Remodeled and Ready to Rock: Ray's Drive-In
2020 got off to a long, painful start for fans of Ray's Drive-In, which closed January 1 for an extensive remodel of the 58-year-old building. The scheduled six weeks passed, but it was another full month before Ray's was open for business again on March 13. The small indoor seating area was sacrificed to create an expanded kitchen, so the team at Ray's can better serve you from the drive-up and take-out window.
Ray's Drive-In on a Sunday morning before the lunch rush // Christopher Bragg
I drove over a few days after the grand reopening to find Ray's painted a brilliant shade of blue. After placing my order via the drive-through speaker, I waited a few minutes at the window while they made it. I appreciate that it wasn't waiting for me as I pulled up like we've come to expect from fast food drive-throughs; it means everything's made to order. One warning: the drive-through ends right at the side of 14th Street, so pull out carefully.
Back home, I unpacked my bags of treats.
Crispy chicken club, small fries, Swiss and mushroom burger, small rings // Christopher Bragg
I was a little worried about my Swiss and mushroom burger on the drive back because a lot of them I've tried are wet and messy. Not at Ray's. They cook the mushrooms up perfectly so the concentrated flavor stays securely in the burger. My favorite surprise was the hand-cut fries. I love 'em with the skin on.
Grab a couple at a red light while they're still hot // Christopher Bragg
A few hours later, I was a bit too full, having eaten a whole burger, half the fries, half the onion rings (also great!) and a small butterscotch shake. I wouldn't change anything, though, because that shake was amazing. Like candy you can drink but with just enough dairy so the sweetness doesn't ruin it.
It's great to see an Everett institution refreshed and ready for another fifty years of food for fans old and new. Head up to Ray's soon for a lunch break in the car or to pick up a feast for everyone back home.
Ray’s Drive In
1401 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201
425-252-3411
Sidenote: Ray’s also won the EVVY AWARD for Everett’s Best Fish & Chips!
(Their fish is amazing)
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.
