I have spent plenty of money for attitude and atmosphere at high-priced steakhouses and I would put Ray's above them all. Parking was a miracle; it was crowded; the table was a little cramped; the dining area was smoky; the food was awesome. I forgot about those other things. Unlike some other reviewers, I found the wait staff to be pleasant and attentive. Even met Ray! Overall it was simply a better dining experience...

I eat out a lot in DC, spend a lot of time carefully picking restaurants. I've had some bad experiences but have never written about them until now. My favorite meal is steak & red wine so selected Ray’s Steaks for my 30th bday. I'll admit it was the best steak I've ever had. But the service was deplorable. My party of 10(with my mom!) was 'ordered' to order almost immediately after sitting, then told about the 'big party' coming in after us. By 8:15 Rays the Steaks turned into Rays the Vultures; the waiters & hosts swarmed the table like buzzards removing glasses & plates. Our waiter would not speak to/look at us! Their response to our complaint: 2.5 hours is enough 10. And that 2 in my party were late-but we did not even wait 4 them.disapt

Close your eyes for a moment and remember the best steak you’ve ever experienced. They don’t do anything ordinary at Rays the Steaks. Imagine if you will….Au Poivre with peppercorn mushroom sauce and aged blue cheese crumbles adorning a perfect filet. For the creative connoisseur, decorate your own dinner at this seasoned DC establishment. It’s….simply the best! (As a Kansas City native, I know steak!) When you walk in the door, you’re Michael Landrum’s guest! The décor is simple, cozy, and comfortable. As for stellar service, you won’t find a more friendly and eager-to-please staff! The wine selection is bold and diverse. Combine the perfect steak with this friendly atmosphere, and create an unforgettable evening!

Ignore the BS complaints of the two reviewers who gave it 1 star. Sounds like people with axes to grind. I have been there for years and while service can be quick, it is because there is always a wait for tables and turnover is key. If you do not want to be hurried and want to linger, they are happy to seat you towards the end of the evening. The steaks are BAR NONE the best in the area and the prices are reasonable. There are few seats, so it is more as a courtesy to EVERYONE that the wait staff keeps service flowing and tables turning over. If you are so insensitive that you want to show up and linger over a meal for four hours while people are waiting, then indeed go pay $100 a head and go to BLT Steak.

Dont request a different table. Birthdays are suppose to be speical. My cousin made a reservation requesting a nice table to celebrate my 51 birthday. The restaurant takes limited reservations. My 14 year old daughter and I were seated at a table near the kitchen door. When my cousin arrived after finding parking, asked if we could have a different table away from the kitchen. The insults began being told to and go the Ritz Carlton pay $100 a steak. My daughter and I got up from the table and while leaving the restaurant I said my friend was not trying to be rude but just wanted a different table. In front of my daughter I was told that my MF friend and I could leave. Hospitality?

Forget the steak, Ray. The burger is where it's at. The Big Punisher is the juiciest and most delicious burger I have ever had. And I love me some burgers. How was the side of tots, you ask? Freakin' delicious. It was a juicy mashed potato with some sort of cream sauce inside of crispy, fried dough. The problem? I ate it way too fast.