BURGERGUYZ:

ACBG Review

Ray's Place

By Rich Polivka

This month, the Burger Guyz met at Ray's Place, in Kent. Ray's is well-known to anyone who is from the area or went to school at Kent State University. It's an institution that's been around since 1937, and is known for good food and an extensive beer list.

Ray's is also know for their hamburgers - particularly, the Mo-Fo burger that has been declared by Michael Symon as one of his 'bests' on the Food Network television show, 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate.'  Two of us opted for the Mo-Fo. It had every topping Ray's offers - bacon, sauteed mushrooms, relish, onions, pickles, letuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard on two beef patties topped with American cheese.

The Mo-Fo looked impressive when it arrived. The bacon was plentiful, but there were very few mushrooms. We were disappointed to find that our buns were cold, as if they had just come out of the cooler. However, mine seemed to warm up quickly and it didn't affect the taste. Cutting my burger in half, I was happy to see that it was  cooked just as I had ordered - medium, with the meat in the center pink, but hot. The burger was good - the beef was juicy, but not greasy, and the overall taste was not drowned out by the large number of toppings.

I also ordered a side of 'Jerk fries,' which were very good, although they seemed to just be the regular fries tossed in a dry jerk seasoning.

All of us agreed that the burgers were pretty good. We like Ray's - the history, the atmosphere, good food and a decent beer list all make it a required stop when you're in Kent.

RATING: ☆☆☆1/2

Ray's Place

135 Franklin Ave.

Kent, OH 44240

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