Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Chinatown
727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States+1 213-935-8399
About This Place
Located in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant Chinatown, Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken is a standout destination for lovers of authentic Southern cuisine, expertly crafted with a fiery, flavorful twist. Specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, this restaurant has quickly become a must-visit spot for anyone craving intensely satisfying fried chicken that balances heat, crunch, and mouthwatering seasoning.
From the moment you bite into their signature Fried Chicken Sandwich, you understand why Howlin' Ray's has garnered such enthusiastic acclaim. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and seasoned with a blend that delivers a smoky heat that fans of spice adore. If you’re looking to dial up the heat, the Sando Chicken Sandwich Medium or the XHot version offer a fiery kick, but don’t worry — the staff thoughtfully provide gloves with the spicier orders to help you savor every bite without hesitation.
One cannot visit without sampling their other standout dishes: the Chicken & Waffles boast a luscious balance of sweet and savory, where crispy, golden fried chicken meets a soft, buttery waffle drizzled with maple syrup. The Shake Fries, crinkle-cut and perfectly seasoned, are an addictive side that customers rave about—ideal for dipping into homemade sauces like their famed Comeback Sauce or the tangy Tennessee Tang Ranch.
Speaking of sauces, Howlin' Ray’s innovative lineup of dips—including the sweet and spicy Zab's Hot Honey and the comforting Sweet Money Mustard—elevates every dish, adding layers of complexity and indulgence to the robust southern flavors. And for those with a sweet tooth, the housemade Banana Pudding (available in limited quantities each day) is a creamy, nostalgic treat that perfectly rounds out a hearty meal.
Beyond the food, Howlin’ Ray’s shines with its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the bustling lines that often form—a testament to its popularity—you’re met with genuinely warm and attentive staff who go the extra mile to ensure your dining experience feels personal and memorable. Reviewers consistently highlight the staff's hospitality and commitment, enhancing the overall experience as much as the food itself.
With dishes that deliver bold, soulful flavors and a dining vibe steeped in genuine care, Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken is far more than a quick bite—it’s a culinary journey into Southern comfort with a fiery Los Angeles edge. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, this spot promises an unforgettable meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-inHighlights
Serves local specialtyPopular for
Lunch Dinner Solo diningAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
Comfort foodDining options
Lunch Dinner Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Trending TrendyCrowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists University studentsPlanning
Usually a wait Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cardsChildren
Good for kidsParking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking ParkingOpening Hours
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Monday
Closed -
Tuesday
Closed -
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 07:00 PM -
Thursday
Closed -
Friday
11:00 AM - 07:00 PM -
Saturday
11:00 AM - 07:00 PM -
Sunday
11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Aj Travels
2 month agoThis is by far the best chicken sandwhich ive ever had (ive had many lol) got the sando with fries and waffle. The comeback sauce is soooo good and the waffle is seriously one of the best waffles ive ever had. I was shocked how good everything was. Definitely a MUST TRY when in LA. The workers are so nice and try really hard to make sure you are good and have everything you need. This place has it down to the T. The food the service the environment. 10/10!!!!!
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Angelique Davis
2 month agoThe hype is deserved! This chicken sando was amazing. I got the X-Hot and he got the Hot. They gave me gloves with the food so I didn’t burn myself. It wasn’t as spicy as I thought it would be but the hot was spicy for him, who is more sensitive to heat. The fries were FABULOUS. As was the lemonade. We waited in line for about 50 minutes but once we ordered, it was ready in about 5-10 minutes - super fast. We were able to get a table and the stuff was super nice and helpful with it being our first time. 10/10 recommend
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Ryan Westberg
2 month agoThese burgers are BIG! Photo does not do it justice size wise (I have huge hands). Get the dry age, worth the price. Best non-smash patty burger in the city! Hot dog was okay, not nearly as memorable as the burger. Fries were also good and large portion. Service is awesome, the ladies working during my visit were very nice and helpful.
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Hilda Torres
3 month agoI would give 100 stars if I could, we live 2 hrs away. When we are in town we have to stop by this place has exceeded my expectations. The staff goes above and beyond with hospitality. The customer care that radiates from this place should be in EVERY business the food is excellent the staff is AAAAAMMMAAAAZZZIIIINNNGG THIS is why I dont mind driving and going out of my way to eat here. Olive garden has nothing on them because when you are at Howlin Ray's you truly are family. We need a Howlin Ray's in Bakersfield. There is a.......... Dave's chicken Nashville Hot Chicken Angry Chicken But none of them are on the scale as Howlin Ray's yes you heard me right this is finger lickin goooood chicken and they have there own drinks no fountain drinks, they do have soda cans and there drinks sweet peach pink and white can lemonade yellow and white can. There are tables outside, the staff calls your # when your food is ready make sure to stop by the counter they have a yellowish treasure box with fun pins and stickers of Howlin Ray's. There is street parking you have to feed the meter. If you are ever in Chinatown don't forget to stop by and meet the staff they will make your day. OH!!! yes, I almost forgot to mention and get some chicken strips or chicken sandwiches too
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Jordan Bolohan
3 month agoI love Howlin Ray's every time I'm out in LA if I have the chance I'll go grab a sandwich. I usually get the hot and it is pretty hot. But I've learned over time if you're getting the checking tender like the strips go one down so get like a medium or even this. Since it doesn't have the bread or the coleslaw to cool it down and the pickles it could be really hot. But the chickens excellent there's plenty of seats the line goes pretty fast and the staff are always fun and very friendly. And whatever you do when you're eating don't touch your freaking eye. Lol
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Rich Chan
3 month agoI’ve been coming here for years, but this is my first time leaving a review—and it’s long overdue! Hands down, this is the best fried chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. I’m at a point in life where the medium heat is just right—flavorful with a kick, but still enjoyable. I tried the “hot” during the winter and it was a bit too intense, so choose your spice level wisely! Everything on the menu hits—from the tenders to the wings—and you have to try the comeback sauce. To top it all off, the service is consistently fantastic. Always a pleasure coming back!
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Jesse J
3 month agoHowlin' Rays Hot Chicken is a decently good chicken sandwich place! I may not be the appropriate audience for this place as the chicken sandwich I got was good, but there was nothing "wow" about it. We were recommended this place by a friend of ours who lives in California as a must try spot. We stood in line for about 40 minutes and ordered the medium chicken sandwich, and the "secret" menu Mario fries. The sandwich was good, but as already mentioned, at no point did I think this was a sandwich I would stand in line for 40 minutes to get again. The Mario fries also weren't worth it in my opinion, though I did enjoy them more than the sandwich myself. Personally, I enjoyed the spicy Popeye's chicken sandwich more than the one I had out Howlin' Ray's. Kudos to the customer service though. From the cashier to every other individual you interact with, they are extremely friendly and they talk to you and seem to genuinely care. They also seem to give out some freebies which is super cool. We got to try all of the sauces they had for free (which were all delicious. My favorite being the honey mustard). Overall, if you are a fan of chicken sandwiches, try it out and you won't be disappointed. However, if you are like me and you are someone who eats chicken sandwiches occasionally, you probably will end up like me and question if standing in line this long was worth the wait. I would say no, unfortunately it was not worth the wait.
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Zhi Jing
4 month agoI visited Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown yesterday and was genuinely blown away! The fried chicken was incredible — super crispy on the outside and juicy inside. But what surprised me even more was the amazing service. From the moment we ordered, the staff were incredibly friendly. They offered helpful suggestions, explained the spice levels, and made us feel really welcome. I also noticed how well the team got along with each other, which created a really warm atmosphere. It was my first time here, so my friend and I took a lot of photos of the chicken and the cute packaging. One of the staff members came over to check how we liked everything. When we told him it was delicious, he was genuinely happy. A little later, he even brought us some small but adorable souvenirs as a gift. I honestly didn’t expect that at all. I was really touched by the team’s passion and sincerity. It’s not just great fried chicken — it’s an experience. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting LA!
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