Ray’s Hell Burger

Ray’s Hell Burger – Arlington, VA

Target: Charred Mushroom Swiss Burger
Side: Mac & Cheese
Drink: Coke
Damage to Wallet: Under $15 ( Technically free, A blog startup gift from the G/F )

I don’t know who this Ray character is, but I dig his style. Both Ray’s Hell Burger AND Ray’s Hell Burger II are located in the exact same strip mall. Separated by a scant 30 feet and with identical menus it displays a remarkable level of confidence in the product. Confidence that feeds from an extremely stuffed customer base. It is a möbius loop of burgers and cash only transactions.

The Target: A ten ounce patty char-grilled with Cajun spices topped with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Ordered Medium.

Verdict: This is one of the best burgers I have ever had. No wonder the leader of the free world has been known to pop in from time to time. The Cajun seasoning was awesome. It comes across about every third bite, accenting the beef without covering up the natural flavor. Burger was perfectly cooked, and delivered in a timely manner. I have always loved Swiss and Mushroom burgers, and this one reminded me why. The bun was soft, fresh, and a perfect accent. The Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and Cajun seasonings teamed up flawlessly to allow the burger to sweep in and steal the show. Every team member knows its role and delivers. This burger is the Rat Pack setting up Old Blue Eyes.

Side: Macaroni and Cheese

I never order Mac and Cheese out. My Mom is a gifted cook and certainly ruined some foods for me. But my Girlfriend said she loved it and since she was gifting the meal, of course I am going to have a side.

It looked iffy. While the Burger looked like heaven this looked like a hastily thrown together Kraft side dish. I proceeded with extreme caution.

I haven’t witnessed overproduction in the face of such skepticism like this since I accidentally drafted Marques Colston in the last round of my 2006 Fantasy Football draft. It had the great texture of baked Mac and Cheese without loosing the creaminess. Don’t judge this one by it’s styrofoam container.

Drink: 20 oz Coke in a plastic bottle. Exactly how you are imagining it.

Damage to Wallet: This is a steal. Even the specialty burgers are very reasonable. My only warning is to bring some cash, as Ray’s doesn’t accept plastic.

And the Final Word: Unless you don’t eat meat, put Ray’s on your Burger Bucket list. Also, start a Burger Bucket list.

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