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Delicious Vietnamese food. When we planned our trip to Anchorage, this was the one place that my husband wanted to go during our trip. Made it over for lunch, and it met all the great reviews and then some. Combination fried rice was incredible. So flavorful and filled with meat. First time having a Banh Xeo, and that was excellent as well. Very quick service. Such a delicious meal. Highly recommend.
my family & I are always looking for new places to try & we got recommended this place from My Husband Boss, since we skipped the gym today we decided to give this place a try. It was our 1st time here so we ordered what my husband boss recommended & it didn't disappoint. we ordered the tofu Banh mi & the tofu crepes as apps & it was so good. The sauce they use for the crepe is house made & it was freaking delish. I'm definitely buying a couple of bottles next time. You definitely have to get their fried rice it one of the best I had while living here. the bun Bo hue everything so good but I wish they use the right noodles & not the pho noodles. & the Vietnamese iced coffee tastes like Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Coffee & was a bit on the sweet side. I think Gia or Pho 4 still has the best Vietnamese iced coffee. The service was slow but I guess because a lot of people were ordering take out. but overall I would recommend you try this Vietnamese place out, I mean Triple D did come & eat at this place.
We visited Ray's Place after reading about their distinctively Alaskan-Vietnamese fusion dishes, arriving to a completely packed parking lot and restaurant for Friday dinner at 6 PM. There were tons of people picking up takeout orders as well and we joined that line due to my in-laws request. The waitress warned me of a 20-25 minute wait - it took exactly 25 minutes. By that time, the restaurant actually started clearing out, so I guess it's better to visit later in the evening for no wait. Banh Xeo Vietnamese Crepe ($18) - Filled with shredded boiled chicken and halved shrimp, along with cabbage, onion, bean sprouts and other veggies. The crepe is pretty thin and I'm pretty sure was crisp to begin with but unfortunately wilts after steaming in the packaging. There is of course lettuce, basil, and cilantro to wrap around the crepe and increase the ease of eating. Alaskan Halibut, Curry ($21.50) - Good breading on the fish, fried well with a good crunch that stands up to being steamed in the packaging. The sauce is excellent, very concentrated and reduced curry flavor. Rather than being a SE Asian curry, filled with coconut milk, this one seems more like a Chinese-style curry but with the addition of other spices and then reduced until the curry flavor is concentrated into a supreme savory flavor. Now unfortunately other than the flavor, this dish has some issues. Firstly, the rice is undercooked with most grains having a firm, almost hard center. Next, the vegetables seem to have only been blanched a short while and not cooked much afterwards. It's a mix of squash, zucchini, carrot, broccoli, and cabbage. The latter three are still very crunchy, and there's quite a bit of the raw cabbage bite when eating the cabbage. Finally, while the fish has a good crust and the flavor is nice, it's clearly overcooked, becoming quite tough on the inside rather than being flaky. Alaskan Salmon, Vietnamese ($21.50) - The waitress recommended getting this dish with the Vietnamese sauce since it's their specialty. The sauce is indeed very good - it's full of fish sauce umami, is a little sweet and generally very tasty. Again, the fish has a good crisp fried crust, giving texture and pleasing mouthfeel. Plaguing this fish is unfortunately the dryness - clearly overcooked and tough, far more so than the halibut. In addition, for some reason, the rice in this dish is overcooked and approaching mushy. Spicy Chicken with Cashews ($19) - I thought this would be small chunks of chicken in a typical cashew sauce ala cashew chicken at a Chinese American restaurant. This one is totally different - instead of cubed chicken, it's deboned thigh meat filets, then glazed in a reduced sauce while being cooked. While it's labeled as being spicy, it's barely so, causing only the slightest tingle and warmth in the mouth. The sauce is otherwise sweet and savory with possibly a little ginger essence. The typical five veggie combination is adulterated by adding cashew and onion, giving some additional sweetness, nuttiness, and texture. Like the other veggies, the onion trends towards the crunchy raw side, barely cooked enough to reduce the raw onion spiciness. In this dish, the rice is actually perfectly cooked. I am so confused how the texture of the rice is so different between the three dishes - restaurants usually have a single huge rice cooker to serve all dishes out of. Does Ray's Place have multiple rice cookers or something? It's just bizarre... People aren't lying - the flavors here are to die for. It's unfortunately the textures and technique that are a little off. Still, for those seeking excellent flavors, this is probably one of the best spots in Anchorage. Bathrooms - Two unisex rooms
Now I know why I rarely go here. Their number wasn't going through when I called.. I had my husband try and that worked (he confirmed they were open). Then I tried again and it worked and placed a to go order. We got the bahn mi, spicy cashew chicken and tofu curry. The bahn mi was severely disappointing. Seemed like maybe pork, and store bought ham.? Would not recommend. The other two dishes were delicious! Their open sign wasn't on when we went, so that, and the phone issue, seemed like they weren't open for business. Just an odd experience. Decent to go food. But more reliable places to go like Gia Dinh.
Quick and easy lunch spot with traditional flavors. Egg rolls were hot and fresh tasting. Tofu well seasoned. Noodles a bit on the hard side but the simple dish was exactly what I expected. Nothing special but perfect if you're looking for a simple Vietnamese meal. Fast and friendly service that got us in and out while I was in town for work.
Guy Fieri got it right this time! I'm a fan of the dude's show but not such a fan of most of his featured spots. However, I'm tempted to agree with Guy's view that Ray's Place is perhaps the best Vietnamese food in North America, In the minimum, I concede that Ray's is absolutely the best Vietnamese fare in Northern North America. Ray's is actively managed by the firecracker matriarch, whose recipes were brought over from the old country and prepared is similar fashion from back home. The entire staff was hospitable, professional and eager to please. This is a family owned and operated business, and even non-family staff served as though the place was their own. We tried about a third of the menu, and the pictures I posted were of the highlights of the highlights. If your version of fine dining consists of exceptionally tasting food served with a mother's TLC in a modest setting, then Ray's will be the place for you as it was for me.
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This it's my first time trying this place and I'm going to tell you I was disappointed. I heard raving reviews about this restaurant and the food. And I got here today when I opened it it looked perfectly normal, that to the first bite I could tell it was not. I thought it had a weird taste and then I took another bite and I was like what is his taste burnt. So I started to move everything around and it was like the cook knew it he burnt it and covered it up inside the entire dish. So I was able to eat the eggrolls which were good but the eggrolls wasn't what I wanted the most sorry I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't enjoy my lunch luckily I had fruit with me. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
We always have great food is always fresh and delicious. The service is always great. The Yim Family are a great family and this place is amazing. It must be, Guy Fieri came and it's on Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
I love this place. Always great friendly serve and the BEST pork fried rice and pork spring rolls I have had! read more
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What a wonderful lunch we had! My spicy chicken had perfect spice, lemongrass and was a curry dish. One of the best restaurant meals in such a long time! Service was perfect, food came out quickly and perfectly! My friend had the cold noodle salad with curry & tofu that was excellent. Just Go! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
This is my first Vietnamese restaurant that I went to when I first got to Anchorage. The service and seating were good. I could see the waitresses and the waiters waking around with the water pitcher in their hands. I don't see that attentive service at most Asian restaurants, but that's a good thing! The menu is up front with the foods' names and prices. Of course, I expected expensive prices in Anchorage, AK compared to average prices in Seattle, WA. I was disappointed with the limited Pho options because I wanted something like tripe, tendon, and other interesting Asian combo in my soup, but it was 11 am in the morning in a town I wasn't familiar with. I wasn't going to complain, so i ordered plain well-done steak Pho. I looked at my phone and turned around after 1 minute, and the soup bowl was served in front of me. Quick service = 10. Hot soup = 10. Tasty broth = 10. Seriously, you can't go wrong with soup. I'm glad I chose this restaurant as my first stop-by place for breakfast / lunch. read more
2 years ago
Ray's Place has been around for years and their food is always fantastic. A good friend always loves the tilapia fillet with brown rice. I order the Seafood Curry with vegetables at a medium level spice, and it's perfect to me. They give an ample amount of seafood with sauce to die for. The iced Vietnamese coffee is also delicious! Service is fast and friendly. read more
5 years ago
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5 years ago
Duck sautéed noodles were fantastic and the food was out so fast!! Best damn sautéed noodles in town!!! read more
3 years ago
I can't believe that I have been in Anchorage since 1986 and have never been in to Ray's before. Dated yet comfortable interior. Appeared to be clean and well kept (I did not go into the restroom). Nice menu, not overwhelming. The descriptions of each dish were sufficient to really boost my appetite. Plenty of choices regardless of dietary restriction. Wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Prompt, courteous, attentive server who was able to provide very satisfying recommendation. My meal came out quickly and piping hot. The Nutshell: It was really good. Not mind blowing, just really good. I look forward to going back soon and trying more of their offerings. read more
3 years ago
You know the cliché of the guy that's (desperately) looking for "the gal" all over. He goes to bars. He does some online dating. He gets rejected. He almost gives up the search... And then, he realizes she was right in front of him this whole time? Yeah, that's what Ray is like, to ME. What I mean is, I've driven by this place so often, and barely even realized it was here. It's got a plain, humble exterior, and I didn't think much of it. Yesterday I finally stepped inside and I was VERY IMPRESSED. There are a lot of Asian-themed restaurants around town. Many mix various cuisines from the various countries that make up the world's largest continent. This place is categorized as "Vietnamese", but really, they do things their own way. Many of their dishes are pretty unique, and you won't find anything quite like them at any other places in town. Per Yelp's recommendation, I decided to go with the "Spicy Chicken". The menu was huge, and this was key-worded, may as well give it a whirl. I was BLOWN AWAY. It was lightly sweet, mildly spicy, and perfectly seasoned. It was so good and so addictive. I was sad when I had finished it. It was decorated with fresh jalapenos and cashews. I I don't even like sweet things and I don't like my spiciness in moderation (I get 10 stars at most Thai joints in town, for reference), but the flavors in this dish were just perfect. Can't wait to go back! *icing on the cake is the York peppermint patty on the check. WAY better than the usually check-candy options! read more
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Always, always, ALWAYS good. I live around the corner and visit often, so I can safely assert that if you like Vietnamerican food, you'll be pleased with Rays. No, the restaurant isn't fancy. But it's family run and the food is consistently good. I've never had a bad experience- never had bad food nor bad service. In the lower 48, in would give Rays 4 stars, but by Alaska standards this is as good as it gets. This is literally one of Anchorage's best restaurants. read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
I have given few 5 star reviews. My bf an I were in REI shopping and a staff member highly recommended Rays and gave us a meal recommendation we HAVE to have (pork fried rice). Of course we went - but with hesitation. We are from the Midwest and when on any coast we eat only locally caught seafood but it's been an off day so let's just follow the local suggestions, right? I could not be more surprised or pleased with Rays! I ordered the shrimp curry hot and he ordered the pork fried rice with Vietnamese sausage added. The manager, when he discovered we were on vacation, insisted we try the spring rolls and just brought us some. He recommended a plum wine for me and a Japanese rice beer for him. He then told us Rays is family owned and ran, he personally flys to Vietnam to bring back spices and just returned two weeks ago with 200 lb of spices! I usually don't order fried rice because it is never tasteful to me. I don't eat pork either. When his rice was brought to the table I instantly sought out a non-pork bite and I fell in love. I can see what all the gushing about this fried rice is. The manager says be used four kinds of rice to make it sticky without getting dry. The taste was amazing and perfect with the spices. My curry shrimp was amazing also with a taste I couldn't get enough of. I tried really hard to save some for a late night snack but I ate it all! Great job Rays! You have ruined my ability to eat Vietnamese anywhere else and now I have to come back again soon! read more
Ray's Place is one of those non-descript restaurants in Anchorage that boasts a somewhat sad exterior and as a result I simply forget is there. But obviously I need to start tying that proverbial string around my finger to remember because the food there is good. In fact it is one, if not my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Anchorage. Located off of Spenard Road close to Fireweed it boasts a very small parking lot that can fill quickly. In fact everything about Ray's can fill quickly so it is advised you get there early in order to get a seat and not have to wait for long periods of time for your food. If you find the front parking lot filled a helpful hint is there is overflow parking located behind the Texaco station across the side street. Just don't park at the Texaco station because you would be towed. I happen to meet a friend there for lunch on this particular day and was lucky in that I arrived early. And as a result I was able to grab the last spot in the front lot. Because of my experiences I texted my friend A and told her I had arrived and would meet her inside to grab a seat. As I went in I noted they were seating a very large party of 10 and rather groaned inwardly. Large parties can usually mean substantial delays when it comes to "a quick bite to eat." Okay who are we kidding. There is no such thing as a quick lunch when there are large parties in a restaurant. I was greeted and seated in the last table in the front dining room. My friend arrived a few minutes later and went to work looking at the menu. I had already known what I wanted - spicy chicken with brown rice, while she ordered curry. The server at the time was very friendly. It's a family owned business so she mentioned at the time she would slip our order in before the large party across from us so that we would not be waiting forever. I was very appreciative of that fact given I was covering the office that day and just had snuck out for some good hearty food. Our order arrived about 15-20 minutes later and I warned A to let it cool down a bit. Food at Ray's is not sitting around for long periods of time under a warmer. It is made to order and is brought right out to you often piping hot. Unless you want a burned mouth I suggest waiting for a few minutes before taking your first bite. The spicy chicken was as good as a remember it. And not overly spicy. Large slabs of chicken tossed with sauce and vegetables. A bowl of rice, easily big enough to serve 3 people or more appeared a few seconds later. Having tried a variety of food at Ray's I can say there is nothing I haven't enjoyed. Sure there have been times in the past where it wasn't the best meal ever but it seems like they are over that bump in the road. Because every experience I have had since that has been top notch. I have had the pho, fried rice, saute noodles and many of the chicken dishes. The food is well seasoned and fresh. They have a wide array of options including vegetable entrees. If you are vegetarian be sure you ask which entrees count as so because they do use egg, broth, fish sauce and oyster sauce in some of their dishes. They also serve beer and wine for dine in. Hours can be limited so make sure you check before going! And they are closed weekends. Love my times at Ray's Place. Because the food is just that good. read more
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Unless things have recently changed, Ray's is an alcohol free restaurant.
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Ray's Place - vietnamese - Updated July 2026
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