If you crave a tenderloin big enough to drape over the bun like a golden flag, Ray’s Drive Inn in Kokomo delivers the legend. Fans happily drive hours for one crunchy, juicy sandwich and a taste of small town Indiana nostalgia. You get car hop vibes, friendly service, and a menu that keeps locals loyal despite a few mixed reviews. Come hungry, bring cash for add ons, and prepare to argue about the best toppings all the way home.
The Famous King Tenderloin
You hear about it before you ever see it. Then the bag opens and the King tenderloin practically spills out, shattering with a crispy crunch that echoes in the car. The bun sits like a crown on a breaded halo, and your first bite confirms why people drive for hours.
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Order it plain or with mayo and onions for that classic Hoosier kick. It is tender, juicy, and satisfyingly hefty, with edges that snap and a center that stays moist. Hold tight because it is larger than life, and yes, napkins are required.
Regular Tenderloin vs. King
Choosing between the regular and the king feels like a personality test. The regular brings balance, bun to breading harmony, and easier steering wheel bites. The king is the bragging right, the trophy size that turns a quick lunch into a story you retell.
If you are new, start regular to taste the seasoning without the overflow. Veterans, go king and share. Either way, you will want pickles for brightness and onions for bite, plus a dab of mayo to keep everything smooth. Do not underestimate how filling these tenderloins are.
Car Hop Nostalgia
Ray’s Drive Inn keeps that old school rhythm alive, where you pull in, order, and wait for a hot bag to hit your window tray. The pace is unhurried, like a summer evening stretched long across Kokomo. It is comfort, served on wheels.
There is limited seating inside, so plan to eat in your car or take it home. The staff is friendly and patient, even when the lot gets busy. Watching fresh orders pass by builds anticipation. You taste history in every bite, and it feels good.
Chili Cheese Fries and Tater Tots
Chili cheese fries here are a classic companion to the tenderloin. Crinkle cuts catch chili in their grooves, and the melted cheese creates a comforting tangle of salty goodness. It is messy, satisfying, and just right for dashboard dining.
Tater tots vary by portion, so manage expectations and ask about sizes. When crisp, they add the perfect pop next to that mega pork. Share both sides if you are going king, or the ride home gets very sleepy. A drizzle of hot sauce never hurts either.
Patty Melt and Burgers
When you are not feeling pork, the patty melt is a sleeper hit. Buttery bread, melted cheese, and onions grill together into something gooey and nostalgic. Ask for the onions well grilled to avoid any rubbery bite, and you will be set.
Burgers come classic, cheesy, and straightforward, the kind you remember from summer fairs. They are quick to eat, easier to handle than the king, and great for kids. Pair with pickle chips for crunch and call it a win. It is comfort food that gets the job done.
Chicken and Noodles Cure
On rough days, chicken and noodles hits different. Simple, thick noodles and tender chicken slide into that comfort zone where steam feels like a hug. Locals swear it helps when you are under the weather, and honestly, it tastes like home.
This is not flashy, just soothing and generous. Grab a bowl when tenderloin feels too bold or the weather turns dreary. It pairs nicely with a buttered roll and a quiet drive through town. You will be surprised how often you crave it again.
Pickle Chips and Sides
Fried pickle chips bring a vinegary snap that cuts through tenderloin richness. When hot and crisp, they are addictive, dunked in ranch between sandwich bites. Portions can feel light, so order knowing you might want two if sharing.
Other sides rotate from fries to tots to onion rings. Ask what is freshest and going fast. The right side balances your meal and keeps everything lively. If the tenderloin is the star, pickle chips are the sharp supporting act you remember later.
Prices, Portions, and Value
Expect mid range prices, roughly ten to twenty dollars per person depending on sides and drinks. The tenderloin size absolutely justifies the cost, especially the king. Portions on some sides vary, so check before doubling up.
Drinks come with plenty of ice, so consider a larger size if you like more sip per gulp. Overall value lands strong when you lean into the specialties. Share plates and you will leave full without stretching the budget. It is an old school feast without fancy frills.
Insider Ordering Tips
Customize your tenderloin with mayo and onions for that classic Indiana profile. Add extra pickles for brightness, and ask for a fresh drop if you have time. It helps ensure peak crunch and temperature when the lot is busy.
If you are splitting a king, request an extra bun to build two balanced sandwiches. Ask which sides are crispest right now. And keep napkins handy because this meal gets gloriously messy. A little planning turns a good stop into a great one.
What Locals Say
Locals speak honestly about Ray’s. Many praise the giant tenderloin, quick friendly service, and old school drive in charm. Some note space is tight inside and bathrooms are not easy to access, so plan accordingly.
Reviews mention occasional inconsistency with sides or seasoning, but also plenty of glowing shoutouts for chicken and noodles and classic burgers. The overall rating sits strong, and loyalty runs deep. People return for that signature sandwich and the memories attached to it. Community love counts here.
Service and Speed
Service at Ray’s is often the highlight. Friendly, patient staff keep cars moving and orders organized, even during weekend crunch. When everything clicks, food arrives hot, fast, and exactly how you asked.
There are days when the kitchen gets slammed and items vary, but communication helps. Be clear about toppings and ask for fresh fried if needed. The team usually makes it right with a smile. It is that small town hospitality you feel immediately.
Hours and Planning Ahead
Open daily from early morning to 8 PM, Ray’s is a reliable stop whether you are breakfast cruising or dinner dashing. Breakfast items slide into hearty lunch territory fast. For the famous tenderloin, late lunch or early dinner hits a sweet spot.
Closer to closing, fries can lag, so show up earlier for peak crispness. Weekends get busy, but the parking lot cycle moves. Call ahead for big orders and ask about specials. Planning a bit saves your appetite from disappointment.
Navigating Space and Accessibility
Space is limited inside, and seating fills fast. You will likely eat in the car, which is half the fun anyway. Restroom access can be tricky for some guests, so consider a quick stop beforehand if needed.
The drive in layout keeps traffic flowing, but be patient during peak hours. Park safely, leave room for car hops, and keep lights low at dusk. A little courtesy helps everyone enjoy their tenderloin in peace. The experience is simple and charming.
What To Skip and What To Double
Double down on the tenderloin, patty melt, and chicken and noodles. Those are the consistent crowd pleasers that showcase Ray’s strengths. Ask for extra pickles or an additional bun if sharing the king.
Some sides can feel light or inconsistent near closing, so consider fries fresh drop or onion rings. If something arrives off, speak up kindly and the team usually fixes it. Build your meal around the star and you are golden. You will leave happy and full.
Contact, Location, and Final Nudge
You will find Ray’s Drive Inn at 1900 N Courtland Ave, Kokomo, Indiana, near the heart of town. Call +1 765-452-3625 to check hours or place a sizable order. The website lists details, but your senses do the convincing once that bag opens.
Pull in, crack the window, and let the aroma decide. Whether you chase the king tenderloin or cozy chicken and noodles, you are tasting a local tradition. Bring friends, share bites, and make the drive worth it. Some legends are edible.
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