Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill
About Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill
Looking for some down-home Southern flavor? Look no further than Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill in Gastonia, NC. Tucked away at 219 S Broad St, this gem of a restaurant truly showcases the best of American barbecue. With smoke curling from the wood-fired grill, the tantalizing aroma hits the senses even before stepping inside.
The menu at Ray’s is a carnivore’s delight. From expertly smoked brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, there’s something that will please every palate. Vegetarian options? Sure! Side dishes like creamy coleslaw and buttery cornbread offer a hearty complement to the main BBQ stars. Portions are generous enough to share, but it’s likely that no one will want to part with their plate!
A standout feature of the dining experience is the warm and inviting atmosphere. Rustic wooden tables and country-themed decor create a cozy vibe that feels like dining at a friend’s house rather than a typical eatery. Friendly staff members make sure that everyone feels right at home, going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
As for the reviews, local fans can’t stop raving about the brisket. Cooked to tender perfection, it melts in the mouth and boasts a robust, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. The house barbecue sauce, a sweet and tangy blend that tantalizes the taste buds, is a perfect match. Many frequent visitors also highlight the pulled pork as a must-try, often saying it’s the best in town.
No meal at Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill would be complete without indulging in some of the famous desserts. The homemade peach cobbler is a local favorite, served warm and bubbling straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top that adds that perfect touch of sweetness.
For those seeking a laid-back meal with friends or family, Ray’s truly hits the spot. The combination of fantastic food, cozy ambiance, and reliable service makes it a go-to restaurant in the area. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a family dinner, this place is bound to satisfy cravings for tasty barbecue.
Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill Photos






Customer Reviews
Mark Miele
Nice little restaurant with a great local feel. Had a pound of brisket and it was so delicious I ate the entire thing in one sitting. Staff and customers very friendly. Highly recommend and look forward to returning.
Karl Whinnery
Super fun smokehouse with great food options and a good drink selection ran by some super friendly people. Be prepared for a good time !!!
I think the proper move here is a dinner combo – the pulled pork is epic. Loved the brisket too.
Hush puppies are a must get side. I loved the bbq beans as well.
The staff were just wonderful and bubbly and funny to chat with.
d j
Incredible food, (meats) fast friendly service. The portions are very generous. More than enough to share. They did have some unique twists on some foods. The coleslaw was not what I would call typical it was heavy on the pepper which is fine, but the overall taste was non discript. The bbq sauce was unuunusual to me. Slightly watery with a tomato base. The tenderness of the meats was incredible, all meats were very flavorful, moist and great taste. The baked beans were somewhat bland. The clear stars were the meats and great crinkle cut French fries. The bread was packaged bland dinner rolls. We had fresh homemade fried pork skins as an appetizer. We had plain, I used hot sauce to dip them 9n. They do offer seasoned varieties.
Contact & Location
ADDRESS
219 S Broad St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
PHONE
(704) 867-4386
OPENING HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed