Wow. I'm so glad I got a party pass for this event. Nigerian people are the best people, and I couldn't miss this event! I have not been on the Yelp Squad long enough to remember any previous back-to-back, black owned businesses events for black history month. But I loved particpating in them! As they are important to me. Thank you Jando, Yelp Team, owner Ben and his wife and team for a successful event. While the event did start on Nigerian time, IYKYK, I somehow expected it, lol. The vibes were definitely vibing for sure. I loved the DJ with Naija beats. And the dress of cocktail hour instead of casual. Most folks were busy at the bar for the first half of the night. So I got a chance to really observe the asethetic. Great choices of fabrics, wallpaper, paint, dinning room pieces etc. With nice deep purple velvet fabrics in there dinning area. And the black marble at some of tables. It's giving a lux day or night lounge. Which may be the eventual next direction? It would be a nice event space for a private party or birthday party. The drinks, I really didn't get into until the end of the night. It was packed and slow going. The long wait time wasn't really worth the drinks by the time I got them, but that's ok. They were large batched. But I know the bartenders were doing there best. Don't know if they were prepared enough for the crowd that enjoys cocktails so much?? I got the mocktail and the side car. Which I know people complained of being too sour. But I liked it, and also enjoy sour drinks. The food was passed in waves, and the typical feeding frenzy. I decided to take my time, and only focused on what I could get my hands on at the time. The suya, jollaf rice, and corn. All were great. But the most important part was owner Ben and his speech. He told us about his loved one Rhay which the restaurant is named after. I also have never seen an owner open up for Q&A after there speech. And he did answer questions. He seems like a genuine guy that is really trying to create something of success here. I look forward to returning. Thanks Yelp, for shining a light on this new business, and exposing me to something I may have never ventured out to. I will be returning. read more

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A fun night in the Westchase area! It was my first time hearing about Rhay's. We had the entire restaurant to ourselves and I really like the ambience. Very intimate vibes. We were given drink tickets at the door and kudos to the bartender for handling the big crowd. Later, the food started coming out. The firehouse wings and the suya kabobs were my favorite. Packed with flavors and the spice was right on the money. At some point, it seems like the servers were getting overwhelmed with the crowd but nonetheless, they did a great job getting the food to everyone. Myself and a few friends sat down in a quiet area and decided to order off the menu to support the business. We tried the suya kabobs that came with the jollof rice, suya street tacos, and ordered some more of the firehouse wings. Service was great even with the Yelp event going on. I enjoyed hearing from the owner and his story. The DJ was also popping the whole night. This was a great opportunity to come out to the Westchase area. Thank you to Jando, the Yelp team, and Rhay's team for organizing and hosting! read more

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Rhay's is a Nigerian restaurant located on Kirkwood and Westheimer. There were several lite bites throughout the event which]h included jollof rice, wings, suya flatbread, grilled corn and suya on a stick. They kept coming all night. The food was seasoned well for me as it was somewhat spicy. They had several types of drinks available : Cucumber refresher, spicy margarita and a Dapper Dan which was a sidecar. I only was able to try two as the lines were very long at the bar. There was authentic live music DJ playing tunes. Even though the majority of the restaurant was taken up by Yelpers, there was a smaller section where their regular guest were seated. There was even a photographer and a wall that was decorated when it could be a backdrop for photos. I noticed a lot of the ladies took advantage. Even though we had a late start, there was no rush for us to leave. It was as usual a great event that Jando put on for us. read more

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What a fun night out! So worth going out on a weekday :) I loved the samples so much, that I sat down to enjoy a meal to support the business. Of all the samples, the kabobs and wings were my favorite. They were so flavorful and I loved the spices they used. I also tried the mocktail, which was perfectly balanced. Tasted like a lemonade! My favorite part of all of these yelp events are hearing about the owners' stories - this restaurant is in honor of Ben's brother-in-law, Rhay. My second favorite was the dj!! I've never vibed so much with a dj's set (ok, maybe except at a rave lol) and the live drummer was just as awesome. They have themed nights and I would loveee to come back to visit for their sax and steak nights. Thankful for yelp for showcasing this business because I would've never discovered it otherwise. Thank you, Ben and Jando! read more

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My first YEE of 2025! As usual the best part of these events is getting to see old friends and make some new ones :) The selfie stick came in quite handy lol The restaurant had great vibes and decor, friendly staff and dj/live drumming. I think there's great potential there, but they seem to have underestimated the fervor of a YEE. The bar got pretty jammed up as pre-batched cocktails ran out too fast. Each tray of tasting bites sent from the kitchen led to a feeding frenzy that I gave up on pretty early. I barely even saw what was on a tray before it was empty and only sampled 2 of the 5 offerings (suya kabob and jolly rice). A number of people (of which I joined) decided on table service ordering off the regular menu instead. That food came out surprisingly fast (minus a couple mix ups) and we enjoyed the dishes overall. Consensus favorite from both the samples and full dishes was the suya kabobs. Getting the check took several attempts via different staff members - I feel they were overwhelmed. Due to the nature of the event I think it felt like a bar atmosphere vs a restaurant. The music was good but SO. LOUD. Maybe I'm just old now but there was literal yelling and lip reading for much of the evening. Still a good event and fun catching up. Hope to see everyone more often this year! read more

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Aside from the bar being crowded at times, this was a great event! I was very impressed with the decor of the restaurant when I walked in. The color scheme works really well! I like that there is a private room. The bathrooms were clean and I appreciated the hygiene products available in bathroom. However, I would suggest a spray deodorant for public use. Sharing a solid is not hygienic. The staff were very welcoming. I enjoyed the music from the DJ and drummer. The mocktails were on point! I loved the cucumber refresher and the strawberry lemonade. Out of the samples we tried, I loved the wings and the rice. I even ordered another plate of them to take home. My least favorite was the corn. It was very plain. I appreciated the hospitality. Thank you Jando and Rhay's! read more

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I am so overdue on this review but I would've been remiss to not leave my review for this grand elevated experience! I always appreciate ample parking and they had it. I arrived a little late due to a time mix up. I hadn't realized the time had changed from 8 to 7 until one of my dear Yelp besties informed me. I arrived just before 7:30. I live far from Rhay's and I don't always make the long Trek's out on weekday evenings but Im glad I did for this one. Rhay's is a beautiful restaurant. Perfect lighting, decorated well. The DJ and drummer kept the music on point all night. The bartenders kept the drinks pouring and were super friendly. The mocktail was refreshing. I'm bummed I didn't get to try the chicken wings but I believe I tried everything else, the beef skewer, flatbread, corn on the cob, jollof rice. My only complaint was that the spoon for the rice was so friggin small. The rice was so delicious but I was getting so frustrated bc I could only fit like 5 grains of rice on each spoonful so I felt like I wasn't truly getting the full effect of the rice's deliciousness. Ben's story of how Rhay's came to be was so sentimental and moving. His wife wasn't there but he let us know that she's in charge of all their yummy recipes. Kudos to the wife! He also let us know that Rhay was his late brother in-law with whom he shared so many of his business dreams, including opening Rhay's one day, an elevated Afro-fusion dining experience. Rhay's spirit was clearly in the room that night and I'm sure he'd be super proud of his restaurant namesake. Thanks Ben & the Rhay's staff, Jando & Yelp. It was a pleasure to come out to enjoy the exquisite food & marvelous time. read more

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One thing about me, I'm gonna eat a wing! The wings are so good. Sweet and spicy. The Jell-O fries was really good as well too. I also got a spicy margarita at first I thought it wasn't very strong, but it really snuck up on me! They have live music sometimes and the inside is very cute. They put a lot of thought and effort into the decor. The interior is very picturesque. I would definitely come back and try more things on the menu, the prices were very reasonable! read more

Elite Event: Rhay's Restaurant - The wings were exceptional!!!! - Yelp Events Near Me - Houston, Texas

Rhay's Restaurant was a great choice for this Elite Event. The upscale interior was well-designed, and the live DJ with drumming added great energy. We had a fantastic time mingling with fellow Elite Members. For cocktails, I tried the Cucumber Refresher and Spicy Serenade. The Refresher was light and crisp, while the Spicy Serenade was a bit too spicy for me but still enjoyable. Of the many food options, my favorites were the Suya skewers with grilled veggies and the Suya flatbread--both packed with flavor. My only critique is that the Jollof rice could have been more flavorful. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and plan to visit Rhay's again soon. read more

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Thanks to Yelp for putting together this fun event. Had a great time hanging out with my fellow Yelpers, meeting some new people, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Food wise, the skewers and wings were the big winners for me. Wings had a very nice glaze and the skewers were seasoned well. I also like the corn on the cob with a nice charred taste. Most of the samples were in high demand entire night and unfortunately didn't get to try everything. (Really a bit like the hunger game situation as one yelper puts it eloquently lol) We were lucky to stay until the end when they brought out the last round of skewers and rice, which was a nice touch. The bars were busy entire night and the wait on average could be 10-15min per drink but the staff were wonderful entire night and took care of the demand. I was a fan of the spicy margarita and the mocktail refresher. It was great hearing from the owner Ben and how he's honoring his brother-in-law and his wife in the restaurant's origin and its concept. I would be interested in returning to try some more of the menu and check out more of their Sax/Steaks or DJ nights. Thanks to Rhay's for a wonderful experience. I liked the DJ/Drummer mix and the energy they brought the entire night. You can tell they definitely put alot of effort in the evening from the presentation to the overall vibe. There's a cute backdrop decor in the front which was a hit with a lot of yelpers and photographers. Looking forward to returning when I'm in this area of town! read more

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I was throughly impressed by the design of the restaurant, the engagement with the servers and hearing the backstory behind the concept. It was so nice- especially during this month to highlight this black owned business and immerse ourselves in another cultures cuisine. Among all the food I tried, the Suya Flatbread was amazingggg as well as Rhay's Firehouse Wings. They were the perfect blend of sweet and savory and fried to perfection. Rhay's Ruby Jolly Rice was good but I love a bit more spice with my jollof rice and was missing that. The corn was okay. My favorite drink was the first spicy margarita I had (I think it was premixed). The drinks were inconsistent among the bartenders but practice makes perfect! They were still very friendly and worked as efficiently as they could given the volume of requests. The strawberry lemonade was great! Rating the event itself, it did lose a star simply for the behavior of some of the Elite. At the beginning it felt very Hunger Games- with patrons literally running to trays as soon as the servers came out, getting multiple items despite the disclaimer of this being light bites, and overall putting a damper on the overall experience. It impacted the flow of the service , but also giving everyone a chance to try something new and was very disappointing to witness. There was more than enough food to go around and we should be mindful of how we operate within these spaces- especially when it is a privilege to be here and be offered these free opportunities. I commend the owner- Ben for being personable and table touching to see how everyone was doing. Through this, my table was able to receive a few items that we were not able to get in the earlier rollout and there was more than enough food to go through the very end of the event. I will definitely be trying this place again for their regular dining experience read more

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What another great event! Thank you to the Yelp Houston team for making this event happen. Event started a little late, got a little congested at the beginning with everyone wanting to grab a drink, but it started picking up speed and everything worked out throughout the night. For my drink choice I had the Cucumber Lemonade Refresher, that tasted really good, I like the taste of the drink! Got to try their sample foods and some of their menu items as well. The food here is quite delicious and tasty! Some of my favorites were the chicken wings, the burger with french fries and the kebob skewers. All of the food stated good, definitly a great place to bring a group of friends for a night out. Thanks again to Yelp and Rhay's! Until the next event... read more

Nice restaurant! The servers & bartenders were great! I love how the owner walked around and engaged with everyone. DRINKS: Out of the Cucumber Refresher (cucumber vodka lemonade), Spicy Serenade (spicy margarita), and The Dapper Dash (sidecar) I enjoyed the cucumber refresher. I also appreciate the mocktail option. FOOD: The food samples were pretty yummy! Between the Suya Flatbread, Rhay's Firehouse Wings, Elotes Grilled Nigerian Street Corn, Suya Kabobs, and Rhay's Ruby Jolly Rice - I enjoyed the rice and wings. Overall, the event was nice. The interior gives date night and good vibes energy. Also, I highly recommend trying the tacos and complementary bread. Both were yummy. read more

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Amazing job Jando, Yelp and Rhay's staff! I was really so happy to have attended this event. I saw a lot of new faces and got to reunite with some of the OG Yelper's and meet some brand new faces like Bryan and Jennifer. Heyyyy!!! I think Rhay's has a beautiful space, amazing feel, heart felt love and care that is reflected into the menu and concept. I look forward to trying their Thursday saxophone and steak night, as well as Sunday brunch from 12 to 4 PM. The million dollar French toast has me intrigued! The light bites were delicious, my favorite being the marinated beef skewer. And the Mocktail was super fresh and perfectly sweet. The staff was professional and the event was well executed. If you've never been to an elite event, what are you waiting for? It is a great escape from the routine of the work week and gives you a chance to see some beautiful people. See you at the next one, great job, Jando and Rhay's staff! read more

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I know I'm late to reviewing this, but life happens. So I didn't realize how many people were invited, which was pretty cool! Here are the pros and cons that I thought about the event overall: Pros: -Got scanned in once you arrived, and before entering got a name badge and drink tickets -Free drinks & food, need I say more! -A way to get to meet people Cons: -At first the event was supposed to be at 8 PM, but then we were told to be there at 7 PM a day or two beforehand. Once we got there, we still didn't get inside until like 7:15 PM anyway... -The chaos of getting food was too much. This was my first event like this and I didn't know what to expect, but it's like whenever I tried to get a chance at getting something, it was gone. -I felt bad for the bartenders for how much they had to deal with, but the drinks did take a good while to come out. I applaud them though for doing the absolute best that they can! Overall, this was definitely a new experience and hopefully I'll be able to go to more of these and have a game plan of my own. read more

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Great seeing so many familiar faces! Rhay's definitely had the right vibe. The shades of purple are so pretty and make for a very luxurious aesthetic in the restaurant. concurrently, there's construction on the front street but doesn't stop a spacious parking lot. Rhays is at the end of the strip mall with at least restaurant and bar(?) next to it. you can't miss the signage! we tried the suya, the jollof and the the corn on the cob. Along with a dapper dash and a cucumber refresher mocktail! The suya was so good! it was my most memorable outside of the cucumber refresher mocktail. The other items weren't really for me. And the dapper dash had a bit too much sweet and sour but the mocktail more than made up for it. Now getting food was like the hunger games so there were 1-2 items we weren't able to try but nevertheless, the suya is what i remember. yes, go and try the suya! read more

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I would like to thank Yelp and Jando for a nice night out! Rhay's is a very aesthetically pleasing restaurant where you can take lovely pictures. As a fellow Nigerian, I mainly listen to Afrobeats so I enjoyed the dj and the drummer. Let's get down to the food. It was definitely giving "Hunger Games," like Dara mentioned. I found it hard to get pictures of the trays of food before people started snagging them. I definitely prefer more sit down yelp events. For the foods I tried: Jollof rice (6/10): lacking in spices, but overall cooked well and fresh. Peppered wing (9/10): I enjoyed the taste. Only got to try it once so I can't really give it a 10/10. Street corn (8/10): I liked the sauce on it, but would prefer the corn to be a bit more grilled like how they do in Lagos. Flat bread (6/10): I had to take the suya off because I didn't know if there was peanuts in the seasoning. I personally don't eat suya because of how heavy the peanuts are in the seasoning , so I didn't want to take a risk. I don't have a serious nut allergy, I just choose to stay away from them. However, I would have liked to hear the owner speak earlier in the event to go over the dishes that we would try, and I would have asked about the peanuts in the seasons for others who may have a nut allergy. For the drinks: The first spicy margarita I had was a 10/10. Not too spicy or too sweet. The second one I had was way too spicy that I couldn't finish it. The cucumber lemonade drink was 8/10z Overall, I enjoyed my hump day :). read more

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This was a really cool event. I allllmost gave it 4 stars but on the grand scheme it was truly a five-star event. Here's why: - I missed the email the night before bumping up the time (my fault, not the event's). But often (esp on work days) I have a hard time making it on time for earlier events. The 8 pm start time was surprising but appealing to me when I signed up! - I arrived at 8 pm, technically an hour into the event, but in the second half of the event I was only able to snag two bites of food of the five featured food items. I had never had West African cuisine before, so I was psyched to try it. I was only able to sample the corn and the wings, but I was most looking forward to trying the kabobs and the rice for a bit more of the local flavor! I heard from everyone who did get to try them that they were excellent though. And the corn and wings that I had were quite tasty! I got to try the Dapper Dash sidecar drink, which was tangy but very well done! The bartenders were incredibly kind and patient with the huge crowds, and worked hard to make mocktails for the of us driving home. The music was also incredibly fun! The establishment seems like a great spot. I would love to come back another time for dinner and drinks. Thank you so much to Rhay's for hosting us, and to Yelp for putting on such a cool event. read more

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An EASY 5 stars. Although I wasn't initially thrilled that we started late, the moment the door opened, it was clear the wait was worth it. BUT (music scratch) - in my Naija accent, "Ben, make you no try am again! Me, I no go tolerate am oooo at all at all!" Okay...back to our regularly scheduled program. Rhay's is aesthetically stunning - every detail was thoughtfully curated and impeccably clean. Honestly, it's tough to find a beautiful Nigerian restaurant in Houston. The food is usually good, but it's not a pretty place to sit. So, this made me very proud. The food? Flavorful and absolutely delicious. As a proud Nigerian, my culture means everything to me, so I came in with high expectations. The jollof rice wasn't my favorite because I wanted more spices and the deep smokey flavor (I prefer mine! Lol), But the pepper wings were seasoned beautifully, and the suya flatbread was an unexpected but tasty twist. The grilled corn with sauce was more of a fusion take - back home, we keep it simple (JUST the corn) - but it worked. And the suya? Easily the best I've had in a long time. It was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor - none of that usually usual struggle to get it off the stick! IYKYK. Now let's talk about drinks! The cucumber mocktail was so refreshing I had to, and the strawberry mocktail was just as delicious. It was sweet but not overpowering and incredibly blended to where the flavors just left you wanting more. The live music was phenomenal - so authentic and deeply rooted in my culture. It felt like home. And the owner? Ben was incredibly gracious. He even served us himself at times, making sure everyone had a chance to taste everything. The food kept coming, so if you missed something the first time, you absolutely got another shot. The space was cozier than I expected, but there is a fine dining section on the left that's absolutely breathtaking - magazine-worthy elegance. And I love that they brought in a photographer to capture the experience, even giving us our own mini photo session against a beautifully decorated wall with a mirror, flowers, and the whole nine. (Thanks for the heads up, Jandoooo) I'm truly grateful to Jando and the Yelp Houston team for making this happen. In all of my time as a Yelp Elite, this was very literally the first Nigerian experience I've ever had, and it meant the world to me. I hope to see more of this - or culture deserves to shine! I can't wait to return. Well done, Rhay's!!! read more

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The event was great!! The vibes were top notch- the DJ played afrobeats music, bartenders did their thing with the drinks, and wait staff made sure the food was flowing. The drink options included: spicy margarita, cucumber refresher, sidecar, and a strawberry lemonade. These were so yummy and refreshing! Food samples included: jollof rice, house wings (with a jerk & chipotle twist), elote, suya kabobs, and suya flatbread - this was a good variety to showcase their Nigerian-inspired fusion that is at the heart of their full menu. I especially enjoyed the fact that this particular event allowed for us to mix and mingle with others while enjoying the music. I wonder if there's a DJ normally but I look forward to coming back here!! read more

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Initially a chaotic start but everything calmed down towards the end. Large crowd during check in, but Yelp made it smooth having all the name badges ready and handing drink tickets. Beautiful restaurant inside! The bar area was super packed. Service was great given how many folks attended this event. Tried the Dapper Dash (sidecar) first. However, Cucumber Refresher (vodka lemonade) ended up being my favorite! Strawberry lemonade was also good! "Passed Foods" made it feel like I was in the Hunger Games at this Yelp event. So many people swarmed as soon as a server walked out the kitchen with a food tray. For a moment, wasn't sure if my friend and I were going to be able to try all the menu samplers. Food was delicious! My favorite was the Rhay's Ruby Jollof Rice. The Firehouse wings were good; more on the sweeter side vs savory. Enjoyed the Suya Flat Bread and Elotes Grilled Nigerian Street Corn (drizzled sauce was sometimes inconsistent). I'm a sauce girl, so would've enjoyed some along with the Suya Khabobs. Ben, the owner, was super sweet and brought extra food to the table towards the end of the night! Overall a fun Yelp event experience at Rhay's Restaurant! The restaurant's origin story was heartwarming. I would return to dine here in the future! read more

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The restaurant was stunning, With rich purple hues throughout the decor. From the bar to the tables and booths the vibe was definitely giving grown and sexy. As I waited in line for drinks I noticed some bartenders seemed flustered. Unfortunately a few elites were being inpatient and asking for orders on the sides instead of waiting in line like everyone else. Others were also attacking the serving trays as soon as they could step out of the kitchen. I honestly felt bad for the staff for a while. -- the sdecar was off, seemed to be way too much sweet and sour, They remained pleasant and checked on all guest which is very admirable. Towards the end we were able to get some samples of food. Thanks to the owner and Isaiah. They wings and flatbread were my favorite followed by the suya. The music was a great addition to the aesthetic of the restaurant. Having a west African background my self I love Afrobeats so I truly enjoyed the instrumentals with the drums . I have already told some of my friends and family that we need to revisit RHAYS. read more

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I had such an amazing time at Rhay's! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by how spacious and welcoming the restaurant was. They had plenty of seating and standing space, which made mingling with fellow Yelpers super easy. Plus, they gave us 4 drink vouchers, which was a really nice touch! For drinks, my favorite was the cucumber refresher--it was so refreshing, with a strong cucumber flavor that I absolutely loved (though it might be too much for those who aren't cucumber fans). The spicy margarita definitely lived up to its name, packing a nice kick, and the dapper dash was extremely sour, great for those who likes sour. Food-wise, the Rhay's firehouse wings were hands down my favorite--so moist and full of flavor. I'll definitely be coming back for those! The flatbread and kabobs had a nice spice to them, and the jolly rice was cooked perfectly. The sweet corn with mayo sauce was a great addition, providing a nice creamy and sweet contrast. A big shoutout to Ben and his incredible staff, who were all so nice and welcoming. They were constantly moving and bringing out food for us to try. The highlight of the evening was when Ben shared the story behind the restaurant's name and menu, how it was inspired by his late brother-in-law and his wife. It really added a personal touch and made the event feel like a true family gathering. Thank you to Ben and Jando for such a beautifully planned event. I'll definitely be back! read more

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Had an amazing time attending this Elite event, thanks Jando! Very vibrant and welcoming decor. It sets you in a calm mood. Thanks so much to the owner and staff for the extremely welcome and kindness. They all ensured all Elite team received samples and cocktails. The Suya Kabob was the best, delicately cooked, succulent very tasteful. Cumcumber Refresher cocktail is my favorite, it's refreshing. The Rhay's Ruby Jolly Rice is good with a nice tasteful. The Firehouse Wings has a good balance of flavor, of savory and sweetness. Spicy Margherita was a bit too spicy and Dapper Dash a bit too sour for me. I sent a text in my friend group chat to let them know we will go to Rhay's for Sunday brunch and we are ready to try the Million Dollar French Toast. Enjoyed the music, great DJ. read more

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I had a great time last night at this event. The event started a little later than scheduled, but it was no big deal. As soon as I got inside, I was able to see all of the beautiful decor. The restaurant definitely was executed very well in terms of the layout and ambiance. Service: the staff were very attentive, and they were super accommodating as well. I appreciate how they brought out additional food for us to try since it was a little difficult to grab samples. Food: the food was delicious! My favorite items were the flatbread, and the wings. The different flavors in the flatbread meshed together well, and the wings had the perfect amount of sweetness, and caramelization. The skewers were good too, with a kick. However the ones that I received were very chewy. Drinks: I was looking forward to trying the drinks, but they turned out to be my least favorite part. It was a long wait to get a drink, but I completely understand as the staff was limited. The sidecar was very very sour, almost like I was drinking lemon juice. All in all, I would definitely visit this establishment again. I would love to try the jerk lo mein, and some other drinks on their regular menu read more

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Had a super fun (and super chaotic) experience at my first in-person Yelp Elite Event! This restaurant is so elegant on the inside, but the club vibes were definitely popping with the live DJ on set and surprisingly huge turnout. I felt a little bit like a sardine packed into a can trying to get around. Attempting to get food was rough in the beginning with so many people snatching up plates before the waiters even had a chance to walk around, but the restaurant did a great job of keeping up with the demand. Rounds of food kept going throughout the night, and towards the end, the owner himself was bringing plates of food around to tables who wanted more. Of everything I tried, the Rhay's Ruby Jollof Rice was my favorite! I just wished I had a bigger spoon to eat it with LOL. The bar situation was definitely madness but the bartenders were troopers handling it all. I probably spent a combined total of 20 minutes waiting at the bar but it is what is. I really think prepping large batches of drink mix ahead of time would have helped a lot especially with their Cucumber Refresher (vodka cucumber lemonade, which was amazing btw). Thanks to Jando and the Yelp Elite team for putting together a fun event and introducing me to more amazing black-owned businesses. It was really nice hearing the owner, Ben, talk about his vision and the inspiration behind the restaurant. I hope to be back soon! read more

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Firstly, I have declared this place a hiddengem! This is a definitely a spot I will frequent. The outside gives a vibe honestly, that will not draw me to the place. However, baby...once I walked in you know they spent some coins and love on the inside decor. I highly recommend working on the outside for people who maybe just walking or driving by to draw them In!!!!!! The Owner, Ben was so down to earth when we asked him to come out and sit at our table. They gave us a show yall!!! They were prepared and had every item ready in concert. Then they had the nerve to give us more food. I love the spirit of this place, the food was so good, presentation was on point. My drink of choice was the Margarita. The Cucumber was definitely fresh and overall refreshing. They provided a live drummer in conjunction with the DJ. We also had a photographer for the night. The music gave me Afro Beats Vibe!! And I love Afro beats. You can also reserve the space for a small party pretty much for free. It's an excellent space for a bday or small event. I plan on returning for the Million Dollar French Toast at brunch. This is a YES for me:) read more

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Fun lively event with good food and people. There was a late start by about 20min and there was a disorderly rush to checkin/get name badges. Some of us were lined up on the side but the people who were lined up in the parking lot were redirected to basically cut in front of us. This wouldn't be a big deal except everyone rushed to the bar to get their drinks. It would have been better if they premixed the drinks or prepared a bunch of drinks ahead of time or even during the 20min delay. It was all the anxiety of getting drinks at a bar the club. We were generously given four drink tickets. To save time, I got two drinks at a time. I really enjoyed the spicy margarita. The three bar tenders worked full speed non-stop for two hours. The food came out sporadically and disappeared quickly. My favorite were the beef skewers and the chicken wings. The beef skewers had a blend of seasonings and nice spicy kick. The wings had a nice sweet glaze and a bit of heat. I didn't get to try the rice or the tacos. If you weren't within arms reach of the food when it comes out, it was gone by the time you walk there. read more

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As a newer elite, this is the best event I've been to thus far. The décor was classy and elegant without being unapproachable and the dj really set the mood for the event. I'm happy to say that the food and drinks were just as good as the vibes. We got 3 drink tickets and so I tried all 3 of the cocktails they were offering: a side car, a spicy margarita, and a cucumber vodka lemonade. All of them were good and on the sweeter side, which I prefer. My favorite was the spicy margarita because it was actually pretty spicy. I also got to try the strawberry lemonade which was also delicious. All the bites of food were also so yummy. The suya flatbread, the suya kabobs, and rhay's fire house wings were some of my favorite bites of the night. I enjoyed the how spicy and flavorful the suya was and the jerk marinade on the wings was awesome. The elotes corn was perfectly charred and I really liked the sauce it came with. The jollof rice was perfect to pair with the kabobs and wings. Beyond the wonderful food and atmosphere, I was also a big fan of the owner Ben. He shared a very heartfelt story behind the Rhay's and let us know that each recipe was a collaboration between the head chef and his wife. You can tell how passionate he is about the restaurant and sharing the flavors of Nigeria with the Houston community. I will definitely come back to support! read more

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10/10 for the vibes, food, and service. The interior was beautiful, well decorated, well thought out. There were multiple places where one can take a picture. There was even a place for private dining. The food: My favorite was the Rhay's Firehouse Wings. It was on point. It was not spicy, and it was not too sweet. The Suya flat bread and the Elotes corn were surprisingly good that I had a couple. I opted for their mocktails, and I was quite impressed with their cucumber lemonade drink. I would go back to get their wings, flat bread, and drinks. I saw their menu and am intrigued by some of their other items on the menu. It was a great location, plenty of parking. Despite how many of us there were, they did an excellent job with the service. read more

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While the event time change threw off my schedule a bit, I had a great experience at Rhay's. The atmosphere was pleasant and lively and the crowd was friendly and diverse. Parking was easy and free. I enjoyed the spacious restaurant as well as the decor. I really liked that there were places to sit and several Instagramable photo ops inside. I tasted Jollof Rice for the first time and I definitely recommend the wings. The cucumber cocktail was my favorite and super refreshing. I plan to return to the restaurant to try their street tacos. Many thanks to Jando and everyone involved in executing this fun night Also, glad that we could support this black-owned business during Black History Month. read more

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I really loved this place and will definitely be coming back! They have a great selection of authentic African dishes, with some unique twists. I was especially touched by the backstory of the restaurant--it was a dream that the owner and his brother-in-law shared, and even though he's passed, it's clear they made that dream a reality. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to a lot of things, especially due to the nuts in many of the appetizers. But the corn and rice were delicious, and after checking out the full menu, everything sounded amazing. Based on what I tried, I bet everything is just as good. The drinks were also strong, which I loved haha. I'm definitely planning to come back for their Sunday brunch (12-4) and see if that "million-dollar French toast" the owner mentioned is as good as it sounds! read more

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It has always been one of my bucket list travel destinations to go to Lagos Nigeria! Benjamin the owner and his wife curated menu that derived some of the most beloved dishes from Lagos Nigeria (where they are from originally). The restaurant is represents more of an elevated Nigerian dinning experience capturing the unique architecture, cultural art and common restaurant decor of West Africa! The parking lot is large but shares the lot with neighboring businesses along the strip. If there isn't available spots in the lot, you can park along the street next to the apartment complex. Loved their elote corn with a west African fusion's twist. You got your grilled corn with what tasted like thousand island dressing and cheese on top. really like their jalof rice with their grilled marinated skirt steak skewers on top! The skewers were flavorful indeed containing a lot of the west African spices you know and love from Nigeria!!! That flatbread we had was out of this world! I mean it was full of flavor! I could come here and eat just that!!! The staff was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks! Telling us about their weekly specials. I plan on coming back during their brunch this Sunday to try their million dollar French toast and chill to the vibes of their DJ!! Things I found unique: The have 3 instagramable places where patrons could take photos as they pleased! The hallway to the restroom had mirrors and beautiful gold wall plates all around! When you first walk in to the left, there is a flower wall with weeping flower and their logo in the center and next to their private party room they have a wall covered in Nigerian art that you can stand in front of and take a picture!! Loved the DJ and the addition of a drummer to beat along with the music from the DJ!! Jando, you did a fabulous job finding such a unique and vibey spot that stay true to the culture of Lago Nigeria! This restaurant is part of what makes Houston a Cultural Epicenter! read more

Elite Event: Rhay's Restaurant - Parking - Yelp Events Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Went to another amazing Yelp event at Rhay's Restaurant, and it was unforgettable and filled with bold new flavors. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the vibrant ambiance. The decor is a beautiful blend of traditional African elements and modern touches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lighting was perfectly balanced, not too bright but just enough to highlight the intricate details of the decor and the colorful dishes. The menu at Rhays is a culinary adventure. I got to try a variety of dishes that were bursting with unique flavors and spices. The jollof rice was a standout, with its rich, tomato-based flavor and perfectly cooked grains. The suya skewers were another highlight, offering a delightful mix of spicy and savory notes that left my taste buds tingling. Each dish was a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Africa, prepared with love and authenticity. Overall, my experience at Rhays African Restaurant was exceptional. The combination of the inviting ambiance, thoughtful lighting, and the explosion of bold flavors made for a memorable dining experience. I will definitely be back and recommend this restaurant to friends and family looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of African cuisine. Thank you Yelp! read more

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Thank you Yelp and Rhay's Restaurant for inviting me to this special event. I got to learn more about how this restaurant came up to place. I think it did a great job in honoring Rhay. Coming to Rhay's Restaurant The vibes were amazing. Rhay's Restaurant is an African cuisine that serves some amazing dishes. This is my first time trying African food and I really enjoyed and will be coming back and open to trying more African food. The restaurant had a nice interior with live music and also an outdoor seating area. The service was amazing and all the staff were very friendly and always proving warmth through a warm smile. Now onto the food! The food was amazing. The kabob was so tender and flavorful. Lots of rich flavor packed into the tender kabob. In addition the Jolly rice was spectacular. The suya flatbread and Rhay's firehouse wings was delicious and just those appetizers are definitely worth the trip to try it. read more

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I had an amazing time at the event. I arrived around 15 min after 7 and the doors opened shortly after so we were able to get our name tags and scan in. We were given drink tickets and there were many food samples that came around relatively frequently. Everyone was very friendly overall, and Jando was a great host. The drinks did take a little while to get but the bartenders stayed very friendly and positive. There were lots of seating and table tops for people.to stand or sit and mingle. Overall, it was a great event with good music, good food and a great atmosphere. Shout out to the owner for telling us the history behind the restaurant and what we can expect outside of the Yelp event. read more

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Got a little late start. There was a little wait for drinks. When I got to the bar, I got a Cucumber Refresher Mocktail... it was tasty and refreshing. I think the place it good for a date or a girls night. The chairs are comfy. Music was good, kudos to the DJ. Service was very friendly. The food had a little kick and I liked it. The Rhay's firehouse wings were finger licking tasty a little sweet and a little spicy, Elotes Grilled Nigerian street Corn had a nice smokiness and the corn still had some snap to it... good, Rhay's Ruby Jolly Rice , Suya Flatbread was ok... not as flavorful as the other offerings, my favorite of the night was the Suya Kabob - tender and flavorful... so delicious. Thank you Rhay's and Thank You Yelp Team. read more

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Shout to everyone I had fun! Yaay for a new African restaurant in the area! Rhays sets the mood upon arrival with a beautiful interior, traditional African music and food inspired by Naija culture and a rich family history. We had the pleasure of sampling some of the restaurants dishes which included suya, Nigerian inspired elote, chicken wings, jollof rice, and suya flatbread! Also it was great to hear from the owner and learn about what inspired him to open the restaurant as well as the history of the ingredients, recipes and how they were sourced. They also provided us with excellent crafted beverages! My favorite was the spicy Margarita. This was a nice event with great food samplings of food and music! Shoutout to the DJ! There is also available seating outside! Once again @yelphouston and @rhayshtx thanks for a great event! read more

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I'm going to get my (very personal) gripe out first. I called several times ahead to confirm what had nuts and what didn't. The manager was very kind over the phone and confirmed the menu was nut-allergy safe. It wasn't until after I drove 40+ minutes that I was told in person that "suya isn't suya if it doesn't have peanuts." That is not cool. But, it's definitely a me problem. I am thankful that the manager found me to let me know before I ate anything. The event itself was a great gathering of cultures at a very intimate, friendly venue. Live music and an assortment of tables welcomed us into the restaurant. Of course, the bar was swarmed to try out the drinks. I retreated outside temporarily with a new friend until we realized that no food was going to make it outside, but I would've loved if they used the outside space since it was such a nice Houston day (for once). I can only rate the drinks and a few things, since most dishes were made of suya and had nuts. The elote corn on the cob had a nice flame char and good sauce. The sidecar was quite tangy, even a bit sweet. The cucumber vodka was very refreshing. The spicy margarita was just spicy enough, a very balanced flavor. From my conversations with people around, the food seemed to be pretty well received. Favorites from my table were the flatbread and a split vote between the chicken and the kabob. It was a fun night with the Elite group and the venue seems like a great spot to return to for Sax and Steaks on Thursdays or DJ'd music on weekend events. The owner has a great story from the naming of the restaurant after his brother and origins of the dishes with his wife. I'd recommend it for people who can safely eat there, and say that I generally enjoyed the vibe here. read more

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The food was yummy and I am so thankful for the wonderful evening and experience with new friends! I really enjoyed the elote and the jolly rice. The highlight of the evening was hearing from the owner! He was so passionate and personable. Hearing about his brother in law made the experience even more memorable. I can't wait to share my experience and return with friends. read more

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