If you’re unsure about whether Howlin’ Ray’s still maintains its hold over Los Angeles, visit during peak lunch hours. Since opening in 2016 as a food truck, graduating to a Chinatown home in Far East Plaza, and growing with an expansive sit-down Pasadena outpost in 2022, a lengthy line has become the Howlin’ Ray’s hallmark thanks to Nashville-born hot chicken served with such consistency that the originators of the recipe, the Prince family, even gave their blessing. Owners Johnny Ray and Amanda Zone curated a tight team to service the quickly moving queue by cranking out hundreds of hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and wings each day.
The Chinatown location feels designed for takeout. Grab a seat at Far East Plaza to take in the excited hum that envelops the historic building. At Pasadena, settle in for a while with a glass of wine or beer.
In the early days, Howlin’ Ray’s Chinatown sometimes had an up to five-hour wait. Those days are long gone, but order online for faster pick-up.