Howlin’ Ray’s is the hot chicken spot that made Los Angeles care about Nashville heat, and Crimson Coward is the halal chain that has quietly built a following across Southern California and beyond. If you’re deciding where to get your fix in LA, here’s how they compare. Short version: Howlin’ Ray’s is the famous pilgrimage, Crimson Coward is the one you’ll actually go back to every week.
Disclosure: the author provides business services to Crimson Coward.
Quick Verdict
Our pick: Crimson Coward. It’s 100% halal at every location, much easier to get to, and you won’t spend your lunch break in a queue. Howlin’ Ray’s is worth trying once for the experience.
At a Glance
| Crimson Coward | Howlin’ Ray’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Halal | 100% halal, every item, every location | No halal statement on its website |
| Locations | 20+ in six states, incl. Downey, Long Beach, Lake Forest, Pomona | Chinatown (LA), Pasadena, Las Vegas |
| Wait | Quick counter service and app ordering | Famous for long lines |
| Heat levels | 5: Country to Burrrrn, Baby, Burn | 6: Country to Howlin’ (reported) |
| Menu | Sandwiches, tenders, wings, sliders, nugs, burgers, loaded fries | Sandos, tenders, wings, quarter birds, chicken and waffles |
Howlin’ Ray’s details are from its official website and press coverage, checked October 2026.
The Line Problem
Howlin’ Ray’s earned its fame the hard way: its Chinatown spot became known for hours-long lines, and Yelp has ranked it among the best fried chicken spots in the US and Canada. That reputation is deserved, but it also makes it a special-occasion meal. Crimson Coward is built for everyday cravings: order at the counter or ahead in the app, and you’re eating in minutes. With Southern California locations in Downey, Long Beach, Lake Forest and Pomona, there’s likely one closer to you, too.
Halal
Crimson Coward is 100% halal at every location: every sandwich, tender, wing and side. We found no halal statement on Howlin’ Ray’s website, so if you eat halal, Crimson Coward is the clear choice.
Flavor and Heat
Howlin’ Ray’s is praised for a deep, peppery heat and its comeback sauce, with levels that (according to reviewers) run from Country up to the waiver-required Howlin’. Crimson Coward uses fresh, never-frozen chicken, seasoned with its Crimson Rub a full 24 hours before frying, so the flavor runs through the meat. Its five heat levels (Country (no heat), Mild, Medium, Hot and Burrrrn, Baby, Burn) work on anything on the menu.
Menu
Howlin’ Ray’s keeps it tight: The Sando, jumbo tenders, wings, quarter birds and chicken and waffles, with bread and pickles. Crimson Coward covers all of that, including Nashville hot wings, Nashville hot chicken tenders and chicken and waffles, then adds Joey-Eat-Fries, Crimson Nugs, sliders, a Crimson Burrito and sNash smash burgers. It’s the better pick for groups with mixed tastes, and it also does hot chicken catering for offices and events.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Crimson Coward for halal food, no lines, more locations and a bigger menu. Our pick for regular visits.
- Choose Howlin’ Ray’s if you’re a hot chicken tourist who wants to tick off the LA legend and doesn’t mind the wait.
Heading to the Gateway Cities? Try Nashville hot chicken in Downey, and see our list of things to do in Downey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howlin’ Ray’s halal?
We found no halal statement on Howlin’ Ray’s website. For a fully halal Nashville hot chicken option in Los Angeles, Crimson Coward is 100% halal at every location.
Where is Crimson Coward in Los Angeles?
Crimson Coward has Southern California locations in Downey, Long Beach, Lake Forest and Pomona.
Is there a Howlin’ Ray’s alternative without the long wait?
Yes. Crimson Coward serves Nashville hot chicken with quick counter service and app ordering, with several locations around Los Angeles and Orange County.