Fried Chicken Guide
Food & Drink
If you're looking for crispy, flaky chicken or savory, tender meat that falls off the bone, you're in luck. Pasadena knows how to do some of the best fried chicken, with a lineup of LA's top hotspots that will make your mouth water just thinking about it.
Talk of the Town
Howlin' Rays
When Howlin' Rays opened their first store in 2015, it sparked a hot chicken craze in Los Angeles, with an infamous 3 hour line and chaotic parking. Their latest outpost in Pasadena is their second spot, and it is delivering the same outstanding fried chicken in a spacious full-service location on South Arroyo Parkway, with plenty of seating. Check their Instagram to see how the long line wait times are and enjoy eating in this hotspot.
Hot in Old Pasadena
Main Chick Hot Chicken
Main Chick Hot Chicken is a passion-inspired food concept serving the most unique Nashville style fried chicken to date. Their team has culminated the best version of product to create the most enjoyable experience for guests. They serve hot chicken with spices ranging from mild to some of the hottest peppers in the world.
Japanese Fried Chicken Spot
Tokyo Chick
Japanese Fried Chicken is made using a technique called karaage, where it is coated using a light flour before deep-frying in oil. Karaage is synonymous with chicken nowadays, but at Tokyo Chick, you can enjoy 5 different homemade Japanese sauces to go with your fried chicken. There's teriyaki, wasabi, garlic soy, tokyo spicy, and signature crispy. There's also bento boxes, perfect for lunch.
Local's Favorite
Louisiana Fried Chicken
Come for the surprisingly crispy chicken with just the right amount of spice, located in between the flurry of fried chicken spots on Lake Avenue. You'll have to order take-out through a bullet proof glass, but not before reading about how this chain is an Cambodian-American immigrant success story. The locals love this spot for the crunchy goodness, and we recommend checking out the cute shops in East Washington for an after meal walk.
Not a Fried Chicken Restaurant
Top's Restaurant
Top Restaurant on Colorado/Allen has some of the best crispy fried chicken. This mom-and-pop shop serves Hawaiian food, but the fried chicken is a clear star of the show. Read the rave reviews across the board for motivation. Enjoy the crisp and golden Indonesian fried chicken with a selection of fun mains, such as loco moco, Indonesian fried rice, spam musubi, and more.
KFC... Korean Fried Chicken
bb.q Chicken
This is not the KFC you're thinking of. bb.q Chicken restaurant stands as a vibrant culinary destination renowned for its exceptional Korean Fried Chicken. the menu showcases a delectable array of crispy, flavorful chicken, meticulously prepared using authentic Korean recipes and techniques. Each dish, from the signature Golden Original to the spicy Hot Spicy, bursts with unique flavors that delight the palate.
Dining
Home to more than 650 restaurants representing cuisines from around the world, Pasadena is one of Southern California's premier dining destinations. Whether you're searching for the birthplace of the cheeseburger, planning the perfect weekend brunch, discovering family-owned neighborhood favorites, or exploring the city's newest restaurants, there's a culinary experience for every taste. Browse our curated dining guides below and discover why Pasadena has earned a reputation as a destination worth savoring.
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