This weekend, I pose a question: “Who the hell is Uncle Ray?” Well, you’re about to find out and trust me when I say, you’ll thank me for the introduction.

Friday was the official opening of Open Concept Hospitality’s second location of their Southern Soul Food restaurant, Uncle Ray’s, and we got up close and personal with the brand, the decor, and the entire menu. You’ll recognize OC Hospitality for other Toronto foodie favourites such as Union Chicken and Amano Pasta, and for the first location of Uncle Ray’s located in Hamilton. The team behind these city staples have come up with some super innovative and mouth-watering menu items, so let me give you the low-down:

THE SPACE

The space at 9 Church Street, which used to be occupied by El Loco (RIP) and before that Jamie Kennedy’s Wine Bar (also RIP), has had a fabulous facelift. The elevated Southern Soul Food spot made a major overhaul and completely changed the vibe of the restaurant; adding moodier lighting, darker walls, and luxurious wood booths and tables. Along with the mirrored accents and jazzy wall sconces, the brand opted for a funky-industrial design which further elevates the classic comfort of the Southern menu. There’s even an accent wall highlighting some of Soul’s greatest singers (and some of my favourites) such as James Brown and Martha Reeves. They’ve also completely redone the bar that’s centered within the space, keeping with the wood detailing and even throwing in some Millennial-friendly charging ports for when Instagram eats first.

THE DRINKS

Uncle Ray’s has taken some classic Southern favourites, and put their own spin on them like a mint julep featuring lemongrass and orange blossom, and a gin fizz-esque drink donning Angostura bitters. All very delicious and extremely well-balanced (a trend throughout the entire menu), there is a cocktail variation for everyone to enjoy.

Some of the highlights include:

Two Miles an Hour, a very punchy and flavourful drink that includes gin and Fernet Branca, and is beautifully balanced by honey, lemon, and Angostura bitters.

Blood & Smoke, a belly-warming cocktail that’s got the feel of a whiskey drink, but uses Agua Santa Mezcal instead. It’s got a great smokiness to it and pairs well with the cherry and blood orange flavours that accompany.

And (surprisingly) my personal favourite, Sir Earl, which is a mixture of whiskey, St. Germain, earl grey, egg white, and lemon. This cocktail was sweet and herbal, and the flavours were extremely dynamic. Plus, it’s beautifully made; like latte art, but make it cocktail.

Notable Mention: they’ve got some crazy signature cocktails like a Champagne Pina Colada with coconut 3 ways and a Daily ‘Snaquiri’ - aka the pre-daiquiri daiquiri.

THE FOOD

If you know, you know. Union Chicken is my favourite fried chicken in the city, which means that Uncle Ray’s (which also features the classic OG Plate from its Union Station counterpart) will have some pretty damn good chicken, as well. But there is so much more to this menu than fried chicken. We’re talking crispy and creamy chips and pimento cheese dip, tender and juicy 48hr beef ribs, and heart-warming shrimp and grits.

Here are some of our favourites:

Deviled Eggs, which funny enough, I’ve never liked before in my life until now. Uncle Ray’s has changed me for the better. The eggs are creamy and smooth and are topped with chives, paprika, and chicharron to create the most enjoyable texture combo. If you’ve never had deviled eggs, or typically don’t like them like me, give these bad boys a try!

Lightning Chicken, if you’re looking to cause yourself physical harm (but in the best way possible) opt for an order of Lightning Chicken. Similar to the OG Plate, but they’ve turned up the heat to 100. The Nashville Habanero hot sauce is killer (literally you could take an eye out, so watch out) and so so delicious. Be sure to even out the hotness with some of the maple honey and you’ve got yourself a Southern classic that is nothing to sneeze at.

Mac and a lot of Cheese, I’m never not ordering mac and cheese when it’s on the menu, so naturally, we got a side of mac. It was the perfect portion and a great accompaniment to the fire that is the Lightning Chicken. Deliciously savoury, and crispy from the bread crumbs, it’s the side I wish I could have at every meal.

And for dessert, don’t leave without trying the Buttermilk Soft Serve. It was perfectly sour thanks to the buttermilk and paired surprisingly well with the hot honey drizzle. A little bit spicy and a little bit sweet, with added texture from the caramel popcorn sprinkled on top. It’s a flavourful end to an already outstanding meal.

To check out the full menu or to make a reservation, head over to https://whothehellisuncleray.com/. Uncle Ray’s Toronto lunch menu launches on Wednesday (January 22nd), and brunch (available on Saturdays and Sundays) kicks off February 1st. And if you’re still left wanting more, OC Hospitality is also opening a speak-easy style spot right next door where you can stop by to sample some of these to-die-for drinks and snacks deep into the night. Side Hustle opens at the end of the month. And don’t forget to comment down below which menu items you’re dying to get your hands on!