Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Chinatown

I’ve had tasted a lot of hot chicken but this one is just different, the portion size the customer service the quality everything is absolute amazing.
Would 💯 recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Hot Chicken, Sando Chicken Sandwich Medium, The Sandwich

Customer service was amazing, every single staff member was friendly, respectful and easy going. The food was amazing, matter of a fact life changing. I’m not from the area but I will most definitely come back to get some more. 10/10 would recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thank you to the kind staff and awesome chicken!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

40 minute wait time. The bird was okay but I wouldn't wait again. Food was decent

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

For someone who has never tried this place before and was visiting from out of town I will say it was definitely a unique experience! The seating is in an outdoor mall so just be prepared for very limited seating or taking the food to go. Now that that’s out of the way, I can definitely say this is my favorite and absolute best Nashville, hot chicken spot. It’s so good service was so great and the quality was exceptional. I would go back in again and again! Even though there is a long line, it moves pretty fast and after you order, your food, doesn’t take too long or at least that was my experience when I was there. The line did extent to outside, but the delicious food is worth waiting for. If you’ve tried a lot of Nashville hot chicken spots then you can appreciate the unique balance in the sweet heat flavor that is in the batter. I also always look for dry chicken and this was juicy throwing through.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Hot Chicken, Sando Chicken Sandwich Medium, The Sandwich

One of the workers introduced himself while I was sitting and gave free water

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve eaten a lot of fried chicken in my life, but nothing—and I mean nothing—comes close to Howlin’ Ray’s. From the second I walked in, I felt the energy. The staff greets you like you’re an old friend, hyping you up before you even take your first bite. It’s rare to find a place where the vibe is just as memorable as the food, but this place nails it.

They gave me a little sample of the “Hot” chicken—ghost peppers and habanero—and wow… it lit me up instantly. Within seconds I was sweating, grinning, and realizing that as much as I loved the flavor, I might not survive a whole sandwich at that heat level. So I played it smart and went with the Luis Sandi sandwich at “Mild.” Best decision ever. The chicken was crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the pickles and slaw balanced everything out perfectly. Every bite had that perfect crunch and tang—comfort food with just the right kick.

What really stood out, though, was how much fun the whole experience was. The team behind the counter was laughing, joking, and making sure everyone in line felt welcome. It didn’t feel like just grabbing food—it felt like being part of something special.

By the time I left, I was full, happy, and already planning my next visit. Next time I might brave the “Medium” just to test myself again. For me, Howlin’ Ray’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience I’ll be craving for a long time.

***plus there’s a great little vintage store in the strip mall where we found some snagged some amazing finds!!!

**hardly any seating! Good luck

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nashville hot chicken taken seriously—you can choose your spice level from mild to “are you insane?” The line can be long, but the food is worth it. I went with medium heat, and it was just enough to make me sweat. Crispy outside, juicy inside, served on buttery bread. It’s an experience, not just a meal

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This review is less about the food and all about the impeccable service. Went to Amboy Quality Burgers for the first time. Walking to the area I saw a person eating what looked like a banana pudding from Howlin Rays. After I order my burger across the way, I stop into HR (as it’s the first time I’ve seen there wasn’t a line) to get a feel for the menu and ask some questions. The service was absolutely next level. The gentleman taking my order offered me a free sample based on his recommendation on top of the banana pudding I ordered. The whole staff was so friendly and the vibes inside were high. I have a very high spice tolerance and they recommended the medium which was way spicier than I expected! Banana pudding was delicious. I will certainly be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pretty good honestly. Be prepared to spend tho

These burgers are BIG!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Maybe the best fried chicken I have ever had, I love spicy but I took the mild and it was just right, be aware I saw people sweating from spice levels

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Tenders

The best hot chicken I tried so far.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service was so nice, gave me the impression that they like it there. Juicy chicken and great seasoning

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wrote a long review on Pasadena location, if interested, you can read it there. But one thing I repeat here. THE BEST CHICKEN SANDWICHES.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5