There’s gotta be some sort of Discourse trophy for that achievement. And a new phone battery.
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In Chinatown to TCB
…and grab a quick sandwich.
…but our good HR karma had commenced (30 min line).
1/2 a Mild Spice Chicken
After standing in line and driving home we were in a hurry to begin devouring it before the magic faded. So, my apologies for no juicy inside shots.
Light Mild Tenders
So, I know we’ve all seen many photos and descriptions of HR Chicken by now. But here’s a twist some of you may not know about. They allowed me to customize my Tenders. I mentioned to the order taker that we were given samples last time of Tenders that appeared to be Country Level with a hint of heat (no sweetness like the hotter levels). Guy said we could have Country Level coating fried in the Pepper Oil (had no idea even the oil is flavored) with no Shake or just a little Shake. Brilliant. The only thing I missed by taking it home was some splashes of the Pepper Vinegar (perfect on the tenders). Anyway, am I allowed to say that I’m lovin’ the Tenders as much or maybe more than the Bone-in right now? This is a biggie coming from a chicken skin fanatic. But I
the Tenders.
Stewed Collards
A little salty but just as delicious as ever.
Good HR karma continues. Did I mention that I got…
Cluckity Cluck Cluck!
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Those collard greens are quite enticing.
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Update XX:
Latest visit, since @CiaoBob was asking about possible 30 minute wait times / short lines. With school back in session, we’ve found that Weekdays early lunch has been pretty good for shorter lines. On our last 2 visits, we stopped by Howlin’ Ray’s on a Weekday around 10:15 a.m. (they normally open at 11:00 a.m.). On both of these visits, there were only about ~20 people in line(!). And on both visits, they opened slightly early (around 10:50 a.m.). It was wonderful. 
(FYI: @js76wisco @Sgee @beefnoguy @JeetKuneBao @PorkyBelly @A5KOBE @attran99 and others.)
(The only other option for FTC’ers is to ask @J_L nicely to see if you can borrow Jeeves to make a run for you.) 
(Unsweetened) Peach Ice Tea:
Refreshing, light fruity notes (no sweetness).
The Sando (Boneless Breast, Slaw, Comeback Sauce, Pickles, Butter Bun), Level 1 “Country” Style (“No Heat”):
We recently tried Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich (thanks to @PorkyBelly), and indeed it is probably the best Fast Food Chicken Sandwich. However, taking a bite of Chef Johnny Ray Zone’s legendary Sando (Fried Chicken Sandwich), and there’s no comparison.
Perfectly crispy-crunchy, juicy, flavorful, moist All Natural Chicken Breast, the crunch from the Slaw, Pickles, some creaminess from the Comeback Sauce, and that soft, but sturdy enough Butter Bun.
It is RIDICULOUS how good their Sandwich is!
Market Side: Collard Greens:
Our favorite Collard Greens in L.A. Chef Zone and staff stew the Collard Greens for hours, adding in some Pork Belly, Tomatoes, it’s got some tartness, nice savoriness, real depth of flavor. 
Fried Chicken White (Breast & Wing), Level 3 “Medium” Style (“Feel The Burn”):
The perfect amount of heat for a Chili wimp like me! 
As like our other ~20+ visits, what’s amazing is just how consistent Howlin’ Ray’s is. Even after all these years, their kitchen staff and Chef Zone don’t take it easy, or just coast along.
It starts with the gorgeous batter, crispy and crunchy, the Level 3 (and all other Levels we’ve tried) heat is nuanced. It’s not just pure spiciness for the sake of burning a hole in your stomach. The Level 3 Medium is fragrant, complex, almost having a subtle sweetness with the wonderful mouth-watering savoriness. And the Chicken Breast meat within is moist as usual. It is incredible!
(SECRET MENU) “The Taco” (Fried Chicken Tender, Slaw, Comeback Sauce, Pickle Wrapped in Bread):
In another fun little creation, one of the Howlin’ kitchen staff has decided to create a “Taco”: Which is basically one of their juicy Fried Chicken Tenders, topped with their Housemade Slaw, a Pickle, Comeback Sauce, wrapped in a slice of White Bread (that serves as the “Tortilla”).
It’s cute, not on their regular menu, and it’s pretty tasty. With Howlin’ Ray’s perfectly fried Fried Chicken Tender (moist, juicy) at the center, and other quality ingredients (they make a great Coleslaw in-house, their Comeback Sauce is creamy, balanced), it’s not a surprise it would taste good.
Fried Chicken Dark (Leg & Thigh), Level 1 “Country” Style (“No Heat”):
And as a reminder for folks stopping by Howlin’ Ray’s for the first time: You don’t have to order their Fried Chicken spicy. In fact, for a classic, Non-Spicy, Bone-In Fried Chicken, Chef Zone’s Level 1 “Country” Fried Chicken is easily tops in L.A.
Like the Chicken Breast, here the Fried Chicken Leg & Thigh is perfectly fried, crispy-crunchy, not greasy, juicy, moist Chicken Leg and Thigh, nicely seasoned so that it’s flavored to the bone (an excellent brine). And it is SO GOOD!
Howlin’ Ray’s continues to excel at making the best Fried Chicken in L.A. Chef Zone runs his kitchen like a classically-trained, fine dining restaurant, with the staff acknowledging orders and requests immediately with a “Yes Chef!”. Watching the entire operation in motion is a marvel, because while it is a well-run ship, organized, disciplined, the staff are constantly greeting and checking in the guests. You always feel welcome, everyone’s genuinely happy you’re there, and you’re kicking back with friends and strangers alike, chowing down on the most incredible Fried Chicken around.
Tues - Fri:
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat - Sun:
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Howlin’ Ray’s Nashville Hot Chicken
727 N. Broadway Ave., #128
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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There is another way. Get to know the owner of the Plaza. He never has to wait.
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This is def true! I’ve only gotten to take advantage of this once through a friend been bugging her to set it up again.
Do you not work? How do you casually stroll up there on a weekday at 10:15am and spend 2 hours (waiting and eating) for fried chicken??
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Vacation days? Mental health days? Or part of the lucky ones who can work anywhere so long as they have WiFi or a hotspot.
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@paranoidgarliclover @js76wisco @CiaoBob @TheCookie don’t miss out this time! Vault is open!
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Excellent!
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Some just got it like ‘dat.
Thanks I finally did get some tickets.
Going to try scheduling pick up for Sunday Oct 27th.
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FINALLY I get to try me some Howlin’ Rays. Picking up my fast pass order tonight!!!
Half bird country style
Wings mild
Sando mild
slaw
collard greens
fries
comeback sauce x2
so excite!!!
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Pics, or it didn’t happen. 
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Hi @tailbacku,
Nice! Congrats. 
Just a suggestion:
Show up 5 - 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled time, and let them know you’re there and wait within sight of the crew. That way, you get your Fried Chicken immediately when it’s boxed up so you can reduce the “steaming” potential when it’s boxed to go.
Enjoy!
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Good tip thanks!
Adding Howlin’ Ray’s Holiday closure notice here, in case any FTC’ers might’ve missed it:
We will be closed for the holidays on the following dates:
Monday — Thursday, Dec. 23rd — Dec. 26th and
Monday — Wednesday , Dec. 30th - Jan. 1st, 2020
Happy Holidays to everyone!
The Howlin’ Crew
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I made a huge mistake and underestimated the traffic in Chinatown area. I was 30 minutes late for my pick up and was afraid my first experience was going to be a soggy mess. Luckily for me, they don’t seem to pack up any to go orders until you’re there ready to pick up. Score!
Even with all the built up hype, this place delivered on every front. Can’t believe how juicy the beast was and the mild had just enough heat to make it interesting but not painful to eat. I loved it.
I thought the best thing wss the chicken sando. It’s crave worthy. So so good.
And the greens were just as good as @Chowseeker1999has been raving about.
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Hi @tailbacku,
Thanks for the report back and pics! I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit to Howlin’ Ray’s. The food, the warmth of the staff… it’s just wonderful.
Yah the fact that they can deliver such great flavor, crispy-crunchy goodness and juiciness for the Fried Chicken Breast is a testament to the training and great cooking at Howlin’.
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