Hi @TheCookie,
Yay! Glad you finally got to try it!
Isn’t the flavor, juiciness just awesome?
Hopefully next time you can try it fresh at the shop. That crust is unreal just out of the fryer.
Hi @TheCookie,
Yay! Glad you finally got to try it!
Isn’t the flavor, juiciness just awesome?
Hopefully next time you can try it fresh at the shop. That crust is unreal just out of the fryer.
It really is…I stopped in the other day and got a few free wings while waiting for sandwiches and shooting the shit with Chef Zone.
Rumor has it there is a secret level beyond Howlin’ spice level. =)
You can for sure see why they keep the hours the way they do.
You know you can call in orders for 10+ people and pick them up either just before opening (9:30 am), or just after close (5 pm)?
Hi @Chowseeker1999 -
Juicy! The crust was still hot and very crispy. But it slid off a bit. This can be a problem with batter or buttermilk fried chicken. We definitely want to go and eat it right there. It’s sooo good.
Sorry… I just noticed your reply. I’m having trouble and not receiving many reply notifications. So apologies to anyone I don’t respond to. Calling @discourse… Where are my blue dots please?
Cluck cluck!
Hi @TheCookie,
Glad it was still hot and crispy. When you do go to eat it at the restaurant, try one of the pieces on Level 1 (“Country” - No Spice), so you just enjoy the classic Fried Chicken crust.
I tried some country level my last visit as well. Other than the great crust, I must say, the meat itself was not only perfect in texture, and juicy…it was also just infused with rich flavor. I don’t know that I have ever experienced such a thing with fried chicken before, at least not on such a level. Truly remarkable.
Ooh thanks @Chowseeker1999! I actually thought of asking for a couple pieces of the “Country”. The word made me think it might be on the savory side, more golden, less red? I really like that and will definitely get some next time… and maybe try one level up from mild too, ouch . Thanks @Aesthete too.
I just happened upon your pictures of the Country Level. That looks right up my alley! Again, what would we do without you.
are they open tonight by any chance?
Hi @TheCookie,
Here are more pics of Howlin’s amazing Level 1 “Country” (No Spice) Fried Chicken (and other stuff), from our most recent visit.
Update 11:
Unsweetened Peach Ice Tea:
The Sandwich (Boneless Breast, Slaw, Comeback Sauce, Pickles, Butter Bun), “Mild” Style (Level 2 Brush of Heat):
Ridiculous. Still as amazing as it was before. Perfect crunch, light heat, balance of flavors. Best Fried Chicken Sandwich we’ve ever had.
Collard Greens:
Their Collard Greens are getting better and better. In this batch, it was just the right amount of tart, salt and a deep crave-worthy flavor. There was a gentle heat from the Serrano Chilies (cooked whole), so the seeds didn’t burst out and make it too hot.
Fried Chicken Half (Breast & Wing, Leg & Thigh), “Country” Style (Level 1 - No Heat):
Juicy, perfect crisp-crunch crust. SO GOOD!
Hot Shake Fries (Crinkle Cut, Hot Shake):
Piping hot, crisped, just out of the fryer.
Initial Hours (extended Hours will be added once they settle in):
Wed - Sun
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Howlin’ Ray’s Nashville Hot Chicken
727 N. Broadway Ave #128
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: (213) 935-8399
Just another shout out for Chowseeker . I don’t live in LA . I vicariously live through your photos and descriptions . I will hit this up upon return . Always enjoy your great food photos . Thanks
Hi @Emglow101,
Thanks! I hope you do get to try Howlin’ Ray’s when you visit L.A. next time. Definitely worth a visit.
XHOT was insane. The spice layer was so thick it directly impacted my enjoyment of the dish.
I stopped at one. Hottest thing I’ve eaten in a long time.
Oh man, for some of us that IS the enjoyment of the dish! Imagine two levels above that! =D
I like it by itself, but it blends into their sandwiches amazingly as well, you should give one of those a whirl next time!
I’ve had the sandwich at hot, which I actually enjoyed.
Hi @Ns1,
Wow! You survived Level 5 - X-Hot! Congrats.
I don’t think I’d ever try that. I would die. LOL.
I’m perfectly happy with my Level 3 Medium (but most of the time just classic Level 1 “Country” (No Spice)).
I ate 1 out of 4 wings and tapped out… I’ll eat some more tonight with white bread, we’ll see how it goes. I learned from last time and ate it with gloves, I shit y’all not.
For me, “Hot” is the appropriate level for a challenging meal, “Medium” is a comfortable super tasty meal.
We were in Palm Springs a few weekends back. A friend was driving in later from LA. He brought me Howlin’ Rays. I subsequently pledged him my first born.
Trophy: Achieved.
We need a badge for that. Admin: Can you make it so?
Round 2 last night
Split some MILD wings with the wife. Flavor profile is completely different - it’s [to me] overwhelmingly sweet, with a hit of spice at the end. My wife said the flavor reminded her of luau bbq chips, which I thought was pretty accurate.
I followed that up with a single X-HOT wing. I learned from my earlier mistake - this time, I was armed with a fork/knife, 1/3rd loaf of bread, and 1/2 cup of pickles. Yes, I ate this fucking wing with a fork and knife - I would cut off meat, cube it up, and eat it with bread.
By the end of it, I ate 85% of the wing, 90% of the bread, and 100% of the pickles. I don’t think I’m going to finish my other 2 wings.
I don’t think I’m a fan of the wings a la carte - without the bread/slaw/sauce/etc, there’s just too much seasoning without anything to balance it out. I was actually bothered by the texture of the seasoning; it got to a point where I felt like I was eating clumps of it. Sandwich or bust.