Howlin' Ray's

Holy hot chicken! Howlin’ Ray’s Johnny Zone spent his early career working with the likes of Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay, but he’s more famous these days for being the chef who started L.A.’s Nashville hot chicken craze. Fried up and served by a dedicated, high-energy crew that keeps morale high when lines get long (and boy, do they get long), Howlin’s hot chicken is just as great as when we first waited hours to get our hands on it years ago. A newer Pasadena location offers more ample seating, plus beer and wine for on-site diners, but the Far East Plaza original still accepts walk-in orders and even offers local delivery. Choose between white or dark meat, or maybe a sandwich in whatever level of heat you can handle, from Country to Howlin’. For a truly decadent bite, order the Jojo-style sando, which puts boneless chicken breast, melted cheddar, butter and maple syrup between two waffles.