Ray’s Golden Lion: Richland’s Iconic Room Where the Lion Still Roars

From neon nostalgia to a modern stage—award wins (including 2025 Bronze for Karaoke), Karaoke Thursdays with DJ Andrew, bartender Natalie behind the bar, and those fried Oreo cookies.

By Community Contributor · Richland, Washington

The neon lion sign glowing above Ray’s Golden Lion entrance in Richland’s Uptown.
Ray’s trademark neon lion in the Uptown—a beacon for bands, good food, and big nights.

Walk Richland’s Uptown and you’ll spot it: the neon lion perched above Ray’s Golden Lion, a beacon for great food, loud guitars, and the next unforgettable night at 1353 George Washington Way. What began in the 1960s as a Chinese and Mongolian barbecue restaurant evolved into a beloved all-ages crucible for touring acts and Northwest originals—and a neighborhood living room for everyone else.

“Ray’s isn’t just a stage; it’s our community’s living room where first bands, first encores, and first friendships take root.” — A longtime Tri-Cities regular

A comeback built by the scene, for the scene

After a multi-year hiatus, Ray’s roared back to life with a mission: good food + live music done right. Musicians who grew up in the room poured heart, time, and savings into resurrecting the space—navigating the usual renovations (and a few unusual ones)—and reopened the doors. The grand return wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting; it felt like a neighborhood victory lap: packed rooms, sweaty encores, and the satisfying hum of a kitchen firing on all burners.

The Ray’s Golden Lion stage lit up as a band plays to a full crowd.
The stage at Ray’s: tribute nights, touring bills, and local debuts—often in the same week.

Karaoke Thursdays (and the weekly rhythm)

If there’s a night that regulars circle, it’s Thursday: the much-loved Karaoke Night (commonly 8 p.m., 21+). It’s become a reliably lively, sing-your-heart-out tradition that leaves Friday open for concerts. Whether you’re testing a new song or belting a classic, Thursday is your move—now helmed by DJ Andrew on the decks.

“Thursday Karaoke is pure Tri-Cities: supportive, big-voiced, and just the right amount of fearless.” — Local karaoke host

Beyond Thursdays, Ray’s leans into a varied weekly cadence—midweek jam/open-mic energy, plus a weekend calendar that swings from metal and punk to indie, EDM, and touring singer-songwriters. The mix keeps the room eclectic and the crowd interesting.

Awards & local love (and dessert!)

In the community’s Tri-Cities Best awards, Ray’s has stacked up a string of nods. Most recently—on Aug 14, 2025—Ray’s earned Bronze — Best Karaoke (2025), building on Gold — Best Karaoke (2024) and Silver — Best Karaoke (2022). Beyond karaoke, Ray’s has also been recognized for Vegetarian/Vegan (Gold), Happy Hour (Silver), and Live Music (Silver)—a neat snapshot of how both the stage and the kitchen are winning fans. While you’re there, save room for a house favorite: fried Oreo cookies—crispy outside, warm and gooey inside, dusted with powdered sugar.

The people: Andrew & Natalie

Andrew is your Karaoke DJ and a co-owner—a scene-builder and storyteller who keeps the song queue humming and the room cheering. His ethos is simple: treat today’s singers (and bands) the way the legends were treated, and tomorrow’s legends will keep coming back.

Natalie is a beloved bartender and a front-of-house anchor. On any given night she greets regulars, sets the vibe from behind the bar, and knows half the setlist by heart—staff as much a part of the culture as the bands onstage.

  • Address: 1353 George Washington Way, Richland, WA
  • Signature night: Karaoke Thursdays 8 p.m., 21+
  • Insider tip: Follow Ray’s social links for the freshest weekly lineup and ticket details.
A crowd singing along during Karaoke Thursday at Ray’s Golden Lion.
Thursday Karaoke at Ray’s: a high-energy singalong and a Tri-Cities weeknight staple.
“Good food + live music has always been Ray’s formula. The neon’s back on—and so is the heartbeat.” — Community volunteer

Sources & Further Reading