Ray's Candy Store
New York, NY • ★ 4.6 (1407 Google reviews)
The Story
Since 1974, Ray's has been serving up an eclectic menu that feels like a trip back to the 80s, even if Ray himself isn't always there. It's a place where cravings are indulged with powdered sugar-laden beignets, chili cheese hot dogs, and those famous egg creams. The atmosphere is vibrant and unique, with many considering it a must-visit for classic New York street food.
From the Counter
Recent Google reviews
Tanner Leavitt
★ 5 • 7 months ago
My wife was hesitant when I told her I wanted to try an egg cream. I told her there were no eggs and no cream. We heard Rays was the place to go for an egg cream so we thought we give it a try. And we got to meet Ray! This place is amazing. So much going on. The egg cream was interesting but delicious. Great place to visit!
Eric Helferich
★ 5 • 8 months ago
Ray’s Candy Store isn’t just a food stop — it’s a New York institution with powdered sugar on its knuckles. 🍩🔥 Located at 113 Avenue A, Ray’s is where you go when your cravings overpower your common sense. Fried Oreos, beignets buried in sugar, fries, milkshakes, egg creams, chili cheese hot dogs… basically everything your doctor warned you about but your soul desperately needs. All served from a perfectly ramshackle counter that feels like NYC before it got polished and overpriced. People don’t just love Ray’s — they love Ray. Born in 1933, former Iranian Navy, lifelong grinder, and the definition of a real New Yorker. Through the gritty 70s, the Tompkins Square Riots, 9/11, the pandemic — Ray kept the lights on. When times got rough, the neighborhood raised nearly $50K to make sure he could keep doing what he’s always done: take care of people. No matter the hour, you’ll find NYU kids, neighborhood legends with face tattoos, punk rock lifers, and confused but happy tourists from Germany and Japan all packed in together. Ray talks to everyone. Gives directions. Takes photos. Tells stories. The man’s in his 90s and still outworks most people half his age. Ray’s is for bad days, broken hearts, late nights, brutal hangovers, or loving someone who doesn’t love you back. You walk in hungry — you walk out better. I went classic: chili cheese hot dog (elite), fried Oreos (dangerously good), and finished it off with his famous egg cream — no eggs, no cream, just chocolate syrup, milk, club soda, and NYC magic. Everybody should have a Ray’s memory. Go in. Talk to Ray. Eat whatever feels right. And appreciate one of the most beloved humans this city has ever had. 🗽💪
Kyle Lee
★ 5 • 2 months ago
Ray2x wasn’t there but it was a treat to step in to the store. Felt like travelling back to the 80’s. Ray2x is maybe about 93 at the time of this writing. God bless him and his smile.
Amy X Yu
★ 5 • 4 months ago
Easy to order, good service, and fries hit the spot. Also Ray is the most wholesome!
