Howlin Rays Hot Chicken - Pasadena - Pasadena (CA)

4 /5 Darlene Ayala: So I finally made it to Howlin’ Ray’s. Ive 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 dont 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 dont know, I guess I was expecting something out of this world. Everyone hyped it up, my expectations were very high. But dont 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 wasnt for me. Not sure if I would stay in line and come back, but Im glad I tried it and checked it off the list.

4 /5 Andrew Gill: We waited in line for over an hour which was expected. But after youve stood in it you realize the restaurant is intentional with that pace. Regardless the chicken is very good, and the seasoned fries are excellent. The mild spice is quite mild here. Id like to try the medium spiciness but I dont know how long Im willing to wait for it. The staff is really stoked to work there and try and create a bar/club environment, but for fried chicken. Its kinda fun

4 /5 Cc: Southern food is becoming popular, and this place is no exception. The line tends to get long. We waited about 30 minutes to order and had to wait additional 15 minutes for our food to be ready. We ordered The Sando in mild, collard greens, a solo waffle, and a solo wing. Everything was very yummy except for the collard greens—I found it a tad too salty for my liking. While the food and service were good, I found the place to be too loud to have a normal conversation without raising my voice. I would just make my food to go next time.

5 /5 R A: Phenomenal. I think Ive never seen a better fast food restaurant execution. From giving our umbrellas against the heat while you wait to super friendly, attentive and upbeat service. Plus, the food is absolutely incredible. One of the best fried chicken sandwiches Ive ever had. Well worth the wait. Ill be back.

4 /5 Lillian M: I went to this place and decided to try their Original Hot Chicken Sandwich, it definitely lived up to the hype , the chicken was juicy with a crispy, the sides were tasty, though the line is long, so be prepared to wait more so on weekends. Once inside the staff are friendly and efficient considering how busy it gets and orders come out fairly quickly once you reach the counter, it can get pretty crowded and loud so be prepared, might not be ideal if you’re looking for a low key calm place.