Nestled by the Chattahoochee River, this charming spot serves elevated Southern seafood in a cozy atmosphere with outstanding service and unforgettable dishes.
"The name says it all at Ray’s on the River, which has a loyal local following. The regulars come for Oysters & Martinis Hour, with its half-priced oysters and $12 martinis on weekdays, and live music, held every weekend and during Sunday brunch. You can’t go wrong with seafood, especially the jumbo lump crab cake and Charleston-style shrimp and grits. Don’t forget about the Killer Creek location, which is also on the water. Ray’s founder sold the restaurant to new owners last year." - Caroline Eubanks
"All the Ray’s restaurants (on the River, in the City, at Killer Creek) would make the Atlanta Restaurant Hall of Fame, but the original 1984-established Sandy Springs location would be our first ballot pick. Sitting on a picturesque bank of the Chattahoochee (not all riverside views are created equal), Ray’s on the River is an always-dependable choice for an upscale seafood and steak meal. From Sunday brunch to dinner, it’s never not busy—with industry folks, date nights, retirees, and folks taking three-hour cocktail lunches." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"All the Ray’s locations (on the River, in the City, at Killer Creek) would make the Atlanta restaurant hall of fame, but the original in Sandy Springs is our first ballot pick. Sitting on a scenic bank of the Chattahoochee (not all riverside views are created equal), Ray’s is a dependable choice for upscale seafood. From Sunday brunch to dinner, you’ll see a merger of crowds—from corporate peeps and the types who take three-hour cocktail lunches to date nights and family celebrations. We get why this place has stayed packed since 1984. It’s a benchmark for quality Southern seafood with dishes like their delicious BBQ shrimp on a cheesy grit cake. photo credit: Cameren Rogers photo credit: Cameren Rogers photo credit: Cameren Rogers Food Rundown photo credit: Cameren Rogers Artisanal Bread Basket Like free parking, complimentary bread service is no longer an expectation in the city. But since the restaurant sources bread made daily from Smyrna’s Grateful Bread bakery, we’ll happily shell out the $7 for the assortment of soft pretzels, sweet raisin bread, crispy lavash, and warm focaccia. video credit: Cameren Rogers Hot Seafood Platter This hot seafood platter has likely been the fondest memory during prom dates, anniversaries, and business lunches at Ray’s. The oysters rockefeller are a little bland and often soupy, but the entire platter is still a great way to kick off dinner with crab cakes that don’t cheat you with extra breading, crispy calamari, and plump chargrilled shrimp in a tangy buttery BBQ sauce. photo credit: Cameren Rogers Lemon Butter Cake This is a denser version of the St. Louis gooey butter cake, topped with ice cream and blueberry compote. The lemon flavor is subtle, but you’ll voice no complaints when you’re scooping up the last bite. photo credit: Cameren Rogers Charleston She Crab Soup She crab soup had a moment in Atlanta around the early 2000s, when it was on every menu. Ray’s has been there all along with one of the city’s meatier, more flavorful versions. Blackened Redfish Pontchartrain While you can get almost any staple fish filet in the usual preparations, Ray’s shines when they lean southern, like with this tasty fish and grits signature. The cheddar jalapeño grits are excellent on their own, but then they’re topped with a very well-seasoned redfish filet, lots of sweet crabmeat, and a savory Cajun butter sauce." - Nina Reeder
"Steak and seafood restaurant Ray’s on the River opened in what is now known as the city of Sandy Springs on the Chattahoochee River in 1984. The restaurant continues to be a dining destination for Southern surf and turf." - Missy Frederick, Beth McKibben
"This Atlanta-area institution continues to be a dining destination for Southern surf and turf as well as for couples seeking a unique space to say “I do” along the Chattahoochee River. Get married in the lush riverside garden beyond the restaurant with its unobstructed views of the Chattahoochee. Book the Grand Pavilion for the wedding reception featuring panoramic views of the river, lighted pathways for romantic strolls, and dinner customized for the couple on their special day." - Beth McKibben
