When I walked into Johnny Rays, I was quickly greeted by the owner who is very involved in the restaurant. I ordered through DoorDash and was able to pick it up fresh. I ordered 2 whiting plates. One with collard greens with smoked turkey and fries and the other with Mac n cheese and rice and gravy. The fries were good. The whiting was fried to perfection. I also like the greens (I'm a southerner so I'm a bit hard to please). Everything was reasonably priced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had nice music playing and has a bit of a lounge feel with the dark walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't crowded on a Friday during lunch time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'd go back for sure. read more

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Ordered take out from Johnny Ray's. My food was ready quicker than it took me to get there. The restaurant is located on a street that has some auto businesses across from it. There is some parking in front and there is a parking garage that is within walking distance. I ordered wings and a meatloaf platter that came with two sides. I ordered lemon pepper and the sticky wings. The wings were crispy but lacked the lemon pepper flavor. I wish the stinky wings had more of the sauce on them. The meatloaf was seasoned well. You could get smothered with gravy or their bbq sauce. For my sides I ordered the greens and mashed potatoes with gravy. The greens were seasoned well. I don't know if I would go back, simply because it was really far out for me. If you are in the area I would say am check it out. The staff and service was amazing. read more

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Was visiting one of my good friends and she suggested we get Johnny Ray's for lunch. I'm now sure I probably won't try any other restaurant when visiting again because the food was delicious. The fried whiting was fried to perfection, the yams had the perfect amount of sweetness and the mac? Woo chile, it's hard to make a decent mac in bulk but they did a great job. The mac & yam combo was everything I needed! I would definitely order again and would love to go into the restaurant next time. No notes, 10/10. I'm excited to explore the menu further when I visit again. read more

Tried Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food and overall, it was an okay experience. We ordered the wings with their sticky sauce, collards with cabbage, and rice with gravy. The collards and cabbage were definitely the standout--well-seasoned and full of flavor. The chicken had a bit too much breading for my taste, but the flavor was decent. The mac and cheese, unfortunately, missed the mark for us. On the upside, the service was friendly and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere had a warm, welcoming vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] While not everything hit, there were some good moments, and I'd consider giving them another try to explore more of the menu. read more

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My son wanted soul food so away we went. Johnny Ray's keeps popping up so we decided to try it. Right off Sligo Ave in downtown Silver Spring, it's across from the line of auto repair shops and there is very little parking. Fortunately, less than a block away is the World Building parking garage which is reasonable everyday but free on the weekend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]So quick parking and we walked in to note that they have a bar, tables and several booths. It appeared to be a seat yourself, so we did.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Apparently most people order at the bar and then sit, but they're trying out table service which was nice. They brought clean, well presented silverware on a gorgeous tray and a menu. One. To share. It was fine but two would likely have been better. We each decided to try the wings. My son went for jerk and I tried the lemon pepper because I can't eat spicy. We tried the macaroni and cheese, green beans, okra, collard greens and black eyed peas. The greens were the standouts, the black eyed peas were hard, cold and under seasoned. The macaroni and cheese needed ... salt. I try not to order food that I make well at home, so hard pass on the Mac and cheese and black eyed peas otherwise the sides were quite good and well prepared. Again, because I cook I wouldn't say fabulous but good, solid soul food options, especially the okra and collards which were the standouts of our sides! read more

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Best soul food restaurant in Downtown Silver Spring! If you're ever craving your momma's home cooked meals, look no further - Johnny Ray's will get you right. I ordered the fried fish with Mac and cheese and fried okra, and a side of fried shrimp. It came with cornbread! One word - delicious! Excellent service - I wanted to try the potato salad while waiting for my food and they were so nice to give a tiny lil sample. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In the restaurant, they had Black art on the walls and cookout hit music playing. Nice vibe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will be back! Highly recommend. read more

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This is my second Johnny Ray's location--I first went to the one in Sterling, and now I've made my way to Silver Spring. My verdict? The pork chop is still my favorite thing on the menu--tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. The salmon is also solid, especially when I'm in the mood for something lighter. The sides, though, are a bit of a gamble. I've had days where the mac and cheese and collard greens are so good I feel like I've just been invited to someone's grandma's Sunday dinner. And then there are days where they taste like they skipped the seasoning entirely, which is a little heartbreaking because I want to love everything here. Those off days do make me hesitate before coming back too soon. Still, when Johnny Ray's hits, it really hits. I keep coming back for the pork chops and the hope that the sides are having a good day--because when they are, it's some of the best Southern comfort food around. read more

Tonight my Mom got me some fried "smothered" pork chops! I'm not sure if the grease was fresh but they were a little rough not too tender . Way too tough!!! The mac n cheese wasn't as creamy or flavorful as I'd hoped! I'm a mac n cheese kinda guy. The string green beans simply tasted like salt not flavors! I have had "better" from Johnny Rays so tonight was a miss for me!!! Must do better!! read more

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It's really hard to find good soul food in the dmv! I checked out Johnny Ray's and was pleasantly surprised. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is way bigger than I expected inside, so I would go back and try dine in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, the cashier was communicative. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I do wish their signage was a little clearer because I almost passed it, but overall I enjoyed the food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Whiting Plate - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Came here yesterday because I had a craving for some soul food and Johnny Rays did not disappoint. My plate presentation was nice and the food was even better. The jerk chicken wings was seasoned very well and nice and hot . Everything was so fresh and delicious . [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a nice music selection playing in the background also which gave good vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Fast and friendly service . read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Good food paired with exceptional customer service always leaves me feeling satisfied and content. In my opinion, this is one of the best soul food restaurants in the DMV. The food is always delicious, and the customer service is simply top notch. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Catfish, collard greens, macaroni, cheese, and cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is also super cute inside with nice colorful are and some tables for dine in which was a pleasant surprise.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Because I thought it was just a carry out. Over all it is most definitely worth a try! read more

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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! read more

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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=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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This place went downhill truly, so hard to witness. The food use to be greats along with the customer service. NOW? they either mess up on my sides, forget something and make us come back with no accommodations or my favorite one yet they can't make my order because only the owner knows the receipt to an item ON THE MENU I get over and over again? This really use to be the spot, now? Witnessing the downfall . read more

I had really high expectations considering a friend recommended them as good soul food and my nephews wanted soul food. Not to mention I now see a 4.3 rating???? I am not sure what food they ate??? I ordered takeout of the Fish dinner for myself, two steak and cheese sandwiches, and a wing dinner. My 3 pieces of fish were overcooked and dry and tasted like old grease was used. I had collard greens as a side as well as macaroni and cheese. The macaroni and cheese was dry and tasted curdled with butter. No flavor. The greens were a little off putting smell and taste. I basically picked at the fish and didn't eat the remaining of my sides. I am not sure what to call the steak and cheese. It was not edible and the meat tasted like some type of water down canned meat. It came with a side of ocra which was also soggy and salty probably cooked in same old grease. The wings, which were wingets, were the only meal that one of my nephews partially enjoyed, He had the mac and cheese as well-basically thrown in garbage and he is not a picky eater. No cheese at all. You guys got to do better. I patronize local African American businesses but don't have the desire to come back here. I will be letting my friend know why did he have me waste my money to include a twenty percent tip on this food. read more

The macaroni and cheese is nasty. The Black Eyed Peas is horrible. Their fish is fried perfectly but it's too salty the greens with the turkey Neq you're horrible and sweet. I don't know how they're giving this a four stars. The tartar sauce was horrible. I don't know what it is. It's sweet and nasty. I don't know what it is. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Nasty I'm from the West Coast the macaroni and cheese was not given. The Black Eyed Peas were not - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Closed today (Sunday) when their hours online said they would be open! Drove all the way from NC, talk about a disappointment!!

If you're anywhere near Silver Spring and haven't eaten at Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food, you're missing out on something special. As a U.S. Diplomat and Navy Chief who's traveled to more than 75 countries, I've experienced incredible food across the globe -- but this place stands out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the moment you walk in, the hospitality feels genuine and the atmosphere feels like home. You're greeted with smiles, laughter, and that unmistakable aroma of comfort cooking done right.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Johnny Ray built this restaurant from humble beginnings -- starting with potlucks, then catering and food trucks, and finally planting roots here in Silver Spring. What he's created isn't just a restaurant; it's a gathering place for the community. Every dish tells his story of hard work, faith, and love. The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned, the collards have soul, and the mac & cheese deserves its own award. But beyond the flavors, it's the heart behind the business that makes it unforgettable. Johnny Ray and his team genuinely care about people -- you can feel it in the service, the music, and the energy of the space. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop by Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food. You'll leave full, inspired, and already planning your next visit. -- Chief Jackie L. Wilson, U.S. Navy | Diplomat | Global Traveler read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food consistently delivers exceptional quality & service. The staff exhibits professionalism, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the menu & creates a welcoming atmosphere which enhances the customer experience. The cuisine is distinguished by its excellence; notably, the catfish is expertly prepared, flavorful & well-seasoned, obviating the need for additional condiments such as hot sauce or tartar sauce. Side dishes are thoughtfully paired with the main course: the collard greens with turkey are fresh & complement the catfish, while the macaroni & cheese presents a rich, satisfying flavor akin to a dessert. The cornbread is reminiscent of cake. Collectively, the superior culinary offerings & attentive service result in a memorable dining experience. Johnny Ray's stands out for its consistent standards & convenient downtown Silver Spring location. A visit to this establishment is highly recommended. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Catfish Dinner - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I've been here three times over the past two weeks. I've enjoyed the fried catfish, the chicken wings, and the fried whiting. For my money, they are the king of DC catfish and whiting fish, fried in cornmeal the way my grandmother used to prepare them! The wings were fantastic, as well. Their mac & cheese, collards cooked with turkey neck, yams, and green beans will have you coming back the next day. And they prepare outstanding cornbread, as well. Go online and check out their menu. I'm glad that they are located right across the DC line, where real food is not far away! read more

Absolutely yummy, friendly staff and their cornbread tastes my mom's! I just stumbled upon this restaurant a couple of weeks ago and it was so delicious I came back the following week. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant has a clean, laid back atmosphere, was very busy with return customers with takeout orders and the gentlemen were very sweet to my mom.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the catfish during my first visit, ordered the lemon pepper chicken wings the second time I ate there. Their food has good portions and seasoned just right, I would recommend and I'll be back real soon!! read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Catfish Plate - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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We were in Silver Spring visiting from CA and just put in food in the maps search. This place popped up so we decided to try them. First off, the customer service was great, that's a must for me. When we arrived, there was only one person ahead of us. You place your order at the register and then find a seat. We sat at what looked like a bar area. I ordered the Colossal Pork Chops with Mac N Cheese and Yams. They give you large portions and the price is affordable. Way more affordable than The Bay Area. The chops were delicious The Yams and MacNCheese were good, but the yams could use a little more sugar (but I love sweets, so that could be a me problem). I wanted to try their Banana Pudding, but they were out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a football game playing, have nice pictures on the wall, and their restroom was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We plan on going back before we go back home. read more

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

It wasn't that good to me Mac n cheese bland noodles under cooked no southern flavor green beans no seasoning at all fried shrimp ok however the customer service is fantastic read more

I saw someone post about Johnny Ray's on a local Facebook food group and tried to find it on Yelp, to my surprise it had never been added. We went to try it out for lunch today and now I must play my role as soul food evangelist. Come one, come all, to Johnny Ray's! I never would have found it were it not for the Facebook group posting because Sligo Ave is a road I never have cause to drive down. It's actually right on the other side of a parking garage that I frequent though so it's not inconvenient, just a bit hidden if you don't know it's there. My husband and I have been missing great soul food since migrating north and now we have a place to go! He ordered meatloaf, candied yams and mashed potatoes. Since we have had a lot of ribs lately (including last night) I deviated from what on most days would have been my obvious order and ordered the fried shrimp with collard greens and mac & cheese. Both dishes came with cornbread as well. Everything was really good. I generally despise meatloaf but this one wasn't anything like the others - no burnt ketchup (or any ketchup I could detect) at all, and I tried a bite and it was good. Probably not something I personally would order but since most meatloaf is at the very tip top of my "never eat" list, the fact that I could eat this one is saying something. Hubby loved it and that's the important part. My fried shrimp were very lightly breaded with a corn meal coating that had some kick to it. This is my favorite style of fried shrimp. They were a teeny tiny bit on the overcooked side of perfect but still very good. I loved ALL of the sides, especially the two I ordered. The collard greens were similar to how I learned to make them Down South, with some sweetness but not too much, and the mac and cheese was freshly made with a strong sharp cheddar flavor. No velveeta here! The candied yams were delicious and while I myself am not a mashed potato connoisseur these were very good (though use brown gravy instead of cream, which isn't my preference). The cornbread was very good even without butter, honey or any other accoutrement. We each were only able to finish about half of our food, so we're going to enjoy it for lunch. We definitely want to return to try their ribs and catfish! Prices are not cheap but are certainly commensurate with quality and the fact that we'll get two meals out of each. The owner was very friendly and we only had a short wait for the food. We actually were expecting more of a takeout counter but there's a dining room with some nice tables and booths and some really good art on the walls. Bathrooms are nice and clean too. So you could come here on a Friday night for date night for sure (and we probably will in future!) I read that they opened in January so it's a shame that I'm the first Yelper to find it but hopefully I can send a lot more soul food loving folks their way! Updating to add: we went today and had catfish and sticky wings. The catfish was perfect. Light cornmeal breading, not too salty, the fish perfectly tender. The wings were also great; crispy almost like a double fried Korean fried chicken but with an American style spicy mambo-ish kind of sauce. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! read more

I gave this place an extra star for their customer service. Staff were friendly and didn't make me feel rushed when deciding on my order. The star was definitely the steak & cheese sub- part of the $12 grab & go option that comes with a side. The drizzle of sweet BBQ sauce on top was a nice touch to the sub. Would order again. Wings were seasoned and fried to perfection (although a tad bit salty). There is a $2 up-charge for all flats. I wish they offered some kind of dipping sauce to go with it. Cabbage and sausage was well seasoned. I appreciated the kielbasa wasn't cooked with the veggies which kept the crispness of the sausage. I was told the mac and cheese was their best seller- I wasn't a fan. I prefer a baked mac with elbow noodles and their version was more of a stove top recipe using cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta. Very chewy. I can't speak on the ambiance/ dine in experience as I placed a to-go order but I would try this place again for sure. Parking may be an issue depending on the time of day - as expected in downtown SS. read more

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

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Fried Catfish Plate Collards with Smoked Turkey and French Fries - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Customer Service was A1!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had tv and some music playing I believe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However , I did not enjoy my food. Mac and cheese didn't taste well at all. My fish was decent and yams good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I have no issues with service or ambience. Very clean. Very nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just did not enjoy my Mac & cheese. read more

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! read more

Ordered take out. Was ready in 15 minutes. Employees were very friendly. Food was excellent. We ordered the fried fish platter (catfish w/ fried okra and potato salad), fried wings (w/ collard greens and Mac and cheese), side fried pork chop (this was good but the flavor was okay. It's hard to make a pork chop flavorful imo.), banana pudding. The fish was not greasy - perfect fry. Cornbread was deadly good. read more

Call ahead if you don't plan to dine in. I was very excited to see try a new soul food restaurant and to my suprise there is new restaurant in Silver Spring. When I arrived I was greeted with a big smile and welcome. I placed my order with my intentions to dine in as I was told my order will be out in ten minutes. At the time, I was the only customer. When I sat down , they had two more customers walked in. My food took 35 mins to come out. I don't know if there is lack of staff due to being a new restaurant but I wished I was informed my food would of taken longer, which wouldn't have been a problem. I end up asking my food to go as I needed to leave. I ordered the whiting with Mac and cheese and potatoe salad. Also, 5 piece chicken wings, sticky flavor. The food was tasty and will try again but will know next time to call ahead or prepare to wait if I plan to dine in. read more

Absolutely delicious great hospitality, great staff!!. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will be back.

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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was top tier the soulful sounds coming from the speakers when you walk and while dining made me want to stay longer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I can't wait to go back matter fact I'm going today. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - The sticky wings did not disappoint. The potato salad was like grandmas. Greens seasoned to perfection. - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I had the steak and cheese and I didn't like because the meat was very hard to chew it and also it is like half of the sub but, I have to give the credit to the fried okras it was really good. read more

Ive been looking for a soul food restaurant in the dmv that reminds me of home and I think i found it! I ordered a whiting fish meal for pick up and was met with a warm welcome. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant inside has plenty of seating and low lighting creating a nice ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I got the food home and opened it up I was astounded. It was so much food for my money. The food itself was delicious and full of flavor. The whiting was crispy and well seasonsed, the macaroni was creamy, and the greens with smoked turkey were cooked to perfection. To top it off they included a hefty piece of cornbread which paired perfectly. If in the area, give this soul food spot a try; you will not be disappointed! read more

This is my second visit to this place and while these brothers are very nice and accommodating, they need help. For par and subpar food, you may endure this restaurant to scratch your soul food itch. Here is the review of the food we experienced: Ribs - They are just okay. They are a little salty and taste like barbecue was poured over them and then broiled for a few minutes; Pork Chops are a very nice size with a good batter, but can be a little dry. Fried Chicken are party wings. They are fried hard and are a bit salty. As for sides, there are none that we liked. We had strings beans (salty with a kick); cabbage/green mix (spicy-red pepper); mac and cheese (can be cheesy one time and hardly any cheese the next time); black eyed peas (spicy-red pepper); collards (spicy-red spicy). The okra was inedible--way too salty--we threw them in the trash.On both visits, the restaurant said that someone placed five orders or okra and wiped them out. The common response to them being out of okra is come early. They open at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. I called at 12:02 p.m. and they only had one order of okra left. They need better metrics on how much food to buy--especially around the holiday. Service - Here is where the brothers need some serious help. Please go back to the drawing board! Their professionalism is great and their mannerism is so polite. However, they serve like snails. They definitely need to hire someone with waiter or waitress experience. The brothers run back and forth to the kitchen serving sides rather than having serving trays and stands. They cannot handle a lot of people. The guy out front wear four hats: serving, cashier, answering phone, and packaging food to go. This is way too much to do when there are more than two people. If they get more than 10 people, forget needing anything at your table or them answering the phone. If they get a cashier who can answer the phone, a server (possibly two on busy days), and three people in the kitchen, this would work better. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance - The place is cold in the summer and winter, so dress warm. The music is R&B and loud. The lights are very dim--dark nearer the bathroom. They would do well to brighten the place with lights. They simple do not have the decor and furniture for this place to be this dark.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Each time, I have spent over $100 and today was my last time. The brothers have a good idea, but they need to improve in food consistency and service. Below is an example of food we received today: hard fish and mac and cheese. read more

Got the fried shrimp entree with Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy and it was all the best soul food I have ever had!! All the employees are super nice and looking forward to helping you. There don't shy away from explain the menu to you if you have question. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It smelled so good we had to eat it there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music and smell when you walk in makes it a very comfortable experience if you wanna dine in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely coming back to try the ribs there first come first serve. read more

Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food - Catfish - Soul Food Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

...Even the tartar sauce is good ! Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon - first thing that caught my attention? My favorite Luther song was playing at a respectable level. I ordered the sticky wings entree... catfish.. Mac and cheese ... collard greens (Ya girl was hungry - judge ya mama!) As great as the food was, the service was even better. I was greeted when I walked in, acknowledged even when another customer was being tended to - I felt seen and appreciated. Go over there y'all - it's worth your time and money! read more

The parking is not good in DTSS, so it is hard to drive to this location. The ambiance is a little too dark. I like the music and the pictures are fine, but they need to brighten the place up. It is small and more of a carryout joint. It reeked of grease in here. The customer service needs improvement. The young man at the register was a little stoic and serious at first little too uptight for us and needed to liven up. The cook was livelier but seemed annoyed when we had questions about food. Some people have food allergies or have certain preferences. Cook did not need to tell us, we were "lucky" to come in there 15 minutes before closing and that he cannot tell me or provide to me a sample of one of the food items. He just seemed disengaged as time went on and had an attitude. It was near closing time, so I won't get on them for not having many food items. Some customers are difficult, and it was probably busy there, but I cannot give excuses for less than stellar customer service. Cashier became livelier knowing that the cook had become irritated with an attitude. The food is not bad but nothing that truly stands out like it is a must stop place. Food portions seem unbalanced. I had small portion of salmon with loads of fries on the side. I just don't think it was worth the time to come in here. There is potential, but they need to step their game up in some regards. read more