Update XX:
@Sgee and others, this past Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. (opening) there were over 120 people in line. We saw a smattering of âI Votedâ stickers, and at least half looked like they were college / high school kids, which makes you wonder what are they doing out of school?!
Shake Fries - Mario Style:
Yes, beneath this seeming heap of âstuffâ are Howlinâ Rayâs crispy French Fries. The Off-Menu âMario Styleâ Fries were so popular that theyâve added it to the menu permanently. Itâs essentially the crispy Shake Fries topped with an entire Skinny Jimmy (Boneless Fried Chicken Breast), Level 3 Medium, with their delicious Slaw and Comeback Sauce.
It looks like a mess, but itâs actually quite tasty, with the crunchy chunks of their All-Natural Fried Chicken Breast (diced after frying to make it more bite sized), their Slaw is already quality and refreshing, and the Comeback Sauce has always been great in their Chicken Sando, so it makes sense that it all works together.
(NEW) Fried Chicken Tenders, âCountryâ Style (âNo Heatâ), Level 1:
Part of the line might be attributed to Howlinâ Rayâs debuting their new Fried Chicken Tenders according to Chef Zone (who was as affable and welcoming as always). These are using All-Natural Chicken and they seem like actual halves of the Chicken Breast (deboned) instead of some âpressed Chicken blobâ found with most other Chicken Tenders around town.
The batter is crispy, but interestingly, itâs not as crunchy as their regular Fried Chicken. It comes with 4 Tenders per Order (a lot of Chicken!), so we opted to split it with half of them with Level 1 Country (No Spice) and the other half at Level 3 (below).
Just look at how juicy the Fried Chicken Tenders are:
This was moist, juicy and delicious.
Fried Chicken Tenders, âMediumâ Style (âFeel the Burnâ), Level 3:
As moist and juicy as the Level 1 Country Tenders, however, at Level 3 Medium, itâs just that perfect harmony of Chicken meat, spices, heat and flavor. We definitely prefer the Level 3 over Level 1 Country (Plain), and we normally donât eat that spicy.
Fried Chicken White (Breast & Wing), âMildâ Style (âBrush of Heatâ), Level 2:
Next up was their bone-in Fried Chicken Breast & Wing. Taking a bite:
Just cooked through moist juicy Chicken Breast meat, so flavorful with whatever brine Howlinâ Rayâs and Chef Zone must use. The exterior is perfect crispy-crunchy (something most places locally fail to achieve). It is outstanding, and just superior to the Boneless Chicken Tenders in every way. Even white meat haters might love Howlinâ Rayâs version (@CiaoBob).
Market Side - Macaroni Salad:
While this wonât make us forget about Chef Zoneâs amazing Jalapeno Mac & Cheese side (during their early days), this Macaroni Salad is a nice departure from the various fried offerings. Tender Macaroni, bits of fragrant Red & Green Bell Peppers and a nice creamy finish.
Fried Chicken Dark (Leg & Thigh), âCountryâ Style (âNo Heatâ), Level 1:
And of course, their Fried Chicken Leg and Thigh, classic preparation in its purest form, Level 1 Country (No Heat). Biting into it is the perfect crispy-crunch, not oily or greasy, juicy, perfectly cooked through as well (they cook the dark meat and white meat separately with different timings to make sure nothing is overcooked). Itâs not overly salty like many other places, and is just Fried Chicken perfection!
(Secret Menu) Fried Chicken Tenders âRon Styleâ (Fried Chicken Tenders, Medium+ (âFeel the Burnâ+), Level 3+, with Grilled Cheese on Top:
Apparently thereâs already a Secret Menu item for the new Fried Chicken Tenders, created by one of the Howlinâ Rayâs staff because thatâs what they started eating all the time during their break. Itâs presented as Level 3+, so spicier than Medium, edging into Level 4 âHotâ territory, which means thereâs probably a tiny dash of Ghost Chili Peppers. Itâs then topped with Grilled Cheese, just because.
I love my Fried Chicken as pure and direct as possible, but this dish worked: The Medium+ heat was definitely spicier than Medium (duh), but not to the point that I was suffering (like Level 4). The melted Grilled Cheese also worked pretty well, giving it a contrast from the crispy-crunchy.
Howlinâ Rayâs continues to be consistently great, delivering the best Fried Chicken in L.A. The kitchen staff is still run like a well-oiled high-end fine dining restaurant, but way more friendly as well. The new Fried Chicken Tenders are worth a try for those that enjoy that style; they are quite delicious, especially with some heat (order at least Level 2 or 3 with it). But weâll probably be sticking with their awesome crispy-crunchy heaven that is their Fried Chicken (Bone-In), and their Sando (Fried Chicken Sandwich).
Howlinâ Rayâs Nashville Hot Chicken
727 N. Broadway Ave #128
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: (213) 935-8399