Ray's On The River

(770) 955-1187

6700 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30339 33.9016 -84.4411

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RAYSRESTAURANTS.COM

Price:

$$

Last updated 1.20.12

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Brunch, Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining, Live Music

Cuisine:

Traditional American, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

Other Locations:

What People Are Saying About Ray's On The River

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – This expansive, comfortable space, with its low ceilings and lodge appeal, plays better in the evening (when there's live jazz in the bar) than during the day. Nonetheless, all of the tables in the multilevel dining room offer at least a partial view of the river, though most folks who come for Sunday brunch are more interested in what's on the buffet tables. – – The Food – A top-shelf American seafood house for lunch and dinner, Ray's is better known to most Atlantans for its palatial Sunday and holiday brunches. You'll find perennial favorites--the prime…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Ray's does not accept reservations for brunches, so show up early if you want prime river-watching seats.
When to Go:
Live jazz from Thursday through Saturday evenings sets a lovely mood for a romantic dinner.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. Ray's has a wonderful waterfront view.
  2. Ambience is more centered around a romantic evening, or perhaps a business meeting, not a good place for very large groups or for small children.
  3. The ambiance is also great with live jazz music & the view of the river is the perfect setting for drinks on a pretty spring afternoon.
  4. This was a really fun night with great food!
  5. The ambience and decor was nice and the jazz band that was playing the evening I was there was perfect.
  6. We really enjoy the food and the view but service and quality has declined, noticeably in the past few years.
  7. Yummy Food and great atmosphere
  8. The atmosphere is very nice at Ray's.
  9. The location really is great.
  10. If you haven't seen the new design you are missing out--- its really beautiful and the views are awesome.
  11. It was nice to look over at the view (the landscaping & natural beauty of flowing water) during our excellent meal.
  12. When arranging my reservation online, I mentioned the one year anniversary of me and my girlfriend and how I would like a wonderful view of the lake if possible, and Ray's on the River delivered.
  13. just love their views of the Chattahoochee River.
  14. We got an excellent table at the window, with a nice view of the river.
  15. Nice atmosphere, great food, expensive
  16. Good location, service needs help badly
  17. When we arrived, we were escorted to a booth that had a fantastic view of the river, and, from our arrival to our departure, we were wished a happy anniversary by no less than 3 different individuals from the restaurant staff, including the hostess and ou
  18. window seat is a must for this romantic setting as you will look over the beautiful river and the sunset!
  19. The views are awesome - make sure you get a seat in the lower level by the window.
  20. great atmosphere, but the food was nothing special
  21. This is the perfect place for a romantic date or even a first date.
  22. Ray's is a great place for a romantic dinner of drinks after work.
  23. For a couple expect to pay $70+, not including tip, but its well worth it, the 8 oz filet mignon was the best steak that I have had in or around Atlanta, make sure you get sauteed spinach along with the filet mignon, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes t
  24. Ambience is nice, food is great, service was prompt, location right on the river.
dessert
78.5699987411499% positive
  1. and the crab cakes are a personal favorite.
  2. Only a few Omelett choices, the meat on the buffet wasn't cooked, cold chicken, overcooked mussels, bland desserts, should I go on?
  3. --Fresh Berries and cream for desert!
  4. Table by the window, solicitous service, delicious entrees and a special dessert for the celebration.
  5. Ray's has the best crab cakes you will every eat and excell.
  6. Just horrible service and food we waited forever for drinks and everything still paid 55.00 for my filet, desert was free, wow 7.50 free for two hours of my time to eat for valentines day.
  7. The food--particularly the 8 oz filet mignon with mashed potatoes--was absolutely delicious, and we were pleasantly surprised by and extremely grateful for the free chocolate cake given to us to celebrate our special occasion.
drinks
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. An impressive wine display is in the waiting area - great marketing decision on the part of the owners.
  2. think this place is better as a place for cocktails overlooking the water than a nice dinner.
  3. Just horrible service and food we waited forever for drinks and everything still paid 55.00 for my filet, desert was free, wow 7.50 free for two hours of my time to eat for valentines day.
  4. The ambiance is also great with live jazz music & the view of the river is the perfect setting for drinks on a pretty spring afternoon.
  5. The wine was great; however you get a little more then a quarter of a glass of wine for $15.00 a glass.
  6. Oh, and if you don't want to sit down for a meal, the bar area is a perfect place to meet friends or colleagues for drinks.
  7. The service was excellent and our waiter even recommended a great bottle of wine.
  8. sat at the bar and my server/bartender was very attentive and kind (even though he talked about how much he loved Bill O'Reily and Shaun Hannity).
  9. Ray's is a great place for a romantic dinner of drinks after work.
food quality
85.34000396728516% positive
  1. My meal was excellent.
  2. For a couple expect to pay $70+, not including tip, but its well worth it, the 8 oz filet mignon was the best steak that I have had in or around Atlanta, make sure you get sauteed spinach along with the filet mignon, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes t
  3. I'm a very picky eater, never have liked fish much, but at the advice of my date we ordered the raw tuna for an appetizer.
  4. The trout was dry and the spices were seriously overpowering on the defenseless, little fish.
  5. All the seafood was truly fresh quality, prepared to perfection, and worth the money for a special night out.
  6. Only a few Omelett choices, the meat on the buffet wasn't cooked, cold chicken, overcooked mussels, bland desserts, should I go on?
  7. Service is top notch and the food is wonderful.
  8. The food--particularly the 8 oz filet mignon with mashed potatoes--was absolutely delicious, and we were pleasantly surprised by and extremely grateful for the free chocolate cake given to us to celebrate our special occasion.
  9. Very good service and food.
  10. Started with the fried green tomatoes which were very tasty and quick - they literally came out about 2 minutes after I ordered them.
  11. After a long day at work I was able to enjoy my food and environment set on the River.
  12. the seafood is very very fresh.
  13. great food.
  14. The best seafood!
  15. Table by the window, solicitous service, delicious entrees and a special dessert for the celebration.
  16. Along with the poor service, the food was nothing to write home about.
  17. Nice atmosphere, great food, expensive
  18. Terrible service, marginal food
  19. The variety of food was excellent, as well as the taste.
  20. Heard the food was good but never got to try it.
  21. It was nice to look over at the view (the landscaping & natural beauty of flowing water) during our excellent meal.
  22. On a positive note, the blue cheese dressing on the salad was very good.
  23. We really enjoy the food and the view but service and quality has declined, noticeably in the past few years.
  24. was very relaxing, the food was great, the service was wonderful and to top it off, the live band was out of this world!
  25. The food was so yummy.
  26. Clean, attentive staff, great sushi - that was my experience at Ray's on the River.
  27. Food is good--mainly seafood with 1 or 2 steak options.
  28. Very delicious food!
  29. The food was great.
  30. Whether you are eating fish or steaks, the food here is incredible fresh.
  31. best seafood at Marietta
  32. Great value for food, service and setting.
  33. Oh, and if you don't want to sit down for a meal, the bar area is a perfect place to meet friends or colleagues for drinks.
  34. could tell the fish was fresh because it had no fishy taste and went down so smooth!
  35. would highly recommend this consistently delicious assortment to start any Sunday.
  36. and the crab cakes are a personal favorite.
  37. The food was good.
  38. Along with the pleasent service and smiling faces, you'll find yourself, going back for that "One favorite dish
  39. had the lobster roll sandwich on a brioche roll which was good but would have been better if they hadn't breaded and deep fried the lobster.
  40. The chopped salad is also great.
  41. And we still had dirty dishes on the table from the appetizers.
  42. During the week, they even offer 1/2 price appetizers which are amazing--the shrimp is delicious & they are absolutely huge.
  43. Ambience is nice, food is great, service was prompt, location right on the river.
  44. don't think any entrees were below $25 so this can be a pricey meal considering a lot of the entrees and sides are a la carte.
  45. bad service, below average food
  46. great atmosphere, but the food was nothing special
  47. went there for a business meeting and had the Mahi Mahi over dirty rice.
  48. Just horrible service and food we waited forever for drinks and everything still paid 55.00 for my filet, desert was free, wow 7.50 free for two hours of my time to eat for valentines day.
  49. The fries were crispy, housemade, gone.
  50. This was a really fun night with great food!
  51. But the creme brulee and and fruit were excellent!
  52. The food was excellent.
  53. Moved on to the special which was fish and chips - delicious.
  54. You must try the Brie in puffed pastry-it is so rich and delicious and not something I usually see at a brunch.
  55. Based on the other City Search reviews we were prepared to have a delightful meal.
  56. The food is good and the service is excellent.
  57. Ray's has the best crab cakes you will every eat and excell.
  58. Memorable experience, great food
menu variety
81.25% positive
  1. At one point the "senior" waiter was very rude to the "junior" waiter and interrupted him when he was answering some of our questions about the menu. We ended up tipping the "juniior" waiter separately in cash. I would go here again, but make sure I did
  2. The variety of food was excellent, as well as the taste.
  3. Everything on the menu is famous, especially the horseradish crusted grouper.
  4. Rays on the River has a wonderful variety and caters to everyone.
  5. The waite staff were pleasant and friendly, knew the menu and were very helpful in when we needed guidance.
  6. Food is good--mainly seafood with 1 or 2 steak options.
  7. Only a few Omelett choices, the meat on the buffet wasn't cooked, cold chicken, overcooked mussels, bland desserts, should I go on?
  8. This is the place is you want a wide variety of a great tasting weekend brunch!
overall
100.0% positive
  1. great place
  2. Ray's is my favorite Atlanta restaurant.
  3. This is the best place to spend a special occasion or holiday!
  4. For a couple expect to pay $70+, not including tip, but its well worth it, the 8 oz filet mignon was the best steak that I have had in or around Atlanta, make sure you get sauteed spinach along with the filet mignon, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes t
  5. ray's on the river is a nice restaurant with good service.
  6. found great diffculty in understanding, why this restaurant would be selected as a fine dining restaurant.
  7. The lounge area is such a great place to unwind from a busy work day.
  8. Ambience is more centered around a romantic evening, or perhaps a business meeting, not a good place for very large groups or for small children.
  9. Ray's is a great place for a romantic dinner of drinks after work.
service
67.7400016784668% positive
  1. decided to give it another chance yesterday and I have the same bad service.
  2. Great value for food, service and setting.
  3. Overall, good experience, although it felt old regardless of the age of the young hostess, server, bartender, etc.
  4. sat at the bar and my server/bartender was very attentive and kind (even though he talked about how much he loved Bill O'Reily and Shaun Hannity).
  5. Despite being assigned two servers, the overall service experience was terrible.
  6. bad service, below average food
  7. There is much more as to how poor the service was, but in the end we all had only one bill.
  8. The service is excellent and they are able to see your needs and offer suggestions.
  9. great service.
  10. Just horrible service and food we waited forever for drinks and everything still paid 55.00 for my filet, desert was free, wow 7.50 free for two hours of my time to eat for valentines day.
  11. Good location, service needs help badly
  12. Along with the pleasent service and smiling faces, you'll find yourself, going back for that "One favorite dish
  13. For a couple expect to pay $70+, not including tip, but its well worth it, the 8 oz filet mignon was the best steak that I have had in or around Atlanta, make sure you get sauteed spinach along with the filet mignon, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes t
  14. Very good service and food.
  15. Along with the poor service, the food was nothing to write home about.
  16. Clean, attentive staff, great sushi - that was my experience at Ray's on the River.
  17. Terrible service, marginal food
  18. Ambience is nice, food is great, service was prompt, location right on the river.
  19. Our server was attentive to just the right amount.
  20. At one point the "senior" waiter was very rude to the "junior" waiter and interrupted him when he was answering some of our questions about the menu. We ended up tipping the "juniior" waiter separately in cash. I would go here again, but make sure I did
  21. New staff who are very knowledgeable and happy to serve.
  22. The service was excellent and our waiter even recommended a great bottle of wine.
  23. The service was really bad the first time I went to Ray's on the River.
  24. When we arrived, we were escorted to a booth that had a fantastic view of the river, and, from our arrival to our departure, we were wished a happy anniversary by no less than 3 different individuals from the restaurant staff, including the hostess and ou
  25. ray's on the river is a nice restaurant with good service.
  26. The service is slow and disjointed.
  27. Table by the window, solicitous service, delicious entrees and a special dessert for the celebration.
  28. We really enjoy the food and the view but service and quality has declined, noticeably in the past few years.
  29. was very relaxing, the food was great, the service was wonderful and to top it off, the live band was out of this world!
  30. The food is good and the service is excellent.
  31. The waite staff were pleasant and friendly, knew the menu and were very helpful in when we needed guidance.
value
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. We don't think we got a good value at all for the money, and won't be returning.
  2. Oh and the price was great !
  3. For a couple expect to pay $70+, not including tip, but its well worth it, the 8 oz filet mignon was the best steak that I have had in or around Atlanta, make sure you get sauteed spinach along with the filet mignon, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes t
  4. Great value for food, service and setting.
  5. Nice atmosphere, great food, expensive
  6. All the seafood was truly fresh quality, prepared to perfection, and worth the money for a special night out.
  7. The price is little expensive if you don't plan to eat a lot (it's all you can eat brunch).
  8. don't think any entrees were below $25 so this can be a pricey meal considering a lot of the entrees and sides are a la carte.
  9. During the week, they even offer 1/2 price appetizers which are amazing--the shrimp is delicious & they are absolutely huge.
wait time
80.0% positive
  1. The only cpmplaint I have is it took 15 minutes to get our O.J. but the fact that they keep a nice flow to the buffet line (i.e> no waiting and long lines) made up for it.
  2. The service is slow and disjointed.
  3. After a long day at work I was able to enjoy my food and environment set on the River.
  4. The place is beautiful - the minute you walk in the front door.
  5. Started with the fried green tomatoes which were very tasty and quick - they literally came out about 2 minutes after I ordered them.
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/12/12

Very Bad Experience

by iguy

My night at Rays was terrible due the average food and the poor service. Our waiter was a sarcastic fool. The food was nothing to rave about and I feel that Rays is one of those places that tries to survive on the past. Do not waste your time as there are many other great places to eat in Atlanta.

1 Star Rating: Poor

01/19/12

Bad Experience

by sam eid

it was not my first time dining here, but probably will be my last due to a poor service and quality of food. it started when the service first approached our table and asked if we wanted some water to drink instead of asking would you like something to drink. my wife had her mind set on the grouper because she loved it from our last visit, but the server sugested that she try the special fish of the day which was called Tile fish or something like that. i wanted to order the rib-eye steak but again the server sugested the lamb chops special. our guest that we brought with us ordered the CHICKEN which was the best dish. the fish sauce was awfull and so heavy and no taste. the lamb chops was 2 small chops with no taste. when my wife complained about the fish, the server went and got her the grouper without any sauce or lemon, the manager then came in and said that this was the first time they used that fish and that they were trying it. we had to ask for lemon with the fish, we had to ask for straws for our drinks, butter with our bread. the hostess at the door never said to have a good night and thank us for coming. this was a horrible experience.

i did not receive a call back like i usually do after dining in. my check# was# 6105, tble33/1, gest 3, jan 18,12

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/04/12

Highly Recommende!

by Jay14Lebron

The food was delicious and I really love the place .. it was cozy :-) I highly recommend this place for people who would like to relax and enjoy their food and time :-)

4 Star Rating: Recommended

09/24/11

Very Good

by shert

Came here for a business dinner. The ambiance is very nice, would have liked to have sat out on the deck, but it wasn't open. The oysters were so smooth! The scallops were a large portion and were pretty yummy. Would definately come here again.

The wedge salad looked amazing too.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/11/11

Great Happy Hour

by BethAll

We came here after work last friday, very classy place. Had some raw oysters and calamari and sat in their piano bar, great time!

The Details on Ray's On The River

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • excellent service
  • great place
  • awesome waterfront view
  • favorite atlanta restaurant
  • best seafood
  • great atmosphere
  • excellent meal
  • memorable first experience
  • best weekend brunch
  • very helpful waite staff
  • like dinner
  • recommend ray
  • delicious fish
  • enjoyable dinning experiance
  • very knowledgeable new staff
  • very rude waiter
  • romantic setting
  • great location
  • nice evening
  • great value
  • somwhat flavorless
  • wonderful variety
  • bad average food
  • famous everything
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