Ray's

They have the best cheese fries in town! The Cajun fries are fried crisp, not greasy, the cheese goes all the way down, so there are no cheese-less fries. The cheese is hot and fresh and tastes delicious.

Ordered Shrimp Dinners and they don't carry cocktail sauce?? It is very easy to make homemade cocktail sauce!! Don't eat fried seafood there if you want cocktail sauce and the girls working the front counter are rude and need to be re-trained on their etiquette! Will not be back.

We love Ray's! We dine in on a regular basis. The food is always delicious, the employees are so sweet, and the large dining area is clean. The fried pies are to die for.

Food is ok, my $1.99 coffee was small and cold. I had to ask for it at the window10 minutes after our food.

We were told they had good food and that was definitely true. They offer a wide variety on their menu. Lots of comfort food. We will stop again on our next trip to Monticello.

I had a friendly encounter with the girl taking my order. She was sweet and polite to help me out here on my first time. She kindly guided me throughout the menu. I was pleased to hear the menu perfectly from memory. I was sold on the double dinner meal with eight pieces of fish, 2 sides, hush puppies. For my 2 sides I ordered baked beans with pulled pork. My mouth waters recalling what I had, and Cajun style fries. I had drinks in the car so I passed up on that. However my total came out to 12.97 that was really surprising to see how affordable it was. Especially after having picked the biggest option in quantity. I enjoyed my scrumptious catfish. It had a crispy texture on the outside and soft tender inside. I tried tartar sauce for the first time because it came with it. Not a fan, but I’m not going to judge them based on my taste. The fries were crispy and fried to perfection. My hush puppies were yummy. Baked beans with pulled pork were so hearty and delicious. 10/10 would definitely be back.

The bbq has gotten terrible. Ive eaten it for the last time. The sauce is thin and it leaves an aftertaste. The meat has been tough for awhile now too.

Ordered the chopped BBQ pork sandwich, baked potato salad, baked beans special and cheesecake fried pie. Everything was delicious. I was a bit disappointed in the proportion of bbq I got and had to eat about 1/3 of the fried pie to bite into filling though. BBQ didn't have enough kick for me but was still tasty. I will go back to try other items when I pass through again.

Great food. Great service. Clean establishment. When we first moved here to Arkansas, we visited based on the sign out front stating they have been there for so many years. They did not disappoint. We will keep supporting.

Everything good very nice and cool spot happy I stopped by and ate. Service was great too

The food is amazing. Try the burger. The service is mixed. There are some great ones and then some not so great ones.

Having lived here since 1984, Ray's is still considered to be the GOAT as far as restaurants in our great state b/c of the delicious food, friendly service, family atmosphere, & great portions at a fair price not to mention Elvis was a big fan of Ray's back in the day!! Grade earned: A+, gold star, smiley face!

A legend. Consistently good food... catfish, burgers, fries among my favorites. Fed me during college days. Feeding me during retirement.

With my family originating in rural Drew County, Arkansas, I have been making annual pilgrimages there since the mid-1960's for some family visits and hunting. Every year we make sure to have dinner one night at Ray's. We live the fried catfish in particular and I love their onion rings as well. Ample portions of fish, two sides, and really good iced tea. Love the family themed service and they are big supporters of the nearby University of Arkansas at Monticello's Bill Weevils. A true Monticello bastion of history and it is always great to see that some things don't need to change.

I'm a pretty picky eater but I just love Ray's. I absolutely love their chocolate malt and their cajun fries are the best fries I've ever had. Even though there's mostly teens who work there they're mostly all nice great service. Also last I just love the aesthetic of the place just the old timey feeling is amazing also just fun fact, Elvis Presley has been there before. To me that's crazy but yea I love Ray's

Are hear when I was a teenager and lived in the area. I was passing thru and decided to drop in for old time's sake. Loved the nostalgia. Service was great and quick considering it was lunch time. I ordered a burger, fries and drink. Food came out hot. Frieda were good. Burger was good, with that old fashion burger flair. Stop in and enjoy.

We were returning home from Little Rock, seen this cafe and decided to give it a try, believe me it didn't disappoint, It was Monday and we try the lunch special, could not have asked for a better sandwich, mustard potato salad, and beans, this will be a place to return later when we travel in that direction

Old fashioned restaurant. Fish sandwhich is delish! Fish plate is crispy and quite tasty. So is pulled pork and baked beans. I wish they had normal mustard potato salad that is creamy. The hunks in the other are sometimes not done. Fried pies and milk shakes are phenomenal.

What can i say. Rays is like a blast from the past. Anytime i go to Monticello, i must get a fish sandwich! I love the fish coating and they fry it perfectly to my liking. The service is always great. Everyone is always smiling and helpful.

Best burgers and sweet tea! We try and always stop on our way home. Chocolate pies are good too!!!

Food is AWSOME but the service is slightly we called our order In about 9 minutes ahead of time and it still was still not ready it normally takes about five minutes for the food to be ready other than that food was AWSOME I would definitely recommend and the customer service is great

We enjoy going on every trip to Monticello. The fried pies are the best. Try one of each flavor. Love the chili cheese fries.

Amazing fish , fast service, hot food , glad I didn't go by the lying reviews, it was good , hot and fast . Recommend highly.

the food here has no flavor. the food taste like shart. one of the employees rolled their eyes when i asked a question. they are extremely rude and sharty. would not recommend. they don't have good customer service.

Great food, every single time. But it's always really packed and the people taking orders are always rushing you.

Ray's is a Monticello tradition. Much more than a hamburger stand--their barbecue is smoked, tender & tasty; their catfish dinner is the best with their own bbq beans & coleslaw. They also have an adjoining dining room that can accommodate large groups. I would give 6 stars to Ray's if possible.

Great all American food. Ray's has been in business since 1968 and is a favorite among all ages. Quick service @nd clean facility make dining in a real joy. Take out and call in available

Delightful little diner with great service and home cooked food. This diner has everything from burgers and hot dogs to fish and tacos, and don't forget dessert. Unfortunately, they did forget ours we had to ask for it and still never got the ice cream. Also, we ordered peach pie and got apple. There really wasn't anyone there so they weren't overly busy. But, the staff was friendly and the food was good. It is very casual. You order at the counter, get a number, and get your food when they call your number. The baked potato salad was very good and a nice change from the norm.

Really good catfish not the best but good great coleslaw and hush puppies Really nice staff

I have been coming to Rays since the mid 60's. I keep coming back when I am in Monticello. I have never been disappointed. I ordered fish this evening and waiting on my order to dine in. Very pleasant person behind the counter waited on me. Good again.

It's pretty good but overall atmosphere feels Eire and weird and there nachos where terrible

We were passing thru traveling at lunch time saw a ton of car parked at this place so we figured it'd be good and it was great. We both had a jumbo cheeseburger a chili cheese fry and a milkshake everything tasted great. The meat was fresh hand formed patties fully dressed and was under $3 The fries were just frozen seasoned fry's but the chili on top was delicious had some heat to it like chili should have. Took about 7 minutes for them to cook our burgers and make the shakes but it takes a few minutes for fresh stuff. They also had Bbq and fried catfish although I didn't taste it, it looked tasty.

Driving through, swung into Ray's. Ordered Cheeseburger, fries and onion rings. 1. Cost: $45 for 4 burgers, 3 fries, 1 onion ring and 4 drinks. Overpriced. 2. Quality: Only the burger was hot. Fries and Rings cold totally not fresh. Burgers could use some seasoning on patties. Patties were homemade, but small in comparison to the bun. 3. Service: Cashier was super friendly genuinely concerned with making a great impression on guest. Drink girl, was super unhappy to be at work. Passed our drinks as if we annoyed her. 4. Bathroom: Trash can was overflowing.

Ray's has a good reputation, but here's the reality (at least in the last few years): 1) The food is overpriced and mediocre 2) The staff, for the most part, are rude, ESPECIALLY if you're making an order to go 3) The restaurant, ESPECIALLY the restroom, is ridiculously hot in the warm months 4) My husband waited over 30 minutes TWICE for a to-go order. Both times this order was the same. Coleslaw, hush-puppies and a fried pie. Simple and quick. They were unapologetic and rude to him both times for their mistake of not making it. I've eaten here MANY time and taken my out-of-town family here when they come to visit. Things need to change.

Really like eating here. Good hamburgers and fries. Been in Monticello, Ar since 1964 so they are doing something right. When I come to town I always stop by for a bite to eat!!! My Mom left her phone once and one of the waitresses lived towards Star City, AR so after they closed we meet her half way and she brought us my Mom's phone. A very nice thing to do!!! Worth the stop every time!!'

Stopped here as we were passing through Monticello. The bathroom was disgusting. Looked as if it hasn't been cleaned in months. Urine was all over toilet and the floor. Around bottom of toilet so so gross. Smell was horrific. The entry door into Rays has about an inch gap on top. It's black from filth so are the base boards. Wish I would have went to bathroom before I ordered because I would've walked straight out. Girl behind counter was very sweet.

We got the catfish. It was really good. My boyfriend got onion rings, which tasted like they were refried. He said hands-down they were the worst onion rings he has ever tried. The baked beans were great. I didn't like the hush puppies. The main problem with this place is the customer service. The two girls taking orders didn't smile once. They acted annoyed if you had the nerve to ask a question about the menu. I had to laugh at just how bad the service was. It was almost like a comedy skit!

Ray's is a great dive restaurant. There's not much to it, but there doesn't have to be. The food speaks loud and clear! I've passed by Ray's I don't know how many times. I had opportunity to be going back and forth for Dallas for a couple of months during the end of last year. I was looking for a quick lunch, but not fast food, My dad told to stop by Ray's. The menu is quite large. There's a little bit of everything up on the menu. But I kept ordering the same few items over and over. First was the hamburger, these are just good ol' fashioned burgers. Large and juicy. And fries. Nothing fancy going on here, they just get you with what appeared to be a 70/30 beef patty and fresh veggies on a soft bun. Bam!! Done. The second thing that got me was the Catfish. Crispy & dark brown. This is about as fresh as it gets without catching and cooking it yourself. Lastly was the Fried Apple Pie...HOT! HOT! HOT! And soooo good! Great local dive! Now I stop almost every time I go through Monticello.

My spouse and I visited this restaurant in pursuit of some good old BBQ. I called the restaurant prior to arrival and ask if it had BBQ. I was told yes. However, after traveling to the restaurant and ask for BBQ I was told by the Cashier/Host that they only do BBQ once a month and they was not serving it on that day. That's a result of poor training. Clearly, the staff is not on the accord. I explained that I had called and what was said. I was told sorry. Therefore, my spouse and I settle for something a cheeseburger and a daily meal/special pork sandwich and baked beans. Both meals was horrible. We do not recommend Ray's of Monticello, Arkansas .

Yummy! I love to buy BBQ by the pound to take home and make my own sandwiches. However, during my last visit, my mother and I ordered our food to go. We waited more than 30 min while other people repeatedly ordered and received their food before us. When we complained they seemed unconcerned. They also made our drinks and sat them aside when we ordered. They sat there the whole 30 min watering down. Customer service here is never that great, but because of this recent experience we will not return for a while.

Sincerely the closest to concession stand food I have had anywhere not at a ball park. This place has been open for a very long time, using the same equipment run by the same family. They claim to specialize in hamburgers, but what is special or unique about a standard hamburger I can get anywhere in town or even make myself at home? Is there some kind of special seasoning I wasn't tasting? The food was below average, service is non-existent because the place is usually staffed by high school students, and the menu is so full of fried items, it's a wonder no one has had a heart attack here. Speaking of the menu, it's way too big. It's almost like certain items are there to satisfy the craving of one or two customers a week. The options are, again, all fried or salted to the extreme. No healthy options at all.

Completely underwhelmed. Service was slow and not particularly friendly. We ordered burgers and fries and it took about 20 minutes to get our food even though there was no one waiting in front of us. (And only a few people after us.) The food was nothing special: typical pre-made frozen burger patties and lackluster frozen restaurant fries. The decor was typical dive decor and (unfortunately) included a blaring tv. I've been told the bbq sandwiches are better than the burgers, but the service was so poor I won't be hurrying back.

I think this is one of those places that's been around so long just because it's been around so long. The food is no better than what you'd get at a concession stand. It's not bad, it's just not that good.

Burgers were great! Cajun fries were ok. But the fried pies are A-MAAAA-ZING! Don't forget to eat the fried pies!!

Definitely the BEST fast food in town, maybe a bit old fashion and a bit run down looking. But the food is usually good and the place is usually busy. Seriously if you want fast food in Monticello it is one of the best choices. My family gets take out from here regularly and even eats in occasionally.

The barbeque cant be beat. It is easily the best I've ever had. Catfish, fried shrimp and burgers are amazing too. Don't forget to order a malt!

What was I thinking. Right off, the staff were very unwelcoming. These two slovenly back country gen-Y geniuses are the "give you a dirty look as you order because you're inconveniencing them in the middle of a Candy Crush game" type. If you thought "those underrated hole in the wall places are the hidden gems", you have not scored here. The American Cuisine (slop) they serve is pretty on par with edible diner food. No hot sauce within reach peeved me, c'mon it's a BBQ joint. I know the bar isn't high in the land where sleeping with your sister is fair game but dude have decency for those of us traveling through.

I have a few negatives and a few positives about Ray's. I have been there many times and have always enjoyed the food; my recommendations being the burgers and the baked potato salad are both wonderful. The bad part is there isn't a lot of service and you do feel like you are inconveniencing the staff by asking for a refill.

This restaurant is truly a place you go for the novelty not the food. Although the food was as if it were in a ballpark it was nice to visit because we have family nearby. You don't eat at many places that have been open since 1962.

4 stars for Monticello. Good selection, hometown environment, 3rd best burgers behind, city drug, and breakers. Little expensive as well. But good place.

A Monticello tradition, it's all good! Friendly service at the order window and cooked to your order food. Great burgers and bar b q

My wife and I had to go to Monticello on a Monday, and I had always heard good things about Ray's, so we decided to try it for lunch. I had read some bad reviews about bad service and waitresses handling food with bare hands, and those reviews were spot on. We had a sleeping baby in the car, so I went in to order while she waited in the car with the baby. The first thing that struck me was how expensive it was. 2 jumbo cheeseburgers, a regular onion ring, and a regular Cajun fries was $14.99! No drinks! Just the food! The waitress also threw the $5.01 into my hand like another review had said. I thought, well, if the food was as good as people say it would be worth it. While waiting 20 minutes for my food, I saw a waitress, who had just handled money, picking up fried pies with her bare hands and serving them to customers, who weren't phased by it, so I assume this is the norm. I finally received the food and we went to Sonic for some ice waters to drink. The burgers were very good, the meat seemed fresh and the cheese was melted perfectly, but the double battered onion rings and Cajun fries both had NO FLAVOR! I couldn't believe it. We just ate the burgers, threw away the sides, called it a lesson learned, and wished we had ordered sonics burger and onion rings for $2.99. If you want a burger, get that, but pass on the sides.

my husband took me on a date here and it was delicious we only spent 13.00 the Service was awesome food was super good very decent prices I am definitely going back the food is huge and and taste amazing

I love Ray's. I am not huge on fried food, but this place is really awesome. they have a fried shrimp dinner that is so good.

Didn't realize Ray's is a hamburger place. Not many healthy choices. Nice and clean and cheerful. Reminds me of a burger place before McDonald's and Burger King. It was reasonably priced. My husband had a hamburger and I had a bowl of chili. They didn't know what eating gluten-free is. Great place for a group to gather!