After being back in Knoxville for a few weeks, I managed to bring up one of my favorite Knoxville treasures: Ray’s Place. To my dismay, every person I brought it up with had no idea what I was talking about. This hurts my soul to the inner core because those great friends of mine have no idea what they are missing out on. The people. The food. The tradition.
1. The Location
Ray's place is a breakfast and lunch “snack shop” located on the Hill. Whilst it is in one of the most popular places on campus – so many people don’t know about it. You’ve probably passed it 235463 times in your lifetime. And I am here to say no more. Ray’s Place is located right next to Ayres, directly across from the Calvin A. Buehler building. There are no huge signs or flashy lights; just a brick wall with a grey door that reads, “Ray’s Place. Come on in.” There is no other food establishment located so conveniently. Ayres is the heart of campus and with the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you’ll find that you pass the restaurant often. Only a few minutes between classes on the Hill? Go to Ray’s Place! Finished Astronomy and don’t have class for another hour so you’re looking for somewhere to go? Ray’s Place. No need to walk down the Hill to get a snack anymore. Save those calves.
2. The People
Ray’s Place is no regular UT dining hall or Aramark establishment. It is local. It is family owned. Ray Mowery is the general manager and I have one word to describe him: kind. That’s the kind of service you get at this eatery. There are only a few workers and you’ll begin to recognize them as you become a regular. Being handed that delicious steak and cheese burrito will have new meaning when it comes from a familiar face.
3. The Food
Alright, alright THIS is the reason to go. Forget all else- go for the food. Ray’s Place is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. They carry multiple breakfast options, sandwiches, sweets, and delicious comfort food. I would say Ray’s Place is a mix of Southern Kitchen and Field of Greens. Yeah- it is that good. Lunch is my preferred stop. If I’m not feeling a sandwich, they always have 6 to 8 hot lunch choices. They’re different every day and there are always sides to pick from. The salisbury steak is delish and I actually dream about their buffalo chicken tenders. Go try them.
4. The Atmosphere
Ray’s Place is cozy and not too big. It’s the perfect place to eat and study when you have to cram for that exam. It’s quiet and you can position yourself in front of a window so you can watch your fellow classmates walk by. If that’s not your thing, they have lot of booth seating available away from the window. It’s the perfect place for group meetings or lunch dates. Even those times you want to watch a quick episode of "Grey’s Anatomy" while eating lasagna. Whatever your reason to be there; the atmosphere will not disappoint.
5. The Tradition
Ray’s Place is an iconic University of Tennessee tradition. It’s one of those things that I when I think of my time here about to end at UT (because I am a senior), I think about Ray’s Place and how I will miss it. UTK is about the football games. We are about that orange and white. We are about endless construction and constant parking problems. We are about Ray’s Place.
Go there. You won’t regret it.
