better spots for sandwiches and salads in terms of quality and quantity!

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    Mendocino Farms
    Mendocino Farms
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    Howlin' Ray's - southern - Updated July 2026

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