The BRICK: Howlin’ Ray’s New Deep Fried Nashville Hot Grilled Cheese

It’s expected to be caught in a three-hour line when you’re visiting Howlin’ Ray’s — the spot that put Nashville hot chicken on the Los Angeles map. If you haven’t already been to the fried chicken hotspot, the never-ending crowd is a clear indicator that this place knows how to do hot chicken proper. Paired with an ambrosial dish like their newest Nashville Hot Grilled Cheese aptly named “The Brick,” Howlin’ Ray’s may have discovered the recipe to double their wait time — and we’re totally fine with that.

Now, when we say it’s a next-level version of grilled cheese, that’s not something to be taken lightly.

Photo: Marc Kharrat | Foodbeast

The Brick first begins as a double sliced grilled cheese sandwich, which is then battered and deep fried until its crunch can be heard from neighboring Little Tokyo. It is then seasoned the exact same way the restaurant’s famous hot chicken is, with patrons able to choose the level of heat they want for their sandwich.

If lactose intolerant folks ever had to pick a moment to pop a Lactaid pill, it’d be for this.

Howlin’ Ray’s also offers a secret-menu variation of their cheese fries, as if all that cheesiness wasn’t enough to entice you. Guests can actually ask the restaurant to load your fries with hearty chunks of Nashville hot chicken, coleslaw, pickles, and a shower of their special “Comeback Sauce.”

Grilled cheese and hot chicken aficionados may want to set an afternoon aside to sink their teeth into The Brick. Regardless of wait times, Howlin’ Ray’s is definitely an experience you don’t want to rush — especially with the debut of that glorious new sandwich. Just make sure to come with clear calendars and empty stomachs. You’ll leave happy, albeit with a well-earned layer of perspiration.