Howlin’ Ray’s Johnny Zone spent his early career working with the likes of Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay, but he’s more famous these days for being the chef who started L.A.’s Nashville hot chicken craze. Fried up and served by a dedicated, high-energy crew that keeps morale high when lines get long (and boy, do they get long), the wildly craveable chicken sandwich doesn’t hold any punches on flavor—or heat, for that matter. While you can choose between ordering the sandwich “hot” or “not,” we can’t see why anyone would want to forgo the face-tingling euphoria of Nashville hot chicken, here with a little extra sweetness.

Don’t let the hour-long waits deter you—if you want the best Nashville fried chicken in L.A., Howlin’ Ray's is worth the effort. Right in the middle of Chinatown, this tiny chicken joint consists of a few bar seats, a few side tables, and a kitchen that sizzles as staff yell out “yes, chef” with each incoming order. Opt for the sandwich with varying spice levels, but don’t skimp on sides, with collard greens and fries to help cool the fire in your mouth.

This Chinatown spot has been widely credited for sparking LA’s love for hot chicken, with pre-pandemic wait times often reaching up to two hours. Today, you can get your Howlin’ Rays delivered and it still comes just as tender and spicy as always. Their fiery red chicken isn’t just for show though and it comes in a spectrum of spice levels ranging from comfortably hot to so-good-but-I-might-cry spicy.

Straight from Nashville, this hot chicken landmark has been absolutely crushing it in Chinatown since opening. Take the spicier road for brunch (all day Saturday & Sunday) with some hot chicken & waffles (also available in sandwich form). Oh, and bring a book or a podcast, because you’ll be waiting in a hefty line to get your fix.

In the heart of Los Angeles, where culinary diversity reigns supreme, Howlin’ Ray’s emerges as a beloved haven for fans of fiery, finger-licking hot chicken, distinguished as one of The 10 Best Asian Restaurants in Los Angeles. This unassuming yet iconic restaurant has made a name for itself in the city’s bustling food scene, delivering a spicy culinary experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The name “Howlin’ Ray’s” evokes an image of raucous enthusiasm and fiery flavor, a fitting representation of what this restaurant is all about.

Inspired by LA flavors and Nashville spice, the food truck-turned-local empire certainly knows how to bring the heat. Howlin’ Ray’s has hot chicken down to a science with their perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside chicken pieces. They offer spice levels from country (no heat) to howlin’ (super spice), so there's a chicken sandwich to match everyone's tolerance.

Some like it hot and some cry and drool and turn red and say "oh, fuck" a lot when the heat is on. Ask Memo Torres and Brian Feinzimer, who can be seen on this video taking on all the wings, including the hottest of the hot, whole wings at Howlin' Ray's, the smash-hit Nashville fried chicken favorite in Chinatown. Then you can decide how far you're willing to go here.

It's hard to know what Howlin' Rays is more famous for: Their insanely long lines or their insanely delicious fried chicken. This is one of the very few places where the former is worth the latter. (Stay abreast of the wait times via Twitter.) That's because they serve the best version of Nashville hot chicken in Los Angeles.

#3 Howlin’ Ray’s (727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles in Chinatown/Downtown). Located amid the souvenir shops and Chinese herb merchants in the Far East Plaza in Chinatown, Howlin’ Rays serves Nashville-style Hot Chicken. This place is so popular — and so incredibly good — that the wait in line can often take two hours or more.

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Howlin’ Rays, true to its name, will make you howl your heart out not because of its hotness, but because of its perfect amount of tastiness that will take you places. It can be more of a dilemma to figure out what exactly Howlin’ Rays is really known for.

Howlin' Rays is the LA institution that brought Nashville hot chicken to the West Coast, serving up crispy bird in six heat levels that'll test your spice tolerance. From legendary chicken sandwiches to Southern sides that'll make your grandma jealous. 🐔 Most Popular Chicken: The Sando

Howlin’ Ray’s may be known for the hot chicken sandwiches, but it’s no surprise that a place that makes great hot fried chicken would also have mouthwatering wings. Howlin’ Ray’s wings are served as whole wings and dressed with the same Nashville hot sauce as their fried chicken.

In Chinatown, new and old restaurants cater to every palate and are easy on the wallet, too. Enjoy dim sum at Ocean Seafood, an extensive selection of soups at Pho Broadway, and tasty banh mi at Golden Lake Eatery. The dining options go beyond pan-Asian fare.

The Nashville hot chicken obsession known for its epic line is still going strong. Get your chicken “country fried” if you can’t do spicy or “howlin’ hot” if you want to melt your face off. Chicken is served with white bread and pickles.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (110 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Address: 727 N Broadway Suite128, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2889- Read more on Tripadvisor

I once played wing roulette with a group of friends at a party. We ordered 12 wings from Howlin’ Ray’s. Three orders were medium, one was Howlin’ Hot.