Howlin' Ray's
Howlin' Ray's brought Nashville-style hot chicken to Los Angeles with such conviction that it is now regularly cited as the best hot chicken in the city and one of the best in the country outside of Nashville itself. The chicken — brined overnight, fried to an impossibly crunchy crust, and tossed in a cayenne-heavy paste calibrated to your chosen heat level — arrives on white bread with pickles in the classic Nashville tradition. The 'Howlin'' level will genuinely test your tolerance; the 'Country' level is the sweet spot for those who want flavor alongside the fire. Lines at the Chinatown mall location can stretch long on weekends, but the chicken emerges fast and piping hot. Order the Chicken Tender Box at medium-high heat and do not skip the housemade ranch.
