Never has the term "you snooze, you lose" had more meaning than driving to Lil Ray's. It's set back from the road in the same complex as a bank and a paint & cocktails spot. Ask for the marinated crab claws when you walk in. They were sold out 30 min before I got there :-/ But they completely redeemed themselves: You HAVE to get the peel-and-eat shrimp. Ask for it; it's not on the menu. For $10 per pound, you get quite the serving. Spicy, succulent shrimp are the treat of Lil Ray's. You know the food is gonna be good when paper towels are set up on each table. Go Ray Ray! : )
(5)
John S.
We arrived 7 minutes before close while on family vacation. We checked to make sure they were okay with us arriving and the guy running the place got excited and said absolutely. We enjoyed the food and the service. The man working that night (8/17/2015) even had to deal with a vagrant wandering in and harassing him. He was even polite to the rude vagrant and there was no incident. Outstanding food all around for our entire 7 person group. Will definitely return when in the area.
(5)
Tom G.
I used to eat here when I lived on the Coast and when I return it's the first place I go for a Po Boy! We had the smoked tuna dip as an appetizer last night and it was outstanding - a must. The marinated crab claws are served chilled and were nice, I prefer when they are served hot but these were very tasty. The French bread is usually perfect here. Lightly toasted , not crunchy and hard like at some places but with that chewy texture. The gumbo is tasty, with a dark roux. I would prefer more and larger pieces of meat (whether shrimp or sausage) others may not. Very causal atmosphere with nice servers. No draft beer selections, but nice cold frosty mugs if you prefer v bottle.
(4)
Nell S.
So yummy! Got this recommendation from a local tour guide. Definitely recommend this spot for the shrimp boil (you have to ask for it, it's not on the printed menu). Delicious!!! Everything we had was really fantastic, but I've never had shrimp so big they almost fit the next species size up.
(5)
Regina E.
Roast beef poboy is so good. Nice atmosphere awesome staff makes this place a must go to. Sits back of courthouse road in a shopping center and it's usually not crowded. I definitely recommend too any one looking for something good to eat!
(5)
Keri C.
Always wonderful food and friendly service. Best po-boys around the gulf coast. We eat there much as we can....
(5)
Larry T.
When I was kid, there was no better place. The po boys have gotten smaller over the years or my hands have gotten bigger :). Biggest con is this place seems to be randomly opened.
(3)
Mike W.
Food was decent biggest complaint was that the waitress brought me my check with things I didn't order and instead of fixing it she guilted my table to figure it out
(3)
Kristin Y.
We're on vacation in Gulfport and went to Lil' Ray's tonight for carryout, trying the fried green tomatoes, gumbo and 2 po-boys (shrimp & roast beef). The tomatoes were excellent - not overcooked and the tomatoes still had some texture to them. The gumbo was also very good. Both po-boys had the right bread (believe I read on their site they bring it in from N.O.) and a good mix of mayo & veg. The roast beef sandwich had a good amount of gravy, but not so much you couldn't taste the mayo. Overall, we thought the balance of flavors was just right! We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area.
(4)
Anna S.
This place is good. It's not the best PoBoy I've ever eaten, but the food was good, the place was clean, and the service was friendly and quick. There is more parking in the back, just in case you can't find any out front.
(3)
Jeneane B.
I've had lunch here twice while traveling for business. The place is small with giant picnic tables for booths. It's really divey, which could be off-putting at first, but the food is pretty good. I ordered the shrimp po boy both times (because it really was good the first time). The meal was a bit heavy and little greasy, but still tasty.
(3)
Dan G.
We found this place after finding out that Ben's was closed for 2 weeks, we were craving Po Boys. We were seated fairly quickly but the waitress took forever to come over to our table, not that big of a deal. After ordering our food, we started to notice that other tables being seated were getting their food before us. After waiting about 25 minutes, I asked the waitress how much longer it would be and she said something about a big table just leaving? So what about all these other people that got served before us? She never once apologized to us, and then right then our food came out. I have to say that I was a little disappointed with the food and portions after paying $11 for a sandwich. The food wasn't bad, but certainly not worth the money paid. I also ordered some fried green beans which were great, but portions were very small. When the waitress brought out the cc slip for me to sign, she basically just dropped it at the table and walked away. No thank you. No come again. Nothing. I would maybe consider going back again if their service improved, and they lowered their prices. But until then, we will just keep going to Ben's.
(2)
D J.
The po' boys were great. Oyster in particular. This place manages to fry with a really light touch, and that makes a huge difference. You leave without feeling laden with fry oil, and you leave happy, wishing you had a L'il Rays right down the street from your house. This is an especially good place to go for food in Gulfport, where junk fast food seems to have taken over.
(4)
A P.
still the place i bring coast visitors for authentic great local food. i am 58 and used to ride my bike as a young teen to lil rays in waveland ! wish they would open back up over here ,but it is worth the drive. love the boiled food crab claws and lightly fried foods. great roast beef poboys !
(4)
Tricia B.
Visiting gulfport for the first time in three years...had to get in town in time to hit Lil Rays before they closed for the day at 3 so I could fulfill my craving for the smoked tuna dip...I assume they smoke the tuna themselves as it is 100% better than the smoked tuna I have gotten in Atlanta...which is obviously just canned tuna with liquid smoke added...ugh! Lil Rays does smoked tuna right. A scoop of tuna and a bowl of saltines and a glass of iced tea and I was happy! Friendly service, casual location...but prices have definitely gone way up since I was here last. Wanted the fried crab claws...but they are now $10.15 for a little tray...out of my reach as an appetizer. Several customers were ordering the soft shell crab po-boys and were raving about them...$10 which is very reasonable for soft shell crab. I give it 4 stars for the tuna dip...but just couldnt afford to eat a real selection of appetizers, which is my preference at Lil Rays. I used to get potatoes, tuna dip, and crab claws...but that would now be exhorbitant, price-wise, for lunch. For lunch, you should be able to eat more than one appetizer and a drink for almost $10. You shouldnt go away still hungry for that price. Also, hours are a little odd on some days.
(3)
Remy O.
I have eaten here a few times and its ok. Good sandwiches and good catfish tacos. A nice place to grab a beer and a bite.
(3)
Rick M.
First time we have been here in a while. It will be another while before we go back. $9.00 for a po-boy would not be bad if it were good size, but this was on the small side with no fries, chips, nothin. Cup of gumbo was $4.00 and was served cold and had to be sent back. $5.00 for an order of onion rings maybe a dozen of them in the tray. The flavor of all items was very good, but you can get better for a lower price.
(3)
Maximilian P.
Whenever I visit my grandfolks in Gulfport, we make a trip out to Lil' Ray's for Po-Boys. Sadly, Poppie passed, but Grandma still gets the Fried Oyster and I love the Softshell Crab. Coming from California, where portions are usually much smaller, it is sometimes hard for me to finish fried pickles and appetizers as well, but for some reason that doesn't stop me from trying... each time I go haha. I guess if I only have a chance once a year to get some good fried seafood sandos I might as well go all the way? Definitely a gut buster... but that could be remedied with a little restraint. :)
(4)
Heather P.
First time for me to try Lil Rays. Walked in and was seated quickly. For those who have never been it's sort of picnic style tables that you sit at. Pull out bench seating. So a relaxed type of atmosphere. Server was quickly to our table and got our drink orders and app. order as well. We ordered the smoked tuna dip and was the perfect amount and the flavor was very good. Our dinners were, (his) grilled Mahi which came with steamed broccoli and cauliflower. (slightly undercooked and crunchy) and some sort of new potato which left much to be desired. They were luke warm and basically small red potatoes cut in half. I did see some green stuff sprinkled on top so I'm assuming it was some sort of herb but the flavor was boiled potato. Now the fish was cooked perfectly and well seasoned and excellent. I ordered the special of the night which was crab cakes and a skewers of shrimp. Let me tell you, the crab cakes were OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I have never tasted better. They were cooked just perfectly, excellent flavor and well what else can I say, they were just plain excellent. Shrimp on the skewers, eh they were OK, not great but in no way bad My plate also had the veggies and potatoes. All total the meal and tip was around $65. Not cheap but I feel a fair price for the meals we ordered. I would go back time and time again for the tuna dip and the crab cakes! .
(3)
Brad B.
Poboys and Seafood platters are generic. Boiled seafood is usually pretty good but call before to check availability as they commonly run out of boiled items and fresh oysters. A more adventurous menu could make this place great!
(2)
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Address :500 Courthouse Rd,Ste A
Gulfport, MS, 39501
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jessica F.
Never has the term "you snooze, you lose" had more meaning than driving to Lil Ray's. It's set back from the road in the same complex as a bank and a paint & cocktails spot. Ask for the marinated crab claws when you walk in. They were sold out 30 min before I got there :-/ But they completely redeemed themselves: You HAVE to get the peel-and-eat shrimp. Ask for it; it's not on the menu. For $10 per pound, you get quite the serving. Spicy, succulent shrimp are the treat of Lil Ray's. You know the food is gonna be good when paper towels are set up on each table. Go Ray Ray! : )
(5)John S.
We arrived 7 minutes before close while on family vacation. We checked to make sure they were okay with us arriving and the guy running the place got excited and said absolutely. We enjoyed the food and the service. The man working that night (8/17/2015) even had to deal with a vagrant wandering in and harassing him. He was even polite to the rude vagrant and there was no incident. Outstanding food all around for our entire 7 person group. Will definitely return when in the area.
(5)Tom G.
I used to eat here when I lived on the Coast and when I return it's the first place I go for a Po Boy! We had the smoked tuna dip as an appetizer last night and it was outstanding - a must. The marinated crab claws are served chilled and were nice, I prefer when they are served hot but these were very tasty. The French bread is usually perfect here. Lightly toasted , not crunchy and hard like at some places but with that chewy texture. The gumbo is tasty, with a dark roux. I would prefer more and larger pieces of meat (whether shrimp or sausage) others may not. Very causal atmosphere with nice servers. No draft beer selections, but nice cold frosty mugs if you prefer v bottle.
(4)Nell S.
So yummy! Got this recommendation from a local tour guide. Definitely recommend this spot for the shrimp boil (you have to ask for it, it's not on the printed menu). Delicious!!! Everything we had was really fantastic, but I've never had shrimp so big they almost fit the next species size up.
(5)Regina E.
Roast beef poboy is so good. Nice atmosphere awesome staff makes this place a must go to. Sits back of courthouse road in a shopping center and it's usually not crowded. I definitely recommend too any one looking for something good to eat!
(5)Keri C.
Always wonderful food and friendly service. Best po-boys around the gulf coast. We eat there much as we can....
(5)Larry T.
When I was kid, there was no better place. The po boys have gotten smaller over the years or my hands have gotten bigger :). Biggest con is this place seems to be randomly opened.
(3)Mike W.
Food was decent biggest complaint was that the waitress brought me my check with things I didn't order and instead of fixing it she guilted my table to figure it out
(3)Kristin Y.
We're on vacation in Gulfport and went to Lil' Ray's tonight for carryout, trying the fried green tomatoes, gumbo and 2 po-boys (shrimp & roast beef). The tomatoes were excellent - not overcooked and the tomatoes still had some texture to them. The gumbo was also very good. Both po-boys had the right bread (believe I read on their site they bring it in from N.O.) and a good mix of mayo & veg. The roast beef sandwich had a good amount of gravy, but not so much you couldn't taste the mayo. Overall, we thought the balance of flavors was just right! We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area.
(4)Anna S.
This place is good. It's not the best PoBoy I've ever eaten, but the food was good, the place was clean, and the service was friendly and quick. There is more parking in the back, just in case you can't find any out front.
(3)Jeneane B.
I've had lunch here twice while traveling for business. The place is small with giant picnic tables for booths. It's really divey, which could be off-putting at first, but the food is pretty good. I ordered the shrimp po boy both times (because it really was good the first time). The meal was a bit heavy and little greasy, but still tasty.
(3)Dan G.
We found this place after finding out that Ben's was closed for 2 weeks, we were craving Po Boys. We were seated fairly quickly but the waitress took forever to come over to our table, not that big of a deal. After ordering our food, we started to notice that other tables being seated were getting their food before us. After waiting about 25 minutes, I asked the waitress how much longer it would be and she said something about a big table just leaving? So what about all these other people that got served before us? She never once apologized to us, and then right then our food came out. I have to say that I was a little disappointed with the food and portions after paying $11 for a sandwich. The food wasn't bad, but certainly not worth the money paid. I also ordered some fried green beans which were great, but portions were very small. When the waitress brought out the cc slip for me to sign, she basically just dropped it at the table and walked away. No thank you. No come again. Nothing. I would maybe consider going back again if their service improved, and they lowered their prices. But until then, we will just keep going to Ben's.
(2)D J.
The po' boys were great. Oyster in particular. This place manages to fry with a really light touch, and that makes a huge difference. You leave without feeling laden with fry oil, and you leave happy, wishing you had a L'il Rays right down the street from your house. This is an especially good place to go for food in Gulfport, where junk fast food seems to have taken over.
(4)A P.
still the place i bring coast visitors for authentic great local food. i am 58 and used to ride my bike as a young teen to lil rays in waveland ! wish they would open back up over here ,but it is worth the drive. love the boiled food crab claws and lightly fried foods. great roast beef poboys !
(4)Tricia B.
Visiting gulfport for the first time in three years...had to get in town in time to hit Lil Rays before they closed for the day at 3 so I could fulfill my craving for the smoked tuna dip...I assume they smoke the tuna themselves as it is 100% better than the smoked tuna I have gotten in Atlanta...which is obviously just canned tuna with liquid smoke added...ugh! Lil Rays does smoked tuna right. A scoop of tuna and a bowl of saltines and a glass of iced tea and I was happy! Friendly service, casual location...but prices have definitely gone way up since I was here last. Wanted the fried crab claws...but they are now $10.15 for a little tray...out of my reach as an appetizer. Several customers were ordering the soft shell crab po-boys and were raving about them...$10 which is very reasonable for soft shell crab. I give it 4 stars for the tuna dip...but just couldnt afford to eat a real selection of appetizers, which is my preference at Lil Rays. I used to get potatoes, tuna dip, and crab claws...but that would now be exhorbitant, price-wise, for lunch. For lunch, you should be able to eat more than one appetizer and a drink for almost $10. You shouldnt go away still hungry for that price. Also, hours are a little odd on some days.
(3)Remy O.
I have eaten here a few times and its ok. Good sandwiches and good catfish tacos. A nice place to grab a beer and a bite.
(3)Rick M.
First time we have been here in a while. It will be another while before we go back. $9.00 for a po-boy would not be bad if it were good size, but this was on the small side with no fries, chips, nothin. Cup of gumbo was $4.00 and was served cold and had to be sent back. $5.00 for an order of onion rings maybe a dozen of them in the tray. The flavor of all items was very good, but you can get better for a lower price.
(3)Maximilian P.
Whenever I visit my grandfolks in Gulfport, we make a trip out to Lil' Ray's for Po-Boys. Sadly, Poppie passed, but Grandma still gets the Fried Oyster and I love the Softshell Crab. Coming from California, where portions are usually much smaller, it is sometimes hard for me to finish fried pickles and appetizers as well, but for some reason that doesn't stop me from trying... each time I go haha. I guess if I only have a chance once a year to get some good fried seafood sandos I might as well go all the way? Definitely a gut buster... but that could be remedied with a little restraint. :)
(4)Heather P.
First time for me to try Lil Rays. Walked in and was seated quickly. For those who have never been it's sort of picnic style tables that you sit at. Pull out bench seating. So a relaxed type of atmosphere. Server was quickly to our table and got our drink orders and app. order as well. We ordered the smoked tuna dip and was the perfect amount and the flavor was very good. Our dinners were, (his) grilled Mahi which came with steamed broccoli and cauliflower. (slightly undercooked and crunchy) and some sort of new potato which left much to be desired. They were luke warm and basically small red potatoes cut in half. I did see some green stuff sprinkled on top so I'm assuming it was some sort of herb but the flavor was boiled potato. Now the fish was cooked perfectly and well seasoned and excellent. I ordered the special of the night which was crab cakes and a skewers of shrimp. Let me tell you, the crab cakes were OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I have never tasted better. They were cooked just perfectly, excellent flavor and well what else can I say, they were just plain excellent. Shrimp on the skewers, eh they were OK, not great but in no way bad My plate also had the veggies and potatoes. All total the meal and tip was around $65. Not cheap but I feel a fair price for the meals we ordered. I would go back time and time again for the tuna dip and the crab cakes! .
(3)Brad B.
Poboys and Seafood platters are generic. Boiled seafood is usually pretty good but call before to check availability as they commonly run out of boiled items and fresh oysters. A more adventurous menu could make this place great!
(2)