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Barbecue restaurant in Gastonia, North Carolina
What should I order at Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill?
What to order
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Brisket
Mentioned multiple times as tender, flavorful, perfectly smoked, and melting in the mouth; it was also highlighted as delicious in both sandwiches and by the pound.
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Pulled Pork
Frequently praised for being epic, tender, full of flavor, and especially good in the dinner combo and BBQ sandwich.
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Ribs
Recommended for being especially good and fall-off-the-bone tender, with several reviews calling them amazing or part of a great combo.
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4
Smoked Wings
Called to die for and terrific, with reviewers specifically praising their smoky flavor and overall quality.
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5
Carolina Burger
Specifically singled out as the best burger and noted as the state’s best, making it one of the most strongly endorsed items.
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6
Baked Potato Salad
Praised as very good and even possibly the best by one reviewer, making it a standout side.
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7
Fried Okra
Repeatedly recommended as amazing and a great side, showing up in multiple positive meal descriptions.
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8
Meat Sampler
Popular for giving a generous variety of meats at a great value, with reviewers saying they keep coming back for it.
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9
Hush Puppies
Called a must-get side, indicating it is a favorite accompaniment to the barbecue.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill
Down-to-earth haunt offering old-school smoked barbecue & classic sides, plus a bar & jukebox.
Amenities
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill known for?
It is best known for brisket, especially the smoked brisket that reviewers describe as tender, moist, and full of flavor. People also call out the pulled pork, ribs, smoked wings, and house barbecue sauces, plus the large portions for the $10 to $20 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill?
The most recommended items are brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked wings, and the brisket tacos. Reviewers also repeatedly praise the baked potato salad, fried okra, hush puppies, bbq beans, and stuffed jalapeño poppers as strong sides or starters.
What is the atmosphere like at Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and laid back, with a small local feel in Gastonia. Reviewers describe it as welcoming and relaxed, which works well for groups, families, and solo diners, and the bar plus sports setup adds to the smokehouse feel.
Is Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the portions are huge and that they get their money's worth, which fits the $10 to $20 price range. The combination of generous meat plates, combo meals, and sides like fries, baked beans, and fried okra makes it feel like a solid value for barbecue in Gastonia.
How is the service and when should you expect to go?
Service is often described as fast, friendly, and prompt, even when the place is busy with takeout and dine-in customers. Reviewers also mention that parking and the dining room can feel cramped, so an off-peak visit may be easier if you want a more comfortable sit-down meal.
Is parking available at Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill kid-friendly?
Yes, Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill is good for kids.
