Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Pasadena
Chicken restaurant · Pasadena
800 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
Highlights
Nashville hot chicken joint with multiple spice levels
Nashville hot chicken joint with multiple spice levels
"Howlin’ Rays hardly needs an introduction at this point, but we’ll give you one anyway. This tiny Nashville hot chicken spot started as a simple, order-at-the-counter café in the Far East Plaza but has grown to become one of the most popular places in the city to grab a meal, as well as test the spice tolerance of the human mouth. The lines here can get intense, so be prepared to wait. If you need something to keep you occupied, may we suggest one of the thousands of Youtube videos filmed here of people almost burning their mouths?" - sylvio martins, brant cox, cathy park
"If you’ve ever eaten at the original Howlin Ray’s in Chinatown, you know to expect chaotic parking and the occasional long line filled with people discussing podcasts. It’s why the new location in Pasadena is such a pleasant upgrade. Parking is a breeze with a huge lot around back, the upbeat staff (who can text you updated wait times) keeps the line moving quickly, and there’s a beer and wine menu that, combined with a blasting hip-hop playlist, make it a prime location for day drinking. As for the hot chicken? It’s as juicy and crispy (and spicy) as ever. Even if you end up standing in line for a bit, this place is worth planning your afternoon around." - brant cox, sylvio martins, andrew ryce
"Howlin’ Ray’s has a firm, citywide grip on Nashville-style hot chicken. The Pasadena outlet is a better hangout spot than the Chinatown location with ample seating, beer, wine, merchandise, and, of course, hot chicken wings, strips, and sandwiches. If you’re brave enough to order something in X-Hot or Howlin’, be sure to also stock up on a bevy of sweet drinks to ease the pain after. Expect lines during peak meal hours." - Mona Holmes
"This Chinatown spot has been widely credited for sparking LA’s love for hot chicken, with pre-pandemic wait times often reaching up to two hours. Today, you can get your Howlin’ Rays delivered and it still comes just as tender and spicy as always. Their fiery red chicken isn’t just for show though and it comes in a spectrum of spice levels ranging from comfortably hot to so-good-but-I-might-cry spicy. Their sandwich has the standard brioche bun, pickles, and swirl of a savory mayo-based sauce, but it’s their peppery slaw that adds a nice acidity to the whole thing." - sylvio martins
"The real heat-seekers know to head to Howlin’ Ray’s for the batter’s box of wings, served at various spice levels to suit every need. They’re always crispy, and they stay that way until the end of the day, at least. The higher the heat, though, the more impossible they are to put down — so beware. Most people will opt for something in the mild or medium range for that slightly sweet chile kick, but anything above medium-plus or hot is dangerously spicy for most palates." - Eater Staff
