RAYMOND - The Ding is back, and that's good news for the people in and around Raymond.

The Ding-A-Ling Bar & Grill used to be a popular destination, especially for motorcyclists, until it closed some time back.

The bar has come under new ownership and, after an extensive renovation, re-opened in September.

If you haven't been there in awhile, I suggest you check it out. I went on a Wednesday night and was impressed with the food and service.

The new owners are Craig, Darrin and Keith Blake and Todd Carliss. The quartet also own bar and grills in Waverly and Ashland as well as the Havelock Social Hall.

They've done a great job in getting the bar back on its feet. Coming soon is a beer garden, which they hope to have open by next weekend for the street dance, according to manager Amy Rockenbach.

The menu features typical bar and grill fare in hamburgers, sandwiches and appetizers. But there are some gems to seek out, including the pulled pork ($5.99) and brisket sandwiches ($6.29). The meat is smoked in Waverly and brought over to Raymond, Rockenbach said.

My companion enjoyed the brisket sandwich. The meat was butter-knife tender, and the size was significant. She was unable to finish it.

Rockenbach said The Ding uses store-bought sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's), but plans to make its own soon. Homemade always is preferred.

The daily specials are tempting, too. On my Wednesday visit, for instance, The Ding had a 6-ounce, bacon-wrapped filet for $9.99, which I ordered medium rare, and would have again.

Prime rib is available on Fridays and Saturdays, and is the bar's biggest seller, Rockenbach said. It's available in two sizes: 10 ounces ($10.99) and 14 ounces ($14.99).

Our service was notable. Because it was "biker night," The Ding was busy, but our server did a fantastic job with our drink and food orders.

The food came out of the kitchen in a timely manner, including my salad arriving before the entree. (Which doesn't always happen even at the best of restaurants.)

As a side, I must admit I'm a big fan of the statewide smoking ban. When I would embark on my July roadtrips, I always was taken aback by the cigarette smoke; I wasn't used to it because Lincoln restaurants have been smoke-free for a few years now.

The statewide ban has made my dining excursions much more enjoyable. Sorry, smokers.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.