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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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

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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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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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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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 made it to Howlin Rays after years and years, and there's still a line but on a weekday during lunch we didnt wait more than 30 min, and it slowed after the peak lunch rush Service is great, everyone is so friendly ---hot chicken sandwich: the breading is crispy, medium spicy wasnt too bad, some heat but good flavor! I do feel the chicken could be just a tad jucier but otherwise solid ---fries: nice crinkle cut which pairs well with the sandwich ---homemade ranch: loving the heavy use of dill in this! read more

Howlin' Ray's - Fries - 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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When I told my foodie family fan and mandi that I found some good chicken sandwiches elsewhere, they always laughed and said only Howlin' Rays! After finally trying Howlin' Rays myself, I completely understand why they say so. We decided to visit the Pasadena location instead of the original Chinatown spot since it has a larger, more comfortable dining area. Our first attempt was on a hot summer weekend and the line was incredibly long, parking was impossible, and although the staff kindly provided umbrellas for customers to shield from the sun, we ended up giving up that day. On our second visit during a weekday lunch, the restaurant was still buzzing but much more manageable. We finally got our hands on their famous chicken sandwiches and fried chicken and wow, it truly lived up to the hype! We ordered almost everything on the menu and tried different spice levels: mild, medium, and hot. The chicken sandwich was perfection, crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, and the coleslaw added the perfect crunch and sweetness to balance the heat. The tenders were great too, especially if you want to savor the pure flavor of the chicken itself. But the real surprise for me was the fried chicken, even juicier than the tenders, with an extra layer of crunch and rich flavor from the skin. Absolutely delicious! I also love that they provide a free sparkling water dispenser, such a thoughtful touch, especially when your mouth's on fire from the heat. I can handle the "hot" spice level, but if I want to feel a little better the next day, I'll stick with medium or mild next time. Overall, Howlin' Rays truly deserves its reputation as the #1 hot chicken spot. Every bite was worth the wait, crispy, juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable. A must-try for any fried chicken lover! read more

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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

Yes, there is always a line, but it moves quicker than you think and it's 100% worth it. The food is absolutely delicious, but honestly, 50% of the experience for me is the staff. Every single person working here is upbeat and genuinely happy to be at work. Staff are all incredibly thoughtful and treat you like family.We always bring our toddler and baby, and the team goes above and beyond to help us find seating and immediately hands over crayons and coloring pages to our toddler. (They make eating out with a little one so much easier.) Incredible food, unmatched energy, good music always and just a fricken wonderful group of people working together to feed us. read more

BRO SO GOOD!! I only tried Howlin' Ray's one time and I already know that it's one of the best chicken sandwiches restaurants! I tried The Sando and was completely mind blown. There is just soo much flavor in each bite. The chicken is seasoned so well and filled with a rich but not overwhelming spice. And the coleslaw balances it out perfectly. I will 100% be back! read more

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

We came at 11:15 on a saturday morning and the wait wasn't too bad, maybe around 30 minutes to get our food? Parking is a bit hard to find in the immediate lot but there's street parking further out. Waffle: 4.5/5 Really light and crispy, if you like that style Fries: 4.5/5 Super fluffy inside and still pretty crispy on the outside. Wish it was maybe a slight bit more crispy on the outside. MILD Chicken sando: 6/5 Easily the best chicken sandwich of my life. Chicken inside was still super moist and juicy, breading was crispy while not being mouth cutting, seasoned perfectly, good amount of sauce, the pickles were a good amount of sour/freshness and the slaw complimented the spiciness perfectly. No improvements to be made on this sandwich. Service is really amazing at this place too - if you need seating they will put you on a list and seat you at the next open table read more

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I love chicken and waffles and I've sampled them from the LA classic (you know who) to various street fairs. Howlin Rays provides excellent chicken (frankly absolutely amazing), but they bring nothing original to this combination. The service was friendly and they kindly provided umbrellas while waiting in the long line that wrapped around the building. The seats inside were uncomfortable since they don't want to encourage lingering given the demand. Overall, the food was great, but not sure if it was worth the rushed meal experience. read more

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Only downside is the price. It's gotten pretty expensive for chicken, and the place can get insanely crowded depending on the time you go. Still worth trying at least once though, especially if you love spicy food. read more

STELLLLLLLAR!! Howlin' Ray's does the entire NHC experience consistently well! There's simply no one better on the West Coast. The food - hot, fresh and flavorful. I'm addicted to those Mario Style Fries! The place - immaculately clean and bright. The crew - super, SUPER friendly, fun and engaging. Reasonably priced for the high quality and generous portions. Parking was easy today, but there was a line (about 40 mins.). Everyone knows the awesome experience ahead -- everyone waited patiently, no complaints, all good vibes. See you again soon! :) read more

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The first time I tried Howlin' Rays, I waited two hours in line on a hot pre-Covid day in Chinatown wondering if I'd truly lost my mind. I mean, how could fried chicken possibly worth expending so much sweat before even taking a bite? But yep, it was truly game-changing scran, and has been a regular (whenever I possibly can) go-to staple ever since. Beware the spice. I'll normally go for the max heat at any food location, but I'm fine with my hot sandos (usually one regular and one Luis style) and can attest to the accuracy of the two-day recovery period quoted for the higher levels. The balance of heat and flavor at Hot level is majestic, palate-melting euphoria-inducing gloriousness, and that's an understatement. Locations: Chinatown is the pre-Dodger-game OG, but parking sucks. Deal with it, go anyway. Pasadena is better for parking, and super chill. The service at both locations is highlight reel too, although I'll always miss the unmarked pickup-only location that got me through the pandemic. IYKYK, legendary stuff. Boxing has Ali. Football has Brady, hockey Gretzky, baseball the Babe (rapidly becoming Shohei). They are the yardstick by which greatness is measured. Fried chicken has Howlin', and that's a mic drop. read more

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

This is my first time at the new location. Came here when it was raining and they offer the customers umbrellas. Love it! The building inside and outside is cute. They really out in the work to make this place unique and true to itself. I ordered the sando medium heat with fries. As always, it slaps. I have to try the chicken & waffle next time. The wait wasn't that long, about 15min. I remember when they opened in DTL and the wait was over an hour any giving day. Happy that wasn't the case in the rain. read more

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

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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I've been meaning to visit this place for a while, and I'm so glad they opened a new location in Pasadena! I heard their Chinatown spot is always packed, so I was excited to finally try it here. Even though there was a line, it moved quickly and didn't feel like much of a wait. The location is perfect--right next to Sidecar Donuts, which made for a fun little treat before/after. The customer service was outstanding and honestly above and beyond. Rodrigo (or "Rigo") was absolutely the best--super friendly, attentive, and made the experience that much better. The food itself was delicious. I really appreciated that they offer samples so you can test which spice level works for you, and the complimentary sparkling water was such a nice touch. The only downside is that seating is a bit limited, so be prepared if you're coming during peak hours. Overall, it was 100% worth the wait. Great food, fantastic service, and thoughtful little details that make the experience special. I'd highly recommend checking it out! read more

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Five stars all the way! Howlin' Ray's is a must if you love fried chicken! This Pasadena location was great. They have a good amount of parking spaces nearby, comfy indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating. I also just loved the employee energy there. Everyone was super friendly and attentive, which added to the atmosphere and overall experience. My boyfriend and I got the fried chicken sandwiches, seasoned fries, and cokes. He got the medium level of spice, and got mild. The spice level at medium is already quite spicy for me, but many people come to try the higher levels of spice. I believe it goes up to level 10! Our fried chicken sandwiches were fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside, and juicy in the inside. I love the coleslaw and sauce mix they put inside the sandwich. It really helps break down the richness from the fried chicken, and is just the perfect fried chicken sandwiches. The fries were also crispy and seasoned well. I can't wait to come back when I have another fried chicken craving! I'm definitely curious to try their fried chicken and waffles, which I'm sure will be amazing, and will be perfect for brunch. read more

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

Staff is very friendly, the restaurant is clean and there is seating both inside and out (on a charming enclosed patio area), the food is good - and it is made fresh, with a solid level of seasoning and spice, parking is plentiful and easy, but that line is insaaaane. I waited for 2 hours on Sunday! I'm honestly not sure how good these other factors would have to be for me to return. A 2 hour line is no joke! I didn't expect to eat lunch at 4pm. So, my recommendation is to Postmates this place. read more

Howlin' Ray's - Hamming it up for the camera - the staff is friendly, adorable, and fun loving - Southern Near Me - Pasadena, California

My bf and I love this chain! We've only had it once before in China Town but because of the hassle to drive there, find parking, and even find seating, we've avoided coming back. Decided to check out this location one weekend and of course came on the busiest day of the week lol (we didn't know). With this popular chain, I should've known how busy it would be, especially since we don't have any out here at all. We found street parking luckily. They have a tiny lot but it was full, of course. Lots of street parking though if you don't mind the walk. It also happened to be very hot that day BUT there's a worker passing out umbrellas for the people waiting in line so that's convenient and thoughtful of them. I kid you not, we waited an hour in line. It was worth it though. The amount of food for the price you pay, the quality of it all, absolutely delicious. The staff are super friendly and fun and they even get you a table after ordering so that you don't have to fight people for one lol! They also have an outdoor patio area too. Food came out quick, thankfully! I got the classic sando, mild, regretted the spice but worth it overall. It actually tasted much better and less spicy eating my other half for dinner lol! The chicken they put in the sando is HUGE. Super filling but packed with flavor. I probably could've gone without the spice honestly. They don't mess around with the spice here so be aware!! Overall a great place with insanely good food. I really hope they open more locations, closer to us as well. Highly recommend checking this place out tho, maybe on a weekday when it's less busy! IG: @ammysalamii read more

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We always make sure to stop by Howlin' Ray's whenever we're in the area. All of the dishes here are superrrrr delicious, hot, and crispy!! I love how everything is so well seasoned! The staff here are always incredibly nice and really helpful. They make you feel like family when you're ordering. The interior is a bit small with limited outdoor seating. I really like how they have a system in place for those who want to be seated so customers aren't frustrated/scrambling to look for a table. read more

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Howlin rays is definitely one of the best hot chicken spots, the service is great and very friendly, they have someone to take care of seats, and staff to come check on us throughout our stay. chicken was pretty delicious and the fries were good too, i loved coming and trying this experience with my fam. expect at wait tho... sometimes 1hr wait + read more

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

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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Wow, give them all the stars! Howlin' Rays in Pasadena really knocked my socks off. I've been to the Chinatown location before, but this was my first time at the Pasadena spot, and it did not disappoint. Howlin' Rays is excellent quality food in general, and I understand why there's always a line. So when I was craving chicken, I decided to make the trek from the Valley over to Pasadena. Sure enough, there was a line here too, just like at their other locations. Normally, I go to Sidecar Donuts next door and skip Howlin' Rays, but this day I really wanted some chicken. The line wrapped around the building, but I only waited about half an hour. It was a very hot day, and one of the coolest things they did was bring out umbrellas for everyone in line for some shade from the sun, which everyone really appreciated. Every employee I spoke to was super friendly, and it just seemed like they genuinely wanted to make sure you were comfortable. Once I finally got inside, I ordered the chicken sandwich (medium heat) and a side of fries. The food is always fresh and delicious. The chicken has that perfect crunch, and you can choose your heat level. I went for medium, but next time I might go one step down. I guess I'm a baby when it comes to spicy chicken! Another thing I loved is that I usually just drink water, and they have not only flat water but also sparkling water on tap, which felt like a luxurious touch. Seating was another area they excelled. Since it was just me and I didn't see open tables, I told the cashier I'd probably just take it to go. He explained that they actually take your name and have a staff member find a table for you. That really took away the stress of wondering, "Will I find a table, or have to hover and wait for someone to leave?" I loved, loved, loved that system. Parking was easy for me. I just parked on the street. They do have a small lot, but it's shared with Sidecar Donuts. Street parking can be easy depending on the time of day, you might just need to pull onto one of the nearby side streets and walk over. Overall, I give this experience and this location five stars for sure. I will definitely be back next time I'm craving that fried chicken sandwich. read more

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A Cult Favorite with a fervent following! Named the best fried chicken in Los Angeles by YELP and rightfully so. Howlin' Ray's nails the spice, heat, flavors, and chicken. Service is always super friendly and top notch! Every single time I come it's a vibe. Thanks Chef Julian! You put the special "juce" in that chicken! From humble roots, Chinatown, Pasadena, and now the Venetian, Howlin' Rays threw it down when it comes to Nashville Spicy fried chicken! 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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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

I never really understood the hype for Howlin' Rays until today. The service and staff completely blow my mind! They are on another level of hospitality. We celebrated our friends birthday here on Sunday. While they were near closing time, they were still super attentive and made us feel like we were well taken care of. They really do care about their customers. The food was super good, well seasoned and fresh, super worth the wait. I really thought this was a fast food restaurant but no, it felt like not even a 5 star Michelin restaurant can compete with this service. 10000% recommend read more