Ray's Southern Foods

Rays is my go to for soul food when I'm at work. Just this past Saturday I was out & starving. I went pass my house to get some Rays. Staff is always friendly and the food is always good.

It breaks my heart to give this place a two-star review.The staff was incredibly friendly, but the food could definitely use some improvement--or perhaps we just visited on an off day.Being residents of Texas, we expected a higher standard of BBQ. Unfortunately, it did not meet our expectations.My friend ordered the BBQ chicken sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. The chicken sandwich was very dry, even with the BBQ sauce.I opted for the two-meat, two-side plate, choosing ribs and sausage. While the portions were generous and the ribs tender, the overall flavor was lacking. The sausage was juicy but similarly bland. The fried okra was well-prepared, but the mac and cheese was overcooked.The ambiance was relaxed.I hope that our experience was an anomaly. The service was good, and the staff was exceptionally friendly.

There was a really long wait for our food on a Saturday night around 6:30pm. We decided to dine inside and were happy with the cleanliness, TVs and overall feel of the space.When the food came it was hit or miss: some items were piping hot and some were cold. We ordered some of everything and the favorites were the yams and chicken. Other items might have been better had they been hot. I felt the Mac and cheese wasn't cheesy enough and I also didn't like the texture of the cornbread-oily, yet dry.They did apologize for the long wait. They also let us know they do a brunch buffet on Saturday, so maybe that's worth coming back for. I ate the sweet potato pie for breakfast in the morning and it was good.

Was in the mood for soul food and after three tries, finally got to try Ray's. They are closed on Mon and Tuesday and of course, I kept trying to visit on those days. At any rate, finally got my fix of Ray's and these are my thoughts. Upon entry, there are two counters (one to the left and one to the right); same goes for two menu boards (one to the left had more than the one to the right). That was very confusing, but finally a lady came up and took our order at the counter to the left. She was hospitable; not overly friendly and not rude. I went with the JR Catfish Nuggets (requested well done), Mac and cheese, fried okra, and cornbread. We found a seat in the dining area (unfortunately, had to wipe it down myself with napkins). They had a tv on with the news playing so that was decent enough entertainment to occupy us while we waited. Our food was served to us in a decent time. Overall, my meal was okay. My catfish nuggets were not well done (I hate when you tell servers well done and they don't ring it up because they feel the food is cooked well done). I ate a few but took most home and recooked in my airfryer to my liking for dinner that night. The Mac and cheese was southern for sure, but nothing overly impressive especially considering it is referred to as 7 cheese mac and cheese...tasted like one cheese to me. ‍My fried okra was crispy and seasoned well. Unfortunately, my corn bread was not edible as it was quite overcooked. I did have the Rays Punch which was good (sweet). Overall, rating this a three due to having to take food home to recook to my liking; confusion at the onset with the various counters and menus; and dining area was not aesthetically pleasing (it could use some sprucing up with the furniture; even throw some fake flowers on the table, something). If I return, it would definitely be a carry out order.

This place is in the cut but is putting out amazing food!!! From the BBQ rib tips all the way down to the banana pudding!!! oh my God!!!! A family owned black business with exceptional service and makes adjustments as they grow. It's a more of a take out type of place, but they do have a great laid back environment if you eat in. Don't sleep on Ray's!!!!

So I'm working in the area today and looked this place up. I came and I tried and I can say I liked. Everything was seasoned to perfection and everyone was very helpful and nice. The atmosphere is family friendly and you can eat inside. I will most definitely be back. The punch was good and not too sweet.

Future Airiel!!! Listen up! Do NOT Order the chicken wings cause they are the big ones. You love the fried fish, every side, and sweet potato pie they have prepared for, but you will be mad when you open their well pack Uber order and you see those fat wings. To others reading if big fat thick wings is your thing these will definitely satisfy your fried chicken crave as they are seasoned to perfection.

Ate there today and the food was excellent! Chicken wings, fried whiting, candied yams, Mac & cheese and cornbread. These people know how to cook! Next time I'll be having the baked turkey wings. Don't miss this place!

Now! Before I give you my full review, allow me to say, I LOVE BARBEQUE!!!!!During my friend's day we decided to try a new restaurant. Upon executing a search on Yelp we decided to try out Ray's. Ray's sits in a huge strip mall. When you pull in the restaurant is to the far right hand side. Don't do what I did and go to the left. LoL! Walking up to Ray's you realize it is hugeeeee. There are two entrances. One brings you into the dining side and one brings you to the order area. Regardless of which door you walk in it's all connected... As I got to the register, the man in front of me told the cashier "let me get my usual!" This was a great sign for me as it shows that he is a repeat customer. To say I was excited is an understatement. LoL!Taking a moment to take in the menu and the assortment of options I decided on the Ribs Dinner with One Side. After placing our order we took a seat, not before taking pictures with the Ray's sign so I could let everyone know I was here. LoL!!!!The wait wasn't too long as before I knew it the waitress called my name and was bringing the order to the table. Looking at the plate I was pleased with the presentation and serving size. I asked for my sauce on the side as I like to see how the ribs taste without sauce first. The Ribs:Moist. Meaty. Well seasoned. Perfectly made. Good quality. Very filling. Overall 10/10. The Sauce: (I ordered the Mild) Flavorful. Not "bottled." Thick. Perfect hint of sweet to pair with the natural salt of the pork. Overall 10/10. The Yams:The yams weren't bad. You could taste the "canned" flavor, however, you could also taste the added flavorings that are presented to give the taste of homemade. Overall 6/10. My experience at Ray's was absolutely enjoyable. The ribs alone provide for a flavor filled, stomach pleasing experience that makes you want to come back. **Oh yeah, I didn't get to try the mini sweet potato pie, however, it was calling my name. I'll be getting it next time. HaHa!!

Be ready to be welcomed with warm smiles, and helpful staff. I can't say the food was super amazing but very filling and there was a very large menu, so I feel that I may need to try again. My sister brought me here. She told me about the place because she comes often. It definitely felt like a hidden gem.I got the beef tips over rice with color greens, potato salad, and baked beans my sister, that the smoked wings with the same sides. For me, it lacked flavor with the beef tips, collard greens, and potato salad and the beans just weren't sweet enough for my preference. I loved how they had a daily special on their meals and the portion sizes were large. It gave homemade barbecue with how the barbecue sauces tasted. One thing that I really did enjoy was the house maid lemonade I can tell they really made it.The food came out fast and even though it was to go, it was brought to us and I really liked that. Again, the staff was amazing and helpful and with such a large menu, I feel like there's an opportunity for me to try this place again, and actually get the complete experience I was looking for!