Restaurateur Austin Ray has experienced more than his share of difficulties. Multiple floods filled his Melrose Billiard Parlor with water and mud, and washed out his upscale cocktail bar, Rambler. While the pool hall was quickly returned to its former state of pleasant shabbiness, Ray had to back away from Rambler and another of his spots, The Sutler. Doubling down on his commitment to featuring local ingredients like Porter Road Butcher beef in his burgers at M.L. Rose, a curated craft beer selection at Von Elrod’s and M.L., and the concept of a welcoming “third place” at all his spots, Ray continues to be an important asset to any neighborhood he moves into.
Best Restaurateur in the Face of Adversity
Austin Ray
Good Neighbor Combo at M.L. Rose
