1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22209 (map); 703-841-0001 Cooking Method: Grilled Short Order: Juicy, flavorful burger lives up to expectations. It now has a spot on my list of favorite burgers. Want Fries with That? There are no fries! That leaves more room in your belly for burger. Prices: Base 10-ounce burger, $7.95
After hearing about the awesomeness of Obama-approvedRay's Hell Burger in Arlington, Virginia, over and over again since last fall (first reading about it in Jane Black's Serious Eats City Guide for Washington, D.C.), I finally tried it a few weeks ago during my first trip to D.C. since 2007.
When my friends and I arrived to Ray's Hell Burger after a sweaty uphill walk from the Rosslyn metro station, we came upon a shuttered storefront. Nooo!...oh, nevermind, it just moved down the street to the larger Ray's the Steaks space. Phew.
At 5:45 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon, it was doing good business, but it wasn't crowded. After looking at the seemingly limitless possibilities on their menu, my three friends and I went for simplicity (and moderation, keeping in mind that the burgers were ten ounces): a medium rare, grilled burger with American cheese and grilled red onions; and The Mack, a burger topped with American cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, red onion, and Ray's HECK Sauce (tangy special sauce). More burger porn after the jump.
The cheeseburger also came with lettuce, tomato, raw onions, and pickles, but I opted to keep the tomato, raw onion, and pickles on the side. The first bite into the fairly unadorned meat patty screamed success: juicy, well seasoned, soft on the inside with a bit of char on the outside, draped in melty cheese and sweet, tender onions, sandwiched between a soft sesame seed bun. I didn't even mind that the meat juices eventually soaked through the bottom bun, destroying its integrity in the process—that just gave me all the more reason to shove it in my mouth as fast as I could. And I did. And all was good with the world.
The Mack was equally enjoyable, although I generally prefer less toppings so that I can full enjoy Meat Patty of Glorious Bovine Juiciness.
Sharing two burgers between the four of us meant that we emerged satisfied and not overstuffed, but on retrospect I probably could've eaten a whole burger on my own and felt fine (besides that as soon as I finished my portion, I wanted more). The burger is easy to eat and there are no accompanying fries to take up stomach space (although they do sell potato chips); you may as well eat a whole one.
We worked off the burger by taking a leisurely walk to Georgetown and getting dessert at gelateria Dolcezza. ...Okay, maybe that didn't really offset the burgers.
I'm surprised it took AHT this long to review Ray's Hellburger!!! This place is absolutely fabulous and I hope they will be expanding into the old Ray's The Steaks (another sublime experience, if you get the chance) because people go crazy over this place (as you can tell by the 10 person line that almost always present). I'm so lucky to live right up the street from this place!
Sadly, my experience at Ray's Hell Burger was not so good.
I was recently in DC for 3 days and as any good Burger lover would have done, planned my eating around Hamburger places (Ray's Hell Burger, Five Guys and Ben's Chili Bowl).
I went to Ray's for lunch, it was moderately busy, and placed my order for a Medium-Rare Cheeseburger (American) with Fries. No Fries but the girl taking my order recommended the cheesy tater balls (or something like that).
I grabbed my root beer and only had to wait 5-10 minutes before my burger came. Uh-oh, the 2 slices of cheese weren't melted! That's OK - I'm sure it will still be a great burger. Not so much - the burger was overcooked and didn't have much flavor. I would have sworn the bun wasn't toasted but it did appear to have some golden brown'ness when I looked at it. Oh, and the potato-thingies were nasty.
So, let's see.....
Burger was overcooked with little flavor. Cheese was completely un-melted. Bun wasn't good and the potato product was nasty.
Unfortunately, this was the food lowpoint of my visit to DC. Happily, Ben's Chili Bowl & Five Guys made up for it.
I just had a hellburger two days ago at his other restaurant, Ray's the Classics. It's my favorite burge ever, even better than the double stack I had at Shake Shack, which I loved. The burger is always spot-on for me, and I've had it dozens of times. I only wish they had french fries, but none of his restaurants have them, boo.
I live within walking distance to Ray's Hell Burger so I need to stick up for one of my local favorities. When I have a burger craving I go to Ray's, the price/quality ratio is the best in the city. If you haven't been, get the au poivre burger it much better than the regular plain burger. Also, where can you get a freshly ground 10 oz burger for $7.95 with a piece of fruit?
Not to be a heretic or anything, but this review reminded me of a question I have been meaning to ask on here for a while:
Regarding the many comments about bottom-bun failure on the numerous burgers sampled by the site's devotees, do any of you ever turn the thing upside down to prevent bottom-bun disintegration (BBD)? Certainly for reviewing purposes everyone wants to know about this aspect of the burger experience, but once the reviewing is over or you make a return visit simply to satisfy your personal cravings, does this tactic prove helpful? Of course, if you are trying a place for the first time, there is no way to know if BBD might occur. However, once you are aware and want to return anyway, is this a part of your enjoyment strategy?
@richopp: I only turn it over if that makes it easier to eat the fillings. I haven't had to employ that method to keep the bun from disintegrating because by the time I realize "ahh crap this bun is falling apart" it has usually...already fallen apart, and turning it over wouldn't help much. >_
1. If you go by Metro, you can avoid the "sweaty uphill walk from the Rosslyn metro station" by getting off the train at the Court House station. Rosslyn and Court House are about the same distance from Ray's, and the Court House walk is downhill.
2. Ray's burgers are good, but this DC resident prefers the Colletti's Smokehouse at Spike Mendelsohn's “Good Stuff Eatery” near the Capitol, or the Bistro Burger at the Matchbox (Chinatown and Eastern Market locations.)
For less crowding, a shorter walk from the Metro, and to have your burger with a glass of shiraz in a pleasant air-conditioned environment, go to the bar at Ray's the Classics in Silver Spring instead. They don't quite have the full complement of options but you're more sure to get exactly what you want. And the bartenders are awesome. And if you're not in the mood for the burger, their other bar menu deals are tremendous.
mmmm, Ray's Hell Burger. Their mac & cheese is out of this world. The burger was fantastic too. Getting there from B'more was a hassle, the place was PACKED on a Friday night (and I am not a fan of crowds), parking was a nightmare, but the burger was actually worth the trip.
I moved last week, but I used to live across the street from this place and I'm sad that it was a big disappointment for me. After all the hype and press, I just didn't enjoy my burger any more than Five Guys or Good Stuff Eatery. And since it's such a hassle usually with the line, no seating to be found inside, cash only, and no fries, I just prefer other burger eateries. People tend to freak out when I say this, and especially like to say that I shouldn't judge a burger by its side dishes, but that was really the final straw for me. The tater tots are gross, and I can't just eat bite after bite after bite of mediocre burger with no fries or decent side to balance it out, and yes, I love burgers!
Ray's is my absolute favorite. I always get the Mack burger.
I love Five Guys and Good Stuff Eatery too - it just depends what you're in the mood for. They're all good but have different charms to them:) D.C. has become a great town for burgers!
@richopp - with regards to a BBD, if this happens any serious burger reviewer would class the burger a FAIL and never try it again, at least, in the short - medium term. Too many other quality burgers to eat out there!
as of today, october 30th, they do sell fries, we went last night, burgers were awesome, cooked perfectly to temp, one medium rare, the other well done. the fries leave something to be desired.....they should stick to the alternates, corn, mac & cheese, chips....and also, please dont offer cokes in plastic bottles. the vintage sodas are awesome. All in all, best burger ever by far. I grew up in Chicago, been out west for in-and-out, the spot in Kenosha wisconsin, Culvers.....and 5 guys out here.....Rays is by far the best!
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17 Comments:
I'm surprised it took AHT this long to review Ray's Hellburger!!! This place is absolutely fabulous and I hope they will be expanding into the old Ray's The Steaks (another sublime experience, if you get the chance) because people go crazy over this place (as you can tell by the 10 person line that almost always present). I'm so lucky to live right up the street from this place!
decemberain27 at 10:57AM on 08/13/09
Sadly, my experience at Ray's Hell Burger was not so good.
I was recently in DC for 3 days and as any good Burger lover would have done, planned my eating around Hamburger places (Ray's Hell Burger, Five Guys and Ben's Chili Bowl).
I went to Ray's for lunch, it was moderately busy, and placed my order for a Medium-Rare Cheeseburger (American) with Fries. No Fries but the girl taking my order recommended the cheesy tater balls (or something like that).
I grabbed my root beer and only had to wait 5-10 minutes before my burger came. Uh-oh, the 2 slices of cheese weren't melted! That's OK - I'm sure it will still be a great burger. Not so much - the burger was overcooked and didn't have much flavor. I would have sworn the bun wasn't toasted but it did appear to have some golden brown'ness when I looked at it. Oh, and the potato-thingies were nasty.
So, let's see.....
Burger was overcooked with little flavor. Cheese was completely un-melted. Bun wasn't good and the potato product was nasty.
Unfortunately, this was the food lowpoint of my visit to DC. Happily, Ben's Chili Bowl & Five Guys made up for it.
sfmitch at 11:47AM on 08/13/09
I just had a hellburger two days ago at his other restaurant, Ray's the Classics. It's my favorite burge ever, even better than the double stack I had at Shake Shack, which I loved. The burger is always spot-on for me, and I've had it dozens of times. I only wish they had french fries, but none of his restaurants have them, boo.
coolblursn at 12:01PM on 08/13/09
that bun looks awful.
but i'm definitely trying ray's while in DC this weekend!
Goner at 2:39PM on 08/13/09
I live within walking distance to Ray's Hell Burger so I need to stick up for one of my local favorities. When I have a burger craving I go to Ray's, the price/quality ratio is the best in the city. If you haven't been, get the au poivre burger it much better than the regular plain burger. Also, where can you get a freshly ground 10 oz burger for $7.95 with a piece of fruit?
potter3515 at 3:12PM on 08/13/09
Ok the base hamburger is really $6.95 cheese is additional charge, which ranges from $1 to $5.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/menu/572054?p=0
potter3515 at 3:15PM on 08/13/09
@sfmitch: Sorry to hear you had such a crappy experience! I hope it was just a fluke. ;_;
@potter3515: I think that menu is outdated, although I just tried to call Ray's to confirm and only got an automated message. Doh!
Anyhoo, $8 is a great price for what you get. Watermelon is a nice touch!
Robyn Lee at 3:21PM on 08/13/09
Not to be a heretic or anything, but this review reminded me of a question I have been meaning to ask on here for a while:
Regarding the many comments about bottom-bun failure on the numerous burgers sampled by the site's devotees, do any of you ever turn the thing upside down to prevent bottom-bun disintegration (BBD)? Certainly for reviewing purposes everyone wants to know about this aspect of the burger experience, but once the reviewing is over or you make a return visit simply to satisfy your personal cravings, does this tactic prove helpful? Of course, if you are trying a place for the first time, there is no way to know if BBD might occur. However, once you are aware and want to return anyway, is this a part of your enjoyment strategy?
richopp at 3:52PM on 08/13/09
@richopp: I only turn it over if that makes it easier to eat the fillings. I haven't had to employ that method to keep the bun from disintegrating because by the time I realize "ahh crap this bun is falling apart" it has usually...already fallen apart, and turning it over wouldn't help much. >_
Robyn Lee at 3:57PM on 08/13/09
1. If you go by Metro, you can avoid the "sweaty uphill walk from the Rosslyn metro station" by getting off the train at the Court House station. Rosslyn and Court House are about the same distance from Ray's, and the Court House walk is downhill.
2. Ray's burgers are good, but this DC resident prefers the Colletti's Smokehouse at Spike Mendelsohn's “Good Stuff Eatery” near the Capitol, or the Bistro Burger at the Matchbox (Chinatown and Eastern Market locations.)
bcarter3 at 4:16PM on 08/13/09
@bcarter3: If only I knew that beforehand..doh! :( Ah well, burning calories isn't the worst idea in the world.
I also went to Matchbox! But I got the sliders.
Robyn Lee at 4:19PM on 08/13/09
For less crowding, a shorter walk from the Metro, and to have your burger with a glass of shiraz in a pleasant air-conditioned environment, go to the bar at Ray's the Classics in Silver Spring instead. They don't quite have the full complement of options but you're more sure to get exactly what you want. And the bartenders are awesome. And if you're not in the mood for the burger, their other bar menu deals are tremendous.
I miss DC. And its burger selection.
jm chen at 6:35PM on 08/13/09
mmmm, Ray's Hell Burger. Their mac & cheese is out of this world. The burger was fantastic too. Getting there from B'more was a hassle, the place was PACKED on a Friday night (and I am not a fan of crowds), parking was a nightmare, but the burger was actually worth the trip.
AliceBlue at 7:04PM on 08/13/09
I moved last week, but I used to live across the street from this place and I'm sad that it was a big disappointment for me. After all the hype and press, I just didn't enjoy my burger any more than Five Guys or Good Stuff Eatery. And since it's such a hassle usually with the line, no seating to be found inside, cash only, and no fries, I just prefer other burger eateries. People tend to freak out when I say this, and especially like to say that I shouldn't judge a burger by its side dishes, but that was really the final straw for me. The tater tots are gross, and I can't just eat bite after bite after bite of mediocre burger with no fries or decent side to balance it out, and yes, I love burgers!
LizLemon at 11:02AM on 08/17/09
Ray's is my absolute favorite. I always get the Mack burger.
I love Five Guys and Good Stuff Eatery too - it just depends what you're in the mood for. They're all good but have different charms to them:) D.C. has become a great town for burgers!
LAQ1013 at 11:53AM on 08/17/09
@richopp - with regards to a BBD, if this happens any serious burger reviewer would class the burger a FAIL and never try it again, at least, in the short - medium term. Too many other quality burgers to eat out there!
grinderman at 3:34AM on 08/18/09
as of today, october 30th, they do sell fries, we went last night, burgers were awesome, cooked perfectly to temp, one medium rare, the other well done. the fries leave something to be desired.....they should stick to the alternates, corn, mac & cheese, chips....and also, please dont offer cokes in plastic bottles. the vintage sodas are awesome. All in all, best burger ever by far. I grew up in Chicago, been out west for in-and-out, the spot in Kenosha wisconsin, Culvers.....and 5 guys out here.....Rays is by far the best!
DCSaluki at 2:30PM on 10/29/09