Ray's Hell Burger - Arlington, VA

This may be the best burger I've ever had; there is no doubt it's in my top five. The review I am posting here talks a lot about the toppings and sides, but for this son of a cattle-farmer, Ray's has hit pay dirt with his beef. Just enough fat mixed with what has to be some prime meat. Juicy, tasty, mouth-watering beef. And the it was only $7. Small place, too many people most times, but it worth it all and they run this tiny place like a fine Swiss watch. http://www.dcfoodies.com/2008/07/rays-hell-burge.html

thanks for the tip. I'll have to plan a trip to Court House area soon.

 I was just there on Saturday. Absolutely amazing. Definitely one of the best burgers I've ever eaten.  Don't get any cheese and skip the toppings, you're only insulting the meat. Maybe 1 slice of tomato would be perfect. (Also, the whole thing will fall apart if you pile on the toppings).  The burger is incredibly juicy and flavorfull. I devoured it in moments, and that was after eating a fairly filling bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup next door at Pho 75. Unfortunately, I live in NYC, where I've yet to find a burger place like that. I guess it's probably for the best that I'm not near a place like that, or I'd definitely eat too many. It was reasonably priced also. A burger without cheese is huge and is under $7.

 

OBAMA AND BIDEN GO TO

ARLINGTON (VA) BURGER JOINT

Here's another article with a video:

http://news.aol.com/article/obama-burgers/464677

I really wish you guys would quit talking about politics all the time. 

Obama:  Medium-well with mustard

Biden: Medium-well with ketchup

The article I read said it is made with all prime beef.  Ground fresh daily.

Big Al - What about Peter Luger's? 

Big Al - What about Peter Luger's? 

 

I haven't been yet. I haven't been to a lot of the supposedly great burger places in NYC so my excitement over Ray's Hell Burgers might be from lack of other experiences. Here are some places in NYC I've been to. 

Shake shack- ok, but forgettable. Not worth waiting more than 10 minutes for.

5 guys- ok, but overcoooked (they only do well done)

Brooklyn Diner near Carnegie Hall- supposedly great, but the burger I had was overcooked. It was pink but there was just one pocket of juice in it which spurted out all at once. The rest was dry. Too expensive also. Maybe I should give it another try.

Cityburger (the "black label" burger)- supposedly great, but the burger I got was cooked beyond well done even though it was supposed to be medium rare. It actually tasted ok anyway. Maybe I'll go back.

Piper's Kilt in Riverdale- good burger

Island Burger- very good burger and they cook it a perfect medium rare. Prior to having ray's hell burger it may have been my favorite burger eaten at a restaurant.

I'll definitely have to try peter luger's at some point. There are a bunch of other places in the city that are supposedly great also. I'd definitely like to find another burger place like Ray's where I couldn't put the burger down. I pretty much inhaled it. And for less than $7!!

The burger at Peter Luger is fantastic, but you are not getting out the door for $7.  The burger, itself, is $8.95 for what they call "more" than a half-pound.  Cheese is extra, as is bacon, fries - and perhaps even the plates and napkins are a la carte. 

I ate there last week with a friend.  We both ordered bacon cheeseburgers with fries and each had two soft drinks (no refills, folks).  The bill came to $43 + tip.

Honestly, the bread basket alone would have been worth the price, but the burgers are THAT good.

Letterman made reference to this place on last night's show. They are getting a lot of free press. Are there already hour long waits to get in?

 I was there on Saturday afternoon around 2:30.  It wasn't empty, though I didn't wait a moment.  Business may pick even more up for the foreseeable future after the Obama visit.

i95

 

OBAMA AND BIDEN GO TO

ARLINGTON (VA) BURGER JOINT

 

Obama Stops at Five Guys for Cheeseburger (AP)

Face it - the President has been to many more Roadfood establishments than many long-time posters here! 

Yea, I know this is an old thread but I have had this craving for Rays and when I stumbled on this I just knew I had to resurrect it! 
 
There is just something sooooo delicious about Ray's.  These burgers are 2 handed, juicy beasts that are just soo delicious you don't want to put it down (granted you can't because the entire thing would just fall apart and the buns would disintegrate from the juices).

Yea, I know this is an old thread but I have had this craving for Rays and when I stumbled on this I just knew I had to resurrect it! 
 
There is just something sooooo delicious about Ray's.  These burgers are 2 handed, juicy beasts that are just soo delicious you don't want to put it down (granted you can't because the entire thing would just fall apart and the buns would disintegrate from the juices).