Often referred to as “Obama’s favorite burger place”, I took a trip to Ray’s Hell Burger this weekend to see if they lived up to their reputation. Located near the Rosslyn metro stop, Ray’s Hell Burger is a bit of a trek for the average AU student. If you’re up for it, it’s about a half an hour ride taking the metro. However, I was already nearby visiting my sister, who was the one that suggested the place to eat. It was a Saturday night and unsurprisingly Ray’s was bustling with people. We lined up on each side of the narrow hallway in the entrance to wait for a table to become available. Standing in front of the door that constantly opened and let in cold air was not exactly ideal. The cramped, and frankly unimpressive, aesthetic of the burger place that Obama took Russian president Dmitry Medvedev back in 2010 as well as VP Joe Biden in 2009 was leaving me questioning our President’s standards. Despite the fact that we walked in without a reservation and on a Saturday night, our wait was surprisingly short and we were seated in probably less than 15 minutes. If you’re looking for a menu that has a little bit of everything, then don’t come to Ray’s. Go back to the Cheesecake Factory where you belong.
However, if you know you just want a burger with a variety of options in preparation styles, toppings, and sides; then this place is heaven. Toppings range from your classic staples, such as lettuce, to more unique, such as foie gras. The sides are not to be forgotten either. I had the macaroni and cheese; and as a self-proclaimed mac and cheese connoisseur, I was impressed by the amount of flavor and perfect texture. My burger, just a simple cheeseburger with white cheddar and a fried egg on top, was cooked to juicy perfection. I got the “smaller” portion size but couldn’t even finish my meal. If there’s anything on this planet I love more than cheese, its dessert and better judgment was not going to get in the way of getting exactly that when I suddenly found myself perusing the dessert menu. They have a variety of milkshakes to choose from, such as bananas foster and toffee. I walked out with a chocolate milkshake in hand and the knowledge in my heart that I never wanted to eat again. Ray’s Hell Burger restores dignity to the great American classic meal by showing a little ingenuity and quality ingredients go a long way. I can now see why Obama would take the time to stop by.
Photo Credit:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/05/rays-hell-burger-obama-bi_n_196896.html