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Ray's the Steaks
Categories: Restaurants Steakhouses Restaurants Tex-Mex Restaurants Peruvian Steakhouses, Tex-Mex, Peruvian
2300 Wilson BlvdArlington, VA 22209
(703) 841-7297
- Nearest Transit:
-
Courthouse Metro Station (Orange)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
734 reviews for Ray's the Steaks
Review Highlights
"It is by far the best crab bisque I have ever had."
(in 176 reviews)
"The mashed potatoes and creamed spinach are unlimited."
(in 72 reviews)
"If you are a Key Lime pie fan, you MUST try their pie."
(in 91 reviews)
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732 reviews in English
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Review from Matt T.
Arlington, VA
12/16/2011
Easily the best restaurant in Arlington. The steak was perfectly cooked. The crab bisque was out of this world. The wine was perfectly paired for the steak we ordered. And the service was outstanding. A bit pricey, but we're you expecting the best restaurant in Arlington to be a fast food joint? (If so, go to Ray's Hell Burger.) Also, make a reservation.
One last thing, their steaks--from what I understand--are pricey cuts. Yet they are serving them at normal steak house prices. In other words, what you'd ordinarily pay $60 or $70 for somewhere else you get here for $45. If you live anywhere near Arlington, VA, you should come here at least once. Once you do, you'll no doubt want to come as often as possible. -
Review from Alex N.
McLean, VA
2/3/2012
Definitely one of the better Steak Houses in the area
But it has changed as time has passed and definitely since the move.
It used to be a 5 then a 4 now it's pushing into the 3's but I gave a 4
For the overall experience
Been going since they opened at the old location.
Food 4
Service 4
Cleanliness 4 -
Review from Robert M.
Arlington, VA
Updated - 2/3/2012
I'm updating this because I've changed my mind about this place. When they moved locations, it seems that the quality of their food plummeted. Originally, they had some of the best steaks I've had, but now it's just not the case. I've been disappointed with the quality of my food the last three times I went.
I used to take every guest that would visit me, but now I will no longer eat here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2009
I'm updating this because I've changed my mind about this place. When they moved locations, it seems… Read more »
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Review from Juliet K.
1/30/2012
if you want steak from a restaurant, this is the way to go. personally i prefer to just eat steak at home because the bf makes a really mean steak. BUT if you really want a steak dinner, then ray's is great steak for the money. good, solid quality. they understand the cooking temps. great sides. nice wine list. whats not to love?
just make sure to make a reservation before hand, or else you might have to wait a long time. -
Review from Ray G.
Annandale, VA
2/9/2012
Really good beef, really subpar service. Apparently, the waiters want to be treated like rock stars. Just went there with 3 out of town guests. One was late to arrive, but we had his order and ordered for him. The waiter didn't put our order in until he arrived, then hassled us about him getting there late. Did not get a wine list until the food arrived, then waited 15 minutes to get the wine. Nothing like being 80% done with your meal before the wine shows up.
If you are an angry gay male who didn't make it as a Congressional page, please apply to Ray's the Steaks; that seems to be the type of waiters they're looking for. -
Review from Alex S.
Washington, DC
1/13/2012
Excellent food, but pretentious service.
Ray's has very good steaks considering the price you are paying. They aren't USDA Prime (like other, more expensive steak restaurants), but you can't tell the difference because they are cooked really well. Also, the seafood dishes are excellent. My friend had a crab cake that almost showed up the steak. Also, they have a good wines under $30 list.
That being said, the service certainly leaves a lot to be desired. I understand that the low prices (although they aren't really that much lower than higher quality steak houses) require them to turn tables. That doesn't mean they have to be pretentious. I found our waiter (Mike M) to be unnecessarily rude and unfriendly. I have been to many steak restaurants around the world where waiters have been pretentious. These other restaurants, however, were better quality and had a reason to be pretentious about their food - Ray's is good, but it has absolutely nothing to be pretentious about.
I hope that their underwhelming service doesn't turn people away because otherwise it's a decent place to go for a good meal. -
Review from David M.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012
For the price, you can't find a better cut! I went here for dinner for a friends birthday with a party of seven and had a really great meal and an awesome dining experience. Of note, there is not a full bar here just beer and wine, that being said their wine selection is diverse and flavorful! We ordered glasses of pinot grigio to start the affair and were pleasantly refreshed. For dinner we had a bottle of Renteria and Reynolds 2004 Racy Cabernet Sauvignon which was delightful full of flavor and aromas which matched perfectly with our meal.
For starters, the grilled applewood-smoked bacon is a must. The cuts were almost 3/8'' thick, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The honeyed, spiced sauerkraut and dijon thyme sauce really complimented the salty flavor of the bacon and worked well with applewood. The Jumbo sea scallops which were bacon wrapped with apricot mango horseradish chutney were unbelievable! Scallops were incredibly tender and full of flavor and combined well with the back wrap. I will say that I was bacon'd out at this point so I recommend ordering one or the other unless you love bacon! Finally, we had the devilishly good eggs which were stuffed with steak tartare. Once again, Rays's knows what they're doing with steak. The tartare was succulent and refined, complimented with the egg white and pickles.
They have a new menu and I highly recommend looking into it! I ordered the rib-eye with porcini, truffle and something else (can't recall) medium rare. Also of note, the portions are fairly large. The cut was fantastic and cooked to perfection. marginally pink on the outside with a seared exterior. Delicious!
For desert, we ordered a whole key lime pie which was delightfully full of tart and worked will with the 2004 Racy cab. Recommended if you have room.
Overall, you can't beat the meal for the price. The ambiance depends on the crowd, and we were quite the noisy bunch which didn't seem to draw any looks until the third bottle of wine went down. The service was prompt and fair. Highly recommended for groups, dates, or just to get a good cut of meat seared to perfection. -
Review from Vishal S.
1/19/2012
These guys just know how to hit home runs as far as restaurants go. I am a huge fan of ray's hell burger and like this place too.
Good steak for a great price! They are a tad bit too salty for me tho but it is cooked just right and I like the sides too.
Wait times during weekends can be long tho. -
Review from Charlie T.
Hillsborough, NC
1/17/2012
You would be hard-pressed to find a better steak, and a better value is impossible.
Love the spiced cashews. Great crab bisque.
Hanger Steak is the best value on the menu. Lots of flavor, and plenty of food.
One of the places I miss most since leaving DC. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Silver Spring, MD
1/13/2012 1 photo
Well worth the money!
I ordered the filet mignon rossini, I think, and it was very tasty. My boyfriend ordered the dry aged cowboy ribeye and that thing was huge! We ended up taking half of the ribeye home. The complimentary sides were a very nice addition to the meal- we didnt have to order any sides. So, because it was my boyfriend's birthday we were given a free key lime pie slice which was delicious in my opinion. The total was around.. 70$ I think.. for a soda, beer, cowboy ribeye (biggest steak they had) and filet. Great price for a steak house!
One complaint though, the place is pretty lit up.. so it didnt have that cozy feeling most dining places have. -
Review from Tommy B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012
Great Steakhouse.
Wanted to have a nice dinner to celebrate a great weekend in DC and this place did not disappoint. The staff was so helpful in explaining the detailed menu.
Nutso selection of cuts of beef.
Must try the Lobster Bisque.
Also be sure to make a reservation as its booked solid most every night. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Washington, DC
12/8/2011
I am amazed at how many positive reviews this place has gotten...because that is NOT true for me.
Yes, the steak and mushrooms tasted absolutely amazing--when I finally got all of my order...and it was actually cooked the way I ordered it after having to send it back.....--but anyone who goes out to eat a lot knows that food is definitely not the only thing that makes a restaurant great--restaurant service and ambiance are crucial. Many of my friends have been here and rave about the place, but that will definitely not be the case for me.
Lindsay S. was right on point about the service (great review if you get a chance to read it)--it's all about the money for this place and the quick turnover. Seriously? A place sells amazing food that people are obviously going to want to come back and have again, it's always packed out, recommendations are definitely recommended....and you have to rush people out and make them feel unwelcome? Our server was not attentive at all--even before it got crazy busy--and he must have not been listening to me when I ordered my steak well done...with mushrooms on the side.
My bright pink steak arrived to my table by itself. Fantastic.
So then when I finally got to flag down the waiter, he just quickly picked up the place and walked off saying he'd have them cook it longer. No apology. No ownership. So for the rest of the meal, he basically ignored us and didn't check on anything. So awkward. But OH NO--we were not forgotten. The female culinary manager made strong efforts to make us feel as unwelcome, uncomfortable, and rushed to leave as possible. So we did.
And STILL....even with my verbal "tip" (you can make all kinds of assumptions about the monetary value of the tip) on the bill, "This was a terrible experience. I will make sure to comment on Yelp"...I still felt like somehow...I was defeated. :( -
Review from Captain A.
Germantown, MD
12/17/2011 2 photos
Great steak. Not a 5 star Yelp experience, but I'll definitely be back for the steak!
I was up sold to the dry aged as opposed to the "vacuum packed standard cuts just like you could find in the supermarket". The waitress seemed to oddly almost down sell the majority of the menu which seemed unfair as I'm sure they are great quality cuts. My dry aged bone in strip was very good, but I'm not sure I noticed much difference over the standard. Specially since I orders it Au Poivre which comes heavily seasoned and sauced (it is a GREAT option, but in hindsight the top cuts are probably best ordered with a mild topping to appreciate the steak's flavor.). A good server would probably mention that ("...you can have these cuts to your liking, but I recommend... ") On the contrary, I got a sense that her work was done once she achieved the up-sell.
Mixed green salad was just that, nothing more. I think they just opened up a bag of mixed greens and tossed it with dressing. There were two grape tomatoes thrown in for good measure. I can make a better salad at home with my eyes closed, so I think next time I'll try the blue cheese.
Nuts good. Bread nothing special. Included sides were a nice bonus.
Server could not comment on beer's flavor when I asked. There are only a handful on the menu so it'd be nice if they knew a little about them ("is this a hoppy beer?")
I felt gently rushed along. Just short of rude, but was aware that I was not welcome to linger, savor a good meal, and enjoy conversation while sipping on coffee. I got a cup, it wasn't refilled...she asked as she was bussing it away "you didn't want more, right?". Most places will come by with the carafe and ask to refresh that. Seemed to also be lacking on any specialty coffees, espressos, lattes, etc.
A lot of reviews here are making apologies for the place stating what a great deal it is so we should not expect service. Our bill was $120, before tip, for two aged steaks, a few beers, two bland salads, and one cup of coffee...that's a big dinner out and the service should match it. I don't care what other restaurants charge, if you spend over $140 (after tip) on a meal for two, treat me nice!
Place was missing a full bar but it looks like that may be in the works in some newly acquired space that was getting configured with bar and tables when we visited in December.
I should note that I did not read any Yelp reviews prior to my visit. So I was not biased and did not know that they might rush you along. Was surprised to come and read reviews after and find that my entire first visit experienced was reinforced by a dozen other reviews.
All said, though, I'll be back. Steak was good. Food came quick and there are a lot of steak options to try on that menu! ;) -
Review from Kristina K.
Silver Spring, MD
12/23/2011
On our return visit to Ray's the Steaks, the food continues to impress. Everything from sides (must, must try the mushrooms) to main courses is prepared to order and with love-'n-care: my filet Rossini, which was served with porcini mushrooms and a delightful sauce, was topped with a sizeable chunk of nicely seared foie gras. How decadent!
Although I was too involved in munching my own main course treat to notice much about other people's food, everyone in the birthday crew seemed happy with the temperature and taste of their dishes. Even the scallops were (reportedly) done properly. The next day, remains of both our steaks were as yummy as the night before. However, the 1st-day-tasty mashed potatoes and spinach sides do include gobs of butter in preparation, which--while not unpleasant--becomes more obvious on day 2.
Service was sufficiently attentive both times--even though we had large groups on each occasion--but, since the wait can be long if dining during prime time, the absence of a bar or anywhere to wait except in the doorway or right by it is a dismay.
Ray's offers a breadth of wine and beer selections; apparently, there is also a dessert menu but who would ever get to it with this much meat? Some people must be made of stronger stuff (aka more impressive stomach capacity). We did receive a few desserts for the birthday boy and a multitude of spoons so had the chance to gobble at a few. I can only report on the topping of one--strawberries with whipped cream--which, though unseasonal, were quite lovely! -
Review from Ayla S.
Arlington, VA
1/1/2012
Excellent food, excellent service, what more could you ask for?
Delicious focaccia served as soon as you sit down. The crab bisque was probably the best I've ever had. The steaks were outstanding. On top of that, the server comped our dessert because we waited a little bit for her to come by our table (which we weren't expecting to begin with so their thoughtfullness just made the experience so much better). Overall, everything at Ray's is worth every penny. -
Review from Dana Y.
Arlington, VA
12/18/2011
The Ray's Empire (Ray's the Steaks, Ray's Hell Burger, Ray's to the Third) reminds me a lot of Google. Both companies seem to have their sights set on world domination, or in the case of Ray's, Arlington domination. But I don't mind it so much because they both provide such terrific services that truly enhance my quality of life.
Went to Ray's with the same crew that dined at Ruth's Chris a while ago and we all agreed that we liked the ambiance better at Ray's, as it was a little less formal. We differed on our opinions of the food. I liked my steak at Ruth's Chris better, but the Brazilian Strip I had at Ray's was also fantastic. The appetizers at Ray's won out - the crab bisque is phenomenal - and the dinner was a bit more economical since the sides at Ray's, mashed po's and creamed spinach, are included in the price of your steak. However, Ray's lost in the dessert category because of a disappointing selection. All they were offering was chocolate mousse and key lime pie. We got the mousse, but it didn't hold a flame to the flourless cake I had at Ruth's Chris.
We had a tag team of servers and they both were fantastic. Knowledgeable about the menu, personable, and funny. Ray's does not advertise a gluten-free menu but much of their menu is such. Both of our servers were also extremely helpful in identifying items on the menu that were gluten-free and were mindful throughout the evening to remind me what to steer clear of any time I ordered my next course.
I knocked 1 star off of my review because this is the second time I've been to Ray's the Steaks and the second time that I felt a bit rushed through my meal. Perhaps it was because the servers were so efficient in clearing every single item off of our table after we had dessert. However, one of my friends commented on it too, and we agreed that we were not going to be pressured into leaving immediately our meal, especially since our group dropped about $250 in food and wine.
All in all, though, I love Ray's and will continue to patronize this establishment because of the quality steaks, large portions, reasonable price, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic service. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Fairfax, VA
11/30/2011
This is my favorite steak house. It is BETTER than a Morton's or a Ruth's Chris, but definitely not as expensive. The service is excellent. There are options for vegetarians and pescatarians as well. There is a large range of steak options, with adequate descriptions of the different cuts and plenty of wine pairings.
The only reason I give it a 4 instead of a 5 is the lack of a bar. I understand that they "turn and burn" there, meaning that they have a large volume of guests and they don't waste any time. But I like to have a drink at the bar before my meals, and I can't do it here. However, I do just go to Fireworks across the street while I'm waiting for my table. The other thing is that they ask you not to stay. As much as I want to go here for special occasions, I opt not to because they'll run you out of there as soon as you are done with your meal. I work A LOT, so when I go out to eat with my friends it is a special occasion in itself. Not being able to drink some wine and chit chat after my meal is disappointing.
Please keep in mind that I am a professional server myself, and understand the need to turn tables and keep the lines at the door down as much as possible. That's why I don't take off less than a star. However, if you're in the courthouse district in Arlington, EAT HERE! It is amazing... you'll just never want to leave ;) -
Review from Bruce F.
McLean, VA
1/17/2012
The new room, relative to the old one is terrible....but the she crab soup, the steak tartar eggs, the bread and the bone in rib eye are still fantastic.
The charm is kinda gone now but the food is still good. -
Review from Minh L.
Arlington, VA
1/15/2012
Best bang for your buck that you can get in the area for a steak. The steaks come with sides of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes as well. The cuts of steak are tender and cooked to perfection. I'm a fan of ribeye and they have a massive cowboy ribeye that just melts in your mouth. The crab bisque is a must try and definitely order this as an appetizer. Great wine list and a must go to establishment in the DC area.
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Review from Nate S.
Alexandria, VA
10/31/2011
Not that this place needs another positive review, but because it is my go-to steak restaurant in the DC area I wanted to sing its praises.
When you enter, the first thing you'll notice is that this is not a low light, romantic restaurant; the tables are close together, and the place is almost always packed with people. The service is fast, and I've heard that they cut costs for the food by keeping up a high turnover of guests; the philosophy being that the more people you serve, the less they all need to pay for their meals. Having said that, the wait staff is not insistent or pushy about getting you out the door; they are knowledgeable and happy to explain anything on the menu to you (be that wine or beef). Also, my wife and I have been here for numerous anniversaries and we keep coming back not because of the atmosphere, but because the food is so, so good, and affordable to boot..
The last time we were here we started with the crab bisque, which we order nearly every time we come. I have tried their other appetizers, and I've enjoyed the deviled egg topped with steak tartare, but I can't stay away from the crab bisque. It is hands down one of the best soups I've had at a restaurant. There are always huge chunks of crab in it, and the soup itself is just amazingly rich. Great start to a great meal every time.
Our wine was an argentinian malbec for under 30 dollars (from their under 30 dollar menu); affordable and quite tasty, all I'm asking for given my low amount of knowledge when it comes to wine.
We happened to come on a weekend and learned of an option only offered from Friday to Sunday; 45 day aged steaks for a variety of cuts for only 6 dollars more than the usual price. I have paid anywhere from 50 to a hundred dollars for aged steaks at high end restaurants in Chicago, and the prices here were much lower for steaks of the same or higher quality.
I got the aged Cowboy, a bone in 28-oz porterhouse and my wife ordered the aged new york strip au poivre(pre cut, with blue cheese drizzled on top). The cowboy was amazing, and I'd recommend that any steak lover try it at least once, in spite of it being quite a large amount of meat, and my wife loved hers.
We will keep coming to this restaurant for years to come as long as they stick to their philosophy of low cost(comparative to other steak restaurants), high quality food. Great place and I recommend it to all of my friends. -
Review from Ying F.
WOW! Now this is a steak place. This is a must when you visit DC. On the pricy end but it's worth every penny!
I started my night with a crab bisque soup- THIS IS A MUST! Jam packed of flavors and chunky bites of crab. The best bisque I ever had. Recommend getting the BOWL!
I ordered the dry aged steak. WOW! Super juicy steak and amazing steak sauce. It's even good without it. I had a side of corn and mac and cheese. Amazing!
Everything was perfect. We had a nice chocolate peanut butter truffle treat at the end with our bill and it was GREAT! Perfect touch! -
Review from Thomas J.
Alexandria, VA
11/20/2011
Ate here as part of a friend's bachelor party evening. Good, solid food. Steaks were flavorfully prepared and sides were available in abundance. Dessert was a great, rich dark chocolate mousse.
About the only knock I'd have on the place is the volume. It's a big, open restaurant with lots of customers. They'd benefit greatly from adding sound dampening materials to the walls. I hate feeling like I have to shout just so the person next to me can hear me clearly. -
Review from Foster K.
Pasadena, CA
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
You have to respect a steakhouse that goes with such spartan furniture - you know that they're focused on the quality of their meat. Plus, the full-length butchered bovine that you spot in the meat locker on your way past the hostess station definitely sends a not-too-subtle message!!
We had a great time here, as we got fantastic service (not too fussy, but always checking in), and were ready for some quality steak after a few misfires over the previous few months. Ray didn't let us down. Cooked to perfection, with a deliciously salty crust wrapped around a pink and juicy center. Divine. -
Review from Yaka H.
9/21/2011 2 photos
I made a reservation here for SX's birthday dinner. I would recommend making a reservation here since it seems to fill up quickly. The pricing, quality of food, and casual atmosphere makes this place pretty high up on my list of go-to steakhouses.
Start the meal off with: Complimentary bread and spiced cashews (which I thought was kinda meh). SX started off with a cup of the crab bisque. It's quite rich and velvety, but light in texture at the same time.
Entrees: Cowboy steak for SX and I opted for the NY strips au piovre which came with a sauce. The entrees come with complimentary creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, steakhouse classic meal accompaniments. Our eyes bugged out at the size of our steaks and our mouths started salivating when we were cutting into our decadent meals. Every bite was a carnivore's dream. The charred crust on the cowboy cut was great and the au piovre crust provided great texture and spice to the steak cooked rare.
End the meal: I planned on sharing a slice of Key Lime with SX. But, we were too stuffed to even finish our steaks (I blame it on birthday celebration filled with eating Shake Shack and empanadas prior to the birthday celebration dinner). However, you'll receive compliment mini cubes of peanut butter fudge with the check. We ended up asking for doggie bags for our steaks and they kindly included mashed potatoes and spinach sides with it. -
Review from Jane R.
Washington, DC
10/17/2011
As everyone has attested the food here is great. My only beef (heehee) is with the atmosphere. It's not that nice considering what you are paying for your meal. They try to make it a little better with nice mirrors and fans but the ceiling is a drop ceiling and the floor is cheapo carpet. I think they could have done better. Still, the food is super delicious and the staff treats everyone with lots of respect.
I went with my boyfriend for our anniversary (8 months--hahaha) and they started us with water and bread (OMG--the BEST BREAD I HAVE EVER HAD) and spiced cashews (only ok in my opionion). We each had a glass of wine (great wines by the glass--and not expensive). We shared the crab bisque (really really creamy and good and chunks of crabmeat). We ordered a side of mushrooms which were delicious. All different kinds of mushrooms and pepper and salt and some oil. The flavor really complimented our steaks. He ordered the New York Strip with blue cheese and some kind of sauce and I ordered the filet au poivre (which just means it has a pepper crust and a sauce--a very creamy sauce). Both were delicious. As were the complimentary sides.
Even though we couldn't finish our meals (the steaks are HUGE), we ordered the Key Lime Pie for dessert. It was served with fresh strawberries and real whipped cream--delish. The pie itself was wonderful. The graham crust was buttery and yummy. I think I ate more crust than pie but that's because we ordered the pie mainly for James. I also had a chammomile tea which was a-ok.
I will definitely go back to celebrate a special occasion. -
Review from D. K.
Vienna, VA
11/5/2011
By far, the best steak place in VA. I can only speak for the cowboy cut, 28 oz bone-in rib eye, medium rare. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. What could possibly be better than this??! But wait...2nd occasion here at Ray's & their special was a 60 day aged rib eye?! Even better.
They also have free sides of garlic mash & creamed spinach. Both delish. Not only are they free, but they refill them for free! This place isn't trying to nickel and dime you like other steakhouse's. Ray's is just trying to serve you great food. Wish we still lived in Clarendon! -
Review from A M.
Arlington, VA
1/27/2012
Worth every penny. If you are looking for great steak without the frills, this is your place. On top of that, the crab bisque is the best you'll ever have. Despite some reviews, I have never felt rushed here and always had good service with great recommendations from the staff.
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Review from Michael D.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
12/28/2011
Best steak I have had. Get a special steak. Everything is spot on at this place, good atmosphere, good service and great experience
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Review from Terri R.
Falls Church, VA
1/19/2012
Food was ok though my steak was much too rare. Had ordered it medium. Had to send it back.....We arrived with a reservation and were escorted to a nasty little table for two in the very dark back of a room, near the kitchen door. I really have a problem with ageism - we are both over 65 and clearly not dressed as workers. It's aa though the young pup seating people thought we should be placed out of sight. Pity, that ! We are handsome, well dressed people and will not return. When we asked for a nicer table we did get put In a different room near a window which was nicer, but the damage had been done.
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Review from Kevin R.
Arlington, VA
9/5/2011
I've been trying to get my wife to come here with me for a couple of years, and she finally caved... and she is already sorry it took her so long.
I've both heard and read that the ambiance can be lacking, but we appreciated being able to come in dressed casually (t-shirts) and still get a great meal. My wife got the crab bisque, and it was amazing - it was creamy, just enough sherry, and plenty of crab meat. I had the house salad with the excellent vinaigrette. It was piquant, just like I like.
Next we got our steaks... my wife got the bacon wrapped fillet, which was delicious and tender. I got the hanger steak, and it was so flavorful that I don't think I can try another steak; and I'm the kind of person who love trying something new every time I go out. So flavorful, and not as tough as I thought it would be. Along with the steaks, we got the house mashed potatoes and creamed spinach - she said it'd the best creamed spinach she ever had.
We got a reasonably priced bottle of wine, and finished off the meal with dark chocolate mousse.
After this meal, I want to find Ruth, and punch her for having me pay so much at Ruth's Chris for steaks... not when these are so good.
We'll definitely be back!! -
Review from Courtney A.
Arlington, VA
11/3/2011
This is my favorite steak place, hands down. I have never been disappointed here. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is laid back. You can go dressed up or in jeans and no one cares either way. It's a bit noisy, especially on the front right side but not too bad.
I love the hanger steak and the filet mignon and that brandy mushroom cream sauce is addictive. My boyfriend likes the hanger steak with the bone marrow (I think they should name that the Caveman special haha). -
Review from Joseph B.
Arlington, VA
10/17/2011
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
I just wrote about Rays to the Third and realized that I was at Rays the Steaks recently, too and should definitely write a review. Even though I've eaten here a few times before, this is my first review.
Some friends of mine were celebrating their 20th Anniversary, and I've been trying to get them into Rays the Steaks for over a year now. Every time I'd think about eating here, it would be too late to make reservations, and I'm not one for waiting over an hour at anybody's restaurant. This time I thought about it well in advance, and was able to get reservations for a Saturday night. Woo Hoo! I have to note that when I called to make the reservation, the young lady who took the reservation did ask if this was a special occasion, and I told her that my friends were celebrating 20 years of togetherness.
We showed up on time and waited about 5-10 minutes for our table. Our waiter greeted us and immediately asked about the anniversary couple, which was awesome. He took our drink orders and shortly thereafter returned with complimentary glasses of champagne. What a nice touch!
I ordered the wedge salad and the Ribeye (extremely flavorful). The happy couple ordered a Filet each with a wedge salad and the bacon-wrapped scallops appetizer. My partner ordered the Hanger steak. Yum! Yum! All meals come with garlic mashed and creamed spinach served family style. Portions were just the right amount.
To top if off, we received complimentary desserts. In my experience, you can't go wrong here. Give it a try, if you haven't. -
Review from Sam W.
Washington, DC
10/14/2011
Four cousins were looking for steaks to celebrate two of their birthdays. We found Ray's and it was glorious.
The crab bisque was unreal, the flavor of the steaks was incredible, and the sides were perfect.
Here's the full review: http://rfhcollective.b...
A tip: Get your steak cooked one degree warmer than you usually would. -
Review from jac j.
Herndon, VA
1/14/2012
We love the food, especially the chateau briand (sorry about the spelling). The take-away with the extra spinach and mashed potatoes was nice. Prices are moderately high but so worth a meal every few months and on special occasions. The service is good but not kind, just worked to get us out as soon as possible 3x but the 4th not at all even though it was New Year's Eve! Things are getting better and better, although there's not much improvement needed.
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Review from Mo A.
Upper Marlboro, MD
11/17/2011
Food was decent but nothing memorable. Could've used some more seasoning. Place was also kinda cramped. I think this place could have received 3 stars but it's also a little overpriced. It's worth trying once but you can definitely do better.
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Review from Rasec F.
Fairfax, VA
12/11/2011
Great customer service!! great food!!! Great Price!!!!
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Review from Jerome D.
Alexandria, VA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
What more can I say about this place that already hasn't been said by all the other reviewers on here.
I went here on a whim the other night without a reservation, and surprisingly waited only 10 minutes to be seated. While waiting to be seated, we ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir that was promptly served to us by the hostess.
For an appetizer we ordered the Bacon Wrapped Scallops that were seasoned and cooked to perfection. For the main course I ordered a Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with Bernaise Sauce that was hands down one of the top 5 steaks I have ever eaten. To top that off, I had chocolate mousse with freshly made whip cream for dessert that was the perfect compliment to my meal.
The two other people I was with also kept pining over how delicious the food was at Ray's. I can definitely say that I will be making many return trips to this establishment. -
Review from Ginger H.
9/21/2011
Simply put...
1. Great steaks ... PERIOD
2. Hostess staff are rude and unfriendly - consistenly bad to the point I think twice when I plan to go out for steak...
3. Wait staff - very good -
Review from Meg R.
8/17/2011
Hands down, my favorite steak house in the Washington, D.C. area. I can't say much that hasn't already been said, so I will throw in my recommendations:
No matter what night of the week you are dining, make a reservation.
The spiced nuts that arrive before your meal are quite tasty, but have the "cheeto-finger" effect so beware if you're wearing nice, white clothes.
Order the Sherried Crab Bisque if you like crab. Hell, order it even if you don't like crab. If you're allergic to seafood, get the onion soup - it's also fantastic.
Skip salads and appetizers to save room for what this place is known for: the steaks.
The filet is my go-to order, and I've also had good luck with the flat iron. My boyfriend always gets the 20oz New York strip (for the portion size, typical man) and then always tells him I out-ordered him.
Stick with the sides that come with the dishes - the mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Both are very tasty. If you want an additional side, I recommend the mushrooms.
I rarely have room for dessert, but if I do, I go for the key lime pie. You will also receive bit-size pieces of fudge with your check.
Again, this is one of those establishments that has me returning over and over again - a difficult feat to accomplish given how many restaurants there are in D.C. that I'm dying to try. -
Review from Jordan K.
Honolulu, HI
9/29/2011
This is some good man food!
Food was excellent! Done-ness of the steak was a perfect medium rare. with a good glass of wine and those potatoes and spinach that comes with it, the meal was awesome
Waitstaff was very nice. very patient and receptive to our party wanting to have separate bills.
Not gonna lie, best steak I've had since moving from Hawaii.
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