Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food

I want to share my experience at a hidden gem I discovered recently. I stopped by to pick up dinner for my family and to try what a colleague described as authentic soul food. Since I was preparing for a function that required good Southern soul food, I took this opportunity to order a variety of dishes to sample.I ended up bringing home a feast that included salmon, chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, collard greens, mac and cheese, cabbage, potato salad, and cornbread. The food was not only plentiful but also incredibly delicious.What made this place even more special was the staff. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Johnny, and another gentleman named Bobby. Both were very personable, answered all my questions about the menu, and were genuinely nice.I can't wait to return and try more dishes. I regret not taking pictures of our meals because, by the time I got home, everyone was starving and dove into the food before I could grab my camera. It was definitely good food!

It's really hard to find good soul food in the dmv! I checked out Johnny Ray's and was pleasantly surprised. It is way bigger than I expected inside, so I would go back and try dine in. However, the cashier was communicative. I do wish their signage was a little clearer because I almost passed it, but overall I enjoyed the food. I ordered the fried whiting, which was battered to perfection and very flavorful. The yams were tasty as well, but could've been cooked a little longer and cut into smaller pieces (which probably would've helped the cooking to be more even)The mac and cheese was interesting. It wasn't bad, but it was very garlic forward, which I'm not used to. It also didn't taste baked. The cornbread was also pretty good, but could've been a tad more moist.

Ok, so I didn't feel like cooking was craving a little would food and so I hop on Yelp to find that there is a new soul food spot in silver spring. If you're not looking for it you'd almost miss it it's tucked on a back street across from a bunch of body shooed there street parking and a very small parking lot with about 4 spots to the left of it. Anywho I called to order ahead but they were out of whiting so I opted to go in and order. What we had: Sticky wings- 10's across the board perfect mix of crunchy and sweet hint of heat. It's their take on mambo sauce and I must say it's better than traditional mambo. Salmon plate: I got it medium and I was surprised that it was cooked to perfection and I think it's glazed with that same stick sauce. ALSO A HIT! Mac- I am picky about Mac, but it was good it has a hint of sweetness which as a Mac girl it I wasn't expecting but once I got over the shocker was good! (It took me 2 seconds) Greens- they used smoked turkey instead of pork, I really prefer my greens savory these also had a him of sweetness, they were good just not my preferred way of them being prepared. Catfish- we requested it fried hard and it was delicious. Fried okra- I do not like okays my partner ordered this and he was a fan. I tasted it and it was actually good, a tinge bit salty for me but on a scale of a person who would rather stare than eat okra it was pretty tasty. The customer service was great. The staff was really friendly and personable. The place is also super cute inside with nice colorful are and some tables for dine in which was a pleasant surprise. Because I thought it was just a carry out. Over all it is most definitely worth a try!

Decided to try a new establishment near my job for lunch and it was definitely worth it!!! Everything from the atmosphere, vibe, good music, great customer service, and of course the delicious food. I ordered Fried Catfish, Collard Greens, and French Fries...also came with a slice of Cornbread. EVERYTHING was Yummy!!! Will be back soon!!!

Solid choice for soul food in the DTSS area, although I will say that the food could use a little less salt and more flavor. This is coming from someone who loves her salt. The wings were juicy with a perfect crispy skin, however the lemon could use a little more oomph. I found myself wishing for a sauce to dip them in. The catfish had an amazing texture and taste, while the fried okra was simply addicting. Liked the Mac and cheese but wished that it wasn't as garlicky. The collard greens tastes a bit bland, but I'm not the biggest fan of smoked turkey collard greens. The cornbread lacked moisture but still tasted good. Solid 4 stars, a few tweaks and it'll be perfect!

When I get multiple requests to review a spot, it usually means I should GET THERE!! Well... this newish spot in Silver Spring, y'all have been pressing me out to go to, I went to!! Thank y'all sooo much!! This spot HIT!!.Where I am: @johnnyraysdmv.Location Reviewed: 923 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring M.D..Menu Includes:*See Menu*https://www.johnnyraysva.com/.Items Reviewed:Their Catfish Sando (cornmeal crusted, & fried catfish, with their signature sticky sauce, & Mac n cheese $12). STAMP!! This is the absolute BEST catfish sandwich I've ever had!! Crisp, & meaty, with that sweet'ish sauce!! The Mac n cheese was LIKE THAT!! Pretty tasty!!Their Sticky Wings (5 fried wings with their signature sticky sauce $7.50). STAMP!! Crispy, a sweet with heat sauce, & thoroughly cooked!!Their BBQ Ribs Platter (with pork ribs, & cabbage Kielbasa $18.49). STAMP the ribs!! Sweet, meaty, & savory!! The cabbage...LIKE THAT!! Well seasoned, with that tasty sausage!!Their Fried Okra ($6.79). STAMP!! Crispy, with no sauce needed!!Their Colossal Pork Chop Entree (with 2 huge fried pork chops, rice & gravy, candied yams, & cornbread $15.99). STAMP the entire platter!! Savory gravy over lightly peppered rice, buttery cornbread, sweet thick yams, with large fried chops!!Their Sweet Potato Pie ($7). STAMP!! I forgot I was reviewing as I dipped into this!! It was that good!!.Online Navigation: Easy.Parking: ROUGH.Customer Service: On Point..Recommendations: Get everything I got!!.Music:YouTube-Backyard Band Socket.Accessibility: This spot is wheelchair friendly, & differently abled persons friendly.5 Stars=STAMP4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT4 Stars=DELICIOUS3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS1 Star=NAH#Bigschlimsreviews

The staff was nice and the was good. Would like to come here again to provide photos of the food and atmosphere.

I woke and knew I wanted soul food but I didn't want to drive to far. Did I find a gem right around the corner. Service was top tier the soulful sounds coming from the speakers when you walk and while dining made me want to stay longer. I can't wait to go back matter fact I'm going today.

So Johnny Ray's Food was sooo delicious! The Owner and on duty Chef were attentive and welcoming. We live in MoCo and were seeking some great Soul Food. They have it All. Homestyle meals, desserts, and ice cold drinks. The Ambiance was like a visit back home with all your friends arriving for music that speaks to your spirit. The Service was quick and professionally prepared with precision and skill that is sometimes absent in some Eateries. Mr. Thomas and his Restaurant are a hit. My cousin Dondrea from Hayti, MO shared this Gem of a dining spot and l have invited several people to share this diners delight that does the soul so good. Easily located on Sligo in Silver Spring. We will Be back Soon. The Calhouns

My first time eating and it was a lovely experience. The food was wonderful, flavor filled, and truly sultry soul filled. I will definitely return. Sorry, no pictures, I was too hungry to take the time for a picture. If you're a foodie, you will definitely enjoy.