Ray’s the Steaks at East River

Can’t really say anything positive about this place. As far as atmosphere goes, thumbs down. Food was just less than decent. My boyfriend ordered the cowboy ribeye. They brought out the steak and the majority of it was bone, not to mention it was hanging off the plate. Sides were less than satisfactory. Creamed spinach was tasteless and mashed potatoes were nothing special. Won’t be returning.

Saddness, as amazing as the food was, this establishment has closed :(

The crab bisque is delicious! I’ve always left this restaurant satisfied! I’ve always sit at the bar, and I appreciate their signature cocktails. Their shrimp dish, salmon, chicken and steaks are good. No complaints from me. Good food at a good price.

Located off of Minnesota Avenue in the Northeast quad of DC, this location of Ray’s the Steaks is across the street from the East River Park Shopping Center. While it has a small (and dimly lit) parking lot behind the restaurant, the parking lot at the shopping center across the street is also available for use.
I had this location down on my restaurant «to do» list after reading several positive reviews. The opportunity to finally visit presented when celebrating a friend’s new home ownership.
Ray’s the Steaks is a well regarded steakhouse that originated in Arlington, VA but has branched out with steakhouses and upscale burger locations across the metro DC area. This particular location is significant because it’s in a working to middle class area that historically has not had the best reputation.
Walking in, there’s a very casual, neighborhood joint sort of vibe. The décor is basic cafeteria style. In fact, perhaps a little too basic considering the expectations that come with the name of the restaurant and the food.
Speaking of food, I ordered the blackened ribeye, mashed potatoes and a mixed field greens salad. I also got a free cup of Ray’s world famous crab bisque appetizer because the kitchen staff mistakenly brought out an extra one. That’s worthy of a star right there!!!
World famous bisque? I don’t know about all that but it was pretty good. Definitely very generous on the amount of crabs and the seasoning was just right. One drawback for me was it’s more of a watery texture as opposed to creamy and moderately thick.
The mashed potatoes and salad were more or less afterthoughts. The salad was basic and the veggies were fresh. The mashed potatoes tasted fresh but didn’t really wow.
The blackened ribeye was definitely the main attraction. Seared with cajun spices and topped with sauteed garlic, it made my mouth sing with every flavorful bite that also packed the right amount of heat. The ribeye was cooked to a medium degree, just as I requested and was fairly tender. Interestingly enough, it tasted even better the next day when I had the leftovers for lunch.
The service throughout the night was just ok. This is definitely not the kind of place where servers are hovering around patrons however the word «professional» probably wouldn’t be used to describe them either.
While the quality of the food is good, I think the prices are just a little high. Understandably, that may come with the territory of being a part of the Ray’s the Steak’s chain but still. My steak and mashed potatoes cost $ 23. Additional side dishes such as my salad cost $ 2.50. Basically a meal here including beverages can run $ 25-​$ 30 easily per person. That’s not an astronomical amount but I expect more of a complete package out of my dining experience for those prices.
If I could, I’d give this place a 3.50. For me, this restaurant is definitely better than the flagship location in Virginia because they actually season their food here and there’s a more relaxed atmosphere. The thing is maybe it’s a little too relaxed. Aside from the prices, I’d strongly recommend that they spruce up the place a little bit. Higher quality seating would be a major plus. The current seating options? Ahhhh, not so comfy. Seriously folks, my a$$ was so asleep it was dreaming!
All that said, I’m looking forward to my next visit, which will probably be takeout!

What? Yes, you heard me! a neighborhood steak house worthy of my best review ever, for a steak house. I am not your normal steakhouse lover, but Ray’s the Steaks East River has made a believer out of me. This place is cozy, homey, and it does not have an uppity air about it!
Ambience is nice for the location –Good lighting and comfortable seating. Nice art and Album Covers on the walls. Décor is nothing fancy, but with the mix of smooth jazz and old school music to entertain, I was happy. Our server Kenya deserves a mention because she is friendly, very knowledgeable about the food and very helpful. Other servers are also helpful and friendly. I do hope they decide someday to improve their attire, so as to look more like the professional servers they are, and not like they are just imported from the playground.
The Wine and Beverage List is adequate, and I especially loved the Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz with my steak.
The food is definitely the STAR at Ray’s. I started with the fresh crispy house salad and the yummy jalepeno corn bread. Then the Rib Eye steak was well-​served and excellent, cooked to perfection with just the right marble of fat and very juicy. Side of sweet potato fries and collard greens made a really nice meal.
I will return to Ray’s the Steaks East River Often.

Slowly turning into one of my family’s favorite spots. Low key atmosphere right in our neighborhood with good food. The steaks are always on point, and the smoked then fried NE skillet chicken is pretty special.
It’s kid friendly and my kids are usually the ones that want us to go here. It’s become our impromptu spot for most occasions. Glad to have a nice place east of the river to support.
My only negatives are that the no frills ambience is a little too low brow. The tables and chairs are bargain basement at best, and the bar FINALLY has a TV but it still seems too sterile to be a cozy spot to chill.

This Ray’s franchise is a lil different than the typical burger fare you may be use to more southern cuisine than burger joint. I went last Saturday afternoon. What got me interested in coming here was the article in the most recent Washingtonian magazine, with yummy pic of shrimp. As a MD boy seafood will draw me anywhere.
So I get there and I order the Jumbo shrimp app and van damn I feel like those shrimp were photoshopped cuz they may have stopped the stomach from growling but not by much. Ok so they got me on that one, I’ve been doing my homework and notice everyone gets the steak & cheese or the fried chicken so what do I do… I get the ribs! Well I should of went with the fried chicken or cheesesteak, the ribs were aight nicely seasoned with a lil twang to it, but all in all I’ve had better. I was gonna give 3.5 stars based off other reviews but I have to be honest to myself and my people 3 is enough. I would try this spot again but with their trademark entrees.
Besides the food, parking is sufficient, service was nice, and I’m pretty sure I saw a pimp come into the restaurant. He looked just like the late Chuck Brown (God rest his soul). I love the city.

We’ve been twice. The first time I got the fried chicken. This stuff is smoked then fried and you can tell. It is quite tasty. The second time I got the burger and it was OK. I’m not a fan of the Ray’s franchise burgers so ur um.
The hubster got the ribs the 1^st time and a burger the 2^nd and enjoyed both.
Since it is in our neighborhood and moderately priced we plan to return.

(I really hope this place is just temporarily closed for renovations — and not for good! In case it is, let me hurry up and give my «rave review»…)
At any rate, the (organic) Skillet Fried Chicken was to die for! Smoked, THEN fried. No dipping sauce or additional seasonings needed. The side dish options are/​were Mac-​N-​Cheese and Collard Greens. It’s one of those meals that I enjoyed oh so much, yet hated to see go. The portions were ample enough for me to enjoy the next day. Thank God I didn’t have to share!
My only gripe is that the Carry Out menu is very limited (no steaks!). Although the Skillet Fried Chicken is included in this, the Skillet Fried Chicken is/​was available in the form of a sandwich (which was delish).

I hate to downgrade my review of this Ray’s location, but my last experience was a pretty big departure from what I’ve come to expect.
I stopped in with my 2-​year-​old daughter for an early dinner on a Friday (5 pm-​ish) and we were the first table in for dinner.
We had a server whom we’ve had before, but service was lazy and pretty bad this go ’round. It took forever to get my beer and glass of wine. It took at LEAST 10 minutes for me to get my starter of crab bisque and they brought my bisque AND my salad simultaneously? Unprofessional service steps taking place mid-​dining room (e.g. server grabbing cornbread out of plastic bin and plating in plain sight of customers?)
Then, less than 5 minutes after the starters hit the table, they were bringing out my steak.
I was pissed. Asked them to take my steak back and hold it in the kitchen. Meal was coursed so poorly made my meal tough to enjoy. My Ribeye was cooked to the requested medium-​rare, but didn’t do it for me this time?
Daughter’s salmon was delish and the place is still so affordable that I probably will return at some point…
I GET the fact that this Ray’s is more chill, but they really need to step up the service to keep me interested.
Ray’s: Keep it GOOD not HOOD!

Proud to say I lost my Ray card at Ray’s East River. I still haven’t been to the one in Arlington, but I think I’m okay with that.
The girls and I lept upon the jalapeño cornbread, which was amazing though it wasn’t Jiffy (Lord only knows why we all compare cornbread to that which can be made from a $ 1 box of mix that probably processed to death). And the sweet tea was almost as good as my own. Almost.
But this trip was all about the steak. Although I really wanted the filet or the T-​Bone, but I went with the Kansas City strip, and I have no regrets. I ordered it medium; it came out a bit bloodier than I’d expected, but I didn’t have the heart — nor the tastebuds — to send it back. Oh man, you could have cut it with a butterknife! Beautiful grill marks, to medium-​rare perfection. My my my. It came with a side of steamed broccoli and a baked potato, which are just formalities since the meat is very obviously most important. I got an additional side of mac n’ cheese, which was a little too thick and chalky for my tastes (though I’ve heard that it’s different at the other Ray’s; shrugs), but in no way ruined the meal.
The service was top notch friendly and down-​to-​earth. Couldn’t have asked for anything better. And I love, love, love, love the vintage album covers along the walls. Which were made all the better by the soul music playing under the hum of conversation. The only thing I could ask for is beer on tap rather than bottled, but that’s a small price to pay for excellent food.
Ray’s East River is a small, cozy, and unintimidating spot that makes me wish steakhouses weren’t so bloody pretentious. The meat is the only thing that matters, after all.

A decent steakhouse in a Northeast neighborhood — it’s true! I get so tired of getting dressed up and heading downtown to pay way too much for a pretentious steak. Thank GOD Ray’s opened in the Fort Dupont area of DC! Everyone is friendly, the steaks are tender and the crabcakes rival any place downtown that swears THEY have the best in town! The wine list is decent, and they keep the prices down, as to actually WANT you to order a bottle!
Top this off with some of the best old school R&B music piped in, and you are out for a good time… Marvin Gaye and a porterhouse? I’m in!
Don’t pass up the fried chicken and greens either — cmon, you ARE in a soul food town!

3.75 Stars
As many have noted, it’s nice that Ward 7 now has a sit-​down option other than Denny’s and the divey Wah Sing. The décor is simple: no white table cloths here. The record albums of R&B artists adorning the walls did kinda remind me of Spike Lee’s «Do the Right Thing» though.
Having been to two of Michael Landrum’s other restaurants, I know the score: he does beef well, at considerably less than you would pay elsewhere for the same quality. And he did not disappoint on that account. My t-​bone was delicious, cooked as ordered, and with a price about 40% less than you would find elsewhere. It was, however, a little on the salty side, and doesn’t come with the «crust» you will find on the outside of steaks cooked at the higher end places (due to the heat of the ovens they use).
As for other dishes, the rightly famous «Famous Crab Bisque» was one of the best versions I’ve had anywhere. They also have a skillet fried chicken that’s smoked and then fried, in addition to burgers made famous at Ray’s Hellburger (no foie gras as a topping option here though).
They have a bar that seats around 10 (and takes up half the space), but only serve beer and wine. The wine list itself is short with only 10 offerings (by the glass or bottle) and included Gruet New Mexican sparkling rose (tasty), as well as a Malbec and Merlot, but they were out of the Zinfandel on my visit, disappointing given that the list was so short. The glass wine also seems to be a 4oz pour vs a 6oz pour (traditionally, a bottle has four 6oz glasses). At around $ 7 a glass, I guess that helps to keep the overall bill down, but seems a little skimpy.

I would not suggest this venue for a group event. If your party is over 10 people, you will only be able to pick from a set menu. You will have three menus sent to you by email before you can make the reservation. There is a $ 15, $ 20, and $ 25 menu for parties over 10.
Despite being adamant that I wanted the $ 15 menu during my initial phone call to Ray’s, they would not let me make the reservation until all three menus were emailed to me. The $ 15 menu includes a burger, turkey burger, crab cake sandwich, and mushroom salad. Sides, which are served family style, include fries, collared greens, mac and cheese, and cole slaw. The $ 20 menu includes a flat iron steak, salmon fillet, baby back ribs, and another mushroom salad (you get mashed potatoes as a side with this menu as well). The $ 25 menu includes a salad along with entrees of jumbo crab cakes, fillet mignon, baby back ribs, and yet again mushroom salad (same sides as $ 20 menu). Drinks are include with every menu, but note, you are served bottled sodas with a glass of ice (not something I expect to see at a smart, casual restaurant).
We selected the $ 15 menu for our party. From a food taste and appearance perspective, the entire party was happy. All of the food was fulfilling and there were plenty of sides to go around three times. I had the Presidential Burger (cooked medium). Their medium is more like a medium-​rare, so beware when ordering if you don’t like rare meat. I was very satisfied with the food and left with a full stomach. It helped that they served us delicious cornbread when we arrived and while we waited for our entrees.
This is where the good news ends. The service was particularly bad. We had one waiter for our 17 person group and he was unable to handle this amount of people. As we were stating our orders to the waiter, each person was getting a different set of questions for the same items (most of us got burgers). Some people would be asked how they wanted their burger cooked, others were not. Some would be asked if they wanted cheese, others were not. It was very frustrating.
I actually asked for my burger with cheese but that didn’t happen (not a big deal since the burger was great without cheese, but that shouldn’t happen in a good restaurant). The waiter did not even realize we had to do family-​style sides. He was asking every person for two side orders. It wasn’t until halfway through ordering that one of our guests mentioned to him the family-​style sides mandate. He had to consult the manager for confirmation.
One of our party member’s food order was «missed», so she didn’t get her food until everybody else was finished with their entrees. We still aren’t sure how or why this happened, but she was given a free bowl of crab soup as a substitute for her meal. She was the only person to order the crab cake sandwich, hence the crab soup offering/​substitution. Her crab cake sandwich had to be bagged to go (not enjoyable for her). I still don’t understand why it took them over 20 minutes to cook her crab cake sandwich once they realized their mistake.
I can only speak for this restaurant from an event perspective. I would not suggest it for an event. I want to return to the restaurant and try it without a group because the food is really good and the price is very reasonable.
Food: 5 stars + Service: 1 star = Overall: 3 stars

I’ve been a fan of Ray’s the Steaks and Ray’s Hell Burger for a while so imagine the suprise when I found out there was a Ray’s located 2.5 miles from my house. Ray’s East River is a gem. They took the steaks, the burgers, great service, and added some soul food… but dropped the price of everything by a few bucks!
Ray’s East River has all the positive components that make the other locations great including great food, service, and setting. The wonderful thing about this Ray’s is that there is usually no wait (at least in the six times I’ve been there), plenty of parking, and the bill is lower than the Arlington location.
The staff is first class, the restaurant is clean and inviting, and it adds so much to the community around it. The menu has something to please everyone, whatever you’re in the mood for. I LOVE this place and respect Michael Landrum for thinking outside the box by placing a top quality restaurant where most wouldn’t venture. Kudos for recognizing that people east of the Anacostia deserve more than just carry out joints!
Go to Ray’s East River for some of the standard Ray’s fare, but try the fried chicken with the mac and cheese and sweet potato fries!

I’ve tried the food over at Ray’s the Classics so when I came here to pick up the Hellburger I expected the same… but found out to my disappointment that it was completely different.
Did I order the wrong item? The burger here seemed like a burger at a typical chain joint like Ruby Tuesdays…
Maybe it was one of those days or I ordered the wrong thing. Anyways this place is way too far off my destination stops to ever go to again…

(I _​really_​want to give this 4 or 5 stars simply for putting a nice restaurant in an area where you wouldn’t expect it, giving respect and jobs to locals, but I couldn’t just yet based on the food. Hopefully the next time!)
Ray’s is a great place, with a comfortable, casual atmosphere, and serving enough food to tide you over for a couple days. The décor is simple, but includes fascinating art deco-​stylt ceiling fans and framed almbum covers from amazing musicians lining the walls [numerous blues and jazz greats stood out to me]. The staff is outstanding — warm and welcoming, attentive, knowledgeable, and patient.
I had high hopes for the food, but was a little disappointed as it was only Okay for the most part. My steak lacked flavor on its own and the sauce — served on the side automatically, which is excellent — lacked flavor as well. The sides were Good but still not standouts except for the sweet potato fries [YUM!!]. I’d like to include one shoutout for the excellent barbecue sauce — great flavor, with just the right amount of kick to it. (For someone who likes flavorful spicy things though. Those who don’t may want to steer clear.) The desserts were Good too although I’d hoped for more. (I mentioned my high hopes, right? I may have been biased by overexpectations after several years of hearing about Ray’s…)
I also want to mention that the menu was much more varied than I expected based on what I’ve heard of the original Ray’s. This one covered a decent collection of burgers and seafood along with the steaks and salads.
I’ll have to try the ‘original’ Ray’s the Steals for comparison before returning to this one. But as I led off with, I think it’s incredible to have a restaurant like this located in a poorer area; I applaud Ray’s and will be back to this one if only to encourage more businesses to reach beyond the area’s comfort zones. .. and because of the incredible staff and the fact that the food was at least Good the first time.

Lets not mince words, Ray’s the Steaks East River is very good. The problem is that it’s not the best in its category, albeit the price makes it even more competitive. First off, the neighborhood is bad, and their parking lot is tiny. Luckily there is a Safeway across the street with parking. Despite this, I’m not driving my Porsche to dinner there anytime soon.
The staff is top notch. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly in a sincere way. The gentleman who fills glasses and clears plates is all yes sir no sir. You’d think his father was a drill sergeant. The whole staff is like this. Very attentive and polite, no complaints about them.
The steak. I had a ribeye medium rare and it was medium at one end and medium rare at the other. Consistency would have been nice. The meat quality is excellent, no question about that, and the serving generous. The problem is that it was barely seasoned. Instead there was some sort of white sauce on the side that had what tasted like horseradish in it. I’m guessing that’s to cover up for the lack of flavor. Mind you, I didn’t eat my steak with that strange sauce and opted to just enjoy my good cut of meat as it was cooked.
The sides varied. The fries were standard, the creamed corn was sweet and fresh, but didn’t really do much for me. The sweet potato fries were exceptional. I would easily say that they were the best thing I had today, and that’s because they were perfect and nothing extra needed to be done to them. Everything else I had was good, but lacked something. This was not the case with the sweet potato fries. The corn bread that they start you out with is ok, but any Southerner would turn their nose up at it and see that it’s gimmicky with it’s pieces of jalapeño baked in. It was dry, crumbly, and very light. I prefer my corn bread to smell and taste something like corn, and to be moist and thick.
Overall though this is a good restaurant and a good addition to the neighborhood. Worth a meal if you life nearby.

I second to Jack F. Ray’s the Steaks East River is unpretentious and relaxing steakhouse. You don’t have to have a big corp. account to enjoy this top-​notch steak and food at Ray’s. The restaurant feels like a small upscale steak house in early 90s. Dark brown colored tables and seats gives a calm and gentle feeling to the restaurant.
Food is so affordable, you should ditch McDonald’s for lunch if you are nearby Ray’s.
Well. I don’t eat meat much so I can review non-​meat dish with my experience but I do take carnivore friend to review meat:)
— Complimentary corn muffin was tasty and cute. As soon as you finish it, it gets refilled immediately.
— Mac n’ Chili: This is mac n’ cheese with Steak chili. I didn’t want chili so the chef kindly separated them. Mac n’ cheese was OK (not creamy or special) but where can you get a chili made of high-​quality steak? Get this if you like Chili and steak:)
— Presidential burger: Like others said, Burger is substantial and the meat is ½ lbs steak-​meat. Where can you find ½ lbs steak-​burger with unlimited toppings and 2 sides for $ 8? This deserves the name ‘Presidential’ burger.
— Side: Cream corn was so tasty because it was made of fresh corn. Greens with turkey neck was flavorful too. Sweet potato fries and french fries are awesome. Big portion. I had to get to-​go box for leftover.
— Key lime pie: Made from a scratch. Graham cracker-​crust was the best crust ever. I never liked Kylie pie or crust but I didn’t leave a single crumb of this scrumptious thing on the plate, which seemed to impress the server.
Overall, it was one of the best meal I had in DC area. Service was very good too. Laid-​back but attentive. It’s a hike to get to East river side from my house but for Ray’s, it’s very worth it.
PS: Dinner seems to start 5ish, so if you go there before 5pm, you still can have lunch!

Ray’s the Steak East River is without a doubt the best steakhouse in all of Northeast DC. I’d dare go as far to say that it’s one of the top 3 steakhouses in all of DC. The best part about Ray’s East River is that reservations aren’t required because (1) it’s located out in the middle of nowhere and (2) in a questionable neighborhood that most Unilocalers wouldn’t bother going. To get a sense of this Fort Dupont neighborhood, the only nearby restaurants are McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and two Chinese/​Seasfood/​Soul Food take-​out joints. Moreover Ray’s East River has its own security guards escorting patrons to their cars.
Why do I love Ray’s East River so much? The food is absolutely amazing and its prices are ridiculously affordable. Think about how awesome it would be to dine at Bourbon Steak or Bobby Van’s while paying Outback Steakhouse prices … because this is exactly what Ray’s East River is like. At BLT Steak, a 12 oz. filet mignon costs $ 41 without any side dishes. A nearly identical filet mingon (6 to 8 ounces ?) costs $ 18.95 at Ray’s East River with a salad and two sides. A cardboard-​like replica of a 8-​ounce filet mignon costs $ 18.95 at Outback Steakhouse with a salad and one side. More importantly, the difference between a Ray’s East River steak and Outback steak is night and day. Ray’s is tender, juicy, and masterfully seasoned with little more than salt and pepper whereas Outback is slab of over-​seasoned protein disguised as steak.
Ray’s East Side is part Ray’s: The Classic (steakhouse) and Ray’s Hell-​burgers. Here, you can get most sandwiches for under $ 10. And if you feel like splurging, there’s the Crazy Burger (a ½-​pound Presidential burger and jumbo half-​smoke topped with Ray’s smokehouse chili, bacon, and cheddar and American cheese) for only $ 11.95. The appetizers are also reasonably priced under $ 8. The beer battered shrimp, for example, comes with 5 massively jumbo shrimps (probably 11 – 15 size) with a thin, crispy shell. The crab bisque offers bountiful chunks of recognizable crab meat.
I have so much faith and praise for Ray’s East River that I’m willing to overlook the fact the kitchen forgot our steak order. After all, how long does it take to cook up a medium rare t-​bone when everybody else after us is being served? That being said, all the entrees are very generous. Whether its t-​bone ($ 21.95) or a slab of BBQ ribs (price unknown), you start salivating at every dish that gets brought out to another table. At the point that you want what everybody else is having, you know that you a return visit is a must.
Ray’s the Steaks East River is my 19^th 5-​Star Review (out of 460+). If you wanted to show off your pocketbook, then maybe head over to Capital Grill, Bourbon Steak, BLTSteak, or Ruth Chris. But if you wanted steak for the sake of having steak, then Ray’s East River is my recommendation without any reservations. [Original Visit: May 29, 2010]