I’ve been to some of the best steak joints in the Washington DC/Northern VA area, and always on the hunt for the next greatest one. I had heard of a place in Arlington by the name of Ray’s The Steaks…and that was next on my list.

Ray’s The Steaks is in this pretty crappy looking shopping center, in a place that just doesn’t look so special. They did have a line though!? The restaurant is so popular that they don’t even take reservations, the best you can do is come after 4:30pm and choose a time that they can try their best to get you in if you come back. Here’s the inside, nothing special:

Who cares what it looks like though, right?? We were there for good food and a good atmosphere. When you sit down, you’ll find a little place of spicy cashews…good start, these little guys are tasty!? We started off with a couple of shrimp and scallop appetizers:

Definitely a good start, the shrimp were big, and the flavoring was excellent. The real question though is how are the steaks?? I personally had the filet, and I can’t remember specifically what my friends got but I want to say one of them had the cajun ribeye. I tried a little bit, WOW. The flavoring was so good, and I’m told I can do a filet in a cajun style. I’m dying to go back and try this. The filet was up there as one of the best filets I’ve ever had (top 3).

Everybody I was with (3 others) were all extremely impressed with the food, and we can’t wait to go back. On top of the food being great, the prices were also pretty reasonable. The check for the four of us was about $250 before wine/tip.

When we were waiting for our table, there was a place next door with no visible sign (that I saw), but the place was packed. I later found out it was another Ray’s establishment by the name of Ray’s Hell Burger. Apparently the burgers there are ridiculously good, and start at about $6.50. This will definitely be next on the list.

If you’re in the Washington DC area, want a good steak in a lively/young atmosphere, without worrying about getting dressed up…make sure you head over to Ray’s The Steaks.

Ray’s the Steaks
1725 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 841-7297