When Howlin’ Ray's opened its first brick-and-mortar space in 2015, it sparked LA’s borderline insatiable love for hot chicken. And though a million competitors have opened in the years since, there hasn’t been one yet that's done it better than Howlin’ Ray’s. Braving the infamous long lines and chaotic parking situation at their tiny shopping plaza location in Chinatown was simply part of the admission price for eating chicken this good. Fortunately, the latest Howlin’s Ray’s outpost in Pasadena is a major upgrade. Although the lines haven’t gotten any shorter, it offers a far more comfortable dining experience while still delivering the same outstanding deep-fried, cayenne-coated poultry as the original. For starters, the spacious full-service location on South Arroyo Parkway has plenty of seating inside and out. There’s a huge lot around the back (plus tons of metered spots on the street) which makes parking a breeze. Plus you can order beer or wine with your food, making this a prime location for day drinking. Wait times can be hours-long on weekends, but the friendly staff usually find a way to make you feel like a regular—whether it’s complimenting your shoe game or offering samples so you can see how high your spice tolerance goes. They’ll even send you updated wait times (which are also posted hourly on the restaurant’s IG story) if you shoot them a text. Even if you’re morally opposed to standing in long lines like we are, these nice little features make waiting at Howlin’ Ray’s feel less like a circus and more like being at a well-run Trader Joe’s that strictly sells chicken. If it’s your first time at Howlin’ Ray’s, order the sando. The chile-crusted chicken breast contrasts beautifully with the buttery-soft brioche bun, while the crunchy pickles, peppery slaw, and creamy comeback sauce keep the whole package from becoming too dry. The six heat levels at Howlin’ Ray’s range from non-existent to totally disturbing, and for the most part, we prefer to land right in the middle. The medium level has the perfect punch of spice—anything hotter will overwhelm your senses and bring you to tears. We’re also huge fans of the Mario Fries, a secret menu item named after one of the restaurant’s original employees that is essentially Howlin’s Ray’s take on animal fries. There’s still no better place to sweat, swell, and maybe even cry over hot chicken than at Howlin’ Ray’s, and that’s even more true in Pasadena. From the first bite of the extra crispy skin to the final paprika-dusted french fry, a meal here is like going on a great theme park ride as much as it is eating at a restaurant. Not only is Howlin’s Ray’s at the top of the hot chicken movement in LA, they've found a way to become even better as time progresses. So regardless of what other hot chicken chains are doing in five years, we’d bet a large sum this place will remain as relevant as ever.