Came in for a beer. Excellent beer selection. Everything was fresh. Highly recommend for a craft beer.

As a bar, it's 5 stars. Ray's is quintessential Kent. Great classic atmosphere, always good service, open late. If you've never been to Kent, it's a must stop for a drink. I'm at about 3 stars for the food. I've eaten here a lot, because it's where everyone always wants to go, but it's incredibly hit or miss for me. I'm usually more excited to drink here than eat. The good: The smoked pastrami sandwiches are a must try, loads of smoky flavor. The mussels appetizer is top notch, way better than you'd expect from pub food. If you get the pulled pork sandwich, they give you a heaping pile of meat. I got a gourmet burger once and thought it was really tasty. The fried pickles and the sauce that come with them are great. I've also always enjoyed the garlic finger wrap. The bad: I hate wasting food, but I don't think I even finished the meatloaf. It's a savory (gravy) rather than sweet (ketchup/ bbq) meatloaf, and tasted like something out of a TV dinner. Maybe it was just that day, and was made a few days before and just re-heated, but not good that particular time. My wife ordered a burger yesterday. They never asked how she wanted it cooked, and it came out with hockey puck consistency, and taste. People love the wings, but I've had bad luck. They were fatty and rubbery when I tried them. The weird: The fries. Sandwiches don't come with fries, you have to order them separately, which is fine. But a single order is $4.75, and it comes in a basket that serves like 4 people. That's great if you want to share, but if you're just a person that wants some side fries, it's expensive and excessive. If you get a $6 basket, I'd imagine it feeds 10-12 people, I'm joking, sort of. The jerk fries are great and have a good kick. The suns stix (sweet potato) are good when cooked normally, but I've had them either totally burnt or underdone enough times to avoid them. read more

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Delicious food! Only reason it doesn't get a 5 star is because it tends to be really cramped...however that's due to how great the food is! I've never had an issue with service. Definitely a kent staple and has been mentioned on Food Network during the favorite eats show! read more

Visited on a Friday evening and there was a wait. We were finally seated in a booth in the back, next to a large party. Service was slow and the table next to us, meant for 8, quickly got up to 13 and started adding people to booths around us. Eventually it was so loud and we constantly had people standing at the end of our table talking, it was not an enjoyable meal. We had to ask the server 3 times for a glass of water and the meals took over 30 minutes. read more

I've been eating (and drinking) at Ray's for decades now, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to leave a review. The food here is absolutely excellent. Of course, you're getting bar food (e.g. sandwiches, wings, fried food, etc.), but the quality is better than any around. We've even had our shop's Christmas party here upstairs (pre-pandemic), and they did a bang up job with a large group. This is a Kent staple and a must visit. Pro Tip: Order something that comes off of the smoker (e.g. wings, pastrami, bbq). Yes, they have one and smoke daily. You won't regret it! read more

Nothing better than the old town ambience of Ray's Place! You just have to go there, and participate in the experience!

I've been coming to Ray's place since college. It's always a good time and I always know what to expect. It's a Kent classic! There's a good mix of college kids and older adults. They ID at the door of course. There's a bunch of tables and booths inside - they easily accommodate bigger groups! There's also a bar inside as well. The bathrooms are also typically clean and well stocked, which is better than a lot of other bars in the area! The biggest thing they're known here for are Long Jsland Iced Teas - it's like their classic. They're $4.50 a glass. I'm a big beer drinker and they have a pretty extensive draft list, with a ton of local breweries, which is really great. If it's your birthday, they they have a fun wheel that you can spin for a free shot :) it's super fun. As for the food, it's pretty good! It's a lot of bar food fare, like sandwiches, burgers. onion rings, fries, etc. I'm never disappointed here, got onion rings the other night and it was pretty solid! My friend had a Reuben and really enjoyed it as well. As for parking, there's street parking available as well as public free lots nearby. I would highly recommend coming to ray's place to meet some friends, I always have a good time!! read more

Great Food - Great Service - No Crossdressers Every time I am there the food is great and the service is with a smile!! read more

Service was great; food was abundant but not exceptional. Pub fare with an emphasis on quantity not quality. Noisy atmosphere in this sports bar/college watering hole on the riverfront. Indoor & outdoor dining available. read more

This is my favorite place to go in NE Ohio, anytime and all the time. The beer selection is absolutely crazy - I cannot tell you how many they have on tap and bottled - but pretty much any beer you'd like to sample, well they have it, especially NE Ohio beers. Of course they serve traditionals like Guinness and Bass, one of the only places I know of to get Bass on draft. The food is wonder for a pub venue. The wings are the best in NE Ohio by far, and among the best I have ever had, big, meaty and deliciously prepared with a choice of many sauces. The burgers are awesome, and the double burger with cheddar and bacon is a culinary killer. The chicken quesadilla delicious and quite filling, as are the hot nachos. We go every week and have - never - had a bad meal at Ray's. French onion soup, BBQ, salads... everything is prepared fresh and carefully. Ray's atmosphere is also wonderful. The waitstaff is amazingly attentive considering just how busy it is here... and it is always busy on any day of the week (I've been on every day...). The Pub is also for everyone - old, young babies, college kids, retired, even people ordering a bottle of wine... in an Irish Pub. Plus, it is located in downtown Kent. I just love Ray's... it's my go-to for food and beer, and I highly recommend it. read more

Ray's Place - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio

The best burger ever! I was kind of bummed out because Sunday they wouldn't take any carry out orders. They said it was too busy for pick up orders which seemed strange to me, to turn down business because I didn't want to dine in?? Most places will take the order and caution that it's going to be an hour or so before it's busy. But anywho by the next day I had forgiven them and placed a take out order for the mo fo burger and fries. I'm so glad I did because it was GREAT! read more

Ray's Place - Fries - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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An icon of the Kent scene. Above average bar fare, decent drinks. I wouldn't make a special trip there just for the food, but as I stated earlier it is an icon of the Kent scene and must be experienced. ... Oh, the staff is fantastic read more

Service was 5 stars, Everyone walking by checked on us! Food was good, but we felt some of it was a little bland. However the menu is extensive, we'll be back to try out other things! read more

Ray's Place - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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The food is very good and service is excellent it's a bar atmosphere I don't drink alcohol, but I still go for the food

I have been going to Rays Place since the 90's when I was a college student. I have watched it evolve from a simple town bar with good food to a fantastic all around restaurant. They have a great selection of alcohol and the menu is a perfect mix of bar type food and great meals. I have to admit my favorite has always been the max the knife sandwich and you can't say no to their fresh cut French fries. Also, it's pretty famous. If you ever find yourself in Kent, Ohio, you must stop in to say hello and have a few pints. Don't forget to pick up a t-shirt, you'd be amazed how wide you can travel the world and have people ask you about it! read more

Ray's a great go to in the college scene that is downtown Kent. Having visited prior to the pandemic, the experience was just as I remembered from 20 years earlier - great food, great selection of beers, loud lively 'ambience' and just the vibe you'd expect a long standing 'go-to' divey like place to have. The sandwich, wings, and soup were all good to great. The service was pretty good too and the seating options pretty good, depending on your preferences. Good burgers or really good pastrami on rye would be my recommendations for the first timers. read more

Cool college atmosphere bar with friendly staff and great wings (got the smoked wings with Cajun dry seasoning). Fiancé had the chicken salad and said it was excellent. Will definitely be back again. read more

Just a regular ol' bar. Sports on the TV and decent music playing. VERY friendly bartenders. Menu is normal bar food with a twist, they have things like hummus, stir fry, and dumplings. My favorite thing on the menu is the smoked wings. I get them hot every time (and you HAVE to get them smoked) They're a Ray's Place favorite and for sure a go-to of mine. They taste absolutely spectacular and the meat just falls right off the bone Everything else on the menu is average, not much more to say. read more

On an episode of Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network, Michael Symon named the MoFo at Ray's the best burger he'd ever had... and he owns hamburger restaurants. So while in that part of the world, I stopped in for a MoFo. I'd been to Ray's before, but only for the brews, many, many years ago. I must say, the MoFo is gigantic, so much so that I believe it has it's own gravitational pull as mine practically imploded on itself. Easily the messiest burger I've ever had, but it was very, very tasty! Just know that this is a burger in which you might have to repent after eating, as your very soul may need a good scrub. read more

Ray's Place - Michael Simon's favorite burger ever, the MoFo. - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio

Great food. Strong drinks. Nice people. It is a college bar.. so pick your arrival time wisely.. if you're there for a night out go late late. If your planing on eating. Your gonna want to go a bit earlier in the evening to make sure you get a seat. read more

Good service and good food. The jerk fries! Wings! Ribs! Excellent place to go for good food, drinks and good time read more

Ray's Place - Ribs and beer and family! - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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Great food and atmosphere. The service was fast and friendly. Will definitely be going back.

"Yeah! That's my mo-fo!" -- Jerry Maguire (1996) I travel quite a bit for work and rely on Yelp to help me find the right places to eat (Thanks fellow Yelpers). My coworker was no help, so I happened upon Rays. I ready so much about the Jerk fries and the MoFo Burger, we just had to come. This is definitely a "hang-out" type of joint. The place was busy, but not too busy. A more relaxed atmosphere, but this isn't a place to come when you are in a hurry. My coworker and I grabbed a seat and ordered a couple of things to start and a couple of drinks. He was happy with the beer selection, so we were all set. Jerk fries are where's its at! This is a MUST. So flavorful, you just can't stop eating them. We also ordered the fried mac n cheese. They were good, but paled in comparison to the fries. I mean, really everything did. I also ordered the MoFo Burger (as instructed by fellow Yelpers) and I wasn't disappointed, but it was a lot. It's a double stack, but more-so than I am used to where I am from. Usually, they are super thin patties. So when I was asked how I wanted it cooked, I knew it was going to be big. The burger came out medium (as instructed) and it was juicy and delicious. Piled high with toppings (mushrooms, ftw) and tough to eat (who has a mouth that big?). I had to squash it down to be able to eat it - and it was pretty messy. I was too full to try the peanut butter pie (fail), but man it looked amazing. I would come back again, for sure. But damn those fries... read more

Pat was the best! Such a nice guy and super good service. Get the pig rub fries when you go or else you're missing out!!!

We planned a very casual class reunion here. Charlie, the manager, was extremely responsive and helpful. Everyone had a great time, and we loved "coming home" again! read more

The food is always very good and the servers are also very very nice and have great customer service

The food was great! And a fun atmosphere made for an awesome night!!! The service was good too.

I've only been to rays for the drinks which are absolutely amazing! Definitely suggest the Long Island iced tea! But the food was absolutely awful! I got the atomic burger which was super bland. Also the fries were super overdone and I ended the night feeling sick for hours! Definitely will stick to just drinks! read more

I have NEVER experienced something like this before. My boyfriend and I were in town for my graduation. We walked over to eat dinner from a quick beer at Water Street Bar at 5pm. We had a plastic Kent State souvenir cup (empty) and we sat at the bar. An older bartender yelled at us for having the cup saying they were a direct competitor. We didn't have anywhere to put the cup so he wouldn't serve us. He told us we were advertising another bar as he continued to yell. He made a scene in front of customers. I think he lost more customers yelling at us and making a scene about it rather than the "cup advertising". I have never been to Kent State (I'm a distance learner) so I'm not familiar with Kent State. DO NOT support an establishment that treats their customers like this. I do not recommend this place. We never made it to the food because he refused to serve us with the cup. I would give this place negative 20 stars if I could. read more

Classic bar in Kent. Great beer selection. The food is ok. Worth a visit in Kent as a classic place.

Whenever I visit Kent, Ray's Place is a 'must' to visit at least once for lunch. I've never been disappointed here. The burgers (all versions) are great; the fries are great. They have an impressive array of beers-on-tap. Ray's is located down by the river in a quaint part of town, so after lunch plan to go for a stroll across the bridge and down to the river. read more

Rude service. At least have the decency to acknowledge customers who walk in. We were told the kitchen was open until 9:30 but they were not serving food at 8:45. Oh well read more

Ray's is Ray's, hasn't changed too much, yet still seems to update with the times. Good quality bar food and great beer selection.

I'm not a five star reviewer, but this place gets a 4.5 from me. Great food. Exceptional service. Would highly recommend this place to anyone dropping their kids off at KSU! read more

Been going there since '77. Great atmosphere and great beer selection. The food has always been great but ever since I tried the smoked pastrami sandwich I can't eat anything else. One of the handful of food items on earth I eat very slow cuz I want it to last as long as possible... read more

Ray's IS the place! beer selection? amazing! food? always delicious! smoked food? must have! I've been going to Rays since 1981 and I've loved it every time. try it, you'll like it read more

A Kent landmark. Generations of students and townies have eaten here side-by-side. Excellent burgers that are on the large side. Their Mo-Fo Burger has been lauded by celebrity chef Michael Simon as the best burger he's ever had but it is beyond my capabilities. The dining room is not especially comfortable; wooden stools, straight-backed chairs, or hard wooden booths are the seating options. The decor is average dive bar and the music is meh. Lotsa tvs tuned in to sports. A second bar is located upstairs and is a popular spot for private parties. Catering is available there. Servers are attentive without hovering. read more

Good food and good atmosphere! Good size portions, clean tables and booths .. love to visit again

Good food and service really enjoy every time we go. No issues with a big party. Food always hot

Ray's is hands down my favorite place in NE Ohio to get a Burger! When you want good old Bar Food, this is where you go. While the Burgers are the highlight for me, the wings and fries are also huge hits! Especially the Jerk Fries! The also have a fairly extensive list of Craft Beers on tap and in bottle. Each time I go I find something new. The first time I was here I found my favorite burger, the MoFo! I got to wash it down with a WTF beer! I love telling that story. Ray's is the only place I know where you can get a MoFo and WTF! It can get crowded in here at peak times but they do have downstairs and upstairs seating. If one looks busy, check the other. It is a perfect place for after work gatherings or parties. They have always accommodated our large work groups if we call a few days ahead. The staff has been great and always knowledgeable of the menu including drinks. Since it is located in downtown Kent, parking can be tricky at times but if you luck out, you can find free street parking. Just don't try to park across the street in the Puffer Belly lot. They watch it like hawks! read more

Ray's Place - The MoFo with Jerk Fries. A great combo! - American Near Me - Kent, Ohio