Howlin' Ray's

Howlin' Ray's is a Nashville hot chicken restaurant in Suite 128 of Far East Plaza on North Broadway in Chinatown, Los Angeles, California. It began as a food truck and moved into this small plaza storefront, where it became one of the most consistently queued-for restaurants in the city. The cooking follows the Nashville tradition of fried chicken coated in a spice paste made largely from cayenne and lard, served over white bread with pickle chips. Heat is chosen on a scale from country (no heat) up through mild, medium, hot, extra hot and the intense howlin', and the hottest levels are genuinely spicy. The main dishes are the hot chicken sandwich, served on a soft bun with coleslaw and pickles, and the chicken plate with bone-in pieces. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, and fries, and there are also chicken tenders and a few non-chicken options. Drinks are simple, with sodas and sweet tea, and the restaurant also offers a modest selection of beer. The room is small, with a counter, a handful of tables and a busy open kitchen, and most customers take food away or eat on picnic-style benches in the plaza. The mood is lively and casual and the noise level is high. Reservations are not taken, and waits are the defining feature of a visit: lines frequently form before opening, and the wait can stretch to several hours on weekends. A mobile queue system is commonly used to hold a place, and visitors can ask at the counter how it currently works. Prices are moderate, with most meals costing roughly 18 to 30 US dollars. Far East Plaza is surrounded by galleries, shops and other restaurants, so the Chinatown area offers plenty to do while waiting for a table.