The story
Howlin’ Ray’s has cemented its status as Los Angeles’s premier destination for Nashville-style hot chicken, drawing legions of devotees to its Chinatown outpost. Creator Only Scrans calls it the “Best fried chicken I’ve ever had,” praising the “incredible flavor and heat” of the chicken sandwich, wings, and uniquely prepared fries. The walk-in-friendly, buzzy spot keeps things straightforward: no reservations, no frills, just world-class heat levels and a lineup of sides like the Mario Fries and Matt Fry.
Beyond the signature Medium Sando and Hot Chicken Wings, the menu also offers Chicken Tenders and a surprisingly popular Banana Pudding. Each dish reflects the kitchen’s command of crunch and spice, making Howlin’ Ray’s a defining local spot for anyone seeking serious fried chicken in a high-energy setting.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2026.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 6 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about Howlin' Ray's for its incendiary Nashville hot chicken, with the "Matt fry" earning singular praise for its brutal, addictive crunch. The overall vibe is a chaotic, joyful pilgrimage for heat-seekers.
“Matt fry is a secret menu item: fries with collard greens, cheese, sauce, a little bit of acid, vinegar. Great stuff.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Howlin' Ray's. Most active: Only Scrans
Howlin' Ray's is LA's premier fried chicken spot, serving Nashville-style hot chicken with incredible flavor and heat. The chicken sandwich, wings, and unique fries are all world-class. Best fried chicken I've ever had.
Dishes mentioned
Medium Sando (Chicken Sandwich)
That's one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. So beautifully balanced between the spice, the sweet, the salt, the acidity. Coleslaw, pickles, lot of sauce, lot of spice. Everything is working.
Mario Fries
Mario fries are fries with cheese, chicken, slaw, pickles, and a little bit of sauce. It's a great combination.
Matt Fry
Matt fry is a secret menu item: fries with collard greens, cheese, sauce, a little bit of acid, vinegar. Great stuff.
Hot Chicken Wings
These wings are enormous. They are huge. The chicken is gorgeous. It has a beautiful flavor, warm at first, but then it heats up. It's about the higher echelon of my spice limit. Any more and I wouldn't enjoy it. But it's incredible. Best fried chicken experience of my life.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding which isn't going to be spicy, thank god. It's a nice relief after the heat.
