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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Downtown LA
Best French Fries in Downtown LA
Best Trendy Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Howlin' Ray's
8.4
Nashville hot chicken executed by a chef who trained under Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay—seven heat levels from mild to Carolina Reaper territory. The chicken arrives with perfectly crisp skin and juicy interior; heat calibration here runs hotter than competitors at equivalent tiers. Staff hospitality stands out in a counter-service format, with genuine warmth that regulars cite as part of the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sando, Chicken on the Bone, Jojo-Style Sando
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Nashville hot chicken with six heat levels up to Carolina Reaper intensity
Who should go: Heat seekers and fried chicken devotees
When to visit: Weekday opening to minimize wait times
What to order: First-timers start at Medium, regulars go Hot; add shake fries and banana pudding
Insider tip: Their Medium is already spicy by most standards—scale down if sensitive to heat
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Chinatown: chaotic plaza parking. Pasadena: large lot in back plus street meters—much easier
Weekend wait: Can reach 2+ hours at peak; check their IG story for hourly updates
Weekday lunch: 15-20 minutes typical; arriving at 3pm Saturday saw 20-minute wait
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - the focus is on hot chicken, not ambiance. Expect communal outdoor benches in a busy food court setting with no table service. Better for casual meetups than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - walk-ins are accepted and the line is more manageable now. Mid-week at 3pm you may wait only 20-30 minutes; weekends at peak times expect up to 45 minutes. The Pasadena location offers more seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - they offer a Kids Meal with mildly seasoned chicken tenders, perfect for children who can't handle the heat. Casual atmosphere works well for families.
Is it good for groups? Yes for small groups - the communal benches can accommodate friends eating together. No private dining; order at the counter and grab seats where available.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - outdoor courtyard seating with small tables and benches at the Far East Plaza location. Not covered dining; you're in the open courtyard.
Best For
Better for: Hot chicken devotees willing to wait; Pasadena location for easier parking and seating
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 7pm
Thursday11am - 7pm
Friday11am - 7pm
Saturday11am - 7pm
Sunday11am - 7pm