You just don't go wrong going to Rays...staff, food awesomeness. ..thanks for bringing the Grilled cheese Sami ch back!!
(5)
Dylan B.
It's a classic Kent spot that always is a bast on the weekend nights. It's a little overrated when it comes to their food, but it is good quality and priced well.
(4)
Jon S.
I had been meaning to go for a while, as it is quite a legend in the Kent area. While I passed on the "MOFO" burger, I opted instead for a burger of lesser size, and a side of fries to share. My freind also had a smaller burger and it was plenty of food. The burgers were good, not great, but very well cooked and pretty moist. The fries were good as well. Service was excellent, and the decor is vintage sports bar..........which is what this place has always been!! I'll definately be back!
(4)
Mandy L.
Ray's has some great food including the best burgers in Kent and what I would argue is the best sandwich I've yet had in Kent - the CUBAN. I tried the Cuban once on a whim and now I am obsessed. The Cuban consists of smoked pulled pork and ham (double pork!) sandwiched in between two flatbreads with melty cheese (I usually ask for Pepperjack but it comes with Swiss) and crispy wonderful dill pickle slices. It is served with a side of "Annato Mayo" which is an unusual sauce that I find intellectually confusing but quite palatable and complimentary to the sandwich in practice. This sandwich is BIG so I'm usually left with at least a second half that gets happily devoured for lunch later in the week. Amazing with their jerk fries which are fantastically spiced! (And a "single" order of fries, as opposed to the "basket", comes in a smaller basket and is plenty for two to split!) It's often quite busy, and sometimes it's difficult to find a table if the upstairs is closed. You can eat at the bar but waiting around is well worth it as well! They run a tight ship here and I've found service is consistently good even when they're slammed. In terms of it also being a bar, they have a wonderful selection of drafts and ok cocktails. Long Island Ice teas seem to be perpetually on sale and they are ok too. For some reason, this is the bar everyone decides they want to be at around 1:30am. I've never understood waiting at the door to get into a bar fifteen minutes before last call but I guess it's a thing. Ray's gets extra kudos for what I've heard second-hand about their great treatment of employees. It seems like they go all out for their people with events like their employee Christmas party and summer camp-out.
Beer was delicious, they didn't have big ten network 2. I was kind of upset. Service was great but the point still stands they need better cable. I say every one in kent donate $0.001 to help out. I just really wanted to watch our student subsidized team lose.
(4)
Gretchen B.
An institution in Kent. This place has been around forever and for good reason. Great beer choices, great atmosphere, and great food, eclectic mix of college students, parents, professionals and hippies that never left. Lots of beer on tap and lots of food choices on the menu. Daily specials of soup, quiche, and entrees. I've never had anything bad here. Love the mussels for appetizers. Burgers are delicious including the Bleu Cow. Black and blue flat iron steak cooked perfectly. Desserts include chocolate cheesecake, peanut butter pie, and warm brownies. Yum! Specialty drinks Futher Muckers bring back fond memories of the old upstairs bar, Mothers. The only thing missing is all the young 18 years olds. Any age admitted until a certain hour.
(5)
Carl F.
Another Yelp Success Story! We were visiting the Kent area as my daughter just got accepted at Kent State. After a great day spent on campus we started looking for a good place to eat and end the day. Rays Place popped up on Yelp, it was close by, so in we went. It was on a Friday afternoon, just about ready to hit the dinner rush hour so we were lucky as we only had a 10 min wait or so. In the mean time the smell of the food cooking and watching everyone guzzle down the beers made everything look very promising. Clearly when you walk into Rays, there is no doubt this place has been around for some time and it is well used. Not the cleanest place, BUT, by far not a dump. The wait staff is energetic, know their way around the menu and provide good tips on what beer to get. We started off with a few appetizers which one could make a meal of just by this menu alone. But, we were in good spirits, having a lot of fun and we stuffed ourselves silly and order some main meals as well and boy they did not disappoint us. Thank you Rays Place for putting the cherry on the top of a great day!
(4)
Sal P.
Beat burgers in Kent by far! Oh the atmosphere is ok too. :P You cant go wrong eating at Rays. They also have a huge beer selection from around the world so if you like to drink the suds...
(5)
Brady J.
Best beer selection in the area. Burgers are good.
(4)
Sly M.
Contrary to some of the previous reviews, the service was great. Good beer selection. Nice place. The food however was mediocre at best. Burger was overcooked, artichoke dip was watery, eggplant dip was just kinda gross. Ray's gets 3 stars since it seems like a great place to get some beers and the place is pretty nice. I just might avoid the food next time if I can.
(3)
Andrea B.
Ray's = Dying Breed This place have everything you'd ever need in a college bar and it doesn't try to be anything it's not. Don't forget to come here on your birthday to spin the wheel for your free birthday shot :)
(5)
Rachael B.
The food was tasty. The service was not so good. The waiter rushed us throughout our entire meal, even taking away food we hadn't finished. He made our experience a bit uncomfortable. The spicy garlic wings are good....try them!
(3)
Maggie F.
The food is unmemorable but tasty and effective. I like drinking at rays place with friends on weekends because the music machine is cool and the bar seems chill and unassuming. What I mean by that is I feel more comfortable hanging there than the water street tavern or zephyr. Oh, and the pool tables upstairs are fun. :)
(4)
J J.
A Kent State icon. Simple but very good bar and American food. Awesome burgers and sandwiches. Great beer selection. And the best thing on the menu: the sun sticks--sweet potato fries and ranch. Ray's is always packed with a diverse college crowd. This is a go-to place and it won't disappoint!
(4)
Cory M.
I came here from Cleveland and was in kent for work so I yelped good places around me and this place came up. Based on the reviews fried mac&cheese, jerk fries, and a burger is the way to go. I got all of those which I got the Atomic Burger, sounds better than it was. By no means was the FOOD BAD, it just wasn't anything special. First with the mac&cheese bites they were good. If you have ever gotten mac&cheese bites at Sheetz, these are the same exact ones and probably more expensive. I would not say this is a must have item. The atomic burger wasn't anything special. The patty seemed like it might have been out of a box. The party was bland. The toppings was nothing special just some pepper jack cheese and some Jalapeños out of a jar. I would try something else than a burger if I came back here. The jerk fries were good. The portion is large enough for two people to eat them. If you are into the jerk dust I would recommend them. They were also fresh cut so that is a plus. The bar overall has a very cool vibe I would go there to drink at night. Their cash register is old school and give a cool touch. Lots of beer options too!
(3)
Nikolas K.
The burgers are definitely NOT overrated.. you've gotta try one. The prices are meh.. average'ish. I'd say the quantities are what makes the place decent, oh, and the taste of the food is great for bar food/a greasy spoon. Good "American food". Expect the bad atmosphere and you'll be satisfied/pleased with your experience at Ray's Place in Kent, Ohio.
(4)
Gulsheen K.
Finally had some real fries which were not preserved for 8 months before being deep fried! Great food and service.
(4)
Ajay J.
I was here on a business trip and loved it. Friendly bartenders, with a great selection of craft beers and bar food. A hoppin' place in Kent on a Wednesday night. You have to try the cilantro lime garlic wings!
(4)
Dionna D. R.
Love Ray's. Great food, great atmosphere.
(4)
Melinda S.
This is THE BAR in Kent. It's been around so long that my 91 yr old Mother in law remembers when it was a speak easy during the prohibition. It's the perfect mix of towneies and college students. AWESOME beers! AWESOME burgers! AWESOME menu! The place to be in Kent.
Rays is the classic college town restaurant and bar. The food is great and the atmosphere is laid back. It makes an effort to be respectable and not be one of those dumpy "let's get drunk" places to go out in Kent. If I had to recommend only one place to eat in Kent it'd be Rays. It's unique and everyone will feel comfortable there.
(5)
Jeff P.
Great place and will always come back but our waitress needs a personality adjustment.
(5)
Ran D.
Good burger, but service always been kind of a miss for me. Usually have to wait a while to get seated (plenty of seats available just no service) and when sat down have to wait a while to get menu and drink ordered, etc. It's not that their servers are not friendly or do not provide service, but every time I go there I feel like the place has no waiter, and you are just sitting there, table empty, for a while before you are approached. Sandwiches, burgers, and wings are good. But their ribs suck. Fries are decent and onion rings can be meh. If you go there with a bunch of people you will get services a lot quicker. It's just that their waiters are so busy and always running around that they tend to forget about the quieter tables. Still I go there for the good burgers and juicy wings. Wish they had more professional restaurant service though.
(3)
Jarrod R.
I stopped in here after some drinks at Dominiks do the road on a Friday night around 9:45pm. They sat us quickly, the kitchen closes at 10pm. We quickly ordered, I ordered the mo-fo burger, my friend ordered the bacon cheese burger and we split a basket of fries. The mo-fo burger was amazing but a bite hard to eat since it was so big. The bun fell apart a little but it did not slow me down, I just made a mess of myself lol. The fries on the other hand were just so-so. They were un-seasoned and with no salt. Needless to say I was not impressed with them and would order a different side to compliment the burger next time. My friend enjoyed her burger as well the bacon was delicious. The atmosphere as the typical bar. I would recommend this place for a great burger. I look forward to trying so of the other food.
(4)
Marissa M.
I stopped by here while on a road trip with my brother. He saw this place on a food show, so I was like "Hell yes lets go!!" We slip the mofo burger and it was really good, tasted like a typical greasy spoon burger but like 3 times the size. It was not bad, it was just not special. More does not make it taste better. Fries were good and greasy and the beer selection was as nice. I don't know how it go recognition to be on a TV show, either way I am glad we tried it.
(3)
Daniel G.
I was not a fan of rays, and the purple I went with were not either. The staff was ok, not very attentive but not outright mean. The drinks were very average. However, it was our friends birthday and they wouldn't let him into the bar because he didn't have a second form of ID (he was from PA). Who does that? It doesn't make sense that people should not be allowed in just because they were from a different state and didn't have another ID form. After that, we Obviously all left immediately since we weren't just gonna let him be outside alone. Very disappointing.
(2)
Stephanie T.
Have recently discovered kent, and saw on yelp that I must try rays. It did not disappoint. Went on a date night with another couple. Sat upstairs....had a great server who hooked us up with some great beer suggestions (their list is insane), and some perfect meal suggestions. My peeps all had burgers which they said were great and I had the Cuban. Loved it. Great service, good bar atmosphere (a little dive-y, not pretentious), and good bar food. I think this is one of those places that you shouldn't get crazy with what you order. Stick with tavern fare, and you win.
(4)
Esther G.
Going strong for 77 years and now under its fourth owner, Charles Thomas, we've frequented Rays Place since Jack Lambert partied here. Yes, THE Jack Lambert of KSU and Pittsburgh Steelers fame. Side Note: He had all his teeth then.) Beers on tap so numerous they change eight each month as new beers. Known as one of the first bars in the US to televise football games. Great sandwiches with many burger choices. Opens at 11 through 2:30 am with a special "late night" menu after 11 pm. Noisy late at night with students. Pleasant until then with distincltly different lunch and dinner crowds. The phone booth doesn't work any more but that is the only change in all these years. Known by parents of all KSU grads with no bad references. Come and enjoy a burger and a brew at Rays. Edited to add: These men have also been known to eat and drink here: Rich Rollins, Thurman Munson, Steve Stone, Nick Sabin and Josh Cribbs.
(5)
Eric D.
Cannot call yourself a true Flash until you go to Rays. Amazing food and some awesome drinks for a great price. I enjoy the MOFO with a long island. Nothing better to get over a exam than a trip to Rays. I did order a Tequila Sunrise and the bartender was upset with my choice which soon became a LI, so you will also learn what a girl drink is lol.
(5)
Jaymes H.
Great food and excellent service. It was a bit loud but that was to be expected. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Eric C.
Great variety of beers on tap. I had the jambalaya. Really good with a combination of shrimp, sausage, chicken and dirty rice. I also had the jerk fries as a side order. The proportion size of both the jambalaya and jerk fries was huge. The service was great. I could not ask more of our server The atmosphere was what you would expect of a well established restaurant in a college town. Prices were what you would expect for what you get. Sadly my wife did't feel the same way. She had a Rubin. The pumpernickel bun was not that tasty, with small amounts of cheese and sauerkraut. Everybody else at our table was very pleased. This was my first meal at Ray's Place,but not my last.
(4)
Margaret O.
Great beer taps. Great atmosphere. Jerk rubbed chicken wings to die for. Calamari. ...a must order. After these aps and Firkin Friday beer....we are ready for the weekend! Great job, Ray's!
(4)
Samantha F.
Car Bombs. Good Beer. Good Liquor (and by good I mean Bombay Sapphire).
(4)
Patrick A.
food was terrific, although teamwork was apparent, our server needed to be much more personable, her personality was very cold, never even looked us in the eyes.
(4)
Dominic C.
If it's your first time in Kent you have to come to Ray's place. A huge beer selection and great long islands. The food is also amazing. Bring your family or go out with friends at night Ray's place is for anyone. Been at for 77 years and going strong. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jaime W.
Since I was visiting my baby sis in college (Kent), I came here for lunch with them, hearing that there's this MOFO burger that was pretty awesome to try. Even if I'm on this strict diet of mine, I decided to try it anyways since I came from out of town and supposedly it's amazing. Boy, was I right. It felt like I didn't have a burger in ages! Stacked with 2 meat patties and all the works, it was DE-licious. It's definitely a lot to consume for 1 person so I split it up with my sister. The bottom bun got soggy after having it stacked with lots of ingredients on top but I didn't care much about it anyways since I was starving. Along with our burgers, we also ordered their sweet potatoe fries which was good as well but we ordered way too much food for just 4 of us. We were stuffed! As far as the place goes, it's a casual. So nothing fancy at all. It is a bar at night but during the daytime, they serve breakfast and lunch. The bathrooms were a bit out-dated and kinda gross. But what can you expect from a bar that was probably filled with college students the night before?
(3)
Drew H.
Love Ray's place. It was one of the first places I was told I needed to check out when I started working in Kent. It did not disappoint. Hands down the best beer selection in Kent. They have a great selection of craft beers and they consistently add new ones on draft. I've only eaten there a couple of times but the food was great as well. The service is great. Even when the place is packed the staff makes sure you have everything you need. If you're in town you have to check it out.
(5)
Kirk M.
Dropped by this little tavern on my son's visit to KSU. Had the special of the day a smoked BBQ chicken. The portion was enormous! The taste was superb. I loved the dark woody look to the dining area. It was recommended by an alum of the college as well as two faculty members... You won't be disappointed if you try Rays...
(4)
Roth M.
On an episode of Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network, Michael Symon named the MoFo at Ray's the best burger he'd ever had... and he owns hamburger restaurants. So while in that part of the world, I stopped in for a MoFo. I'd been to Ray's before, but only for the brews, many, many years ago. I must say, the MoFo is gigantic, so much so that I believe it has it's own gravitational pull as mine practically imploded on itself. Easily the messiest burger I've ever had, but it was very, very tasty! Just know that this is a burger in which you might have to repent after eating, as your very soul may need a good scrub.
(4)
Matt R.
I had the fish sandwich and shared a basket of fries. The tilapia was great, the fries - not so much - limp and soggy.
(4)
Rhett E.
My wife and I were in town and had Rays recommended. I had the Ray's Reuben and she had the Chicken Gyro. Both were excellent. I rate places on how good their Reuben is and Ray's was one of the better Reuben's I've had in the last 10 years. I'd definitely like to try some other options since my introduction to Ray's was great.
(4)
Milan P.
I just returned to my Youngstown home after a trip to Ray's, and my ears are still steaming. In my 50+ years, I've never been treated as rudely, dismissively or flat-out scornfully by anyone representing "management." I've endured a lot of grievances over the years to make regular pilgrimages to Ray's: the hour-long drive; terrible parking; an ear-splitting noise level; a no-reservation policy. But I've remained a loyal patron for a good many years because I love the food: the pastrami sandwich, the fries, the bacon cheeseburger and most especially the ribs. Everyone who knows me will tell you that I've raved about them in no uncertain terms, even going so far as to describe them as the best ribs I've ever eaten in a restaurant. (Coincidentally, quite a few of said acquaintances have made the trek to Ray's just to try them, solely because of my ringing endorsement.) In all my years of devoted patronage, there were only two occasions prior to today that I complained to a server. Once because my (full order) of ribs had arrived stone-cold. The other because the kitchen had apparently forgotten my request to serve the ribs and fries on separate plates (or basket in the case of the fries). Both times the corrections were made promptly, apologetically and with a smile. Until today. When I remarked to the server that the first two ribs of my half-rack were tough, stringy and dry, she offered to speak with a manager. A man arrived who didn't bother identifying himself, but who clearly seemed to be suffering from anger management issues. He insisted--in no uncertain terms--that the ribs were perfectly fine, and that there was nothing wrong with them. In other words, "You're an idiot; don't bother me." (I thought I was watching a "before" section on an episode of "Restaurant Impossible.") When I tried to explain the issue I had with the sampled portion of meat, he blew me off, vanishing back to wherever he came from. Since the fries remained untouched--all I'd eaten was the cole slaw and two (out of six) ribs, the server asked if I wanted to take them with me. A carry-out container was quickly provided. But when the bill arrived, I was puzzled to see that the uneaten (and now absent) ribs were still on the bill. I told the server that, since I was paying for them, I might as well take the remaining portion home with me. At that point, I optimistically hoped that the remainder of the (half) rack would be up to Ray's usual high standards. She once again offered to speak with a manager. Shortly thereafter, the inconsolably rude gentlemen from earlier returned, this time even more obstinate and nasty than he was previously. He accused me of being a chronic complainer who "always sends food back" (?), and asked repeatedly why I bother coming to Ray's at all since I clearly "don't like the food." I'd say that my attempts to explain the situation--and my long-time enthusiasm for his restaurant and the food--fell on deaf ears, but that would be an exaggeration. He clearly wasn't listening to anything I had to say and walked off in an insolent huff. The (corrected) bill was resubmitted, but nothing could take the vile taste of my two brief encounter(s) with the extraordinarily hostile manager out of my mouth. I left feeling as if I'd lost a friend. And in a sense I had, since I knew it would surely be a cold day in hell before I walked through the doors of Ray's again. I'll definitely miss the food I grew to love, and the generally top-notch service. But I'll never forget--how could I? how could anyone?--the disrespectful-bordering-on-contemptuous way I was treated. What a horrible way to start the new year.
(1)
Stevie K.
Ray's is awesome. It's a great place for every casual dining/drinking need that you may have. The burgers are the best in town, in my opinion. Go for the Italian burger or the mofo (but understand that you'll need a fork!). Same goes for the wings; best in town. The Cuban is another favorite, but don't attempt it if you're not starving. Beer selection is top notch, and the employees are all pretty knowledgable. What else is great is that everyone who works there seems to genuinely enjoy their job, which always makes me feel good as a customer. I've been going there for 11 years, and I dork plan to stop. A definite must if you're visiting Kent.
(5)
Chase C.
Don't order the salad it damn near comes to you with an uncut tomato, onion, cucumber and whole head of lettuce...
(2)
Antoni G.
My brother in law lives close by and went to Kent so he had to take me to Ray's Place. The bar was packed and we were a two family group of 10 so we went to the upstairs and it was basically ours. The service was fast and friendly. She was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the Michael Simon favorite burger. The burger was very good and worth getting if you are finding trouble picking off the menu. The level of homemade aspect of the patties seemed to be in question, but I will give them the benefit of doubt. We also grabbed the sweet potato fries and a basket or two of the jerk fries. The macaroni and cheese bites were not to my liking but they were a hit with the kids. They had multiple beer specials and a very good selection to choose.
(3)
David K.
I have been to Rays place countless times. It is great for hanging out with friends, they have an excellent beer selection, and I think that their service is usually quite efficient given the demands. I just wish that their food was better. The menu always seems a bit ambitious, but the sandwiches can be tough, the burgers almost always overdone, and the french fries too greasy. Also, their drinks always seem a bit watered down. So, go for the ambience and the history -- but I always try to eat elsewhere.
(3)
Kim K.
Went for the mo-fo burger... Ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer which was drenched in spicy sauce. I asked for a roll to have some of the sauce. Didn't end up eating the burger; instead took it home to my daughter who loves them. Service was good, interiors haven't changed since I went to college at KSU (many years ago). Great Pub.
(3)
Becky F.
This is the spot in Kent where all people come to meet.
(4)
Zack H.
If you're looking for a good time, come with Ray to his place after hours. All I remember about my last visit to this place is they have Delirium Tremens here. Their beer selection is the best in Kent, hands down. It's also the nicest bar in Kent, in my opinion. This is my favorite place to chill with my adopted AE brethren or my binge drinking lady friends. The atmosphere cannot be beaten. The prices are average for Downtown Kent, so a night out with friends can easily cost you $20 or more. Still beats DC prices, but keep in mind you're in a college town when you eat here. Yes, Michael Symon did make the 45 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland to Kent for an episode of "The Best Burger I've Ever Eaten". Apparently, the MOFO is the best burger I've never eaten. It has great reviews, as does their other food, but I can't comment on the food here.
(4)
Jim W.
Students were on break, but still crowded. Great space, lively, with just enough tv's to follow game, but not enough to dominate conversation and turn it into just another sports bar. In particular, the bartenders were friendly and knowledgable. Plenty of fine microbrews on tap. Noise level wasn't so high so as to discourage conversation. Even the Tina salad sandwich wasn't half bad.
(5)
Shawn S.
First time to Ray's Place and I won't go back...not because the burger's weren't good but the service was lacking. The waiter took 8 minutes just to make contact and another 12 minutes to get our drink order-not bring it, take it. I asked if the breaded mushrooms were breaded on site and was told yes (no, they're not). He never came back to refill our drinks and never asked how the food was...didn't even ask about the uneaten mushrooms that were cooked so hard I couldn't break through the breading...but when I asked another person there about it, he said "Sorry, we hire the handicapped". No, they didn't offer to take the nasty things off my bill and how dare they imply that only handicapped people make mistakes. Being thoroughly disgusted we paid the bill and left and I assured him I would try my best to stop anyone from going there. Obviously they don't care about customers not satisfied.
(2)
Tom K.
Favorite restaurant of all time, best In Kent hands down! Great atmosphere, staff, beer selection, and food. All around five stars !
(5)
David B.
YUM! Had a Christmas Ale(or two) with a friend and ordered a MOFO with "O" rings and breaded mushrooms...Delish, forgot to get some of Gerties chili but I plan to go back again soon... Place has been around forever but they keep it simple and good....So in or around the Kent area? Yeah you gotta stop by...
(5)
Eryion H.
I've been going to Ray's for over 15 years & this place has really gone down hill. I still love their hand made french fries & Bailey's Irish creme pie( if you can actually find a clean table to eat at). But the food & staff's attitude has become less & less inviting. And the bathrooms are always dirty :( Can't say I visit as often or even brag about it's unique atmosphere (can't go wrong with restoring the buildings historical environment) but it doesn't feel like home anymore. Sorry....
(3)
Carol J.
Food is really mediocre and the service can vary from excellent to awful. I came in on a Tuesday night to an understaffed restaurant. It took over 40 minutes for half my party to be served their burgers and the other half of the group, including myself, happened to never get our food, so we left after an hour of waiting. The manager said that this Tuesday happened to be busier than normal, but if the staff could not manage handling the large crowd, then the number of tables for food service should have been limited. I would rather wait for a table and get good service than sit at a table for over an hour being ignored by the overworked servers who can barely manage to handle the number of people they are serving.
(3)
Michael C.
Burger was the only decent thing on the menu, and it was cooked way past well done when I ordered med-rare, both times. Lots of gross frozen fried foods on the menu. Decent beer selection, but what bar doesn't have that now-a-days? Douche-apocalypse at night. Would only go back to drink or if friends wanted to go.
(2)
Maria B.
Great beer selection, so-so burgers. I was underwhelmed by the Mo'Fo burger, which I ordered on the recommendation of many other yelpers. It was certainly large enough, but the meat was flavorless, and I felt generally pretty sick for the rest of the day. If you're looking for a burger made with flavorful, local, high quality beef, take your business to B-Spot or the Rail.
(3)
Krystal D.
Updating my review...but keeping the rating the same. Here's why. I like Ray's. Really. It's my favorite place to go with friends after a long week of graduate school work. I love the atmosphere and the staff members who work there are great. And yeah, they still serve Woodchuck. I do have two gripes. First, they're kind of overpriced for what they serve. I somehow managed to drop $50 here last time. And they have a really bad habit of "forgetting" to give you the happy hour discounts. From 4-9pm on most days they offer $1 off all drafts. Well, when you get your bill later in the night, your discounts aren't reflected. And your server will probably make a huge fuss if you ask that you bill be fixed. Gripe two: The food really sucks. On my last review, I said it was passable. I don't think so anymore. Last time I went I ordered a grilled cheese and when they brought it out, the cheese wasn't even melted. So, I sent it back. When it was returned to me, it was exactly the same as when I sent it back, so they obviously didn't do anything to it. Also, it tastes like they put salt all over the bread. Really gross. I've had similar issues with the quesadillas, the hummus (their hummus is foul), the veggie burger (also foul) and many other things. The only "Safe" menu option is the sun stix (sweet potato fries) and even those are mediocre compared to other places. Go for the drinks and for the company, but do not go for the food.
(3)
Doug W.
I had been to Ray's several times in the past, but based on Michael Simon's recommendation, I tried the MoFo. I was not disappointed. Fresh beef, cooked to perfection, fresh toppings. A pretty good crowd on a Friday at 10ish did not prevent our server from doing a nice job with a pleasant attitude. The area is pretty cool, with several eateries and bars. Especially in the summer us older folks can relive the feel of a college town without having to wade through drunken frat boys. I would encourage those looking for hummus and vegetarian to seek other options. This place is good for tavern food.
(4)
Greg H.
Rays is, and has always been, over-rated. It's basically a large room with tables. During peak times expect to stand up as seats are hard to come by. The music is usually so loud so you cannot talk with others at your own table. The remodel made it look better, but it's still the same over-hyped place.
(2)
Kevin D.
Great food, nice selection of beers and excellent service. It's by far one of my favorite bars in Ohio!
(5)
Bayern M.
Love the atmosphere, great beer list, and good pub food. I got the MoFo burger, which was really tasty, however, when I got it the bottom bun was so soaked from the juices that it fell apart and I had no choice but to eat it with a knife and fork, which sort of killed the experience. Would like some better insulation against that in the future. Still, a place I'd definitely return to.
(4)
Damian C.
1 - Why are french fries not included with your sandwiches? A sub-par wrap with fries should not cost $10. This is Kent, Ohio, not a major city! 2 - Why did the doorgirl study my ID (Illinois) like she was studying for the GMAT when I was walking in with my dad?
(2)
Nicole W.
Lets be real -- we can't beat the beer selection @ Rays. I love the changing taps and specials and appreciate being able to get any type of beer I'm in the mood for. Now to the food -- I honestly hate most of the menu, but I will give them some props for the newly added tacos which I have enjoyed. Its a classic hang out, so I go with friends - but I really enjoy long periods without Rays.
(3)
Hunter S T.
this place USED to have one of the best burgers in Ohio...hands down, but now the burgers stink. They used to source their hamburger beef locally grassfed, and the burgers were defintely 4.5 star quality. now its supplied by Costco and you can taste it . gone way down hill since i remember first going there. I think Michael Simon experienced his Mo Fo burger when they supplied the grass fed beef. go to swensons for a burger, order the 1/4 pounder , it will run you about $3.50 hands down one of the best burgers on earth. Ray's does warrant a second star due to the superior beer selection.
(2)
Lolitta P.
Nachos were a joke, I had to pay extra for each dip, the only good one was the cheese. The salsa came warm in temperature and tasted more like spaghetti sauce. The fries looked like a big soggy mess. I did think that the mac n cheese bites were ok though.
(2)
Jordan F.
Went for lunch an had great service from walking in the door, had a double bacon cheese burger am the jerk fries which were amazing. The burger was cooked right which was a medium. Price was about What i expected out to be recommended stop when you come threw town.
(5)
Kalif V.
Beer specials often (a tall Miller Lite is sometimes less than $3). Beer tastes really good (I think I read that they meticulously clean their beer lines). Their burgers are pretty good (I recommend the MoFo). Sweet fries are delicious. Mac and Cheese bites? Yes, please! Overall good bar food at reasonable prices.
(4)
Tiffany H.
Ray's Place is one of my favorite places to get food and beer. The menu has a wide variety of food, and they always have a huge list of drinks. The bar tenders can be a little unfriendly at times.
(4)
Amy W.
Ate here for lunch. Grecian salad huge, fresh, and yummy. Tomato bisque soup was creamy and rich. Loved it. Enjoyed the character of the old building. Wait staff was average.
(4)
Sam D.
Food is decent but not outstanding, and the service is dreadful. I could understand if it was busy, but the place wasn't close to being packed.
(3)
Jack F.
Ray's Place is "shining like a star".[1] Bob (my brother) & Linda (my sister-in-law) just reminded me that August 15th, 2008 was the 30th anniversary of their meeting at Ray's Place. So I guess you could say that I've been saving this review since that fateful day in 1978. I was a 17 year old high school student visiting Ohio from California to see my brother. Since we're of the same Father, it was perfectly natural to find a bar, have some cocktails, and renew that brother - brother relationship. Bob suggested Ray's Place and off we went.[2] Being so young, dumb, and full of ...what's that rhyme?...booze, I don't really recall much of Ray's Place, but it's obviously a place where magical relationships can be made, so I'd say check it out if you're looking for love (or cocktails).[3] Footnotes: [1] A term my brother used ad nauseam until we broke him of it. [2] We didn't let trivial details such as my age interfere. [3] I magically met a gal, as well, but only for that night.
(5)
matthew m.
As other reviews have noted, time of day is the deciding factor in your Ray's experience. Before 10pm, it's the first place I'd recommend in downtown Kent. After ten, the last place I'd recommend. The "late crowd" packs the place, to where there is nowhere to stand comfortably; forget about getting a single seat. Food-wise, it's a step above standard bar fare, both in variety and execution. I've had a number of meals that were far better than they should have been, and the fries are the among the best in town. The selection of beers is staggering, The service is always competent, but nothing to rave about. It's a fantastic choice for an early date, but a terrible choice for a nightcap.
(3)
Sam R.
I'd vote 3 1/2 if I could, because the whole "it's a different restaurant depending on when you go" thing is absolutely true. I wouldn't step foot in this place on a weekend. The service is generally good, though sometimes you do get your fair share of apathetic-part-time-college-waiters-who-are-Âtotally-apathetic because its a bar in a college town. Good, not great. Portions are generous, and for such a huge menu for a bar, its surprisingly consistant. Which while on the whole is a bit above average (3 1/2 again) I think they deserve some respect for being able to put out burgers and lobster ravioli of equal quality. Also, get the jerk fries, they're amazing. Oh, and heres the thing that made me give 4 as opposed to 3 stars. The Friday Clam Chowder. I've been all across the eastern seaboard and nothing there compares to the thick, creamy, generous serving of their incredibly herby chowder. It may seem a tad pricey for the bowl, but it fills you up reeeeal nice.
(4)
Michelle W.
Overrated. The burgers are decent, but nothing special. They have a famous "mofo" burger that is okay, it just has everything under the sun piled on it. Overpriced for sure, I paid $17 for a mofo, (the doesn't even come with fries) a fish sandwich, a side of fries and WATER. They're going to have to lower their prices and up their quality to stay in business with all the new ones coming in.
(2)
Michael B.
great service but the food was okay we had the mo-fo burger just too much meat not much flavor just because you add bacon and mushroom it doesn't make it great like some rating give it. There was it nothing great about it, pulled pork was dry I just don't know how they can be in business with food like this. There were a lot of people at lunch time why? I wouldn't go back there, we were visiting from out of town on a visit Kent State.
(2)
Nick D.
I am going to do two reviews of this place, as it changes dramatically depending on when you go. Review 1: For dinner, Ray's is very solid. I have yet to find a bar that rivals the beer selection anywhere else. The portions are VERY generous (strongly recommend the pasta with sausage and peppers), and the overall atmosphere is very pleasant. Review 2: This is one of the worst places you could go on the weekend for nightlife. All the frat boys who aren't still passed out from the previous evening's Bud Light, Cornhole, and Date Rape Extravaganza all flock here to get into fights about Browns v. Steelers and brag about how much they've manscaped in the past week. Also, the bar TVs will constantly be playing some kind of sport; they will be playing GOLF before Comedy Central is on there. In addition, the staff is so overrun with orders that you won't get served for a long while. Overall, I do like this place a lot; I just hate seeing it devolve into what it is on Friday/Saturday evenings.
(4)
Cory P.
There place is great, plain and simple. Their food is amazing and the drink selection is wonderful. Ray's is a restaurant by day, bar at all times. There are two floors each sporting it's own bar. The only issue is the difference with whats on tap from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor. Because they also have a $10 minimum, if you are sitting upstairs but want to beer downstairs you have to order $10+ on one trip or start a tab for that floor, which you probably have a tab for the 2nd floor, which then you would need two licenses...see the issue here? Granted, that wouldn't be an issue for most people at all, just the ones that are "beer snobs" maybe? If you want to avoid the overly loud music but enjoy a good dinner come no later then 8:30pm, though 6pm would be better. This place is a bit pricey but what you get is a great atmosphere, nice people, and a great selection of food and drink. I am always down to visiting Ray's Place. Note: I marked noise level very loud because after 10pm they crank up the volume to a level which makes conversation a lot harder. As a friend put it the other day: "It is lip reading with small fragments of understandable conversation that allows the other person really to get what the other person is saying."
(4)
David C.
Love Ray's Place. I have been going to this place for years now. Classiest bar in Kent with a large selection of beer. They tend to close the latest too which is good when it's 2:00 AM and you don't want to go home yet :P
(5)
Gregory P.
Decent bar food. Honestly, it's a better place to go get drunk and have an inexpensive burger than a place to dine-in with your mom and dad when they come into town. I've never had anything off of their menu that's been bad, so that's a plus. Edit: I have to amend this review to add that the rueben was absolutely horrid. No dressing and the meat was so dry I have to think that they kept it uncovered in the refrigerator.
(3)
Carl S.
Best burger in Kent going away. Famous for chili, though I'm not a chili person. Interesting atmosphere: Mid-afternoon basic bar. Dinner. Almost a family restaurant. After 10. A student hangout. It all works.
(5)
Pablo E.
Ray's Place was the first place I ever visited in Kent. For a Bar in Kent, it's really nice inside and the food is good, the beer list is excellent. For a restaurant, the service is slow and the place is just too damn loud... so if you're looking for a place to go out with people where you'll have plenty of time to talk but where you can't hear anything, Ray's is the place. The food is good and it is generous. The sandwiches are delicious, particularly the cheeseburgers. The reuben is also a favorite. I've never gone wrong with the daily soup specials either. The beer list is pretty diverse and deep, with probably more than a dozen on draught, though I think a nice budget option (PBR anyone?) would be a good addition. In my experiences, Ray's has different clientele at different parts of the day. Lunch seems to be mostly Kent business people and such, dinner seems to be more the university faculty, and at around 11 pm it shifts markedly toward annoying preppy college brats. While it's loud during dinner, it gets really loud when drunk frat boys yell at each other during the later hours. Ray's is the best bar-restaurant in Kent, by far (though not the best bar) in terms of things you ingest, but beware the changing atmosphere and the noise.
(4)
Jenna H.
My boyfriend and I stopped in one evening as we were passing through. The place was packed so we sat at the bar. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. One of the best french onion soups that I've ever had! Great deal on Wednesdays, all you can eat spaghetti for $2.99 WITH salad and garlic bread. I'm severely picky about spaghetti sauce and Ray's was very good! Huge selection of beer! Servers are great! We will be back for sure!
(4)
Ron G.
Rays Place may have seen on TV, Best Thing I Ever Ate. i wouldn't say that about the place. The food is ok nothing spectacular it is average bar food. The bar on the other hand is really fun great people lots of room and the bar service is pretty solid. the food menu is big with nothing that stands out. The best thing on the menu would probably be there burger selections.
(3)
Jen M.
Went on a Saturday night. Once we were seated we waited 45 minutes for our food. The only thing that was good on the table was the BBQ sauce--good combination of spicy and sweet. The french fries were limp and the burger looked like a 9-year old cooked it. My chili was definitely NOT homemade--it was definitely "bought in" from a restaurant supply place. I realize Ray's is an institution in Kent but the food needs some serious resuscitation. Taco Tantos down the street looks to be a better food option.
(2)
Andrea M.
This establishment has a great menu selection. Not to mention you receive more then your moneys worth in quality and quantity. I love this place. It might actually be my Kent favorite for a bar that serves food. I have never had a bad experience.
(5)
Eve D.
Ray's is a comfortable and friendly place to hang out. The early crowd is less frat-like and more sophisticated so if that's your group you'd better be there before 11pm. The food is good and has remained relatively stable throughout the years. Broccoli Cheddar balls and the hamburger your way are faves and the wings are phenomenal. With the Ohio smoking ban Ray's has transformed, no longer do you leave with the need to shower and wash your clothes - and the food tastes oh so much better without the smoke! There was a remodel last summer and Ray's now sports windows along the front lower bar area that allow in lots of light and great views of the Pufferbelly, Gazebo, and the road. Overall, Ray's Place is a classic college town bar with different on-tap selections in the first and second-floor bars as well as any mixed drink you can think of and plenty of wines by the glass.
(4)
Elisa W.
I guess I was under the impression that this place was actually a restaurant and not just a bar, but when I showed up last night for dinner, the place was overcrowded and completely unorganized. The doorman was there taking IDs like a bar, but we were there for food. There was no hostess and as far as I could tell, no waitresses either. Cocktail servers, yes, but no one serving food. I don't know when they serve food, and I assume they do since they have a menu, but apparently it's not always an option just to go have dinner here. When it's not clear as as to when you can and cannot sit down and have dinner and the staff is disorganized, I'm not likely to come back.
(1)
Scott L.
Best brew spot at Kent State. Amazing brews on tap and in the bottle. If you can't find your brew here, you're drinking swill. The food makes great beers taste even better. Every time I get anywhere near Cleveland, I get my ass to Ray's.
(5)
Krissy M.
Do you love frat boys wearing their letters and yelling about which chick they have/have not, would/ would not do? Nope, I'm not a fan. I don't care too much for that frat boys at a bar scene. Rays was the one place that you knew you would end up at because, honestly, that's all there was at Kent back in 01. It was also the one place that you didn't want to go because you would see the same scene on repeat. Frat, Frat, Frat and the girls that love them.
(2)
S. A.
Somehow everyone loves this place... and I don't get it. I've been here about 5 times, and it was drastically different each time, but never good. (I should mention that I've only come here for drinks, not food). The crowd varies widely... there's been times I've been there on the weekend at 1am during the school year to see it pretty much empty save for some old townies. Other times at 8pm it was already packed. How does a bar manage to have urine on the seats by 8PM? Oh yes, I saw that. Big ol' puddle of pee, just sitting there, right in front of staff, left for someone else to come sit in (which happened). Getting a drink here when there's other people is IMPOSSIBLE. You can signal toward the bartender, wave money around, shove in front of others, yell your order... some of them just don't want to do their job. If it's empty, then there's great service (generally different staff). Their drink specials here are pretty good, though the mixed drinks are really pathetically weak. Overall, my least favorite bar in Kent.
(2)
Elizabeth W.
I just absolutely love this place. It's in an old authentic building that is classic downtown Kent. I used to love coming here late nights when I was a college student, but now that I am older, I come here sometimes for dinner and a beer just because the atmosphere is very lively and it is fun. The food is good and it is REALLY cheap. Love love love this place.
(5)
Thomas Awesome G.
This is probably sacrilege, but I think Ray's is just okay. The food is adequate, especially if you just want some typical pub-style beast. There are a few cool menu items (the fried macaroni and cheese, in particular), and there are a number of above average beers on tap. Unfortunately, I've never been a big fan of the atmosphere, the waitstaff isn't particularly friendly, and until recently, you'd smoke a pack and a half just sitting there for an hour. Maybe with Ohio's new smoking ban in place it's a better hangout. Unfortunately, Ray's has just never done anything for me.
(3)
Jason K.
This is the Cheer's bar of Kent. If you want to run into KSU Alumni or even Drew Carey when he is in town stop here. They still have the shot wheel for those that are turning 21. Last year they fixed downstairs with many HDTV's, windows that open to make a more open air bar and a generally more pub feel. Before 10 pm this is a good restaurant. I suggest the burgers or the mac and cheese bites. The food is good for a bar. After 10 pm is when the Geeks show up, mostly upstairs with Alumni downstairs.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Miles D.
You just don't go wrong going to Rays...staff, food awesomeness. ..thanks for bringing the Grilled cheese Sami ch back!!
(5)Dylan B.
It's a classic Kent spot that always is a bast on the weekend nights. It's a little overrated when it comes to their food, but it is good quality and priced well.
(4)Jon S.
I had been meaning to go for a while, as it is quite a legend in the Kent area. While I passed on the "MOFO" burger, I opted instead for a burger of lesser size, and a side of fries to share. My freind also had a smaller burger and it was plenty of food. The burgers were good, not great, but very well cooked and pretty moist. The fries were good as well. Service was excellent, and the decor is vintage sports bar..........which is what this place has always been!! I'll definately be back!
(4)Mandy L.
Ray's has some great food including the best burgers in Kent and what I would argue is the best sandwich I've yet had in Kent - the CUBAN. I tried the Cuban once on a whim and now I am obsessed. The Cuban consists of smoked pulled pork and ham (double pork!) sandwiched in between two flatbreads with melty cheese (I usually ask for Pepperjack but it comes with Swiss) and crispy wonderful dill pickle slices. It is served with a side of "Annato Mayo" which is an unusual sauce that I find intellectually confusing but quite palatable and complimentary to the sandwich in practice. This sandwich is BIG so I'm usually left with at least a second half that gets happily devoured for lunch later in the week. Amazing with their jerk fries which are fantastically spiced! (And a "single" order of fries, as opposed to the "basket", comes in a smaller basket and is plenty for two to split!) It's often quite busy, and sometimes it's difficult to find a table if the upstairs is closed. You can eat at the bar but waiting around is well worth it as well! They run a tight ship here and I've found service is consistently good even when they're slammed. In terms of it also being a bar, they have a wonderful selection of drafts and ok cocktails. Long Island Ice teas seem to be perpetually on sale and they are ok too. For some reason, this is the bar everyone decides they want to be at around 1:30am. I've never understood waiting at the door to get into a bar fifteen minutes before last call but I guess it's a thing. Ray's gets extra kudos for what I've heard second-hand about their great treatment of employees. It seems like they go all out for their people with events like their employee Christmas party and summer camp-out.
(5)Aire B.
So I really didn't remember eating here a lot when I was in college at Kent, but I knew I had to take my fiancé here when we were in town. I'm so glad I did! We started with the eggplant dip that was so good. It was flavorful without being overpowering. A great start to our meal. I had the stuff gourmet burger & oh my god was it good! The onions, cheese, mushrooms everything together was on point!!! Hunny got the bacon cheeseburger and was equally pleased! We decided to split the single order of jerk fries and I'm so glad we did!! Fresh cut fries with awesome seasoning, sign me up again!!
(5)Keith C.
Beer was delicious, they didn't have big ten network 2. I was kind of upset. Service was great but the point still stands they need better cable. I say every one in kent donate $0.001 to help out. I just really wanted to watch our student subsidized team lose.
(4)Gretchen B.
An institution in Kent. This place has been around forever and for good reason. Great beer choices, great atmosphere, and great food, eclectic mix of college students, parents, professionals and hippies that never left. Lots of beer on tap and lots of food choices on the menu. Daily specials of soup, quiche, and entrees. I've never had anything bad here. Love the mussels for appetizers. Burgers are delicious including the Bleu Cow. Black and blue flat iron steak cooked perfectly. Desserts include chocolate cheesecake, peanut butter pie, and warm brownies. Yum! Specialty drinks Futher Muckers bring back fond memories of the old upstairs bar, Mothers. The only thing missing is all the young 18 years olds. Any age admitted until a certain hour.
(5)Carl F.
Another Yelp Success Story! We were visiting the Kent area as my daughter just got accepted at Kent State. After a great day spent on campus we started looking for a good place to eat and end the day. Rays Place popped up on Yelp, it was close by, so in we went. It was on a Friday afternoon, just about ready to hit the dinner rush hour so we were lucky as we only had a 10 min wait or so. In the mean time the smell of the food cooking and watching everyone guzzle down the beers made everything look very promising. Clearly when you walk into Rays, there is no doubt this place has been around for some time and it is well used. Not the cleanest place, BUT, by far not a dump. The wait staff is energetic, know their way around the menu and provide good tips on what beer to get. We started off with a few appetizers which one could make a meal of just by this menu alone. But, we were in good spirits, having a lot of fun and we stuffed ourselves silly and order some main meals as well and boy they did not disappoint us. Thank you Rays Place for putting the cherry on the top of a great day!
(4)Sal P.
Beat burgers in Kent by far! Oh the atmosphere is ok too. :P You cant go wrong eating at Rays. They also have a huge beer selection from around the world so if you like to drink the suds...
(5)Brady J.
Best beer selection in the area. Burgers are good.
(4)Sly M.
Contrary to some of the previous reviews, the service was great. Good beer selection. Nice place. The food however was mediocre at best. Burger was overcooked, artichoke dip was watery, eggplant dip was just kinda gross. Ray's gets 3 stars since it seems like a great place to get some beers and the place is pretty nice. I just might avoid the food next time if I can.
(3)Andrea B.
Ray's = Dying Breed This place have everything you'd ever need in a college bar and it doesn't try to be anything it's not. Don't forget to come here on your birthday to spin the wheel for your free birthday shot :)
(5)Rachael B.
The food was tasty. The service was not so good. The waiter rushed us throughout our entire meal, even taking away food we hadn't finished. He made our experience a bit uncomfortable. The spicy garlic wings are good....try them!
(3)Maggie F.
The food is unmemorable but tasty and effective. I like drinking at rays place with friends on weekends because the music machine is cool and the bar seems chill and unassuming. What I mean by that is I feel more comfortable hanging there than the water street tavern or zephyr. Oh, and the pool tables upstairs are fun. :)
(4)J J.
A Kent State icon. Simple but very good bar and American food. Awesome burgers and sandwiches. Great beer selection. And the best thing on the menu: the sun sticks--sweet potato fries and ranch. Ray's is always packed with a diverse college crowd. This is a go-to place and it won't disappoint!
(4)Cory M.
I came here from Cleveland and was in kent for work so I yelped good places around me and this place came up. Based on the reviews fried mac&cheese, jerk fries, and a burger is the way to go. I got all of those which I got the Atomic Burger, sounds better than it was. By no means was the FOOD BAD, it just wasn't anything special. First with the mac&cheese bites they were good. If you have ever gotten mac&cheese bites at Sheetz, these are the same exact ones and probably more expensive. I would not say this is a must have item. The atomic burger wasn't anything special. The patty seemed like it might have been out of a box. The party was bland. The toppings was nothing special just some pepper jack cheese and some Jalapeños out of a jar. I would try something else than a burger if I came back here. The jerk fries were good. The portion is large enough for two people to eat them. If you are into the jerk dust I would recommend them. They were also fresh cut so that is a plus. The bar overall has a very cool vibe I would go there to drink at night. Their cash register is old school and give a cool touch. Lots of beer options too!
(3)Nikolas K.
The burgers are definitely NOT overrated.. you've gotta try one. The prices are meh.. average'ish. I'd say the quantities are what makes the place decent, oh, and the taste of the food is great for bar food/a greasy spoon. Good "American food". Expect the bad atmosphere and you'll be satisfied/pleased with your experience at Ray's Place in Kent, Ohio.
(4)Gulsheen K.
Finally had some real fries which were not preserved for 8 months before being deep fried! Great food and service.
(4)Ajay J.
I was here on a business trip and loved it. Friendly bartenders, with a great selection of craft beers and bar food. A hoppin' place in Kent on a Wednesday night. You have to try the cilantro lime garlic wings!
(4)Dionna D. R.
Love Ray's. Great food, great atmosphere.
(4)Melinda S.
This is THE BAR in Kent. It's been around so long that my 91 yr old Mother in law remembers when it was a speak easy during the prohibition. It's the perfect mix of towneies and college students. AWESOME beers! AWESOME burgers! AWESOME menu! The place to be in Kent.
(5)Jessica C.
This place was FANTASTIC. We went as a big group one evening and hung out at the bar - which has a wonderful selection of craft beer - one night until we decided to get a table upstairs. That night, I had the pulled pork (incredible) and my fiancé had the chicken parmesan (delicious). Between the atmosphere and the staff, we liked it so much that we went back the next day for lunch! We took more family then and they loved it too. If you try anything, get the jerk fries, pulled pork, and a cold draft beer!
(5)Evan L.
Rays is the classic college town restaurant and bar. The food is great and the atmosphere is laid back. It makes an effort to be respectable and not be one of those dumpy "let's get drunk" places to go out in Kent. If I had to recommend only one place to eat in Kent it'd be Rays. It's unique and everyone will feel comfortable there.
(5)Jeff P.
Great place and will always come back but our waitress needs a personality adjustment.
(5)Ran D.
Good burger, but service always been kind of a miss for me. Usually have to wait a while to get seated (plenty of seats available just no service) and when sat down have to wait a while to get menu and drink ordered, etc. It's not that their servers are not friendly or do not provide service, but every time I go there I feel like the place has no waiter, and you are just sitting there, table empty, for a while before you are approached. Sandwiches, burgers, and wings are good. But their ribs suck. Fries are decent and onion rings can be meh. If you go there with a bunch of people you will get services a lot quicker. It's just that their waiters are so busy and always running around that they tend to forget about the quieter tables. Still I go there for the good burgers and juicy wings. Wish they had more professional restaurant service though.
(3)Jarrod R.
I stopped in here after some drinks at Dominiks do the road on a Friday night around 9:45pm. They sat us quickly, the kitchen closes at 10pm. We quickly ordered, I ordered the mo-fo burger, my friend ordered the bacon cheese burger and we split a basket of fries. The mo-fo burger was amazing but a bite hard to eat since it was so big. The bun fell apart a little but it did not slow me down, I just made a mess of myself lol. The fries on the other hand were just so-so. They were un-seasoned and with no salt. Needless to say I was not impressed with them and would order a different side to compliment the burger next time. My friend enjoyed her burger as well the bacon was delicious. The atmosphere as the typical bar. I would recommend this place for a great burger. I look forward to trying so of the other food.
(4)Marissa M.
I stopped by here while on a road trip with my brother. He saw this place on a food show, so I was like "Hell yes lets go!!" We slip the mofo burger and it was really good, tasted like a typical greasy spoon burger but like 3 times the size. It was not bad, it was just not special. More does not make it taste better. Fries were good and greasy and the beer selection was as nice. I don't know how it go recognition to be on a TV show, either way I am glad we tried it.
(3)Daniel G.
I was not a fan of rays, and the purple I went with were not either. The staff was ok, not very attentive but not outright mean. The drinks were very average. However, it was our friends birthday and they wouldn't let him into the bar because he didn't have a second form of ID (he was from PA). Who does that? It doesn't make sense that people should not be allowed in just because they were from a different state and didn't have another ID form. After that, we Obviously all left immediately since we weren't just gonna let him be outside alone. Very disappointing.
(2)Stephanie T.
Have recently discovered kent, and saw on yelp that I must try rays. It did not disappoint. Went on a date night with another couple. Sat upstairs....had a great server who hooked us up with some great beer suggestions (their list is insane), and some perfect meal suggestions. My peeps all had burgers which they said were great and I had the Cuban. Loved it. Great service, good bar atmosphere (a little dive-y, not pretentious), and good bar food. I think this is one of those places that you shouldn't get crazy with what you order. Stick with tavern fare, and you win.
(4)Esther G.
Going strong for 77 years and now under its fourth owner, Charles Thomas, we've frequented Rays Place since Jack Lambert partied here. Yes, THE Jack Lambert of KSU and Pittsburgh Steelers fame. Side Note: He had all his teeth then.) Beers on tap so numerous they change eight each month as new beers. Known as one of the first bars in the US to televise football games. Great sandwiches with many burger choices. Opens at 11 through 2:30 am with a special "late night" menu after 11 pm. Noisy late at night with students. Pleasant until then with distincltly different lunch and dinner crowds. The phone booth doesn't work any more but that is the only change in all these years. Known by parents of all KSU grads with no bad references. Come and enjoy a burger and a brew at Rays. Edited to add: These men have also been known to eat and drink here: Rich Rollins, Thurman Munson, Steve Stone, Nick Sabin and Josh Cribbs.
(5)Eric D.
Cannot call yourself a true Flash until you go to Rays. Amazing food and some awesome drinks for a great price. I enjoy the MOFO with a long island. Nothing better to get over a exam than a trip to Rays. I did order a Tequila Sunrise and the bartender was upset with my choice which soon became a LI, so you will also learn what a girl drink is lol.
(5)Jaymes H.
Great food and excellent service. It was a bit loud but that was to be expected. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Eric C.
Great variety of beers on tap. I had the jambalaya. Really good with a combination of shrimp, sausage, chicken and dirty rice. I also had the jerk fries as a side order. The proportion size of both the jambalaya and jerk fries was huge. The service was great. I could not ask more of our server The atmosphere was what you would expect of a well established restaurant in a college town. Prices were what you would expect for what you get. Sadly my wife did't feel the same way. She had a Rubin. The pumpernickel bun was not that tasty, with small amounts of cheese and sauerkraut. Everybody else at our table was very pleased. This was my first meal at Ray's Place,but not my last.
(4)Margaret O.
Great beer taps. Great atmosphere. Jerk rubbed chicken wings to die for. Calamari. ...a must order. After these aps and Firkin Friday beer....we are ready for the weekend! Great job, Ray's!
(4)Samantha F.
Car Bombs. Good Beer. Good Liquor (and by good I mean Bombay Sapphire).
(4)Patrick A.
food was terrific, although teamwork was apparent, our server needed to be much more personable, her personality was very cold, never even looked us in the eyes.
(4)Dominic C.
If it's your first time in Kent you have to come to Ray's place. A huge beer selection and great long islands. The food is also amazing. Bring your family or go out with friends at night Ray's place is for anyone. Been at for 77 years and going strong. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jaime W.
Since I was visiting my baby sis in college (Kent), I came here for lunch with them, hearing that there's this MOFO burger that was pretty awesome to try. Even if I'm on this strict diet of mine, I decided to try it anyways since I came from out of town and supposedly it's amazing. Boy, was I right. It felt like I didn't have a burger in ages! Stacked with 2 meat patties and all the works, it was DE-licious. It's definitely a lot to consume for 1 person so I split it up with my sister. The bottom bun got soggy after having it stacked with lots of ingredients on top but I didn't care much about it anyways since I was starving. Along with our burgers, we also ordered their sweet potatoe fries which was good as well but we ordered way too much food for just 4 of us. We were stuffed! As far as the place goes, it's a casual. So nothing fancy at all. It is a bar at night but during the daytime, they serve breakfast and lunch. The bathrooms were a bit out-dated and kinda gross. But what can you expect from a bar that was probably filled with college students the night before?
(3)Drew H.
Love Ray's place. It was one of the first places I was told I needed to check out when I started working in Kent. It did not disappoint. Hands down the best beer selection in Kent. They have a great selection of craft beers and they consistently add new ones on draft. I've only eaten there a couple of times but the food was great as well. The service is great. Even when the place is packed the staff makes sure you have everything you need. If you're in town you have to check it out.
(5)Kirk M.
Dropped by this little tavern on my son's visit to KSU. Had the special of the day a smoked BBQ chicken. The portion was enormous! The taste was superb. I loved the dark woody look to the dining area. It was recommended by an alum of the college as well as two faculty members... You won't be disappointed if you try Rays...
(4)Roth M.
On an episode of Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network, Michael Symon named the MoFo at Ray's the best burger he'd ever had... and he owns hamburger restaurants. So while in that part of the world, I stopped in for a MoFo. I'd been to Ray's before, but only for the brews, many, many years ago. I must say, the MoFo is gigantic, so much so that I believe it has it's own gravitational pull as mine practically imploded on itself. Easily the messiest burger I've ever had, but it was very, very tasty! Just know that this is a burger in which you might have to repent after eating, as your very soul may need a good scrub.
(4)Matt R.
I had the fish sandwich and shared a basket of fries. The tilapia was great, the fries - not so much - limp and soggy.
(4)Rhett E.
My wife and I were in town and had Rays recommended. I had the Ray's Reuben and she had the Chicken Gyro. Both were excellent. I rate places on how good their Reuben is and Ray's was one of the better Reuben's I've had in the last 10 years. I'd definitely like to try some other options since my introduction to Ray's was great.
(4)Milan P.
I just returned to my Youngstown home after a trip to Ray's, and my ears are still steaming. In my 50+ years, I've never been treated as rudely, dismissively or flat-out scornfully by anyone representing "management." I've endured a lot of grievances over the years to make regular pilgrimages to Ray's: the hour-long drive; terrible parking; an ear-splitting noise level; a no-reservation policy. But I've remained a loyal patron for a good many years because I love the food: the pastrami sandwich, the fries, the bacon cheeseburger and most especially the ribs. Everyone who knows me will tell you that I've raved about them in no uncertain terms, even going so far as to describe them as the best ribs I've ever eaten in a restaurant. (Coincidentally, quite a few of said acquaintances have made the trek to Ray's just to try them, solely because of my ringing endorsement.) In all my years of devoted patronage, there were only two occasions prior to today that I complained to a server. Once because my (full order) of ribs had arrived stone-cold. The other because the kitchen had apparently forgotten my request to serve the ribs and fries on separate plates (or basket in the case of the fries). Both times the corrections were made promptly, apologetically and with a smile. Until today. When I remarked to the server that the first two ribs of my half-rack were tough, stringy and dry, she offered to speak with a manager. A man arrived who didn't bother identifying himself, but who clearly seemed to be suffering from anger management issues. He insisted--in no uncertain terms--that the ribs were perfectly fine, and that there was nothing wrong with them. In other words, "You're an idiot; don't bother me." (I thought I was watching a "before" section on an episode of "Restaurant Impossible.") When I tried to explain the issue I had with the sampled portion of meat, he blew me off, vanishing back to wherever he came from. Since the fries remained untouched--all I'd eaten was the cole slaw and two (out of six) ribs, the server asked if I wanted to take them with me. A carry-out container was quickly provided. But when the bill arrived, I was puzzled to see that the uneaten (and now absent) ribs were still on the bill. I told the server that, since I was paying for them, I might as well take the remaining portion home with me. At that point, I optimistically hoped that the remainder of the (half) rack would be up to Ray's usual high standards. She once again offered to speak with a manager. Shortly thereafter, the inconsolably rude gentlemen from earlier returned, this time even more obstinate and nasty than he was previously. He accused me of being a chronic complainer who "always sends food back" (?), and asked repeatedly why I bother coming to Ray's at all since I clearly "don't like the food." I'd say that my attempts to explain the situation--and my long-time enthusiasm for his restaurant and the food--fell on deaf ears, but that would be an exaggeration. He clearly wasn't listening to anything I had to say and walked off in an insolent huff. The (corrected) bill was resubmitted, but nothing could take the vile taste of my two brief encounter(s) with the extraordinarily hostile manager out of my mouth. I left feeling as if I'd lost a friend. And in a sense I had, since I knew it would surely be a cold day in hell before I walked through the doors of Ray's again. I'll definitely miss the food I grew to love, and the generally top-notch service. But I'll never forget--how could I? how could anyone?--the disrespectful-bordering-on-contemptuous way I was treated. What a horrible way to start the new year.
(1)Stevie K.
Ray's is awesome. It's a great place for every casual dining/drinking need that you may have. The burgers are the best in town, in my opinion. Go for the Italian burger or the mofo (but understand that you'll need a fork!). Same goes for the wings; best in town. The Cuban is another favorite, but don't attempt it if you're not starving. Beer selection is top notch, and the employees are all pretty knowledgable. What else is great is that everyone who works there seems to genuinely enjoy their job, which always makes me feel good as a customer. I've been going there for 11 years, and I dork plan to stop. A definite must if you're visiting Kent.
(5)Chase C.
Don't order the salad it damn near comes to you with an uncut tomato, onion, cucumber and whole head of lettuce...
(2)Antoni G.
My brother in law lives close by and went to Kent so he had to take me to Ray's Place. The bar was packed and we were a two family group of 10 so we went to the upstairs and it was basically ours. The service was fast and friendly. She was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the Michael Simon favorite burger. The burger was very good and worth getting if you are finding trouble picking off the menu. The level of homemade aspect of the patties seemed to be in question, but I will give them the benefit of doubt. We also grabbed the sweet potato fries and a basket or two of the jerk fries. The macaroni and cheese bites were not to my liking but they were a hit with the kids. They had multiple beer specials and a very good selection to choose.
(3)David K.
I have been to Rays place countless times. It is great for hanging out with friends, they have an excellent beer selection, and I think that their service is usually quite efficient given the demands. I just wish that their food was better. The menu always seems a bit ambitious, but the sandwiches can be tough, the burgers almost always overdone, and the french fries too greasy. Also, their drinks always seem a bit watered down. So, go for the ambience and the history -- but I always try to eat elsewhere.
(3)Kim K.
Went for the mo-fo burger... Ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer which was drenched in spicy sauce. I asked for a roll to have some of the sauce. Didn't end up eating the burger; instead took it home to my daughter who loves them. Service was good, interiors haven't changed since I went to college at KSU (many years ago). Great Pub.
(3)Becky F.
This is the spot in Kent where all people come to meet.
(4)Zack H.
If you're looking for a good time, come with Ray to his place after hours. All I remember about my last visit to this place is they have Delirium Tremens here. Their beer selection is the best in Kent, hands down. It's also the nicest bar in Kent, in my opinion. This is my favorite place to chill with my adopted AE brethren or my binge drinking lady friends. The atmosphere cannot be beaten. The prices are average for Downtown Kent, so a night out with friends can easily cost you $20 or more. Still beats DC prices, but keep in mind you're in a college town when you eat here. Yes, Michael Symon did make the 45 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland to Kent for an episode of "The Best Burger I've Ever Eaten". Apparently, the MOFO is the best burger I've never eaten. It has great reviews, as does their other food, but I can't comment on the food here.
(4)Jim W.
Students were on break, but still crowded. Great space, lively, with just enough tv's to follow game, but not enough to dominate conversation and turn it into just another sports bar. In particular, the bartenders were friendly and knowledgable. Plenty of fine microbrews on tap. Noise level wasn't so high so as to discourage conversation. Even the Tina salad sandwich wasn't half bad.
(5)Shawn S.
First time to Ray's Place and I won't go back...not because the burger's weren't good but the service was lacking. The waiter took 8 minutes just to make contact and another 12 minutes to get our drink order-not bring it, take it. I asked if the breaded mushrooms were breaded on site and was told yes (no, they're not). He never came back to refill our drinks and never asked how the food was...didn't even ask about the uneaten mushrooms that were cooked so hard I couldn't break through the breading...but when I asked another person there about it, he said "Sorry, we hire the handicapped". No, they didn't offer to take the nasty things off my bill and how dare they imply that only handicapped people make mistakes. Being thoroughly disgusted we paid the bill and left and I assured him I would try my best to stop anyone from going there. Obviously they don't care about customers not satisfied.
(2)Tom K.
Favorite restaurant of all time, best In Kent hands down! Great atmosphere, staff, beer selection, and food. All around five stars !
(5)David B.
YUM! Had a Christmas Ale(or two) with a friend and ordered a MOFO with "O" rings and breaded mushrooms...Delish, forgot to get some of Gerties chili but I plan to go back again soon... Place has been around forever but they keep it simple and good....So in or around the Kent area? Yeah you gotta stop by...
(5)Eryion H.
I've been going to Ray's for over 15 years & this place has really gone down hill. I still love their hand made french fries & Bailey's Irish creme pie( if you can actually find a clean table to eat at). But the food & staff's attitude has become less & less inviting. And the bathrooms are always dirty :( Can't say I visit as often or even brag about it's unique atmosphere (can't go wrong with restoring the buildings historical environment) but it doesn't feel like home anymore. Sorry....
(3)Carol J.
Food is really mediocre and the service can vary from excellent to awful. I came in on a Tuesday night to an understaffed restaurant. It took over 40 minutes for half my party to be served their burgers and the other half of the group, including myself, happened to never get our food, so we left after an hour of waiting. The manager said that this Tuesday happened to be busier than normal, but if the staff could not manage handling the large crowd, then the number of tables for food service should have been limited. I would rather wait for a table and get good service than sit at a table for over an hour being ignored by the overworked servers who can barely manage to handle the number of people they are serving.
(3)Michael C.
Burger was the only decent thing on the menu, and it was cooked way past well done when I ordered med-rare, both times. Lots of gross frozen fried foods on the menu. Decent beer selection, but what bar doesn't have that now-a-days? Douche-apocalypse at night. Would only go back to drink or if friends wanted to go.
(2)Maria B.
Great beer selection, so-so burgers. I was underwhelmed by the Mo'Fo burger, which I ordered on the recommendation of many other yelpers. It was certainly large enough, but the meat was flavorless, and I felt generally pretty sick for the rest of the day. If you're looking for a burger made with flavorful, local, high quality beef, take your business to B-Spot or the Rail.
(3)Krystal D.
Updating my review...but keeping the rating the same. Here's why. I like Ray's. Really. It's my favorite place to go with friends after a long week of graduate school work. I love the atmosphere and the staff members who work there are great. And yeah, they still serve Woodchuck. I do have two gripes. First, they're kind of overpriced for what they serve. I somehow managed to drop $50 here last time. And they have a really bad habit of "forgetting" to give you the happy hour discounts. From 4-9pm on most days they offer $1 off all drafts. Well, when you get your bill later in the night, your discounts aren't reflected. And your server will probably make a huge fuss if you ask that you bill be fixed. Gripe two: The food really sucks. On my last review, I said it was passable. I don't think so anymore. Last time I went I ordered a grilled cheese and when they brought it out, the cheese wasn't even melted. So, I sent it back. When it was returned to me, it was exactly the same as when I sent it back, so they obviously didn't do anything to it. Also, it tastes like they put salt all over the bread. Really gross. I've had similar issues with the quesadillas, the hummus (their hummus is foul), the veggie burger (also foul) and many other things. The only "Safe" menu option is the sun stix (sweet potato fries) and even those are mediocre compared to other places. Go for the drinks and for the company, but do not go for the food.
(3)Doug W.
I had been to Ray's several times in the past, but based on Michael Simon's recommendation, I tried the MoFo. I was not disappointed. Fresh beef, cooked to perfection, fresh toppings. A pretty good crowd on a Friday at 10ish did not prevent our server from doing a nice job with a pleasant attitude. The area is pretty cool, with several eateries and bars. Especially in the summer us older folks can relive the feel of a college town without having to wade through drunken frat boys. I would encourage those looking for hummus and vegetarian to seek other options. This place is good for tavern food.
(4)Greg H.
Rays is, and has always been, over-rated. It's basically a large room with tables. During peak times expect to stand up as seats are hard to come by. The music is usually so loud so you cannot talk with others at your own table. The remodel made it look better, but it's still the same over-hyped place.
(2)Kevin D.
Great food, nice selection of beers and excellent service. It's by far one of my favorite bars in Ohio!
(5)Bayern M.
Love the atmosphere, great beer list, and good pub food. I got the MoFo burger, which was really tasty, however, when I got it the bottom bun was so soaked from the juices that it fell apart and I had no choice but to eat it with a knife and fork, which sort of killed the experience. Would like some better insulation against that in the future. Still, a place I'd definitely return to.
(4)Damian C.
1 - Why are french fries not included with your sandwiches? A sub-par wrap with fries should not cost $10. This is Kent, Ohio, not a major city! 2 - Why did the doorgirl study my ID (Illinois) like she was studying for the GMAT when I was walking in with my dad?
(2)Nicole W.
Lets be real -- we can't beat the beer selection @ Rays. I love the changing taps and specials and appreciate being able to get any type of beer I'm in the mood for. Now to the food -- I honestly hate most of the menu, but I will give them some props for the newly added tacos which I have enjoyed. Its a classic hang out, so I go with friends - but I really enjoy long periods without Rays.
(3)Hunter S T.
this place USED to have one of the best burgers in Ohio...hands down, but now the burgers stink. They used to source their hamburger beef locally grassfed, and the burgers were defintely 4.5 star quality. now its supplied by Costco and you can taste it . gone way down hill since i remember first going there. I think Michael Simon experienced his Mo Fo burger when they supplied the grass fed beef. go to swensons for a burger, order the 1/4 pounder , it will run you about $3.50 hands down one of the best burgers on earth. Ray's does warrant a second star due to the superior beer selection.
(2)Lolitta P.
Nachos were a joke, I had to pay extra for each dip, the only good one was the cheese. The salsa came warm in temperature and tasted more like spaghetti sauce. The fries looked like a big soggy mess. I did think that the mac n cheese bites were ok though.
(2)Jordan F.
Went for lunch an had great service from walking in the door, had a double bacon cheese burger am the jerk fries which were amazing. The burger was cooked right which was a medium. Price was about What i expected out to be recommended stop when you come threw town.
(5)Kalif V.
Beer specials often (a tall Miller Lite is sometimes less than $3). Beer tastes really good (I think I read that they meticulously clean their beer lines). Their burgers are pretty good (I recommend the MoFo). Sweet fries are delicious. Mac and Cheese bites? Yes, please! Overall good bar food at reasonable prices.
(4)Tiffany H.
Ray's Place is one of my favorite places to get food and beer. The menu has a wide variety of food, and they always have a huge list of drinks. The bar tenders can be a little unfriendly at times.
(4)Amy W.
Ate here for lunch. Grecian salad huge, fresh, and yummy. Tomato bisque soup was creamy and rich. Loved it. Enjoyed the character of the old building. Wait staff was average.
(4)Sam D.
Food is decent but not outstanding, and the service is dreadful. I could understand if it was busy, but the place wasn't close to being packed.
(3)Jack F.
Ray's Place is "shining like a star".[1] Bob (my brother) & Linda (my sister-in-law) just reminded me that August 15th, 2008 was the 30th anniversary of their meeting at Ray's Place. So I guess you could say that I've been saving this review since that fateful day in 1978. I was a 17 year old high school student visiting Ohio from California to see my brother. Since we're of the same Father, it was perfectly natural to find a bar, have some cocktails, and renew that brother - brother relationship. Bob suggested Ray's Place and off we went.[2] Being so young, dumb, and full of ...what's that rhyme?...booze, I don't really recall much of Ray's Place, but it's obviously a place where magical relationships can be made, so I'd say check it out if you're looking for love (or cocktails).[3] Footnotes: [1] A term my brother used ad nauseam until we broke him of it. [2] We didn't let trivial details such as my age interfere. [3] I magically met a gal, as well, but only for that night.
(5)matthew m.
As other reviews have noted, time of day is the deciding factor in your Ray's experience. Before 10pm, it's the first place I'd recommend in downtown Kent. After ten, the last place I'd recommend. The "late crowd" packs the place, to where there is nowhere to stand comfortably; forget about getting a single seat. Food-wise, it's a step above standard bar fare, both in variety and execution. I've had a number of meals that were far better than they should have been, and the fries are the among the best in town. The selection of beers is staggering, The service is always competent, but nothing to rave about. It's a fantastic choice for an early date, but a terrible choice for a nightcap.
(3)Sam R.
I'd vote 3 1/2 if I could, because the whole "it's a different restaurant depending on when you go" thing is absolutely true. I wouldn't step foot in this place on a weekend. The service is generally good, though sometimes you do get your fair share of apathetic-part-time-college-waiters-who-are-Âtotally-apathetic because its a bar in a college town. Good, not great. Portions are generous, and for such a huge menu for a bar, its surprisingly consistant. Which while on the whole is a bit above average (3 1/2 again) I think they deserve some respect for being able to put out burgers and lobster ravioli of equal quality. Also, get the jerk fries, they're amazing. Oh, and heres the thing that made me give 4 as opposed to 3 stars. The Friday Clam Chowder. I've been all across the eastern seaboard and nothing there compares to the thick, creamy, generous serving of their incredibly herby chowder. It may seem a tad pricey for the bowl, but it fills you up reeeeal nice.
(4)Michelle W.
Overrated. The burgers are decent, but nothing special. They have a famous "mofo" burger that is okay, it just has everything under the sun piled on it. Overpriced for sure, I paid $17 for a mofo, (the doesn't even come with fries) a fish sandwich, a side of fries and WATER. They're going to have to lower their prices and up their quality to stay in business with all the new ones coming in.
(2)Michael B.
great service but the food was okay we had the mo-fo burger just too much meat not much flavor just because you add bacon and mushroom it doesn't make it great like some rating give it. There was it nothing great about it, pulled pork was dry I just don't know how they can be in business with food like this. There were a lot of people at lunch time why? I wouldn't go back there, we were visiting from out of town on a visit Kent State.
(2)Nick D.
I am going to do two reviews of this place, as it changes dramatically depending on when you go. Review 1: For dinner, Ray's is very solid. I have yet to find a bar that rivals the beer selection anywhere else. The portions are VERY generous (strongly recommend the pasta with sausage and peppers), and the overall atmosphere is very pleasant. Review 2: This is one of the worst places you could go on the weekend for nightlife. All the frat boys who aren't still passed out from the previous evening's Bud Light, Cornhole, and Date Rape Extravaganza all flock here to get into fights about Browns v. Steelers and brag about how much they've manscaped in the past week. Also, the bar TVs will constantly be playing some kind of sport; they will be playing GOLF before Comedy Central is on there. In addition, the staff is so overrun with orders that you won't get served for a long while. Overall, I do like this place a lot; I just hate seeing it devolve into what it is on Friday/Saturday evenings.
(4)Cory P.
There place is great, plain and simple. Their food is amazing and the drink selection is wonderful. Ray's is a restaurant by day, bar at all times. There are two floors each sporting it's own bar. The only issue is the difference with whats on tap from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor. Because they also have a $10 minimum, if you are sitting upstairs but want to beer downstairs you have to order $10+ on one trip or start a tab for that floor, which you probably have a tab for the 2nd floor, which then you would need two licenses...see the issue here? Granted, that wouldn't be an issue for most people at all, just the ones that are "beer snobs" maybe? If you want to avoid the overly loud music but enjoy a good dinner come no later then 8:30pm, though 6pm would be better. This place is a bit pricey but what you get is a great atmosphere, nice people, and a great selection of food and drink. I am always down to visiting Ray's Place. Note: I marked noise level very loud because after 10pm they crank up the volume to a level which makes conversation a lot harder. As a friend put it the other day: "It is lip reading with small fragments of understandable conversation that allows the other person really to get what the other person is saying."
(4)David C.
Love Ray's Place. I have been going to this place for years now. Classiest bar in Kent with a large selection of beer. They tend to close the latest too which is good when it's 2:00 AM and you don't want to go home yet :P
(5)Gregory P.
Decent bar food. Honestly, it's a better place to go get drunk and have an inexpensive burger than a place to dine-in with your mom and dad when they come into town. I've never had anything off of their menu that's been bad, so that's a plus. Edit: I have to amend this review to add that the rueben was absolutely horrid. No dressing and the meat was so dry I have to think that they kept it uncovered in the refrigerator.
(3)Carl S.
Best burger in Kent going away. Famous for chili, though I'm not a chili person. Interesting atmosphere: Mid-afternoon basic bar. Dinner. Almost a family restaurant. After 10. A student hangout. It all works.
(5)Pablo E.
Ray's Place was the first place I ever visited in Kent. For a Bar in Kent, it's really nice inside and the food is good, the beer list is excellent. For a restaurant, the service is slow and the place is just too damn loud... so if you're looking for a place to go out with people where you'll have plenty of time to talk but where you can't hear anything, Ray's is the place. The food is good and it is generous. The sandwiches are delicious, particularly the cheeseburgers. The reuben is also a favorite. I've never gone wrong with the daily soup specials either. The beer list is pretty diverse and deep, with probably more than a dozen on draught, though I think a nice budget option (PBR anyone?) would be a good addition. In my experiences, Ray's has different clientele at different parts of the day. Lunch seems to be mostly Kent business people and such, dinner seems to be more the university faculty, and at around 11 pm it shifts markedly toward annoying preppy college brats. While it's loud during dinner, it gets really loud when drunk frat boys yell at each other during the later hours. Ray's is the best bar-restaurant in Kent, by far (though not the best bar) in terms of things you ingest, but beware the changing atmosphere and the noise.
(4)Jenna H.
My boyfriend and I stopped in one evening as we were passing through. The place was packed so we sat at the bar. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. One of the best french onion soups that I've ever had! Great deal on Wednesdays, all you can eat spaghetti for $2.99 WITH salad and garlic bread. I'm severely picky about spaghetti sauce and Ray's was very good! Huge selection of beer! Servers are great! We will be back for sure!
(4)Ron G.
Rays Place may have seen on TV, Best Thing I Ever Ate. i wouldn't say that about the place. The food is ok nothing spectacular it is average bar food. The bar on the other hand is really fun great people lots of room and the bar service is pretty solid. the food menu is big with nothing that stands out. The best thing on the menu would probably be there burger selections.
(3)Jen M.
Went on a Saturday night. Once we were seated we waited 45 minutes for our food. The only thing that was good on the table was the BBQ sauce--good combination of spicy and sweet. The french fries were limp and the burger looked like a 9-year old cooked it. My chili was definitely NOT homemade--it was definitely "bought in" from a restaurant supply place. I realize Ray's is an institution in Kent but the food needs some serious resuscitation. Taco Tantos down the street looks to be a better food option.
(2)Andrea M.
This establishment has a great menu selection. Not to mention you receive more then your moneys worth in quality and quantity. I love this place. It might actually be my Kent favorite for a bar that serves food. I have never had a bad experience.
(5)Eve D.
Ray's is a comfortable and friendly place to hang out. The early crowd is less frat-like and more sophisticated so if that's your group you'd better be there before 11pm. The food is good and has remained relatively stable throughout the years. Broccoli Cheddar balls and the hamburger your way are faves and the wings are phenomenal. With the Ohio smoking ban Ray's has transformed, no longer do you leave with the need to shower and wash your clothes - and the food tastes oh so much better without the smoke! There was a remodel last summer and Ray's now sports windows along the front lower bar area that allow in lots of light and great views of the Pufferbelly, Gazebo, and the road. Overall, Ray's Place is a classic college town bar with different on-tap selections in the first and second-floor bars as well as any mixed drink you can think of and plenty of wines by the glass.
(4)Elisa W.
I guess I was under the impression that this place was actually a restaurant and not just a bar, but when I showed up last night for dinner, the place was overcrowded and completely unorganized. The doorman was there taking IDs like a bar, but we were there for food. There was no hostess and as far as I could tell, no waitresses either. Cocktail servers, yes, but no one serving food. I don't know when they serve food, and I assume they do since they have a menu, but apparently it's not always an option just to go have dinner here. When it's not clear as as to when you can and cannot sit down and have dinner and the staff is disorganized, I'm not likely to come back.
(1)Scott L.
Best brew spot at Kent State. Amazing brews on tap and in the bottle. If you can't find your brew here, you're drinking swill. The food makes great beers taste even better. Every time I get anywhere near Cleveland, I get my ass to Ray's.
(5)Krissy M.
Do you love frat boys wearing their letters and yelling about which chick they have/have not, would/ would not do? Nope, I'm not a fan. I don't care too much for that frat boys at a bar scene. Rays was the one place that you knew you would end up at because, honestly, that's all there was at Kent back in 01. It was also the one place that you didn't want to go because you would see the same scene on repeat. Frat, Frat, Frat and the girls that love them.
(2)S. A.
Somehow everyone loves this place... and I don't get it. I've been here about 5 times, and it was drastically different each time, but never good. (I should mention that I've only come here for drinks, not food). The crowd varies widely... there's been times I've been there on the weekend at 1am during the school year to see it pretty much empty save for some old townies. Other times at 8pm it was already packed. How does a bar manage to have urine on the seats by 8PM? Oh yes, I saw that. Big ol' puddle of pee, just sitting there, right in front of staff, left for someone else to come sit in (which happened). Getting a drink here when there's other people is IMPOSSIBLE. You can signal toward the bartender, wave money around, shove in front of others, yell your order... some of them just don't want to do their job. If it's empty, then there's great service (generally different staff). Their drink specials here are pretty good, though the mixed drinks are really pathetically weak. Overall, my least favorite bar in Kent.
(2)Elizabeth W.
I just absolutely love this place. It's in an old authentic building that is classic downtown Kent. I used to love coming here late nights when I was a college student, but now that I am older, I come here sometimes for dinner and a beer just because the atmosphere is very lively and it is fun. The food is good and it is REALLY cheap. Love love love this place.
(5)Thomas Awesome G.
This is probably sacrilege, but I think Ray's is just okay. The food is adequate, especially if you just want some typical pub-style beast. There are a few cool menu items (the fried macaroni and cheese, in particular), and there are a number of above average beers on tap. Unfortunately, I've never been a big fan of the atmosphere, the waitstaff isn't particularly friendly, and until recently, you'd smoke a pack and a half just sitting there for an hour. Maybe with Ohio's new smoking ban in place it's a better hangout. Unfortunately, Ray's has just never done anything for me.
(3)Jason K.
This is the Cheer's bar of Kent. If you want to run into KSU Alumni or even Drew Carey when he is in town stop here. They still have the shot wheel for those that are turning 21. Last year they fixed downstairs with many HDTV's, windows that open to make a more open air bar and a generally more pub feel. Before 10 pm this is a good restaurant. I suggest the burgers or the mac and cheese bites. The food is good for a bar. After 10 pm is when the Geeks show up, mostly upstairs with Alumni downstairs.
(3)