Ray's doesn't look like much from the outside: Â a plain white adobe building with just the name "Ray's" up front in blue script. Â I walked inside for lunch today with a co-worker and was pleasantly surprised: Â the newest restaurant in town also has a sit-down bar! Â And the bar also serves several microbrews, besides the cheap national brands.
The restaurant is one large room for both diners and drinkers. Â Singles and large groups all can find seating here. Â This is pretty impressive for a town that has mostly ranchers nearby.
The walls are adorned with local artists' western paintings. Â On another wall are hand-written notes to US troops overseas, as gratitude from the locals here. Â (Fort Huachuca is ten miles away).
We both had a plain 1/4 cheeseburger and fries for $5.85. Â It was quite good. Â Service was fast and friendly. Â I had a Grand Canyon porter (brewed in Williams, AZ) after my meal which was also quite good.
On Saturdays the place offers $1 tacos from 4-8pm , which is a big hit for the locals.
A couple of visits here for breakfast and lunch netted a four star rating for service, atmosphere and cleanliness. Â Food presentation and portions are on par with what you would expect for a family restaurant: meaning adequate and straightforward. Â Food quality is average to slightly above. Â Depending on what you order, the entree can be a little greasy (fried eggs, onion rings), to as it should be, (club sandwich, BBQ) which is not at all greasy. Â
I really have no reason to not give four stars to Ray's, however there is nothing that really stands out as to warrant my rating as a "Fan." Â Maybe it is because what Ray's does, they do it without fanfare and do it with efficiency; not standing out at one end of the spectrum or the other. Â Prices and food offerings are on reasonable and adequate. Â
Can doing what is expected and anticipated be a bad thing? Â Not really, it just means that many times you are perceived as average - and in today's world, maybe A-OK is just fine.
I would not hesitate to stop at Ray's for any meal of the day as I know it will be tasty and served up with a smile. Â
Huachuca City has just a few offerings and Ray's fits the bill for most every need from large parties to sports entertainment to a quick take-out or leisurely meal to a full service bar.
Service: 4.3 Stars
Food: 3.8 Stars
Atmosphere: 4 Stars
Cleanliness: 4 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.8 Stars