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    Ray Nathan’s

    4.5 (281 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, American
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Ray Nathan’s Photos

    Business Info

    RAY NATHAN’S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Ray Nathan’s

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    Da meal!
    Jeanie B.

    Took a quick detour on our travels home and stopped here for bbq. We arrived just ahead of the church crowd on a Sunday. Restaurant was pretty full and we were able to walk right in and place an order. I got the brisket sandwich with bbq street corn. Hubs got the pulled pork sandwich with the cheese grits. Sandwiches were loaded with great smoky meat. Our sides were good but not great. My street corn was a tad overcooked and hubs thought the grits were a little too watery. We shared a banana pudding that was good enough to do my grandma proud. Good solid meal, super friendly staff and cool funky art on the walls. We will be back again!

    Brisket and Pork
    Cameron K.

    The second I walked in, I knew this place was the real deal--the smell of the smoke is incredible and hits you immediately. I ended up doing a 30-minute carry-out trek home, and while the brisket was a little on the dry side (likely due to the travel time), the fat render was absolutely spot on. The pork was equally flavorful and held up perfectly. The Sauces: * Spicy BBQ: This is the gold standard. Perfect balance of heat without drowning out the meat. * Vinegar Sauce: Tangy and traditional. It's exactly what you want to cut through the richness. The Sides (The real MVP): Usually, BBQ spots have one or two "filler" sides, but everything here was excellent. The Mac and cheese and jalapeño cheese grits are non-negotiable. The beans, fries, cornbread, and slaw were all top-tier as well. Verdict: I'm definitely doing a dine-in order next time to catch that brisket fresh off the block. If it tastes this good after a 30-minute drive, I can only imagine how it hits right at the table.

    brisket sandwich
    Amy K.

    Very tasty BBQ in Gastonia! Food was very good and prices are fair for the quality you get. They also serve beer and wine! Plenty of parking out front and really friendly staff members. I ordered smoked wings but they heard ribs so I just enjoyed those anyway - very tender, flavorful and good portion size. Their cheddar jalapeno grits are to die for. I do wish they had more open hours (currently Thurs/Fri/Sat for lunch and dinner then brunch/lunch Sunday). I'll be back to try some more options, including those wings!

    Michelle M.

    Amazing experience! The food is delicious, the service is wonderful, and the ambiance is unique. I ordered a brisket sandwich and tried all their delicious sauces. The house "sun drop" base was my favorite! The employees were mostly young adults who seemed happy and helpful. The booth seating was comfy and clean and the walls were completely plastered in cool Primus posters on every available surface! Love it and can't wait to go back.

    Brisket sandwich
    Darrell O.

    My wife and I was given an opportunity to leave our child at church and we can go out for dinner on them. We were given Ray Nathan's and we drove down the road to experience this gem. I was taken a back by how large this building is and the options that we had. We were greeted properly and was seated quickly and the server was very attentive to our needs. I ordered the quarter chicken with baked beans and mac and cheese while my wife ordered the brisket sandwich and mac and cheese. The food was very delicious and we actually had a good time here eating. I would definitely recommend this restaurant when in the area.

    Bbq
    Rachel M.

    We had heard so many good recommendations, so we couldn't wait to go here. I think we had a high expectation with so many good reviews, but it was not what we were expecting for bbq. There was a large serving of food and good service. We didn't like the seasonings that were covered on everything. It was not what we were expecting for the bbq or the Mac n cheese. There was plenty of room for the outside to wait, and inside for seating. Try it for yourself...not bad, just not what we were thinking.

    Brisket Sandwich with corn as side

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very good place! Great service and food! The bbq is the best I have seen. Great for parties.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The food was amazing, and the staff were very polite, professional, and hospitable. 5 stars isn't enough for this amazing establishment!

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The ankle biter pork sandwich with 1 side is the perfect amount of food, and reasonable priced. I highly recommend the Sundrop sauce!

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    6 years ago

    Love Ray Nathan's! Love the food, the people, and the service. I hope they stick around for a long time.

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    4 years ago

    Good food and good people. Service is very good and owners engaging. A family atmosphere

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Generous portions and the meat is always tender. A little pricey for this type of eatery. The banana pudding is to die for.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The best BBQ and love their fundraisers for the schools in Gastonia. Grab a plate you won't be sorry

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    7 years ago

    1st visit on opening day was a good dining experience. I will return again soon. Go early because a lot of folks like the new Q restaurant.

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    4 years ago

    Great food and awesome people that ices and runs it. Will alway recommend then to family and friends.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Great place to get real BBQ. Everything I have tried has been delicious. It may cost a little more but you won't be sorry.

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    7 years ago

    If I could give this place a 100 stars I would. Friendly staff, amazing food and quick service! Go to Raynathans! It's amazinggggg!

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    7 years ago

    Excellent food and excellent service. Everything we had was delicious, but the corn was exceptional and the brisket was sooooo tender!

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great food. If you are looking for good BBQ have to stop here. Definitely a place that will become a regular for our family.

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    6 years ago

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    Page 6 of 8

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    Webb Custom Kitchen

    Webb Custom Kitchen

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    Excellent service, wonderful people! The steak was perfectly…read moreclean cooked and incredibly tender. The taste was as good as anything I have had. The Resturant itself is rather interesting. Everything was spotlessly clean. We could hear the conversation at our table even. Overall, it was more than worth the price.

    I wish that I could give half stars, I don't think this was worth a true three but also not a four…read more Starting with the ambience, it's a really cool restaurant! Fun to see the old theater and the kids with us enjoyed looking around. The music was a little loud, but we did let the server know and they did turn it down for us. We had a group 8. The food was good, maybe a little small in portions. We almost all ordered the crab cake Benedict and the ham Benedict. We also ordered the cheesecake, the crème brûlée and the coconut cake. They were all really good, but I would note the crème brûlée had I believe tea in it? It wasn't just a traditional flavor but it was delicious! I do want to comment on experience. I was with my 8 month old son, who can't eat runny eggs. I ordered the crab cake Benedict and I asked to swap the poached egg to scrambled egg so I could share with my son. The server let me know he was going to check with the chef. He came back right before the plate was dropped off and said "The chef will not be doing that substitution for you". I acknowledge this is an abnormal substitution for eggs Benedict, but I was surprised and disappointed that the chef couldn't make this simple accommodation.

    Photos
    The upstairs balcony
    The upstairs balcony
    Club Sandwich
    Club Sandwich
    Meatloaf sandwich

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    Meatloaf sandwich

    Ray Nathan’s - bbq - Updated July 2026

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