Ray's The Steaks

Had heard great things about Ray's The Steaks, so I surprised my wife on our anniversary with dinner at this supposedly high-end steak restaurant. Being in a special-occaison sort of mood, I skipped the specials and ordered the most legit, expensive steak on the menu. It was a big dissapointment - the texture and taste were both OK at best. Since the point was to enjoy time with my wife and not be a complaining steak snob, I tried to hide my disappointment but it turned out that her petite filet mignon was nothing special either. Dry and not that tasty....she had been trying to be a good sport too! Now the quality of any slab of meat is obviously subject to interpretation, but BOTH steaks falling short? To make matters worse, the two sides weren't very good and we were packed in so tightly with the other patrons that it was a bit uncomfortable. While I don't demand total perfection, for 130 bucks you hope for something pretty good. We both got something that the Golden Corral could've easily bested. Next time the occasion calls for a serious steak, we're headed back to Ruth's Chris.

Positives: Good side dishes, like mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Good busboy service Negatives: Noisy, crowded dining room. Took waiter 5 minutes to show-up at the table, and then provided hit-and-run service. Our steaks were fair at best.

Food above average. Service was not. Our waiter was arrogant as well as nonattentive. He was rude and condescending. The next time I want steak, I will definitely go to Ruth's Chris or Morton's. I would suggest you do the same. I am still furious that I spent $200 to be insulted. The atrocious service ruined a special evening. Ray's won't get a second chance with me.

Great food, very good prices on steaks. They aren't Prime, but as close as you can get, which makes them an excellent value (like Charlie's in Orlando/Tampa if you are familiar). Unfortunately the owner's policies aren't the most customer friendly or staff friendly. Waiting for a table is expected but the wait is long and extra tables are stuffed in there in place of a bar or waiting area (apparently there are plans to open a wine bar nearby to help with the overflow). The apparent goal of ownership is to turn tables as quickly as possible, which means you might feel rushed during your meal. Not the staff's fault however. I will go back for the food, value, and some of the staff, until a similar, more customer friendly place opens in the area.

When you combine the value with the quality of the food, Ray's simply can't be beat. Love the creamed spinach and potatoes AND the fact that the staff encourages you to take the leftovers home! Here's my one complaint re atmosphere: people who wait a long time tend to spend that time drinking and by the time they sit down they are really drunk and loud. So, just don't come here planning to have an intimate conversation. Haven't tried the new "posh" room yet but I'm guessing that one will be quieter.

After several suggestions from co-workers, I went to Ray's for my birthday with my BF. We knew about the wait. We only had to wait for 45min. WONDERFUL filet Mignon, ordered it rare and it melts in your mouth like butter! sides were great, the waitress brought me a complimentary birthday Mousse!! Great time, I was too focused on my BF and my food, I did not notice the noise. Not a full bar, a bit crowded and tables very close together. The steaks are WONDERFUL. We are coming back this week.

The food was good but that was it. This place has been written up so it is crowded. The employees are pompous, and rude. The place has no atmosphere. Even the menu states if you don't like the service they recommend trying some place else. What is that?