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Can you say Marrow and Foie people?
Walking into Ray's Hell Burger one Sunday afternoon for the first time was a bit mind blowing. It's the day after Halloween and I'm super hung over. I have cheese steaks on the brain to accompany todays football games and Maverick swell of volcanic couch surfing. Ray's is super cracking and I mean not an empty table in sight. I grab a menu and get in line. After reviewing the menu, I'm surprised that this place is in Va. Hell I'm surprised someone has the Buddha Balls to make burgers the right way in such an uptight place. Thank GOD for stoney Chefs across America!!!
You might be asking what do you mean the right way? RHB's offers the Pinnacle product accompaniments to pile high on your version of getting it right. Yeah they have organic fed beef grilled gourmet and an amazing brioche multi seed bun. However after seeing the food I can paint across this canvas, F the cheese steaks! It was time to create a masterpiece of my own.
They only take cash. ATM in the back.
Build Your Burger (Get Your Fix On)
Choose Your Burger Style: Grilled, Au Poivre-Seared with a Black Peppercorn Crust, Blackened-With Spicy Cajun Seasonings, Diablo-Grilled and Brushed with Our Spicy Chipotle Marinade......Choose Your Temperature: Recommended-Warm Red Center, Medium-Pink, C
$6.95 We proudly offer a premium, aged 10 oz burger, hand trimmed & freshly ground, served with lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun with an orange slice.
The Goods:
$10.00 Seared Foie Gras With Truffle Oil
$3.00 Roasted Bone Marrow with Persillade
$1.50 Black Forest Ham
$1.50 Guacamole
$1.50 Applewood Smoked Bacon
Fromage:
$1.00 American, Swiss, Vermont White Cheddar, Smoked Mozzarella, Muenster, Pepper Jack, Fontina
$1.50 Aged Danish Bleu, Guyere
$1.50 Imported Double Cream Brie, Dutch Mustard Seed Gouda
$3.00 Chimay a la Biere
$4.00 Rogue Creamery Smokey Bleu, Queen Anne Stilton, Cave Aged Amish Cheddar
$5.00 Epoisse de Bourgogne
Toppings
No additional charge.
Bread & Butter Pickle Chips
Dill Pickle Chips
Dill Pickle Spear
Ray's Heck Sauce
Piranha Sauce
Fiery, Spicy Green Sauce
Cognac & Sherry Sauteed Mushrooms
Grilled Red Onion
Sauteed Peppers
Roasted Garlic
Raw Red Onion
Charred Jalapenos
Why Don't You Try?
$8.95 Soul Burger Number One (The Hardest Working Burger In Chow Business)
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Cognac and Sherry Sauteed Mushrooms, Grilled Red Onions.
$7.95 The Mack
American Cheese, Beefsteak Tomato, Lettuce, Pickle, Red Onion, Ray's HECK Sauce (Tangy Special Sauce, But Not Spicy)
$9.95 The DogCatcher (Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay)
Roasted Bone Marrow, Persillade, Lettuce and Tomato
$8.95 Croque Burger
Swiss or Gruyere Cheese, Black Forest Ham, Dijon-Caper Sauce, Lettuce and Tomato
$8.95 Let's Get It On (We are All Sensitive Burgers With So Much To Give) Applewood Smoked Bacon, Swiss & Vermont White Cheddar Cheeses, Cognac & Sherry Sauteed Mushrooms, Grilled Red Onions, Sauteed Peppers, Roasted Garlic, Lettuce & Tomato.
$7.95B.I.G. Poppa (We Love It When You Order B.I.G. Poppa)
Au Poivre Burger With Black Peppercorn Crust, Aged Danish Bleu Cheese, Cognac & Sherry Sauteed Mushrooms, Grilled Red Onions
$7.95Big Punisher
Diablo-Grilled and Brushed With Our Spicy Chipotle Marinade, Pepper Jack Cheese, Charred Jalapenos, Grilled Red Onions, Piranha Sauce(Fiery, Spicy, Green Sauce)
$16.95 Fat Joe
Seared Foie Gras With A Balsamic Glaze, White Truffle Oil, Crispy Shallots, Vine-Ripened Tomato
$17.50The Burger of Seville (Yes, you're next. You're so next!)
Seared Foie Gras, Sauteed Mushrooms, Bordelaise Sauce, Truffle Oil
$7.95The New Jack Zing
Blackened Burger With Cajun Spices, Pepper Jack Cheese, Grilled Red ONions, Sauteed Peppers, Roasted Garlic, Jalapenos Optional
I've been hard pressed to find restaurants that can keep up to the high creative standard I'm used to in SF. Finally Ray's Hell Burger gets it, need I say more happy 420... Pure Genius ****
Now what VA and DC needs is a Sushi and Saki menu THAT BRINGS IT. Any suggestions? Must be Nobu, Tsunami SF, or Blowfish SF worthy?
Praise Jesus, Allah, Buddha, or whatever foodie god created this amazing place! Oh my, oh my - I don't know if I have the words. Now I have to confess, I'm not really a "burger person" per se. Most of the time, I can honestly take or leave beef. And I wouldn't usually cross state lines (I'm a DC resident) for a burger joint. However, Ray's is the gold standard when it comes to all beef patties!
Ray's doesn't do much - beef burgers and a few sides are all you will find on the menu. No fru fru veggie, turkey, buffalo, or ostrich to be found, nor a "crab burger" (please, we know it's just a crab cake on a bun) in sight. But the old adage that you should do one thing and do it well rings true here. You choose how you want it cooked - grilled, au poivre with a black peppercorn crust or blackened with Cajun seasoning. Then comes the fun part - the toppings. No average Joe 'merican cheese at Ray's. Here you can choose from Vermont white cheddar, aged Danish bleu and oh my lord in heaven double cream brie, among other goodies. Decedent? Of course! But that's the point. And there are a variety of raw and grilled veggies to top your burger, and sauces to add a bit of zing.
The menu also features specialty burgers to sink your teeth into, including the Soul Burger Number One topped with applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, cognac and sherry sauteed mushrooms, and grilled red onions. I'm definitely trying that on my next visit! This being my first time at Ray's, I took the advice of the very friendly and helpful manager (Juwan? Guessing on the spelling) who suggested I go with "what I know" and save the hard core stuff for next time. So I lost my Ray's virginity to a grilled burger with Vermont white cheddar, grilled onions, and mushrooms. And let me tell you, it was worth every calorie!
According to my companion, who has been to Ray's numerous times before, they have recently made a couple of changes that show these folks are really listening to customer feedback. Burgers are now served on buns instead of focaccia, which often got soggy quickly, and they have added fries to the menu - another welcome improvement.
Honestly as burgers go, I'm not sure how you get much better than Ray's. Served piping hot, they are thick, juicy, and very well seasoned. The atmosphere is decidedly no frills, but who needs a lot of decor when all you can focus on is the delicious goodness you can't stop eating? Plus they have root beer on tap - nice touch! And the staff is first rate, especially Juwan who treated us right because he's a fellow Saints fan! Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Ray's??
Best Burger Ever.
I had The Mack burger, fries and their root beer. All amazing. The meat was delish, the fries crispy and the root beer super creamy. One of my friends ordered the peppercorn burger and said it was super spicy, just a heads up.
Would you like Fries with that?
I have been here a number of times (things finally have cooled down a bit after the Presidential visit). And now Ray's has finally broken down and added fries to the menu (with a choice of Cajun or old bay that you can add at the stand condiment stand). Really these are about the best burgers that you are going to get. They even finally upgraded the buns so that they are less likely to disintegrate right in your hands. So worth the price (which really isn't all that expensive).
Ridiculous topping options and the burger's too big to be managable. That said, the individual components were impressive. It's just a sad fact that the whole is sometimes less than the sum of its parts.
Completely and utterly delicious.
BONE MARROW!
Hands down the best burger I've ever had. I've never been a fan of "gourmet burgers" in the past, because that always seemed to be a hipster type trendy thing. I am most definitely a no frills guy, so I was a bit apprehensive about checking out Ray's my first time. However, as soon as I took my first bite, all fear evaporated. This place just plain rocks. Don't go expecting to be clever and custom order some special burger with your special favorite toppings. This ain't Burger King, and you can't have it your way. Their menu has about 10 different gourmet burgers; pick one and eat it. I've tried a different one each time I've been, and all of them have been mouth watering. It's messy as hell, and you certainly have to be a carnivore to enjoy it, but the taste simply can't be beaten.
The line is usually out the door during lunchtime on the weekends, but it's worth the wait and hassle of ordering. Also, don't expect french fries, but seriously, who needs them when you have 10 Oz of meat to take down.
One amazing burger. I can't wait to go back and experience it all over again. Last time I hit the dinner rush head on, and didn't feel like I was able to fully appreciate Ray's.
They now serve fries, which were average.
Old Dominion Root Beer on tap is a huge plus.
Ok so I've had this place on my radar ("To Try" bookmark) for aaages and finally finally made the trip to eat there. Until the point where I'd actually eaten a bite, I felt a little nonplussed at everything (mostly at how dark it was inside on a sunny afternoon). Actually like any good Yelper I was already mulling in my head what I might rate the place.
One bite into my burger later and my taste buds took over my brain and I was devouring my meal and paying scant attention to anything else other than the burger juice running down my hands. I got one of the au poivre burgers cooked medium with white cheddar, grilled red onions and garlic and it was simply fantastic. Extremely juicy and tasty and the pepper crust was delicious. Much much better than Five Guys (whose burgers seem to sometimes come out puck-ish nowadays) and it beats Fuddruckers too because of the "lo-fi" atmosphere and menu options.
I followed it up with one of the root beer floats which was good, since it's Old Dominion draft - but they don't pour the root beer for you - just give you a paper cup with 2 scoops of average ice cream in it, so it doesn't quite have the same effect when served as you might expect from a $5 float. If you don't want to splash out on a beverage, they have a cooler of ice water with paper cups handy. Always a plus in my book.
We also had some of the fries and the mac n cheese which were purportedly good but I saved all my room for the burger so I can't say first-hand.
The service was both friendly and attentive from what I experienced. Parking is a bit scarce but nothing too bad, and they do have high chairs (just ask). Only caveats really are - a) cash only b) don't seat yourself before you order c) the menu can be confusing (just go with your gut). Mmmm.
1st off I am biased because In-N-Out is by far my favorite burger joint, but since they refuse to move East I'm in search of a sufficient substitute. Rays offers a wide selection excellent burgers (although slightly on the greasy side), but I have 2 huge complaints.
1. They do not sell french fries (FFs) or onion rings (ORs)!!! FFs and ORs have complimented burgers since the dawn of time, maybe even before that who knows. The Bible even mentions burgers paired with FFs and/or ORs. We all know that a burger can only unleash its magical powers when served and subsequently consumed with FFs or ORs. The ball is in your court Rays, I challenge you to take the burger experience up a notch.
2. They do not sell BEER!!!!!!!!! Now here's the thing, by no means do I want Rays to become either a bar or something similar to RedRobin or TGIFridays. Nothing of the sort and based on those establishments I understand Rays resistance/hesitation to sell beer. But here's the thing, lean in closer I to make sure you clearly read this, BEER only makes a burger better. In fact to not serve a beer (unless it's to a minor) with a burger is simply unAmerican. I am pro-America and pro simpler times where a burger and a beer reminds you of a family style cook out in the park. So I say to you Rays, help us all be better Americans and serve BEER with your burgers.
I have said my peace only time will heal my burger woes.
Because my previous review was pulled for going too personal, I'll only say the following:
1) They make you feel like a moron for not knowing they don't take credit cards.
2) Because they make you stand by some little trash/condiment island waiting for the food to be brought to you.
3) Because you have to pack it yourself if you're doing carry-out.
4) Attitude, attitude, attitude.
I'll keep going to Fosters or making my own till they get their act together.
Eat here. I cursed Obama for months for making the lines so long, but I couldn't really blame him. This is a delicious, enormous burger. I tend to order my old standby: the new jack zing, a blackened patty with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, jalapenos, and other amazing accouterments. If they have the macaroni and cheese, you must get some. Do it for me.
I admit disappointment with the fried mashed potato balls (how good does that sound?), but I am willing to forgive them, because they have diet creme soda that makes my life noticeably better.
Walk from Rosslyn or Courthouse metro, and be prepared to wait for a table, but don't fret, there are Turkish movie posters on the walls for you to scrutinize as you glare at the people already enjoying their amazing food.
Where else can you get a slice of cave-aged Amish cheddar that's the thickness of your hand, but looks normal-sized on top of the enormous, delicious burger? Absolutely brilliant, reasonably priced, and also appropriately messy.
With each bite, you can feel your heart filling with cholesterol and your life getting shorter--but at least you'll die happy and with a sense that you earned it!
I don't make this statement lightly, nor do I offer this compliment often, so let the drums roll...This is the best burger I've ever eaten!
To ensure I don't turn into a fat slob, I struggle to maintain a disciplined routine and only afford myself a monthly indulgence with one of these heavenly burgers. I no longer waste my time or my arteries on mediocre burgers. If I must clog my heart, it will be with the best burgers in the world.
Thank you Ray, purveyor of a quality that is so rare in this day and age.
Hella overrated. Just cause obama ate here does not make it great. Giant slaps of somewhat flavorless beef in a a strip mall. I mean, it isn't bad, it is just that any half way decent human being with supermarket ground beef and access to a grill can make a better burger.
Good mac and cheese though.
I came here a few weeks after trying Ray's the Steak's for the first time, in search of the best burger in (or in this case near) DC. After my positive steak experience, I came expecting quality meat, and I was not disappointed! The beef was moist and flavorful. It would have been great on its own, but I couldn't resist all of the fantastic toppings!
There are lots of free toppings, including mushrooms and grilled onions. I also added gruyere cheese (one of many outstanding and out-of-the ordinary options) and bacon. There are also multiple burger styles- I got the diablo, which was deliciously flavorful without being extremely spicy. The only complaint I have is that the bun fell apart quickly and I unashamedly finished it off with knife and fork. I didn't mind, but for some that may be a deal breaker.
No fries found here, but they do have some sides available. The burger is definitely the main event, and filling enough to forego fries even if they were offered. I split a side of mac and cheese anyway just to try it. I found it soupier than expected, and realized that I'm a Kraft mac n cheese girl anyway. I've heard other's rave about it though, so I'm probably not qualified to speak on the merits of homemade cheesy noodles.
This place came highly recommended and I'd say it definitely lives up to the hype.
Ray's is fantastic!!!! I've been twice and loved it both times. The meat is so fresh and cooked PERFECTLY and you can get brie on a burger - seriously does it get better??? The toppings options are endless, the meat fresh and delicious, and even the sides (if you have room) are pretty stinking good!
The line can be a bit much if you hit a busy time (one other time I tried to go the line was almost out the door and we bagged it), but they move pretty quickly and if you can get there when it's not peak time then it just makes your life easier. Also, don't forget - cash only. They have a "fee free" ATM there, but better to come prepared.
For those who like to compare it to 5 Guys - they're totally different. This place makes 5 Guys look like a delicate meal. Easily the best burger place in the area - I recommend it to friends from out of town all the time.
Best burger in DC! Yes, the burgers are that good!
Now, I know what you're thinking..."Really, BillP, what makes you some kind of burger expert?"
People, I've been eating burgers, and only burgers, since I was a tiny little skinny kid that was such a picky eater my mom would only give me burgers.
Why? Because they are soooooooooo tasty. I've eaten burgers in over 30 countries and I am a huge fan!
Ray's is that good. The cheese, meat, and everything is great! It's savory and when I was eating it I thought of a beautiful spring day with my lady and well...you get the idea! ;)
So, anyways, some people have whined about there being no fries at Ray's, but there are now. I had them and they are good, although not as good as the burger.
So, visit Ray's! You won't be disappointed! And if you are, well, you know jack all about burgers.
:)
Was told by quite a few people that I had to go here, that it would be the best burger I had ever tried. So, I went and...eeehhhh....
Was good, don't get me wrong, but not worth all the fuss. I am not saying don't go there, it is definitely worth the visit. There burgers are huge, the toppings plentiful, and the spice rub is excellent. However, I don't understand the hype. Sure, it was a great burger, but not the best ever. Perhaps the expectations that everyone built up let me down a tad.
Best burger joint in DC...and I've had them all...or at least most of them. Word of caution, I loaded mine up with everything spicy and about burned my face off...and I'm a big fan of spicy. Incredible.
For all the hype that sound surrounds Ray's Hell Burger, I have to say that nothing about my experience matched that hype. The burger was ok and the physical restaurant was not that great. I would take a Good Stuff or Five Guys burger over Ray's.
Hands down the best place in Arlington for a burger. This place is as close to gourmet as a burger joint can get without becoming pretentious.
Two locations a few doors down from each other. One is more of a take-out location and the other a sit down restaurant. *Update* Looks like they may be closing the "take out" location. Anyone know what's up?
No fries with these burgers. Just chips and a pickle.
Not just great food but a great value coming in around $7-8 for a giant burger.
I recommend the "B.I.G. Poppa" burger with a black peppercorn crust, aged blue cheese, cognac and sherry sauteed mushrooms, and grilled onions.
I was dragged here by a friend, convinced that it could never measure up to Good Stuff Eatery and determined not to fall for the Post-Obama hype.
But to my surprise, the burger here destroyed GSE's.
Also, Ray's Hell Burger has moved a few doors down to a larger place (formally Ray's the Steaks). All the tables were full (9 on a Friday night) but the line was not ridiculous like this past summer.
I love that I can order my burger how I like my steak to be cooked ... bloody rare! The burger is HUGE and oh-so-delicious! The meat is full of flavor and juicy. I like how you can choose whatever toppings you want. One day, I'll have to splurge to add foie gras and bone marrow to my burger. Mmmm. I've gotten the mac and cheese side, which was also delicious. Kinda wish they also had fries, but am okay without them since they have some pretty tasty sides. Oh, the Piranha sauce. AWESOME!
It's usually pretty packed in there. At least now with them taking over the space where Ray's the Steaks used to be, it's not as chaotic. But, you have to order first before getting a seat. So if you're in a big group, expect to be split up, lest you keep waiting to eat your burger.
Ray's Hell Burger falls somewhere between the deliciously greasy and nearly guaranteed heart attack at 5 Guys, and the equally tasty "healthy eats" at Elevation Burger. By the way Elevation, you're selling a "healthy" 10-patty Vertigo burger? Really?
Anyway...once you've properly handcuffed, drugged, and securely locked any of your diet plans in your trunk, you're ready for Ray's. Although I loathed saying - "May I have the Big Punisher, please." I did quite enjoy it. (Diablo-grilled and brushed with their spicy chipotle marinade, pepper jack cheese, charred jalapenos, grilled red onions, piranha green sauce)
***I also split a large fry with a friend, but these things weren't anything to write home about. In fact, it almost seemed like Ray and his help hated having to serve them at all. Shame, given the care they seem to put into their burgers.
I think I used to be a little burger biased...yes, In-N-Out is still my favorite burger place (and you can take the girl out of California, but you can't take California out of the girl!).
But.
Ray's has that certain je ne sais quoi about it that makes me crave it far too often. Huge burgers, amazing flavor, great price. Sometimes you need a step up from Five Guys, and this is definitely it.
This place is so good it makes me crave a burger immediately after I just loaded myself up with a gut bomb.
Definitely trumps Good Stuff Eatery, Five Guys, and all those other hacks.
Eat there now!
An offshoot of Ray's the Steaks and located on Wilson Blvd in Arlington, Hell Burger is amazingly absent from the internet if you don't count reviews. I actually didn't know anything about it going in, which can make for a pretty significant scramble if you've only got 20 minutes to order, eat and get the hell out. What follows is my Hell Burger cheat sheet; I enjoyed my meal and will be going back.
* Take a few minutes to digest the menu. It's fairly simple but I ordered based on suggestion because of the time crunch. I ended up with a burger that had a Post-It pad size slice of blue cheese and while I like the stuff, it was all I could taste. I'm convinced there are better combinations (I saw foie gras) that I just skimmed over. Note they ONLY sell burgers; no chicken sammiches here.
* 10oz really isn't all that much when it's high quality beef. You look at the thing and you're convinced there's no way you're going to finish but when the meat is super tender, juicy and extremely delicious it's surprisingly easy.
* Only order medium rare if you really like it bloody. My medium was perfect but a couple of the medium rares at our table looked more like rare to me. It will be super juicy no matter what, so eat over your plate.
* Be sure to eat it vertically (thumbs towards you, not down) or your bun will fall apart. A lot of the reviews I've read complained about the bun but if you eat it right, you won't have any problems. I even managed to eat mine without cutting it in half.
* They don't serve fries, which is probably for the better. They do have cheesey tater tots that were pretty good but the best side is by far the mac and cheese. For what it's worth, the mac and cheese is enough to make a non-beef eater want to go back (ask me how I know).
* Don't expect to have a beer while there, as they don't serve alcohol. They do have Dominion Root Beer on tap though, which is decent substitute.
Not the best burger I've had, but definitely in the top 3. I absolutely love the garlic, pepper, onion, mushroom infused goodness. It's packed with flavor, every bite takes me to a beautiful place where everyone's breath smells just as bad as mine after this.
It helps that I also work about a 5 min walk away from here.
Free atm there (no fees) is a plus!
Best burger I've ever had. I visited in Sept 2009 and got the burger with the foie gras. Wow! It was fabulous! In retrospect, I probably would have gotten ONLY the foie gras, instead of with the mushrooms (some signature burger they had). The mushroom sauce was a bit too tart and overpowering of the beef and foie gras. We went early on a Sunday - like at 4pm. No wait.
Ray's burgers really are spectacular.
3.5 stars.
Honesty: I love fast food burgers--McDonald's and Burger King to be exact. I actually find 5 Guys and other places to have "too much meat." So yeah, i am not the sophisticated meatitarian like many of the other reviewers, so adjust my 3.5 stars accordingly.
I know nothing about meat--it tastes good. That's about it. Ray's was a good burger, however, I like my meat well seasoned. As we all know, Ray's is about appreciating the meat for what it is, so I honestly can't say it's their fault I wasn't impressed, it was strictly just a preference issue. I mean, I would totally go there again if someone suggested it, and if a friend asked me about a place to get a good burger, i'd definitely rx it....but it just wasn't my steaz.
Nice watermelon slice though--unexpected and refreshing.
This is the best burger that I have tasted from the west to the east coast! It is a 10 ounce burger so you will be stuffed if you eat the whole thing especially after all the additions to the burger! The business has recently expanded from the closet-size space to a larger venue (formerly their Steak house). In addition, they have added french fries to the menu.
Even though I usually stick to a fairly regular burger (Medium patty, cheese, mushrooms, bacon, and heck sauce), I've recently tried the bone marrow on a blackened burger (via my friend's order). It was also delicious! It makes the burger more expensive but the flavor is amazing! I think Obama was right on this place =) I always take my out of town guests from the west coast to Ray's!
What can I say... just look at the stars!
Ok, so I got here at about 2:30 on Sunday afternoon and it was slightly busy. I didn't know this place was cash only so we got out of the line to get some cash out of their no fee ATM. I commend them for having a no fee ATM on premises. With the various combination that can take the 6.95 burger to upwards of 17 dollars I stuck to something slightly more than a regular cheeseburger.
My fiance and I both got our grilled burgers cooked to their recommended "bloody" doneness. Topped with american cheese and mine with raw onion and their Paranah sauce, which seemed like a combination of cilantro, green chilies, roasted garlic, sour cream and some basic seasonings... the cheeseburgers were delicious! Even besides the fact that enough blood had poured out to make it a burger with blood au jous and the watermelon on the plate was covered in red. It was surprise biting into the watermelon since well... red on red isn't all that visible ;)
Well back to the burgers... apparently their 10 oz. patties are aged and that creates an awesome, fresh flavor. The meat was definitely fresh as you could not taste the blood or the flavor old meat has. All in all the burgers were huge and the quality was top notch. I recommend you get the paranah sauce, as it comes on the side, and try various combos, after all you cant go wrong when you work with good meat and bread.
Go now... (i cant believe I waited so long!)
Me? I'm wacky, I have my quirks. Yep, I actually like my burger to have flavor. I know, I know, I'm a different breed of cat, I'll admit it
Man, I can BBQ a burger at home 10 times better then the dreck they served me.
Huge Slab of Flavorless Beef (which was my stage name as a male stripper. For some reason I couldn't get a gig) Was annoyed at the restaurant, at myself for coming here, at all the positive reviews, let's all say it together: "OV-VER-RATED"
Ray's Hell Burger serves the best burger I have ever had in my life! I consider myself a burger lover and nothing else I have had comes close.
I used to live only a few blocks from this strip-mall gem and I would frequent the old unmarked storefront regularly. I know they have now moved into the old Ray's The Steaks space, but I have no doubt that the burgers are still huge and juicy with top-quality ingredients and creative toppings. The $10 deal was exactly what the doctor ordered on the nights I visited: it included a relatively basic burger, side and a drink (I recommend you go for the root beer!).
The place was always crowded in the evenings, and that only got worse once Joe and Barry took their little trip there, but it was always worth the wait. Whenever I am in DC or Arlington I will always make a trip to one of my favorite memories of my time there.
There's nothing I can add. Ray's Hell Burger is a beautiful beautiful thing.
HUGE fan. I usually fast for a day before I eat at Hellburger -- because I"m a small person and it's a 10oz HUGE burger. I get mine with blue cheese and at first thought, my mouth starts to salivate. Then first bite I find how ravenous I am and realize how awesomely delicious my meal is going to be. I don't think I have time to talk between bites.
Definitely plan on getting root beer on draft and the fact that they dont serve french fries shouldnt rub you the wrong way. Ray's knows how to do a good burger. Totally delicious.
The burgers here are great! but you probably already knew that, didn't you?
My one piece of advice when eating at Ray's is to get a classic burger, and that's it. Seems simple right? The sides are ok, but nothing special. Better to focus on the reason you're there, the beef. Also, there are a wide variety of toppings, but trust me the simpler the better. I would suggest the Mack (lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion) it's a classic and tough to beat in my opinion. Or you can build your own, but limit it to just a few toppings. With all the options: foie gras, sauteed mushrooms, blue cheese (which I thought was especially overpowering), it's easy to lose the simple taste of the amazing burgers if you over accessorize.
Also, its cash only.
Disclaimer: I rarely eat burgers, and for many years I did not eat beef at all.
However, this is easily one of the better burgers I've had. I finally came here on a friend's suggestion -- this place is a temple to him, and he comes to pray (i.e. eat) here on his high holy days. He ordered a burger with all sorts of things on it, I ordered mine just grilled medium with guacamole, which came on the side. I figured if the burger is as good as everyone says it is, it don't need no window dressing!
He was ecstatic about his burger, I was very pleased with mine. This is definitely not the place to come for atmosphere, but if you want a very good burger with lots of topping options (or just a very good burger), then this is definitely the place for you.
From the very first bite, I was in love. Every morsel makes me think "damn, it's good to be f*cking alive." So its crowded, and you may have to wait a while...big deal. Don't go to Ray's expecting to find the Shangri-La of burger joints, it doesn't claim to be the best and they stick to what they're good at...putting out quality burgers.
I think that at least 25% of all customers who walk into Ray's for the first time arrive thinking "Yeah, OK, let me see how this measures up to so-and-so." It's not In-N-Out, it's not Five Guys, it's not some $100 kobe burger, it's just meat on a bun with a whole lot of goodness that blows away any other burger in Arlington and quite possible the entire DC area .
Don't think too much or too hard, just grab the burger with both hands, open your mouth, insert the burger, chew, and ENJOY.
I cannot describe in mere words the awesomeness of a "Big Punisher" at 10:45 AM on a Sunday after a wicked Saturday night. That first bite, no matter how long you've waited (which, in at least ten visits, has never been more than 15 minutes), will melt away all your anger and misanthropy for that split second. I am convinced that unless someone's been rooming in a cave with Osama, there really isn't any valid reason not to like this place (unless of course you don't eat meat...but whatever, one man's God is another man's deliciousness on a bun)!
I'll put up with sh*tty parking, popped collar choads, a long wait, or whatever for Ray's. Oh HELL YES!
Arlington, VA
Category: Steakhouses
Arlington, VA
Category: Burgers
Arlington, VA
Category: Burgers
Washington, DC
Category: Burgers
Arlington, VA
Category: Mexican
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