Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ray's On the River

    3.8 (1.7k reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ray's On the River Photos

    Business Info

    RAY'S ON THE RIVER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Dressy
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ray's On the River

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Andrea M.

    Great views, food is solid. Great place for a business dinner. Sometimes a bit over salted and service can be a bit slow, but they have been in business for 42 years for a reason

    Martinis: The Meredith $18. Grey Goose vodka, extra dirty, Castelvetrano olives. What's the Catch $18. Absolut, Chinola passion fruit, etc.
    Daniel B.

    Update: I recently returned to Ray's on the River for the first time in ages. This place is an Atlanta institution. Still good. Simply put, this place suffices for a nice night out if you're looking for steak, seafood, and elevated American/Southern food. They also serve weekday lunch and weekend brunch. Note: Even though the Ray's restaurants are unique to metro Atlanta, this place does have a more corporate/chain feel to it (not saying that's a bad thing). Book your reservation using OpenTable and get dining points. Parking is complimentary valet. I tipped using Venmo. We visited on a Sunday night and the dining room was fairly busy. Here's what I tried: Martinis: * The Meredith ($18) - Grey Goose vodka, extra dirty, Castelvetrano olives * What's the Catch ($18) - Absolut vanilla vodka, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, lychee, lemon Starters: * Pimento Fritters ($17) - original Ray's 1984 recipe, jalapeño jelly * Calamari "Fritto Misto" ($18) - flash-fried, baby vegetables, Ray's aioli Soups & Salads: * Ray's Greens ($14) - Bibb lettuce, fennel, radish, herbs, mustard vinaigrette Seafood: * Horseradish Crusted Black Grouper ($52) - Atomic Horseradish cracker crust, seasonal vegetables, Dijonnaise Sides: * Whipped Potatoes ($14) * Brussels Sprouts ($14) - bacon and shallot jam Desserts: * Warm Butter Cake ($12) - lemon butter cake, blueberry compote, vanilla ice cream * Chocolate Brownie Sundae ($12) - caramelized bananas, strawberries, pecans, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce Everything was delicious. I enjoyed the martinis and was pleasantly surprised by Ray's Greens (I love salad) and the grouper. The Pimento Fritters are heavy, but can be considered a must, especially if you're entertaining guests from out of town. The desserts were fantastic. Good service. The staff was nice.

    Briana S.

    So, this was my second time coming in for my birthday. Service did not match the last time I was in, which is unfortunate that there is inconsistent service here. Our service was pretty slow. It took the waiter forever for anything. He was pretty forgetful. He was nice, but slow. I got the petit filet, and I asked for medium rare. Everyone at the table did. We all seem to have gotten steaks that were medium-to well done. Mashed potatoes were bland. Rolls, mac n cheese, and bruschetta was good! Also, it's really humid inside. Not sure if it's because we were sitting by a door....but I kinda remember this the last time I was there. The view is gorgeous!

    Amy W.

    We decided on dinner here while visiting Atlanta. This place was incredible and our service was impeccable. The restaurant was absolutely gorgeous. They did everything right! The food. Wowsers!! So fantastic. Definitely a place to check out while in Atlanta!

    View sitting outside by the river

    4.7 This was an excellent dinner spot, we started with the pimento fritters which were very good, as well as the bread which was very rich and buttery. I had a caesar salad which tasted good but didn't have as much dressing as a typical caesar/ the flavor might not be as potent. I had the Salmon Oscar and it was excellent the salmon was cooked well and the whipped potatoes made each bite smooth and creamy, alternating between the crab and salmon was very enjoyable. I also had a bite of the risotto with scallops and it was very flavorful. We had the fries as well as the mac and cheese for sides and they were very solid. The service was as expected, they don't rush you. The view is very pretty and it was beautiful outside. Will be back for sure.

    Frederick D.

    We had reservations at 5:45, perfectly timed ahead of the evening rush, and once again Rays at the River delivered an incredible experience. This was our second visit, and it's clear this place knows how to make every evening feel special. For drinks, the fig old fashioned was a standout--smooth, balanced, and full of flavor. Our daughter enjoyed a classic burger piled high with shoestring fries, while Nicole and I tackled the seafood platter for four (yes, for four!) and happily annihilated every bite. To finish, the butter cake was decadent and paired beautifully with two pours of Angel Falls bourbon. A huge shoutout to our host, Mike, who was extremely accommodating and seemed to know exactly how to elevate the night. His attention to detail and warm hospitality made the evening feel effortless and memorable. Rays at the River has now impressed us twice, and we can confidently say it's always a fun, flavorful, and welcoming experience. We'll absolutely be back again soon!

    Brensi M.

    Ray's on the River delivered an amazing experience from start to finish. We went on a Friday night and sat at the bar, and everyone, from the staff to the other guests, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Our bartender was fantastic. She checked on us often and gave great recommendations. We ordered the Wagyu filet, ahi tuna, and also shared a Caesar salad, which was fresh, well-balanced, and a great way to start the meal. Everything was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. I started with a classic Old Fashioned, which was excellent. I did venture into the holiday cocktail menu and tried the Jingle Juice, which wasn't quite my favorite, so I happily went back to the Old Fashioned. The atmosphere really tied everything together. There was live music playing in the background, the football game was on, and the Christmas decor was top-notch, making the whole night feel festive and fun. Great food, great drinks, great service, and an overall fantastic vibe.

    Hope M.

    Excellent service. Food was delicious- cowboy ribeye, braised short rib, Caesar salad and crab cake, lemon butter cake and crème brulee. Has zero proof cocktails as well. The view is spectacular! Perfect place for a special occasion meal!

    Famous seafood tower
    James T.

    Rays is a fine dining experience all around. No short cuts. A little disappointed when my wife's grouper came out undercooked. No big deal, they took it back and re made her dish, but didn't bother to take it off the check. A little surprising since everyone else at the table was almost finished before she got her re made dish. The food and service were excellent though.

    butter cake
    Noelle L.

    Came for the v-day pre-fix menu. Food was great as usual. There was live music which created a peaceful ambiance. The staff was helpful but a bit busy as it was a holiday. We booked it weeks before and then a week before the valentine's day they shared it was pre-fix. A bit disappointing since it was too late to try and book somewhere else.

    Feriedel Y.

    I made it to this Atlanta fixture in the restaurant scene. Open since the 80s they still have IT! My birthday club decided on this restaurant to celebrate one of the members birthday and it was the perfect choice. Walking into the restaurant we were by beautiful understated decor. But the view of the river was so peaceful. I got there early and initially had a drink at the bar. The golden hour was mixed perfectly. Not too sweet, just how I like it. At lunch what stood out for me was the grouper.... So moist and the crust so crunchy and flavorful. I also really enjoyed the pimento cheese fritters, so yummy. The servers there were professional, knowledgeable and very warm and hospitable. The team also brought out a complimentary dessert for the birthday girl! We truly appreciate that. Things to know: post dinner take a walk to the river there is seating for guest. Great way to wind down post dinner. Also there is lots of free parking on site.

    Rolls
    Amelia C.

    We had a reservation for a Friday night at 8:15, very easy to get a reservation through open table. We get to the restaurant at 8:20, complimentary valet (super nice!) however we then had to wait for our table which I would expect it to already be ready by the time we got there. The service was nice, however I expected a little more considered the atmosphere of the restaurant and comparing it to other restaurants of the same caliber in the area. Our server, Will, was great! I was celebrating an anniversary and we got a free dessert and he did a phenomenal job taking photos. We ordered the rolls, mac and cheese, lobster tails, and mahi. The mahi was not really great, I got it grilled and it tasted very fishy, this could be a mistake on my part but alas I still did not really enjoy it. The Mac and cheese was too liquidy for my liking, I think baking it would be better. The rolls were delicious and so were the lobster tails. I had a good night, our table was well dressed and prepared and the valet people were very nice and speedy. However, at a restaurant of this caliber with these prices, I expected more. 3.5/5 There is also a pretty outdoor area that adds for a great atmosphere, this restaurant biggest strength.

    Donnie H.

    Ray's on the River was absolutely beautiful for Valentine's Day. The river view from our table inside set the perfect romantic vibe for me and my wife, and the atmosphere was intimate and classy. The food was amazing and cooked perfectly, and the service made us feel special all night. It was the perfect place to celebrate love, and we'll definitely be back.

    Scallops risotto

    See all

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    The best Sunday brunch I've found in Atlanta. It feels like a good Las Vegas buffet, but without the desert heat.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jere M.
    19
    59
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luckie D.
    84
    656
    565

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John G.
    120
    85
    2

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Brian VanGordon was awesome. He was more than a waiter. His service was more than expected.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Daniel was very knowledgeable of the menu, classy attitude and really fun to be served by! Highly recommended. Ask for him!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Is more fuzz than buzz. This place is just decor, the food is just okay nothing really special.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hokie F.
    8
    367
    11

    14 years ago

    Corner table view of the river is a serene place to be. Seafood sampler was tasty. My fish with mango cream was too sweet.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ken R.
    268
    11
    3

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of WJ W.
    1
    28
    8

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Poor service, arrogant waiter, seemed to care less. Food was just OK, nothing special. I expected much better.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Derk O.
    46
    42
    7

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom S.
    16
    6
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linh N.
    122
    5
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 34 of 43

    Ray's On the River Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ray's On the River

    Is there a vegan menu available?

    Are kids allowed here?

    Of course.

    Is the outdoor seating in late November heated and/or covered?

    Both last year! Give them a call to confirm. Thanks.

    I've been calling for one week now, I even left a couple messages with my name and telephone number that I need a reservation for Friday... And I've gotten no response.?

    Make a reservation on open table

    Is the outdoor seating area heated? Wondering if it will be too uncomfortable in December?

    They have Outdoor Seating, but I am not sure if it is being used or Heated.

    I didn't see any desserts listed on your website. I was told your restaurant sells Baked Alaska. Is that true?

    Definitely desserts! My favorite is something like chocolate fudge brownie. Yummy. Not sure about baked Alaska.

    Do they offer a happy hour at bar or patio for river view & drinks?

    Traditionally, how is their Easter Brunch?

    It is awesome. Anytime they do their buffet it is probably the best I ever had. I do their Mother's Day and Thanksgiving buffets every year. It is worth every penny!

    Do you need a reservation?

    No but you will probably wait a long time without one

    Is brunch still happening on Sunday's ? How does it work out?

    I would suggest calling to find out. They were doing sit down brunch but not sure if still are..

    Do they serve brunch?

    Yes, they have a fabulous brunch. I highly recommend it.

    Do they brunch a la carte options if people in a group don't want buffet?

    They do not

    Is there a dress code?

    Yes, Business Casual

    What's the dress code on Sunday lunch time?

    At all times it's Fashionably Upscale Casual. No casual shoe wear like sneakers etc.

    Can someone have a wedding reception here?

    Hi Brittany! Yes, we host many wedding receptions throughout the year and would love to speak with you about your special day. Please contact our Sales & Events Department directly at riverevents@raysrestaurants.com or 770.952.4209 for availability… 

    Is there live music any particular day? I see it photo'd but is that a norm?

    Wednesday through Saturday in the bar.

    I don't really see any decent photos of brunch at this restaurant, but I've heard there is some good breakfast items. Can anyone confirm? Also, how would you compare breakfast here to Murphy's breakfast in midtown?

    Murphy's is very good and the food at Ray's is comparable. Ray's has Stone Crab claws, cold Shrimp and sometimes Oysters. There is usually a Benedict, Baked Salmon, Gumbo, Stuffed Mushrooms and a plethora of entrees and salad items.… 

    Is this a restaurant we could take a 2 year old? We don't want to ruin anyone else's dinner if she gets noisy.

    Absolutely not!

    Seafood awesome and how are their mixed drinks?

    I had wine... a great selection... and the table had great mixed drinks

    View All 23 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Seafood 6,699 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

    Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

    4.0
    (2k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Pappadeaux is always packed no matter the location. Parking takes some patience. The service was…read moredecent. The spinach dip appetizer is shrinking in size, yet it seems like the price has increased. Then they charge extra for garlic bread versus the crust that comes with it, which is like, okay, cool, but with the small dish of spinach and crab dip, it makes it almost not worth the change and extra cost. On my last few visits, I've ordered the Texas Redfish Pontchartrain, so after reviewing the menu, I decided to go that route again. The server informed me that they were out of that fish and offered me the option of choosing another fish. We discussed the trout and the snapper. As long as it was filet, I did not have a preference. The server recommended snapper. I agreed. The entire meal was really delicious from the sauce to the fish and shrimp. I was charged à la carte for everything on the plate down to the sauce for that meal, which was confusing because I thought they were giving me the option to order the same meal and swap the fish. Instead, they charged me as if it was my request to rearrange the meal and charged me for the fish swap, the sauce, etc. The server did make some adjustments so it aligned to the pricing of the meal somewhat. The brownie dessert is always delectable. The meal took a little minute to come out, but once it did, everything was good. I did like that they brought the kids meals to the table as soon as they were ready, which was extremely awesome and insightful.

    I had an amazing facial and needed some lunch so I stopped by pappadeaux for a solo lunch date…read more This location has been a staple for quite some time so really easy to get to. I went online before hand and made a reservation. It worked out because I got a nice view and a nice seat by the window as requested. Hostess and waitress were AMAZING. Maya served me and she was phenomenal. Hands down knew everything about her menu, the specials, and complimented everything that I asked about. Food - again was 20/10! I got a pair of oysters, a raspberry fritz drink, and the snapper meal along with garlic bread. The only complaint and reason for the 3 stars is because they don't take Apple pay. I was highly disappointed because I am a virtual girly. My license is now on my phone. I have had so much scamming happening with my real cards - I only carry my digital wallet with me. I had to go on the website, purchase a gift card, and then pay for my meal that way. It was insane. Just imagine if I didn't have that option or a physical card? Would I be in jail ? Just a little uncanny that in 2026, this wasn't an option. The staff did advise it was coming so that's good to know but be aware they only take physical payments at the moment! Will definitely visit again in the future.

    Photos
    Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
    Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
    Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

    See all

    Copeland's

    Copeland's

    4.0
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We dined in at Copeland's Atlanta on a Saturday morning and it was a five star food experience. We…read moreexpected to wait but were able to sit immediately. Our waitress came over promptly and brought us water. Copeland's has a brunch buffet assortment on the weekends and it is $37.99 for adults. I hadn't been in over a decade, but the food is still outstanding. You get an array of options for breakfast and lunch. My favorites were the biscuits, golden fried fish, cheese grits, french toast bites, cucumber salad, and beignets. The prime rib was tender but could use a little salt. Everything else I tried, had the perfect seasoning. There was so much more to try that I did not, including desserts, pulled pork, red beans and rice, mashed sweet potatoes, bbq chicken, and the omelette station. I loved the fried fish and other breakfast items so much that I was full before I could. When we went the breakfast and desserts were downstairs and the lunch selections were upstairs. I wanted to note this so you don't miss it like I did after getting full on the breakfast. Overall, it is worth it for the price and family friendly. We will be back.

    Looking for good creole food for a good price?! Then look no further, Copeland's has amazing dishes…read moreand great drinks. I had the pleasure of coming here yesterday for their buffet brunch. The price for all you can eat buffet is 35 dollars. From 11am to 3pm the restaurant does their buffet brunch for customers. To be honest you truly can't beat the price. If you choose to get alcoholic cocktail drinks that's a little bit extra for sure. The customer service was great! Me and my friends had no complaint about the service. The ambiance is New Orleans inspired and their dishes do not disappoint. There's free parking on the premises. If the all you can eat buffet isn't your thing you can order from their lunch menu. The photos below show what I had from a couple of months ago. Never had a bad experience at this place.

    Photos
    Copeland's
    Decatur Catfish with a side of MacnCheese
    Decatur Catfish with a side of MacnCheese
    Sazerac

    See all

    Sazerac
    Bonefish Grill

    Bonefish Grill

    3.3
    (449 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    Shout out to Isaiah at the bar. Good energy, solid conversation, and top-tier service without ever…read morefeeling forced. He knows the menu, makes great drinks, and pays attention to the details that make the experience better. If you're at Bonefish, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at Isaiah's bar.

    The restaurant was very nice--clean, well-lit, and featuring an upscale yet warm and welcoming…read moreatmosphere. We started with the Blackened Chicken Egg Rolls, and they were absolutely delicious. The accompanying sauces paired perfectly and made for a great appetizer. My wife ordered the 12 oz. bone-in pork chop with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. Her only complaints were that the garlic mashed potatoes tasted a bit "corporate" and were only slightly warm when served. Also, as the sweet tea connoisseur that she is, she found the tea a little too sweet. I ordered the Pan-Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna, and it was freakin' delicious! Every part of the meal was outstanding. The Brussels sprouts were incredible, and the tuna was cooked and seared perfectly. I also had a Dragon Fruit Margarita, which was fantastic. To top it all off, our server, Brenden, was cordial, informative, friendly, and attentive throughout the meal. He truly helped elevate the entire experience. (Give that man a raise!) Summary: Highly recommended! Despite a couple of minor issues, the food, atmosphere, drinks, and service made for an excellent dining experience. We will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Bonefish Grill
    Bonefish Grill
    Bonefish Grill

    See all

    D'juan's Bistro

    D'juan's Bistro

    3.9
    (312 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$$

    So I don't even know where to begin. The customer service was amazing I'll start there. My waiter…read morewas Shakur. He was amazing, attentive, kind, and sweet. He was so kind and he took me to see the owner after I was done and I got chance to talk to her about what I had to eat. I got to brag on him. The owner was really sweet too she wrote down his name after I asked for it so I could request him when I bring my mom down. I let her know how great everything was after she asked and I had I told her the chargrilled oysters, the crawfish Mac, the white sangria, and the Beignets were to live for. The ambiance was amazing. It was such a home feeling I got especially as someone who has ancestors from New Orleans, I felt so at home . I can't wait to come back!

    Only I would finally get to try D'Juan's Bistro and not take one picture of my food! I'll start by…read moresaying, super easy to find, free parking in front of the restaurant and free covered parking in the deck behind it. Walking in, the place is pretty quaint. We were seated right in front of the kitchen beside the bar area. We tried quite a few items... Crab Fries - 8/10 Crab Dip - 9/10 Cajun Chicken Pasta - 10/10 Seafood Pasta - 7/10 PJ's Veggies - 9/10 Fried Shrimp & Fries - 8/10 Beignets with caramel and powdered sugar - 10/10 The food is WELL SEASONED, not salty. If you don't like well seasoned food, this ain't the place for you respectfully. Our server was amazing and very attentive to our table. Kept the drinks filled and always asked if we needed anything. Overall, I'd definitely come back!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Oyster with a hair
    Oyster with a hair
    Straight liquor shots

    See all

    Straight liquor shots

    Ray's On the River - seafood - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...