Ray’s Place — Restaurant in Kent

Realistically -- the food is close to 4 stars, but the inconsistency, the over the top suggestions and claims and the service staff attitude brings it down to a 3... This is judged over two lunches and two dinners this year.

The claim their wings are absolutely and undeniably the absolute best in the state - I can't believe they said it and then proceeded to bring me soggy wings - I always say - CRISPY and if the delivery is slow - put the sauce on the side and bring me a baggy. I ate two wings and then set them aside and offered him them suggesting they are bad. The BURGERS - they are large and usually good. I asked for it crusted (want it cooked hotter then normal and seared on both sides, Medium in the midst... Got one absolutely WELL done with a crust. Got a second that was cold in the middle... This was in two visits. Been here probably 10 times this year - most are good visits - these two were not. The last time was the burger fiasco.. I simply paid and left the burger there, and the idiot had the nerve to ask how I liked it... There sits the second burger you have brought me - it has one bite out of it and clearly shows a terribly under cooked middle... So 80% of the time they are good and reliable - 20% of the time - disaster. The fact they charged me both times for inedible food - shows an issue with their focus, now that they have been voted this or that. I eat lunch in Kent every day - obviously their too busy to care these days... Their burgers ARE great. I've probably had a couple hundred in my times - and just the last year - they have become increasingly bitter towards special requests like crusted (as the burgers are still good when their not firm on the surface - but I want is differently... Never a problem in 20 years - just the last 12 mo and I cannot explain it - I'm NOT a regular... Still recommended - just careful in your...

I like this place. It's best to visit in summer and during other college breaks, or before the 5 pm hour. It can get a bit crazy after 5 pm on Fri, Sat, and Sun. There is a bit of noise, which I also like because my little ones can be loud and it's no issue. Very family friendly. There are vegetarian options, which I appreciate. Not all are good. The veggie pita, for example, is awful. The pasta is average. I usually get the vegetable stirfry (huge portion) or the double veggie burger (strangely better on the second day). I have historically found the appetizers the best thing on the menu (sweet potato, regular fries, and pickle fries all good). They used to have deep fried mushrooms that were good and peppers/oil on bread. They changed the appetizer menu in January 2019 and removed those and others with options that really are a bit strange when compared with the establishment. Shishito peppers are awesome, but I'm not paying $10 for a handful. The veggie wonton type things are great, but $10 for 4 is absurd. I don't know if they are testing some options for the new place the family is working on opening over on 43, but they had a good thing going with some of the appetizers. It's led me to spend less money, which I guess is good for my wallet and waistline. My spouse loves the craft...

We have always loved Ray's Place. Have been going there for years until we moved away. It was so awesome being back there for our dad's 70th birthday celebration. He also loves visiting Ray's Place with his buddies for wings. So, it seemed fitting that we would have his party here. All of management was incredible at helping my sister to plan for the food for the event. They allowed us to take over the upstairs for our party on a Saturday. Everything was well prepared! It was the perfect setup for our 40 something guests. The appetizers were yummy and plentiful. My favorite when the dinner came out was the lemon chicken...it was perfect! The managers kept checking in and did a nice handover when the new manager took over at a shift change. Extremely professional and smiles all around. I heard our event was one of the first in a while, and they did absolutely wonderful. They should do it more often. It is a perfect space, great food, 2 pool tables, music, etc. Thanks so much Ray's Place for a great memory of our dad's 70th! Shout outs to the managers and staff by name...Charlie, Pat, and Kayla! The 2 bartenders were awesome,...