About Ray's BBQ, Brews & Blues
Ray's sits on the bank of the Au Sable River in downtown Grayling and takes its name from its three themes: barbecue, craft beer and blues. In warm months the riverside patio opens for full dining beside the water, and there is indoor seating the rest of the year.
Meats are smoked on site with house rubs and fruit woods. Black Angus brisket is the specialty, ordered as point, flat or half and half, alongside spare ribs, smoked chicken, hand-pulled pork shoulder, a whole smoked wing and, in limited numbers, a giant beef plate rib. Sides include spicy beans, blue cheese coleslaw, mashed sweet potatoes, mac and cheese (with a lobster version) and cornbread with honey butter. There are soups, salads, a kids' menu, and desserts made in house that change daily.
The bar pours from 30 taps, many of them Michigan craft beers, with Michigan wines and spirits too. Big carry-out orders are sold by the pound, sauces are bottled to take home, and the restaurant caters. It has been one of the stops in Grayling's Brew Avenue social district.
Uncommon Ranch is about 20 minutes east of town. Uncommon Ranch's 2026 summer open days ran Wednesday to Saturday, 10 to 4, through August 8, with pick-your-own lavender; its lodging is open all year. A summer afternoon at the ranch and brisket on the river patio make a full Grayling day.
What to do
- Order the Black Angus brisket by point, flat or half and half
- Eat on the riverside patio in warm months
- Try a Michigan beer from the 30 taps
- Take home barbecue by the pound and a bottle of house sauce
- Bring kids for the mini sandwiches and mac and cheese
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open daily; riverside patio dining in the warm months
- Hours
- Daily 11 AM–9 PM (as listed by the Grayling chamber and their website, October 2026)
Tips for your visit
- Call ahead for carry-out; large orders are sold by the pound
- The giant beef plate rib is limited, so come early if you want one
- Ask your server about the day's desserts
Pair it with a lavender farm
Uncommon Ranch · about 20 minutes away
Uncommon Ranch is about 20 minutes east, so end a summer lavender visit with dinner on the river here.
Getting there
Questions
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, riverside patio dining on the Au Sable in the warm months.
Is there a kids' menu?
Yes: grilled cheese, mini burgers, mini barbecue sandwiches and mac and cheese, with a drink.
Do they cater?
Yes, and they sell barbecue by the pound for carry-out.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Grayling & the Au Sable River, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
